SXSW Thrillers
March 7th, 2025 / Kevin Ward
In addition to some of the thrillers featured in our previews of the Headliners (Death of a Unicorn, Another Simple Favor), Intriguing Projects (Holland, Redux Redux, Slanted), and Comedies, there are a few more we'd like to highlight. This year's SXSW Film and TV Festival lineup delivers an exciting range of thrillers, from intense crime dramas to psychological slow-burns and dystopian survival stories. With high-profile stars, gripping narratives, and acclaimed filmmakers behind the camera, these are some of the most intriguing thrillers at the festival.
Hallow Road
Synopsis: Two parents receive a distressing late-night call from their teenage daughter, who has just accidentally hit a pedestrian. They jump in their car, racing to get there before anyone else stumbles across the scene. As they head deeper into the night, disturbing revelations threaten to tear the family apart as they soon realize they might not be the only ones driving down Hallow Road.
What Excites Me: A contained thriller unfolding over one night is always a gripping premise, and with Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys leading the cast, the performances are bound to be stellar. Director Babak Anvari described the project as inspired by popular Celtic myths across the UK and Ireland which certainly piqued my interest and possibly suggest a delve into the supernatural? This could be a tense, pulse-pounding ride.
Credits: Directed by Babak Anvari. Written by William Gillies Starring Rosamund Pike, Matthew Rhys, Megan McDonnell. Produced by Two & Two Pictures. US Release Date: TBD — XYZ Films
The Dutchman
Synopsis: Clay, a successful but troubled Black businessman, attends therapy sessions with his wife, Kaya, in an attempt to salvage their marriage. But their mysterious therapist is not all that he seems and begins to unexpectedly appear to Clay outside of their sessions. On a New York subway train, Clay encounters Lula, a seductive but sinister white stranger who slowly begins to unravel his life. Clay must discover the truth behind this encounter to get back to his wife, heal his fractured soul, and survive the night. In this modern adaptation of the 1964 Obie Award-winning play, The Dutchman, brings a contemporary edge to the original, exploring themes of race and identity in America.
What Excites Me: The combination of Kate Mara (appearing in three SXSW films this year) and André Holland (Exhibiting Forgiveness) makes this a must-watch. With the play’s reputation for intense, thought-provoking storytelling, this could be a gripping and socially relevant thriller.
Credits: Directed by André Gaines. Written by Qasim Basir and André Gaines, starring Kate Mara, André Holland. US Release Date: Awaiting distribution.
Credit: Frank DeMarco / Andre Gaines
The Rivals of Amziah King
Synopsis: Deep within the backwoods of rural Oklahoma, charismatic and musically gifted Amziah King herds a bluegrass-playing band of misfits while overseeing the premier honey-making operation in town. When Amziah’s estranged foster daughter unexpectedly returns, Amziah leaps at the possibility to renew connection and create a family business. But the honey game is ruthless, and Amziah’s rivals threaten to destroy everything he has built.
What Excites Me: Matthew McConaughey in a gritty Southern crime thriller? Sign me up. With a strong supporting cast including Angelina LookingGlass, Kurt Russell, Jake Horowitz, Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Tony Revolori, Owen Teague, Bruce Davis, and Cole Sprouse, this could be a tense, slow-burn thriller in the vein of Hell or High Water.
Credits: Directed by Andrew Patterson. Written by James Montague. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Angelina LookingGlass, Kurt Russell, Jake Horowitz, Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan, Tony Revolori, Owen Teague, Bruce Davis, Cole Sprouse. Produced by Black Bear Pictures. US Release Date: Awaiting distribution.
The Surfer
Synopsis: A man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son but is humiliated by a group of powerful locals. Drawn into a conflict that escalates with the punishing heat of summer, he is pushed to his breaking point.
What Excites Me: You had me at Nicolas Cage, but the fact that it’s directed by Irish filmmaker Lorcan Finnegan (Nocebo, Vivarium) makes it even more intriguing. If this taps into psychological tension rather than straightforward action, it could be something truly special. The fact that it premiered at Cannes last year and is slated for a May 2025 release adds to the anticipation.
Credits: Directed by Lorcan Finnegan, written by Thomas Martin, starring Nicolas Cage, Julian McMahon, Nic Cassim, Alexander Bertrand, Justin Rosniak, Finn Little. Produced by Tea Shop Productions. US Release date: May 2, 2025—Roadside Attractions.
Credit: Roadside Attractions
40 Acres
Synopsis: After a series of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving — even thriving — on a farm in the middle of nowhere... so long as they repel the occasional raiding party. Former soldier Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler) and her partner Galen (Michael Greyeyes) fled the collapse along with their children, training them to fight (and, yes, kill). But now Hailey’s eldest Emanuel (Kataem O’Connor) is a young man, and when he meets a young woman (Milcania Diaz-Rojas) in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy.
What Excites Me: A brutal and socially resonant thriller, with Danielle Deadwyler leading the charge alongside Kataem O'Connor, Michael Greyeyes, and Milcania Diaz-Rojas. It's a TIFF 2024 premiere that’s slated for release this June. Full disclosure: I saw this one at the Vancouver International Film Festival and loved it. Thematically rich genre fare that gripped me from start to finish.
Credits: Directed by R.T. Thorne. Written by R.T. Thorne, Glenn Taylor. Starring Danielle Deadwyler, Kataem O'Connor, Michael Greyeyes, Milcania Diaz-Rojas. Produced by Hungry Eyes Media. US Release date: June 2025--Magnolia Pictures.
Credit: Magnolia Pictures