Preview guide for narrative films at SXSW 2025 – Den of Geek
Spring is in full bloom in Austin, signaling the start of the eclectic and energetic SXSW Festival. This fantastic event blends music, technology, games, and notably, film and television, launching the upcoming year’s cultural landscape.
With so many activities and attractions available in Texas, it can be overwhelming to navigate and decide which films to catch during the festivities. Therefore, to help you prepare, we’ve compiled a selection of narrative films that you should definitely keep an eye out for at this year’s festival.
Holland introduces audiences to the alluring tale of a married couple, skillfully portrayed by Nicole Kidman and Matthew Macfayden. Director Mimi Cave crafts a twisty thriller where secrets uncovered by a fellow teacher disrupt the couple’s seemingly perfect life, leading to a series of events with no escape.
Fantasy Life offers a new in-competition narrative dramedy starring Amanda Peet and Matthew Shear. Shear’s character, Sam, becomes entangled in the complexities of caring for a troubled actress, played by Peet, amidst family dynamics and summer escapades. Alessandro Nivola adds color to this tale, embodying an aging rock star embarking on an adventurous summer journey.
Geremy Jasper’s latest creation, O’Dessa, aptly described as a “rock opera,” blends music and storytelling with the talented Sadie Sink leading the cast. Sink’s character navigates a transformative journey filled with love, destiny, and passion for music, encountering a star-studded ensemble that includes Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett, and Regina Hall.
The Duplass Brothers showcase their filmmaking prowess in The Baltimorons, a story following a newly sober man embarking on a Christmas Eve adventure with his emergency dentist.
Kate Mara stars in The Astronaut, where her character, Lt. Sam Walker, grapples with an eerie extraterrestrial presence after returning from orbit. This thriller explores themes of paranoia, identity, and self-discovery, offering Mara a captivating role reminiscent of her previous space endeavors.
Ash promises sci-fi excitement with a mysterious narrative set in distant planets and enigmatic space exploration. Eiza González’s character, Riya, embarks on a perilous journey to unravel the brutal mysteries surrounding her lost memory. Aaron Paul complements the cast, playing a cryptic figure entangled in Riya’s interstellar quest.
Matt Johnson’s Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie is a delightful addition to the SXSW lineup, appealing to festival regulars following his previous hit, BlackBerry. This witty biopic promises a funny and engaging cinematic experience.
As the SXSW Festival unfolds, be sure to catch these enthralling narrative films that promise to captivate audiences with their diverse and compelling stories.