Thousands of fans, filmmakers and industry leaders gathered in Austin for the SXSW Film & TV Festival, bringing a packed slate of more than 100 screenings to theaters around town. With just over a week to take it all in, audiences navigated a wide range of films — from directorial debuts and buzzy premieres to intimate documentaries and star-powered indies. These are the standout titles that left a lasting impression:
1. The Sun Never Sets
Premiered: SXSW
Theatrical Release: TBA
Independent filmmaker Joe Swanberg’s latest film, “The Sun Never Sets,” follows Wendy (Dakota Fanning), an early 30-something whose life is upended when her boyfriend Jack (Jake Johnson) — older, divorced and with children — suggests they take time apart to reassess their relationship. During the break, Wendy unexpectedly reconnects with her ex, pulling all three into a complicated love triangle. Shot on 35mm in Alaska, the film is as visually striking as it is emotionally sharp. Swanberg’s script leans into the messiness of modern relationships with humor and clarity, allowing Wendy’s journey to unfold with a sense of honesty as she begins to question what she wants — and who she wants to build a life with. The film generated significant buzz at SXSW, even prompting programmers to add an additional screening.
2. Obsession
Premiered: Toronto International Film Festival…