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Borderline Review: Ray Nicholson Is Creepy & Terrifying

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Borderline: Come for Samara Weaving, and stay for Ray Nicholson. An unsettling story with just enough humor and gore to keep things interesting.

Borderline movie review

As much as I love Ray Nicholson’s performance in Smile 2, I was interested in Borderline because of Samara Weaving. Ready or Not remains one of my favorite films of all time, perfectly blending horror and comedy, and I am thrilled for the sequel. While Weaving is fantastic in this film, Nicholson overshadows her, which I did not expect.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this has nothing to do with Weaving and everything to do with the script and Nicholson’s deliciously creepy performance. He plays a delusional stalker who breaks into the home of a pop star (played by Weaving) determined to marry her. In his head, he believes they are happy together, but of course, she doesn’t know him at all.

Borderline movie review

This movie is a lot of fun, which comes as no surprise when you look at the creatives behind it. The writer of Cocaine Bear and the producers of Saltburn and Barbie all come from some of my favorite films. Perhaps it is because of that I set expectations a little too high.

I had a good time, don’t get me wrong, but I wanted just a little bit more. Weaving is so good at playing strong and independent females, but the script here pushes her to the background more than she should be. This could also be because of how mesmerizing Nicholson’s performance is.

Borderline movie review

The movie mostly focuses on one terrifying evening, and while there are a lot of predictable moments, there are also some great surprises in store for viewers. Nicholson brilliantly portrays this man. He is twisted, dark, and sometimes violent, and commands attention in every scene he is in.

While there is some humor weaved in, with a handful of laugh-out-loud moments, Borderline is more of a thriller than anything else. There are several on-the-edge-of-your-seat moments that will have viewers watching through their fingers as they try to anticipate what could happen next.

Borderline movie review

Eric Dane plays Weaving’s bodyguard and Patrick Cox portrays Nicholson’s right-hand man. These two might be supporting characters, but each of them shines whenever they are on screen. They perfectly round out the film, doing exactly what they are meant to in each scene.

Cox does a phenomenal job when it comes to comedic timing. His character, J.H., offers up a lot of the humor in the film – especially in his conversations with Nicholson. These two have great chemistry. Whenever they are on screen together, you know it going to be a good time.

Borderline movie review

When it comes to the violence, there are some truly unforgettable scenes. Unafraid to push the envelope, Borderline does a wonderful job of showcasing how terrifying a mentally unstable stalker can be. While Weaving’s character does feel pushed to the side at times, and not really ever front and center, she does an incredible job with what she is given.

Borderline comes to theaters, and will be available on digital, on March 14.

NEXT: Riff Raff Review: An All-Star Cast Brings Their A-Game

Borderline movie poster

About Borderline

COCAINE BEAR writer Jimmy Warden makes his twisted directorial debut in this edge- of-your-seat thriller that follows a dangerously persistent stalker (SMILE 2’s Ray Nicholson) who invades the home of a ‘90s pop superstar (READY OR NOT’s Samara Weaving) with grand delusions of a wedding. With her life on the line and help from her loyal bodyguard, she must escape the stalker’s sinister grip before they tie the knot.

Magnet Releasing will release Borderline in theaters and on digital March 14, 2025.

Friendship Review: A Hilraious & Twisted Take On Friendship

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Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd both prove they are comedy legends in A24’s Friendship, which will have viewers laughing until their cheeks hurt.

Our 10 Most Anticipated SXSW 2025 Films Friendship

Admittedly I am not the biggest fan of Tim Robinson’s I Think You Should Leave. Sometimes the jokes land for me and sometimes they don’t. Because of this I went into Friendship cautiously optimistic. I love Paul Rudd’s work so that is what initial sparked my interest in the movie. Surprisingly, this ended up being one of my favorite films to come out of SXSW 2025.

For me, the movie did start off a little slow with only every other joke or so really hitting me the way it was hitting others. But once the second act started I could not stop laughing.

Friendship follows Craig (Robinson) who is a suburban dad living a fairly boring life. He has no friends and seems to be on the outs with his wife, played by Kate Mara. When he meets his new neighbor Austin (Rudd) he is inspired to become a new man as the two form a fast friendship.

With Craig’s life rapidly changing, he goes too hard too quickly, causing things to go horribly wrong for him. This unique take on men’s adult friendship is hilarious because the movie itself plays so straight. I wouldn’t say the movie takes itself too seriously, because it is fully aware that it needed to be straight in order for the comedy to work. Because of them there are some moments that had me laughing until I had tears streaming down my cheeks.

I promise you that you have never seen a buddy movie like this before. It is the little, subtle moments that really make Friendship shine. There are so many that I want to point out, but I also do not want to ruin the jokes.

