[SXSW ’21] Our favorites from SXSW

And just like that, South by Southwest is over. This year’s edition of the festival went online and provided film fans with some of the best movies of the young year. From creative true crime docu-series to Welsh horror to great coming of age films, SXSW was quite the showcase. Movie Editor Nathaniel Muir and contributors Juli Cabot and Regina Chavez Muir talk about some of their favorites below.

Nathaniel Muir

Sasquatch

Sasquatch — (Photo by: Hulu)

A true crime docu series that is unlike anything you have ever seen. True crime may be extremely popular, but it has always had a stigma to it. Sasquatch goes a long way to show how creative and fun the genre can be. It is a surprising mix of genres that viewers will be unable to turn away from. Plus, it is an investigation into the murder of three men by Bigfoot. 

Juli Cabot

The Feast

I have a strong suspicion that The Feast will be my favorite horror film of 2021. The Welsh film is about a wealthy family having a small dinner party, to talk about a land deal with a neighbor. The waitress they’d initially hired is unable to make it, and she’s replaced by the mysterious and quiet Cadi. It’s brilliant, chilling, and unexpected. 

Violet

SXSW ’21

Olivia Munn stars as Violet in Justine Bateman’s narrative feature debut. The film uses unique story-telling devices to allow us into Violet’s head as she battles a cruel inner critic – voiced by Justin Theroux. 

Marvin’s Never Had Coffee Before

This narrative short was a joy to watch. Marvin’s COVID life, filled with Zoom calls, has him longing for connection. It’s a heart-warming short about being your authentic self. 

Regina Chavez Muir

Jakob’s Wife

Barbara Crampton stars alongside Larry Fessenden in this horror- comedy movie about changes. Campy and clever, this film gives new meaning to the phrase irreconcilable differences. This bloody film will satisfy horror lovers.

Luchadoras

 Luchadoras is a documentary filmed in the Mexican border city of Juarez. Baby Star, Lady, and Mini Sirenita are female wrestlers that take their daily fight for success and happiness to the ring. The film highlights the daily struggle of women trying to survive a dangerous patriarchal society where the simple act of going to work can lead to death. 

Inbetween Girl

This film is a coming of age of age teen comedy- drama about Angie Chen. What do you do when your crush wants to hook up, but keep it a secret? Angie narrates her story while trying to come to terms with her identity and the obstacles thrown her way. 

Our full SXSW 2021 coverage can be found here.