SXSW Headliners
March 4th, 2025 / Kevin Ward
From sci-fi horror to psychological thrillers and dark comedies, SXSW 2025 is offering an eclectic mix of films that highlight the festival's commitment to bold storytelling and star power. Among this year’s standouts are five major headliners, all set for release in the coming months. These films serve as a snapshot of what SXSW has in store, featuring big-name stars, visionary directors, and plenty of intrigue, suspense, and genre-bending surprises.
The Accountant 2
Synopsis: The long-awaited sequel to the 2016 action thriller, The Accountant 2 picks up with Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) as he is pulled into another high-stakes financial and criminal conspiracy. With both law enforcement and ruthless adversaries on his tail, Wolff must use his unique skills to unravel the mystery before it’s too late.
What Excites Me: The first film was an unexpected hit, balancing intense action sequences with an emotionally resonant character study. With Gavin O'Connor returning as director and a stellar cast including Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, and J.K. Simmons, this sequel has all the elements for another gripping thriller.
Credits: Directed by Gavin O’Connor, written by Bill Dubuque, starring Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, J.K. Simmons. Produced by Warner Bros.. US Release date: April 25, 2025.
Credit: Amazon MGM Studios
Death of a Unicorn
Synopsis: A father and daughter accidentally hit a unicorn with their car, leading to a bizarre and darkly comedic chain of events that spirals out of control.
What Excites Me: A24’s blend of fantasy and horror-comedy rarely misses, and with a cast led by Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, and Richard E. Grant, this looks to be both wildly entertaining and full of sharp satire.
Credits: Directed by Alex Scharfman, written by Alex Scharfman, starring Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant. Produced by A24. US Release date: March 28, 2025
Credit: Murray Close
Another Simple Favor
Synopsis: Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) reunite on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.
What Excites Me: A Simple Favor was a stylish, twist-filled thriller with a biting sense of humor. With Paul Feig returning to direct and the sharp chemistry between Kendrick and Lively intact, this follow-up promises to deliver even more shocking twists and deliciously dark humor.
Credits: Directed by Paul Feig, written by Jessica Sharzer, starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively. Produced by Lionsgate. US Release date: May 1, 2025
Credit: Lorenzo Sisti © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC
Ash
Synopsis: A woman wakes up alone on a distant planet, only to discover her crewmates have been brutally killed. As she investigates, she begins to suspect she might be the murderer—or something far worse is at play.
What Excites Me: Sci-fi horror is an underserved genre, and with Neill Blomkamp (District 9) executive producing, expectations are high for this eerie, cerebral thriller. Eiza González and Aaron Paul add further credibility to what could be an atmospheric and chilling space horror.
Credits: Directed by Flying Lotus, written by Jonni Remmler, starring Eiza González, Aaron Paul. Produced by XYZ Films. US Release date: March 21 2025.
Credit: Courtesy of RLJE Films & Shudder. An RLJE Films & Shudder Release.
Drop
Synopsis: A widowed mother finally decides to re-enter the dating scene, but her first date quickly turns into a nightmare when she begins receiving a series of mysterious and threatening messages. As paranoia sets in, she realizes she may not be able to trust anyone around her.
What Excites Me: With Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus) leading the cast and Brandon Sklenar (1923) providing a compelling counterpart, this psychological thriller could deliver a mix of suspense and character-driven tension reminiscent of Gone Girl.
Credits: Directed by Megan Park, written by Megan Park, starring Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar. Produced by Blumhouse Productions. US Release date: April 11, 2025.
Credit: Bernard Walsh/Universal Pictures