SXSW Sci-fi and Horror
March 5th, 2025 / Kevin Ward
In addition to the horror HEADLINERS (Death of a Unicorn, Ash, Drop), and some of the horror flicks featured in our INTRIGUING PROJECTS preview (Redux Redux, Good Boy, Slanted, Holland), there’s an even deeper lineup of sci-fi and horror films with breakout potential that have caught our attention. Let’s dive into the eerie, thrilling, and genre-bending films hoping to make waves at SXSW Film and TV Festival 2025.
The Astronaut
Synopsis: After returning from her first space mission, astronaut Sam Walker is placed under NASA’s care at a high security house for rehabilitation and medical testing. However, when disturbing occurrences begin happening around the property, she fears that something extraterrestrial has followed her back to Earth.
What Excites Me: Laurence Fishburne’s name attached to a sci-fi horror, instantly makes me think of Event Horizon. (He’s also executive producing). Love seeing Kata Mara earning top billing (and she’s having a busy SXSW Film and TV Festival appearing in The Dutchman and Friendship as well.) Space horror / psychological thriller.
Credits: Directed by Jess Varley. Screenplay by Jess Varley. Starring Kate Mara, Laurence Fishburne, Gabriel Luna, Ivana Milicevic, Macy Gray. Produced by XYZ Films. Awaiting distribution.
Credit: Rocket Power LLC
Together
Synopsis: A couple's romantic getaway takes a terrifying turn when they find themselves trapped in an isolated cabin, stalked by an unknown entity that seems to manipulate their reality. Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie find themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country, abandoning all that is familiar in their lives except each other. With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.
What Excites Me: Together plays with the unsettling idea of isolation and psychological horror, and having real-life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie in the lead should bring authenticity to the dynamic. If done right, this could be a deeply unnerving and suspenseful ride. This captured a lot of buzz coming out of it’s premiere at Sundance Film Festival, and I’m eager to find out why.
Credits: Directed by Michael Shanks. Screenplay by Michael Shanks. Starring Dave Franco, Alison Brie. Produced by PictureStart. US Release Date: TBA—Neon distributing.
Credit: Courtesy of NEON
Clown in a Cornfield
Synopsis: Quinn and her father have just moved to the quiet town of Kettle Springs hoping for a fresh start. Instead, she discovers a fractured community that has fallen on hard times after the treasured Baypen Corn Syrup Factory burned down. As the locals bicker amongst themselves and tensions boil over, a sinister, grinning figure emerges from the cornfields to cleanse the town of its burdens, one bloody victim at a time. Welcome to Kettle Springs. The real fun starts when Frendo the clown comes out to play.
What Excites Me: Killer clowns and cornfields immediately evokes Stephen King in my brain, which predisposes me to be interested in this. Based on the popular novel by Adam Cesare, Clown in a Cornfield has all the makings of a new slasher favorite. The setup is classic—small town, masked killer, and brutal kills—but if it delivers on the book’s commentary on old vs new, tradition vs progress,, this could be a bloody, thrilling ride.
Credits: Directed by Eli Craig. Written by Adam Cesare (novel), Eli Craig (screenplay). Starring Katie Douglas, Aaron Abrams, Carson MacCormac, Vincent Muller, Kevin Durand, Will Sasso, Verity Marks, Cassandra Potenza, Ayo Solanke, Alexandre Martin Deakin. Produced by Temple Hill. US Release Date: May 9, 2025 with RLJE and Shudder distributing.
Credit: Courtesy of RLJE Films & Shudder. An RLJE Films & Shudder Release
Mermaid
Synopsis: A Percocet-addicted ‘Florida Man’ finds a wounded mermaid at his lowest point. Fascination becomes a drug-infused, one-sided relationship—sending him further into decline. When word spreads about his secret, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her.
What Excites Me: Mermaid feels like the kind of comedic fantasy horror that would make for a great double feature with Death of a Unicorn. If 'Percocet-addicted Florida Man' doesn’t already suggest a strong comedic angle, the presence of Kevin Nealon, Kevin Dunn, and Tom Arnold certainly does. Also, features the T-1000 himself, Robert Patrick. Color me intrigued.
Credits: Directed by Tyler Cornack, written by Tyler Cornack, starring Johnny Pemberton, Robert Patrick, Kevin Nealon, Kevin Dunn, Kirk Fox, Tom Arnold, Avery Potemri. Produced by XYZ Films. US Release Date: Awaiting distribution.
Credit: Florida Man LLC
We Bury the Dead
Synopsis: After a military experiment decimates the people of Tasmania, Ava, a desperate woman searching for her missing husband, joins a body retrieval unit. However, as she journeys deeper into the devastated land, she discovers the corpses aren’t as lifeless as they seem.
What Excites Me: This sounds like a gripping mix of post-apocalyptic horror and emotional character drama. With Daisy Ridley in the lead and Zak Hilditch (1922) at the helm, this could deliver a powerful blend of existential horror and action.
Credits: Directed by Zak Hilditch, written by Zak Hilditch, starring Daisy Ridley. Produced by XYZ Films. Awaiting distribution.
Credit: Steven Annis
It Ends
Synopsis: Four friends about to enter adulthood head out for a late-night meal, hoping to savor the last night of freedom before their lives pull them in different directions. Instead, they find themselves on an endless backroad where nothing makes sense: time fractures and unseen forces lurk just beyond the headlights.
What Excites Me: It Ends looks like it could be a gripping blend of road-trip terror and existential dread. I don’t recognize any of the cast, but that can sometimes work in a film’s favor—allowing the eerie atmosphere and sharp writing to shine. This one has all the makings of a surprise festival gem.
Credits: Directed by Alexander Ullom, written by Alexander Ullom, starring Phinehas Yoon, Akira Jackson, Noah Toth, Mitchell Cole. Produced by Snoot Entertainment. Awaiting distribution.
Credit: Jazleana Jones