One of the best things about this movie is that it is unafraid to go there. It gets dark. Things get twisted. And poor Craig, well, he kind of brings it all on himself. There are so many things he does that will make you want to yell through the screen at him to stop and think about what he is doing.

Mara and Robinson have so many great scenes together. She is known as a dramatic actor and she fully leans into that, even though so much of what she is doing on screen is hilarious. I saw her in three movies during SXSW 2025, and each time she proves why she is an icon in this industry.

Of course, Rudd and Robinson are the heart and soul of the film. Whenever they are together, it is almost certain that you will be laughing. Both of their approaches to comedy work extremely well together and I will love to see them in more projects together.

I promise you that you will never be able to guess how Friendship ends, which is something that I truly love about it. The fact that it goes in several completely unexpected directions is sure to keep audiences on their toes. Never knowing what is going to happen next is part of the humor of it all.

Honestly, I am surprised I enjoyed Friendship as much as I did because, as I said, Robinson’s brand of comedy is hit or miss for me. It took a little bit of time to get going, but once it did, I was having the time of my life.

Friendship played at SXSW 2025 and will head to theaters on May 9.

About Friendship

Suburban dad Craig has his life turned upside down by the arrival of a new neighbor. As Craig’s attempts to make an adult male friend spiral out of control, their blossoming relationship threatens to ruin both of their lives.

Friendship played at SXSW 2025.

NEXT: The Surfer Review: This Movie Made Me Very Mad

The Surfer Review: This Movie Made Me Very Mad

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The Surfer is brilliantly done and led by the incredible Nicolas Cage, but it made me extremely mad (which I think is the point).

The Surfer sxsw review

I am always down for a Nicolas Cage movie. I don’t even have to look at the synopsis or trailer, I will watch it. Tell me Nicolas Cage is in it and I am seated. And that is exactly what happened with The Surfer at SXSW.

This film is unsettling, terrifying at times, and honestly, made me really upset. Cage plays a man who simply wants to buy a house for hs family back at the place he lived when he was a kid. He brings his son to ride the waves but the beach is run by a surfer gang who refuse to let anyone who is not local on.

Taking place only in the parking lot and on the beach, The Surfer almost feels like a one location play, which is what I love so much about it. Cage and a homeless man are both plagued by this gang of young surfers, who are run by someone he grew up with. The way it all plays out will constantly have you wondering what exactly is happening. Twists and turns are weaved throughout as Cage feels that he is going crazy, which in turn will have the audience thinking the same thing about themselves.

But here is the kicker. These kids (and by kids I mean men who are likely in their early twenties) are tormenting them to the extent that made my blood boil. Perhaps it is the parent, or the decent human, in me, but I wanted to burst through the screen and start yelling at them.

They treat Cage horribly, as do several other people at this beach and parking lot, although every once in a while a nice person comes along. It fully leans into the effects of toxic masculinity in a way that I am not sure we have seen on screen before, and I fully appreciate that.

The way this film is shot takes everything to a whole new level, adding a layer of humor and an arthouse feel that makes it one of my favorites of the festival. Honestly, at first I wasn’t sure what to think, then I was furious, but by the time the credits rolled, I ended up being a big fan of The Surfer.

For a minute there I thought it was going to end and not wrap things up nicely, or explain what was truly happening. Sometimes movies like this prefer to not answer the biggest question, allowing audiences to form their own opinions of the story. Thankfully, that is not the case here, because that would have made me even madder.

Overall, Cage delivers an incredibly haunting and heartfelt performance. There were many moments I wanted to give his character a hug and let him know that everything would be alright. It is sad to see the way the events transpire and will certainly make me think the next time a see a homeless person. You truly never know what has transpired in their lives and how they got to where they are today.

The Surfer will likely mess with your head and could cause you to want to treat those bullies how they are treating others, but in tht end, I have to admit, it is a fantastic film. Do not let this one fly under your radar.

The Surfer premiered at SXSW 2025 and will come to theaters everywhere this Spring.

NEXT: O’Dessa Review: Like Nothing You Have Ever Seen Before

The Surfer poster

About The Surfer

A man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son, but is humiliated by a group of powerful locals and drawn into a conflict that rises with the punishing heat of the summer and pushes him right to his breaking point.

The Surfer played at SXS 2025.

The Accountant 2 Review: Jon Bernthal Completely Steals The Show

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Not at all the same vibe as the first film, The Accountant 2 leans heavily into comedy, perhaps a bit too much. Jon Bernthal & Ben Affleck have great chemistry.

