SXSW

In recent years, one horror film emerges early on as the best horror film of the year. In 2017 it was Jordan Peele’s exceptionally smart social thriller Get Out; in 2016 it was Robert Eggers’ period stunner The Witch; in 2018 that honor goes to Ari Aster’s Hereditary. Starring Toni Collette as a woman struggling to cope with the increasingly disturbing implications of her mother’s death, Aster’s ferocious directorial debut plumbs the darkest depths of mental illness to reveal the true meaning of psychological terror.

For decades the coming-of-age sex comedy has belonged to the guys: Raunchy, horned-up teen boys desperate to lose their V-cards during one crazy night before heading off to college. Though recent years have given rise to more honest and unflinching coming-of-age stories about teen girls (see: Edge of Seventeen, Lady Bird), women haven’t really been served with the same sex-crazed high school comedies. (Maybe because our needs are more complex than those of the budding patriarchy?) But Blockers finally gives young women the teen sex comedy they deserve — one that’s insanely goofy and hilarious without sacrificing its emotional core.

The video-game thriller had its world premiere last night, and critics were impressed. Read their reactions now.

You know an Edgar Wright film when you see one, even if Simon Pegg isn’t nearby — the distinctive (and often heartfelt) sense of humor, the impressive editing, the momentum, and the predictably awesome soundtrack, all working in time to deliver a film that’s remarkably poignant for such a well-oiled machine. Baby Driver might not be quite what you’re expecting from the director of Scott Pilgrim and Shaun of the Dead, and yet it’s entirely what you’re hoping to see. Despite some of its unexpected qualities and low-key visual style, it is perhaps the most Edgar Wright film to date.

Joe Swanberg’s filmography is a fascinating evolutionary timeline; with each new film, the former mumblecore pioneer (and occasional agitator) has showcased increasing maturity. Win It All is his most grown-up film to date — despite the fact that it centers on the all-too-familiar man-child archetype. For his latest effort, Swanberg reunites with Digging for Fire star and co-writer Jake Johnson, who pulls double duty once again, this time with much more consistent results.

Watch as Sammy Hagar is presented with his first ever Flying V guitar from Gibson Guitars.

Early on in Gemini, the new indie film from director Aaron Katz, John Cho’s Detective Ahn tells Lola Kirke’s Jill that it’s often some seemingly innocuous and overlooked detail that winds up being “the key to solving the whole thing.” That one line says as much about Gemini as its cool, reflective aesthetic, which tips its hat — without paying outright homage — to late ’80s and early ’90s thrillers, including films like Mulholland Dr., Lost Highway and the lesser-seen and under-loved Bad Influence.

Three more bands are being prevented from entering the U.S. to play SXSW, with two being expressly denied due to their Muslim faith.

Löwin guitarist Michael Sanders was robbed and shot after seeing a SXSW showcase.

Soviet Soviet, an Italian band playing this year's SXSW, has been deported due to claims that they were trying to enter the U.S. illegally.