SXSW 2025 Festival: Highlights and Movie Reviews

The 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival began on March 7 in Austin, showcasing a blend of world premieres across various sections. Notable films include “Another Simple Favor,” starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, and “The Threesome,” directed by Chad Hartigan. Audience reviews indicate playful callbacks in some films while others fall short in narrative depth, providing a mixed yet engaging experience for festival-goers.

The 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival commenced on March 7 in Austin, showcasing a dazzling array of films and shows. This year features premieres spanning 11 film sections, three TV sections, along with an array of short films and virtual reality programs.

Kicking off the event is the opening-night film, “Another Simple Favor,” marking a reunion of Paul Feig with stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. The festival also features notable premieres such as Chad Hartigan’s “The Threesome,” Kate Mara’s “The Astronaut” and “The Dutchman,” the sequel “The Accountant 2” starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal, and films like “Holland” and “Death of a Unicorn” featuring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega.

For in-depth insights, check out Deadline’s reviews as they unfold over the festival’s duration until March 15, where you can click titles for full critiques.

“Another Simple Favor,” directed by Paul Feig, features a star-studded cast including Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. Deadline points out that while there are callbacks to the original film’s style, including a mommy vlog teaser, these elements offer a playful touch and contribute to a fun narrative.

In the “Narrative Spotlight” section, Jess Varley’s “The Astronaut,” starring Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne, is noted for not quite reaching the heights of similar films, particularly Denis Villeneuve’s “Arrival.” Its climax feels rushed, which diminishes its potential impact on the genre.

“The Threesome,” also in the “Narrative Spotlight” section, directed by Chad Hartigan, explores the complexities of young singles in love. Despite its soap-opera twists, the film showcases the talent of indie filmmakers who craft an engaging story about love’s challenges and unexpected bonds.

The SXSW 2025 Film & TV Festival has unveiled a rich tapestry of films, offering a mix of exciting premieres and returning favorites. With notable productions like “Another Simple Favor” and intriguing entries such as “The Astronaut” and “The Threesome,” attendees are treated to a vibrant celebration of cinema. Each film presents unique narratives and compelling performances, setting a promising tone for the festival’s duration.

Original Source: deadline.com