Our 10 Most Anticipated SXSW 2025 Films The Accountant 2

If you like the first The Accountant film because it is a spy thriller with a lot of great action, temper your expectations going into The Accountant 2. This time it leans more into the comedic side of things and while there is still some action, it is secondary to everything else. Whenever Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal are together on screen, it is clear they are having a blast, but something about this movie just does not live up to the original.

It kicks off J.K. Simmons’ Ray King being taken out way too soon, which was expected since it is in the trailer, however it feels like a complete waste of such a talented actor. I understand that these events are important for the overall plot, but it is still a frustrating call. I was hoping to have flashbacks or some other way to bring him in but alas, that is just not the case.

There is a line dancing scene that is easily the best scene of the entire movie. It is a whole lot of fun and showcases the bond between the two brothers, which is alwyas nice to see on screen. It also does a brilliant job of letting audiences know exactly how Affleck’s Christian Wolff’s brain works.

The plot itself, however, is a bit of a mess. It is convoluted with way too much going on for audiences to be able to keep things straight. The added comedic aspect really took me out of the serious part of the story, making it hard to concentrate on the mystery of it all.

The Accountant 2 review

Without spoilers, there is a “twist” that I saw coming a mile away, and when I realized it was meant to be a big reveal, I was honestly surprised. It felt very obvious with the direction that things were moving. There is also a loose end that is tied up in the third act that I completelyl forgot even existed because too much was going on.

At the same time, as a mother, there is something that occurs that hurt my heart in a deep way. I understand the need, but it truly made me feel things — which was probably the point, so bravo on that aspect.

A lot of the comedy worked for me, it just felt out of place in a movie that has a serious plot involving murder and women and children disappearing. Because of this I had a hard time resonating with The Accountant 2. I never once felt invested in the story.

That said, I really did enjoy watching Affleck and Bernthal interact, with Bernthal completely stealing the show whenever he comes on the screen. If this had been billed as a buddy comedy about brothers getting the chance to reconnect and spend time together, I am all in, but instead I thought I was walking into an action spy movie. This is likely what caused me to have issues with it overall, but perhaps on a rewatch I will be able to appreciate it more.

The Accountant 2 premiered at SXSW 2025 and comes to theaters April 25.

NEXT: O’Dessa Review: Like Nothing You Have Ever Seen Before

The Accountant 2 poster

About The Accountant 2

When someone close to her is killed by unknown assassins, Treasury Agent Marybeth Medina is forced to contact Christian Wolff to solve the murder. With the help of his estranged but highly lethal brother Brax, Chris applies his brilliant mind and less-than-legal methods to piece together the unsolved puzzle.

As they get closer to the truth, the trio draw the attention of some of the most ruthless killers alive — all intent on putting a stop to their search.

The Accountant 2 premiered at SXSW 2025.

The Dutchman Review: André Holland & Kate Mara Are Incredible

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The Dutchman follows a twisted game of cat and mouse that becomes uncomfortable at times to watch. André Holland and Kate Mara are captivating.

Our 10 Most Anticipated SXSW 2025 Films The Dutchman

If you love a twisted movie that will make you think, The Dutchman is for you. This film follows a man named Clay (André Holland) who is struggling to make things work with his wife Kaya (Zazie Beetz) when one of the worst possible things that could happen to them does – a strange woman (Kate Mara) takes an interest in Clay when she meets him on a subway train.

She seems drawn to him like a spider stalking a poor defenseless fly, sinking her teeth into him and claiming him as her own. This twisted game of cat and mouse is sometimes difficult to watch, but in a way that will get viewers thinking. Once she has him in her clutches she knows she can do anything to him and he will just have to sit back and take it – because she is a white woman and he is a Black man, therefore, most people will believe her over him.

A tale of race and politics, things become extremely interesting by the mid-way point as Clay tries to escape her but quickly learns he cannot. Holland and Mara are absolutely phenomenal together, doing a wonderful job of portraying the passion, heartbreak of the diabolical plan that is unfolding.

Both of their performances are completely captivating, making it difficult to look away. They know exactly the roles they are there to perform and while the rest of the cast (including Stephen Henderson & Aldis Hodge) is stellar as well, they often fade away to the background as Mara and Holland step forward.

The Dutchman is based on a one act stage play by the same name. One of my favorite things about this film is that pays homage perfectly to that play throughout the film. There are theater elements woven throughout the movie in a way that is a pleasant surprise, and one that should remain a surprise.

While it adds a bit of a meta twist on things, I rather enjoyed it. That said, others might find it to take away from the overall message that the story is trying to relay. These are some of the best visuals in the movie, that I feel take the entire third act to the next level. That said, it does muddle some of the big reveal and make certain elements a bit confusing – something that is hard to fully explain without spoiling the film.

