Drag manages to be genuinely hilarious one moment and stomach-churningly tense the next. Go in blind because this is the shocker of the year.
I fully expected Drag to be a lighthearted heist comedy with a touch of sibling rivalry and drama and it is – at first. Then, there is a hard pivot and things go off the rails, but in the best way possible.
This movie starts with a breezy, almost indie-comedy energy as two sisters (played by Lizzy Caplan and Lucy DeVito) plan a low-stakes robbery in rural upstate New York. But when one sister throws out her back and becomes completely immobilized on the second floor, the film shifts gears into something dark, twisted, and visceral.
It is incredibly difficult to review this film in detail because its greatest strength lies in its surprises. I genuinely worry about the marketing team tasked with cutting a trailer for this because all too often trailers ruin the movie now. I urge you to go into Drag as blind as possible. Trust that it is worth checking out and don’t even watch a trailer or look up anything. Just enjoy the crazy, wild ride.
For a film that features only four characters in a single primary setting, Drag never loses its charm. These types of thrillers, where someone is trapped in a house, run the risk of becoming repetitive, but the direction and cinematography here are inventive and intriguing. The filmmakers use visual reveals and clever editing to keep things interesting and viewers entertained.
One of my favorite aspects of Drag is the commitment to practical gore. In an era of distracting CGI, seeing the tactile, messy, and cringe-inducing practical effects was a breath of fresh air. When things go south, they go south in a way that feels heavy and real. I found myself audibly gasping and clutching my seat. It’s the kind of movie you have to watch with friends just to witness their reactions to the reveals. Drag is, quite literal, an experience.
Lizzy Caplan is fantastic, as always, bringing a desperation and hilarity to the role that makes you wish the best for her – even if she is a criminal. Lucy DeVito has clearly inherited the impeccable comedic timing of her parents (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman), finding the humor in the most agonizing situations. Together? These two are relatable for anyone who has a sibling that they love, but also can’t stand at times.
Christine Ko plays her part perfectly. And I refuse to say more about that. Seeing John Stamos in this context is a delight. That man is having the absolute time of his life in Drag. He nails his performance, to no one’s surprise.
Tying the whole experience together is the score by Patrick Stump. He brings that signature Fall Out Boy energy to the composition. The music highlights and heightens every emotion throughout the movie. When the sisters are panicking, the score pulses with a catchy anxiety. When the horror hits, it turns into something much more jagged and intense.
Drag is easily my favorite film of SXSW 2026 so far. It is a rare gem that manages to be genuinely hilarious one moment and stomach-churningly tense the next. It’s shocking, it’s twisted, and it’s an absolute blast. I laughed, I cringed, and by the final act, my jaw was quite literally on the floor.
Whatever you think this movie is based on the synopsis, I assure you, you’re wrong. It is so much more, and I can’t wait to see it again with an unsuspecting audience.
About Drag
Two sisters with a contentious relationship decide to rob a rural home in upstate New York. The simple robbery turns into a nightmare when one of them throws out her back and becomes immobilized on the second floor. The night spirals out of control as they embark on a painful journey to make it out before the homeowner returns.
Drag played at SXSW 2026.