The Best of SXSW 2026
THE AI DOC: OR HOW I BECAME AN APOCALOPTIMIST
Courtesy of Focus Features
Co-directors Daniel Roher and Charlie Tyrell try to make sense of the current state of AI in their aptly titled documentary, “The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist.” Their results will vary based on your level of doom and optimism but the thing that can’t be denied is AI is here and it’s here to stay. Roher in particular is at the center of the film as he interviews various heads of development behind the mysterious technology, putting his role as a new father in play. His view of a future for his son is what’s driven him to make “The AI Doc” in the first place and the candid admissions he receives from these tech giants are enough to make everyone sit up straight and not take our future for granted. It is essential viewing and an eerie look at what may lie ahead not just for Roher and his new family but for the human species as a whole.
MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE
Courtesy of 20th Century Studios
Nothing is straight-forward about “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice,” not even its tongue-twisted title. It’s a crime film that zigs and zags between different genres including musicals, romance and even time travel. The final result is a fun and very entertaining ride from writer-director BenDavid Grabinski (“Happily”) who clearly loves movies and creating new cinematic challenges for himself. Mike and Nick (James Marsden and Vince Vaughn) are gangsters investigating a double-cross within their ranks while an alternate version of Nick (Vaughn again) and the team’s female heart and soul (Eiza Gonzales) also get mixed up in the madness. The leads’ game performances along with pop culture references and witty dialogue are what hold the film together, creating a glorious chaos of entertainment.
OBSESSION
Courtesy of Focus Features
Bear (Michael Johnston) has a massive crush on Nikki (Inde Navarrette) but he’s introverted and she’s not. Social and shallow differences aside, he feels he has a shot with this one-of-a-kind crush using a “One Wish Willow” that will grant him anything he desires. But as most horror films will tell you, be careful what you wish for and “Obsession” is no different. What once begins as a dream come true quickly turns into a nightmare as writer-director Curry Baker turns the genre on its head, delivering gruesome shocks and fears that tap into current dating culture. Navarette in particular shines as the object of desire that shows more shades to her character’s personality than a lesser film would project. Seeing “Obsession” with a crowd is the best way to get the film’s maximum impact and also something to discuss long after its climax.
OVER YOUR DEAD BODY
Courtesy of IFC
Dan (Jason Segel) and Lisa (Samara Weaving) have been having serious martial issues for a while. Nothing seems to help and a proposed cabin getaway may not move the needle either but they’re willing to give it a shot. The only wrinkle is each of them has a plan in motion to kill the other once they arrive to the secluded location, fixing their problems once and for all. This being a movie, things don’t go accordingly and once their initial secrets are revealed, more complications arise, putting the married duo to the ultimate test. Director Jorma Taccone is one third of The Lonely Island crew and his previous work on “Popstar” and “MacGruber” is put to very good use here, amplifying tension and laughs to great results.
