This March, thousands will flock to Austin, Texas, for SXSW 2025, one of the most anticipated film festivals in the world. With a mix of films with bold storytelling and eclectic characters, this year's lineup features everything from psychological thrillers to star-studded documentaries.
If you're drawn to stories of deception, moral dilemmas or even the tragic fates of mythical creatures, these seven films screening at this year's festival should be on your radar.
'Another Simple Favor'
Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in ‘ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR’
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) February 7, 2025
Coming out May 1 on Prime Video. pic.twitter.com/K1224sZ7JS
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick reunite for "Another Simple Favor," the highly anticipated sequel to Paul Feig's 2018 stylish thriller "A Simple Favor." This time, the intrigue moves to Capri, Italy, where a lavish girls trip takes a dark turn. Secrets unravel, deception looms and murder may be on the itinerary.
Releases on Amazon Prime on May 1, 2025.
'Death of a Unicorn'
Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega headline this darkly comedic father-daughter road trip film, produced by hitmakers A24. An "eat the rich" satire, "Death of a Unicorn" is a gory, absurdist spin on the consequences of corporate greed. And, yes, a unicorn was harmed in the making of this film.
Releases in US theaters on March 28, 2025.
'Holland'
Here's a new look at Prime Video's #Holland, starring Nicole Kidman, Gael García Bernal, Matthew Macfadyen, and directed by Mimi Cave. pic.twitter.com/Am7f15jISQ
— IndieWire (@IndieWire) February 18, 2025
Nicole Kidman stars alongside Gael García Bernal and Matthew Macfadyen in this gripping psychological thriller from director Mimi Cave, a music video veteran making her foray into feature films. Set in the seemingly idyllic town of Holland, Michigan, a woman's fears about her husband are just the beginning of the nightmare she's about to face.
Releases in US theaters on March 27, 2025.
'On Swift Horses'
Adapted from Shannon Pufahl's 2019 novel, "On Swift Horses" is a sweeping romantic drama set right after the Korean War. Directed by Daniel Minahan (who's directed episodes for "Game of Thrones, "House of Cards," "Grey's Anatomy" and more), the film stars Jacob Elordi and Will Poulter as two men whose lives are forever altered by the high stakes and seductive allure of Las Vegas.
Releases in US theaters on April 25, 2025.
'Uvalde Mom'
Documentaries have no limits to what they can explore, and the #SXSW Documentary Spotlight features are no exception. This year’s premieres include…#AreWeGood#MakeItLookReal#SeenAndHeard#UvaldeMom
— SXSW (@sxsw) February 17, 2025
See more Documentary Spotlight features premiering at #SXSW2025.… pic.twitter.com/dz2wI1T2nS
Anayansi Prado's feature-length documentary follows Angeli Rose Gomez, a single mother who defied law enforcement to rescue her sons during the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. While nearly 400 armed law enforcement officers hesitated for 77 minutes, Gomez took action — only to face retaliation afterward. The film breaks down and examines the systemic failures of that day, and how it scarred a community's efforts to seek justice.
'Drop'
Christopher Landon, best known for his screenplay and story work on the "Paranormal Activity" franchise, directs this high-stakes thriller about a widowed mother's return to dating. What begins as an elegant night out quickly turns into a nightmare when an anonymous string of messages flips her dinner date into a deadly game of survival.
Releases in US theaters on April 11, 2025.
'The Makings of Curtis Mayfield'
"The Makings of Curtis Mayfield," directed by and featuring Grammy and Academy Award-winning artist, HER Music , premieres on March 10th at The Paramount Theatre, part of Austin Area Arts during the year’s @sxsw Festival. https://t.co/aknO3Kezqx pic.twitter.com/LoSzQFmjIS
— Curtis Mayfield (@CurtisLMayfield) February 12, 2025
Directed by Academy and Oscar-winning musician H.E.R., this all-star documentary celebrates the enduring legacy of soul legend Curtis Mayfield. Featuring appearances by Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Dr. Dre and more, the film explores how you can hear Mayfield's groundbreaking influence on songwriting, guitar technique and film soundtracks almost everywhere you look.
[Image credit: A24]
