2022 SXSW Film Festival: My Picks

The 2022 SXSW Film Festival is about to start and I’m thrilled to be back in Austin. This year’s festival is hybrid and while I will be doing some of my coverage from the virtual space I’ll also be on site sharing my thoughts on my experiences and all the wonderful films I get to watch from this year’s slate.

Make sure you follow me on Twitter @RaquelStecher and on Instagram @QuelleMovies for even more coverage.

Here are the films I’m most excited to check out this year!

Documentaries

Facing Nolan — dir. Bradley Jackson

This sports documentary explores former baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan’s extraordinary, yet overlooked career. As a kid I was a big Ryan fan so this is a must-see for me.

Clean — dir. Lachlan McLeod

Trauma cleaning is both difficult and important job. This documentary explores the business with a particular focus on one cleaner as she approaches both her work and her search for her birth mother.

Diamond Hands: The Legend of WallStreetBets — dir. Drea Cooper and Zackary Caneperi

Reddit users threw the stock market for a loop when they single-handedly made both AMC and GameStop surge. This documentary focuses on GameStop and how Reddit users tried to “democratize trading”.

Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story — dir. Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern

SXSW always offers up some great music documentaries. I’m most interested in this one which features performances, interviews as well as archival footage of this iconic music festival.

Feature Film Highlights

The Cow — dir. Eli Horowitz

This thriller follows a couple to a remote cabin where they discover the place has been double booked and another couple is already staying there. They all agree to stay together for one night until two of them mysteriously disappear. Stars Winona Ryder and Dermot Mulroney.

Raquel 1:1 — dir. Mariana Bastos

I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to watch a film about another Raquel! This Brazilian drama follows a religious teenager who believes she’s received a mission from God.

Out of the Past

The following films will be reviewed at my sister site Out of the Past.

Still Working 9 to 5 — dir. Camille Hardman and Gary Lane

The iconic workplace comedy 9 to 5 (1980) shed light on how women are treated in the workplace. Four decades later the film still resonates. This documentary revisits the film as well as workplace culture and includes interviews with Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Rita Moreno.

The Last Movie Stars — dir. Ethan Hawke

The first chapter of this six chapter film will be premiering at SXSW and will have a future release on CNN+ and HBO Max. It follows the story of the beloved movie star couple Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman. I can’t wait for this one!

Genre films

Linoleum — dir. Colin West

This sci-fi drama starring Jim Gaffigan, Rhea Seehorn, Michael Ian Black, Tony Shalhoub follows the story of middle-aged father who tries to transform a satellite into a rocket ship after it fell and hit their home.

Bodies Bodies Bodies —dir. Halina Reijn

This horror film follows a group of wealthy 20-somethings who throw a hurricane party that ultimately turns deadly. Stars Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Pete Davidson, Rachel Sennott, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders and Lee Pace.

Sissy — dir. Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes

This horror film follows two best friends who have grown apart. After being reunited, things take a turn for the worst when they become isolated in a remote cabin. Stars Aisha Dee and Hannah Barlow.

What I missed from Sundance

Fire of Love — dir. Sara Dosa

I’ve been hearing nothing but rave reviews about this documentary. It follows the love story of French scientists Katia and Maurice Krafft whose fascination with volcanoes led to their untimely demise.

Cha Cha Real Smooth — dir. Cooper Raiff

Another hit from Sundance that had everyone buzzing, Cha Cha Real Smooth stars Cooper Raiff as a 20 something college grad trying to find his way in life. Also in the cast are Dakota Johnson and Leslie Mann.

Stay tuned for more 2022 SXSW coverage!