[SXSW ’22] Looking back on our favorites from this year’s SXSW

Another South by Southwest is in the books and there were some great movies and documentaries shown. There were in depth looks at influential comedians and a bevy of genre films. The Austin festival had a little something for everyone. We look back on some of our favorites from this year’s SXSW.

Jules Cabot

I Love My Dad 

Patton Oswald plays Chuck, a sad dad who’s been estranged from his son Franklin – for plenty of good reasons. In a desperate attempt to connect with Franklin, Chuck catfishes him. Rather than showing texts on screen, the film acts out every text-relationship. It’s hilarious, and super weird. 

Hypochondriac

Hypochondriac is one of the most effective films about mental illness that I’ve ever seen. The film follows Will, a young potter, as his childhood trauma comes back to haunt him. As his psyche begins to deteriorate, the manifestation of his trauma becomes more prominent. The cinematography is incredible, and this monster film is genuinely scary. 

Nathaniel Muir

Deadstream 

A throwback horror movie that was as much about making people laugh as it was about scaring them. The creature effects are fantastic and Shawn is one of the best characters seen in a horror film in years. The perfect midnight movie that has to be seen with friends.

Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks 

I was a huge fan of The Kids in the Hall when I was younger, so this was one of the things I was looking forward to. The classics are great to see, but the modern day interviews are just as funny. Watching the documentary is also an eye opener as to how outside the box and ahead of their time the group was.

Regina Chavez Muir

Slash/Back

Nyla Innuksuk’s film Slash/Back is the story of four tough Inuit girls who must defend their town from an alien invasion. Great creature effects go a long way, but it’s the stunning fierceness of the characters that drive the film. Excellent monster film with strong leads who are not afraid to be themselves or take care of business. 

The Cellar 

Starring Elisha Cuthbert, The Cellar is a wild story set in what seems to be a haunted house in Ireland. After a family member disappears into the cellar, the family must figure out the true evil lurking inside. A wonderfully spooky atmosphere build tension and ace performances make this a must see.