With SXSW 2022 on the horizon, let’s talk horror premieres…
This week brings the 29th edition of the SXSW Film Festival, taking place in Austin, TX, from March 11-20, with a jam-packed lineup that’s brimming with genre offerings. In addition, this year, the acclaimed program will offer both in-person and online screenings.
SXSW 2022 features horror across all categories, ensuring a robust lineup of genre titles. Here are six genre premieres we absolutely can’t wait to see this year.
Deadstream
Directors/Screenwriters: Vanessa Winter, Joseph Winter, Producers: Vanessa Winter, Joseph Winter, Jared Cook, Melanie Stone
When a washed-up internet personality attempts to win back his followers by live-streaming a haunted house, he accidentally pisses off a vengeful spirit, and his big comeback event becomes a fight for his life (and social relevance). Cast List: Joseph Winter, Melanie Stone (World Premiere)
Why we’re excited: An Evil Dead-inspired splatstick twist to the Found Footage format sounds like it’ll make for a crowd pleaser at SXSW 2022.
X
Ti West’s X for A24; photo credit: Christopher Moss
Director/Screenwriter: Ti West, Producers: Jacob Jaffke, Kevin Turen, Harrison Kreiss, Ti West
In 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast finds themselves fighting for their lives. Cast List: Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Martin Henderson, Brittany Snow, Owen Campbell, Stephen Ure, Scott Mescudi (World Premiere)
Why we’re excited: Ti West’s return to horror looks like a wild ride full of blood and bone-crunching mayhem.
Sissy
Director/Screenwriter: Hannah Barlow, Kane Senes, Producers: Lisa Shaunessy, John De Margheriti, Jason Taylor, Bec Janek
Invited away on a bachelorette weekend, Sissy is stuck in a remote cabin with her high school bully, and it sparks a taste for revenge. Cast List: Aisha Dee, Hannah Barlow, Emily De Margheriti, Daniel Monks, Yerin Ha, Lucy Barrett, Shaun Martindale, Amelia Lule, April Blasdall, Camille Cumpston (World Premiere)
Why we’re excited: Who isn’t a sucker for the empathetic killer? Something tells us that we’ll be rooting for Sissy when we watch this one at SXSW 2022.
Bodies, Bodies, Bodies
Director: Halina Reijn, Screenwriters: Kristen Roupenian, Sarah Delappe, Chloe Okuno, Joshua Sharp, Aaron Jackson, Producers: David Hinojosa, Ali Herting, Lara Costa-Calzado, Tatiana Bears
When a group of affluent 20-somethings plans a hurricane party at a remote family mansion, a party game turns deadly in this fresh and funny look at backstabbing, fake friends, and one party gone very, very wrong. Cast List: Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Pete Davidson, Rachel Sennott, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Lee Pace (World Premiere)
Why we’re excited: A24’s genre-bending slasher sounds like music to our ears. The cast certainly helps, as does Chloe Okuno as one of the screenwriters.
Shining Girls
Showrunner/Screenwriter: Silka Luisa, Director: Michelle MacLaren, Producers: Kirsa Rein, Joshua Levey
Years after a brutal attack left her in a constantly shifting reality, Kirby Mazrachi learns that a recent murder is linked to her assault. She teams with veteran reporter Dan Velazquez to understand her ever-changing present and confront her past. Cast list: Elisabeth Moss, Wagner Moura, Jamie Bell, Phillipa Soo, Amy Brenneman (World Premiere)
Why we’re excited: The series is based on Lauren Beuke’s compulsive time-jumping serial killer novel, which makes this highly-anticipated viewing for SXSW 2022.
Halo
![‘Halo’ TV Series Locks and Loads March 24 With New Trailer! [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/halo.jpg?resize=740%2C477&ssl=1)
Showrunner: Steven Kane, Director: Otto Bathurst, Producers: Steven Spielberg, Steven Kane, Kiki Wolfkill, Frank O’Connor, Bonnie Ross, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Otto Bathurst, Toby Leslie, Kyle Killen, Scott Pennington
Dramatizing an epic 26th-century conflict between humanity and an alien threat known as the Covenant, Halo the series will weave deeply drawn personal stories with action, adventure, and a richly imagined vision of the future. Cast List: Pablo Schreiber, Natascha McElhone, Jen Taylor, Bokeem Woodbine, Shabana Azmi, Natasha Culzac, Olive Gray, Yerin Ha, Bentley Kalu, Kate Kennedy (World Premiere)
Why we’re excited: The budget and scope look insanely impressive for this adaptation of one of the most popular video game franchises.
Bonus: “The Boys” Panel and Experience
Amazon’s hit series “The Boys” is gearing up for a season three release on June 3, and SXSW marks a significant stop on the path to its premiere. For those attending the fest in person, look for “The Boys” panel and a special activation experience that’ll let you step into the world of Vought.
Panel: The Boys are Back! Inside Prime Video’s Hit Series
About: Ahead of the highly anticipated third season of the Emmy award-nominated series, join actors Karl Urban, Laz Alonso, Karen Fukuhara, Jessie T. Usher, Chace Crawford, Jensen Ackles, and executive producer Eric Kripke as they dive into the intersections of superhero and celebrity culture, the zeitgeist-shattering epic moments that redefined the genre, and offer up insights on how The Boys has navigated key moments of cultural inflection while subverting expectations.
Where: Austin Convention Center, Ballroom D
When: Saturday, March 12 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
Activation: “Superheroes and Superstars” Experience
Prime Video will kick off SXSW with a pair of experiences that allow fans to enter the worlds of “Superheroes and Superstars.” For all superhero fans in attendance, Prime Video will be bringing the world of The Boys Season Three to life with a VoughtLand installation, where guests can enter the VoughtLand castle to find Queen Maeve’s Inclusive Kingdom. There they can grab a bite to eat at Vought A Burger, kick back at Homelander’s Red, White, and Booze Bar, or take a ride on Starlight’s Carousel of Dreams. For fans seeking out superstardom, Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls will be giving attendees the opportunity to prepare for their moment in the spotlight with a positive affirmation tunnel, choreography instructions, Lizzo-inspired cocktails at the supersized Juicebox bar, and other engaging, interactive activities on-site, such as a salon for a relaxing glow-up, complimentary swag, and more.
Dates: Friday, March 11 – Monday, March 14
Location: 604 Driskill Street, Austin, Texas (entrance located at the corner of Driskill St. & Red River St.)
Hours of Operation:
· Friday, March 11: 12 – 9 p.m. CT
· Saturday, March 12: 12 – 6 p.m. CT
· Sunday, March 13: 12 – 6 p.m. CT
· Monday, March 14: 12 – 6 p.m. CT
Stay tuned for Bloody Disgusting’s reviews and SXSW coverage starting this weekend!