A haunting blend of sci-fi and thriller, Jessica Rothe and Charlie Barnett shine in Imposters, which details a parent’s worst nightmare.
Since I am a massive fan of Jessica Rothe – who won me over completely with her range and comedic timing in the Happy Death Day films – Imposters was at the top of my SXSW 2026 most anticipated list. I went in expecting a solid performance, but what I got was one of my favorite films of the festival (so far).
As a parent myself, the synopsis alone was enough to make my stomach drop: a couple’s baby boy is taken, and in her desperation, the mother finds a way to bring him back. However, the husband begins to suspect that the child who returned isn’t actually theirs. Literal chills.
That parental instinct is the engine that drives the first act. I found myself leaning forward in my chair from the very first twist, which hits just a few minutes into the runtime. The film taps into that primal, terrifying reality of loss. I kept asking myself: If I lost my child, how far would I go? I have to admit that no matter who – or what – returned, the desperate part of my soul would want to believe it was my kid. Because the alternative is absolutely terrifying.
Jessica Rothe captures that desperation with a haunting, frantic energy that makes you sympathize with her even when her choices start to veer into the questionable.
What makes Imposters stand out when compared to the many other psychological thrillers is how unexpected it all is. About halfway through, the narrative takes a complete, sharp turn that I did not see coming. At all. And I was completely mesmerized. While I initially thought we might be heading into standard horror territory with jump scares or supernatural tropes, the film stays firmly and effectively in the realm of sci-fi thriller.
I have to admit, I’m actually glad it didn’t lean into the horror genre. By keeping the stakes grounded, the movie produces a much deeper chill. It’s the kind of film that leaves you questioning your own morals. It’s less about “what’s jumping out of the closet” and more about “what would I be willing to live with to stay happy?”.
It is incredibly difficult to talk about this film without spoiling the fun, because the twists are frequent and genuinely unique for the genre. However, the strength of the movie rests squarely on the shoulders of Jessica Rothe and Charlie Barnett.
Their dynamic is fascinating to watch. I wouldn’t necessarily say they have a warm chemistry, but that feels entirely intentional (you will see what I mean when you watch the film). They both fully embrace the specific, often conflicting motives of their characters.
Charlie Barnett plays the skepticism and growing dread of a father beautifully, providing a necessary anchor to Jessica Rothe’s more driven performance. They feel like two people trapped in a nightmare of their own making, and their commitment to those roles makes the more sci-fi elements feel entirely plausible.
Imposters is a rare breed of thriller that respects the audience’s intelligence while still delivering the excitement you want from a festival breakout. It’s polished, provocative, and deeply unsettling in the best possible way. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, forcing you to wonder exactly how much of ourselves we lose when we try to reclaim what’s been taken.
About Imposters
After a couple’s baby boy is taken, the desperate mother learns of a way to bring him back. However, her husband begins to suspect that what she returned with isn’t their son.
Imposters had its premiere at SXSW 2026.
NEXT: SXSW 2026: 20 Films That We Cannot Wait To See
A haunting blend of sci-fi and thriller, Jessica Rothe and Charlie Barnett shine in Imposters, which details a parent's worst nightmare.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.