The Best of SXSW 2025
THE ACCOUNTANT 2
Courtesy of Amazon MGM
Taking the foundation of an original film and multiplying the thrill factor for its sequel doesn’t always work but in the case of “The Accountant 2,” it helps to retain key players across both stories. Ben Affleck returns to headline the new film as gifted and mild-mannered accountant Christian Wolff, a man who is used to dealing his dangerous set of skills on unsuspecting criminals but at the end of the day would rather be left alone. Jon Bernthal is his brother Braxton, who has no problem whatsoever showboating and dispatching bad guys. The first film kept them apart for most of its running time, amplifying mystery and tension, but they are front and center in this different and action-heavy sequel. Director Gavin O’Connor is the other core piece across both “Accountant” films and his steady eye for character development helps breathe new life into what would otherwise be a bland retread.
DEATH OF A UNICORN
Courtesy of A24
The father-daughter duo of Elliot (Paul Rudd) and Ridley (Jenna Ortega) begin the film tired and passive aggressive as they drive toward a billionaire’s mansion in the hopes of landing a major business deal. This potential investment is make-or-break for dad but young Ridley could care less. Add to that the complication of a road accident along the way involving an actual unicorn and the first act setup is complete. What follows is a wild and surreal escapade of horror, comedy and fantasy mashed into one, pulling few punches instead of making safe storytelling choices. Writer-director Alex Sharfman’s genre blend will delight those looking for something offbeat and full of surprises.
DROP
Courtesy of Universal
A first date turns into a nerve-shredding nightmare for single mom Violet (Meghann Fahy) as she quickly becomes the target of a complicated conspiracy. Unbeknownst to her, the male companion she’s finally agreed to meet in person is harboring a secret. What that secret entails and who it can harm in the long run are the core mysteries of “Drop,” and that paranoia is only amplified by mysterious air drop messages targeted to Violet’s phone. Director Christopher Landon is no stranger to playing with mystery and deception in his previous films like “Freaky” and “Happy Death Day,” putting “Drop” right in his wheelhouse. The runtime is brief and the thrills come fast, making this compact story a very fun and enjoyable ride.
FRIENDSHIP
Courtesy of A24
An awkward meeting between neighbors Austin (Paul Rudd) and Craig (Tim Robinson) only gets worse as they continue to spend time with each other in this hysterical and cringe-inducing cautionary tale. What starts as an innocent invitation for male bonding quickly devolves into a painful and sometimes all-too-real need for acceptance at any cost. “Friendship” is basically the inverse of Rudd’s 2009 comedy “I Love You, Man,” asking how far would you go for a friend. Not afraid to get weird, the acting duo of Rudd and Robinson are matched by writer-director Andrew DeYoung, who balances the film’s quirky and unconventional tone with ease. Robinson in particular has handled similar material before in “I Think You Should Leave” and fans of that series will be right at home with “Friendship’s” unique flavor.