The Dutchman is a feat of a film that will surely make viewers think about the social injustice that this country is unfortunately still plagued with. Its powerful messaging and uncomfortable themes bleed through in a way that will have audiences thinking about The Dutchman for a long time to come.

NEXT: Drop Review: An Intense Thriller From Start To Finish

The Dutchman movie poster

About The Dutchman

Clay, a successful but troubled black businessman, attends therapy sessions with his wife, Kaya, in an attempt to salvage their marriage. But their mysterious therapist is not all that he seems, and begins to unexpectedly appear to Clay outside of their sessions. On a New York subway train, Clay encounters Lula, a seductive but sinister white stranger who slowly begins to unravel his life.

Clay must discover the truth behind this encounter to get back to his wife, heal his fractured soul, and survive the night. In this modern adaptation of the 1964 Obie Award winning play, The Dutchman brings a contemporary edge to the original, exploring themes of race and identity in America.

The Dutchman premiered at SXSW 2025.

Together Review: An Aboslutely Insane Yet Touching Film

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Together is absolutely insane and a ton of fun, but also unexpectedly heartwarming. Obviously, Dave Franco and Alison Brie are incredible together.

Our 10 Most Anticipated SXSW 2025 Films - Together

I came into SXSW 2025 having heard that Together was the best film to come out of Sundance, which made it one of my most anticipated movies of the fest. I went in as blind as possible, literally only knowing it was a horror movie starring Dave Franco and Alison Brie, who are married in real life. They are both incredible actors, who have worked together before, but I was excited to see where this movie was going to take us.

Together is one of those movies that everyone should go into blind. While reading the official synopsis is fine, I recommend not watching a trailer and just taking a leap of faith. I promise you, it will be worth it.

Essentially, a young couple moves from the big city to the quiet country. They have been together for a while and things are starting to feel monotonous. They are at a point in their relationship that seems like it is make or break, which adds to the intensity of it all.

What I love most about this movie is how twisted it gets. There is not a lot of body horror, but when it shows up, it goes hard. Together was midnight showing at SXSW and there is a very clear reason why. That said, these screenings are hard to pull off. Everyone is tired and has likely already seen a handful of movies by the time a midnight screening rolls around. If they have eaten anything, it was certainly not a hearty meal.

I was fading fast by the time Together started at 12:30am but it did not take long for me to be on the edge of my seat and fully invested. The concept of this movie is a lot of fun, and when things start to go off the rails, it really becomes crazy. It is absolutely bonkers, but in the best way possible. Horror fans are going to have a blast with this one.

Franco and Brie have amazing chemistry together, which is no surprise because they are married, but there are times where their characters do not see eye-to-eye, which are also believable and realistic. It is clear that they were having a great time filming this movie – it really comes through in the final product.

It is hard to really dive into this one without giving anything away so what I will say is that the performances are amazing, the visual effects and prosthetics deserve to be called out, and the premise is brilliant. It is highly entertaining, gross when it needs to be, and an absolutely wild ride.

I did not see the big twist coming at all, which left me with my jaw on the floor. The perfect combination of thriller, horror, and comedy, Together just might be favorite film out of SXSW 2025. I cannot wait to take my friends to go see it, and watch them react.

While I refuse to give away anything spoilery about this movie because I think everyone should go in blind, just know that it includes what is single-handedly the best use of the Spice Girls’ 2 Become 1.

Together premiered at Sundance 2025 and then played at SXSW 2025. It has been picked up by NEON and should have a release date soon.

About Together

Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie (Dave Franco and Alison Brie) find themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country, abandoning all that is familiar in their lives except each other.

With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.

Together played at SXSW 2025.

NEXT: Holland Review: Nothing Is What You Think It Is

Holland Review: Nothing Is What You Think It Is

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Nicole Kidman’s Holland is a suspenseful thriller that will have viewers on the edge of their seats as they try to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Holland movie review
NICOLE KIDMAN stars in HOLLAND Courtesy of Prime Video © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

If you have seen the trailer for Holland and thought that it has shown too much, have no fear, that is not the case at all. I went into this movie thinking that I knew exactly what was going to happen and boy was I wrong.

While it is a bit of a slowburn at first, once the third act hits, the results are so satisfying that you will forget the time it took to get there. That said, I would have loved for the big reveal to happen a little bit earlier simply so we could spend a little more time in that juicy spot of knowing everything.

Holland movie review
NICOLE KIDMAN and GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL star in HOLLAND Courtesy of Prime Video © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

Nicole Kidman is absolutely incredible in this movie, which should come as no surprise to anyone. There is a reason she is a global superstar. Between this and Babygirl, I am loving the way she is embracing these characters that are inquisitive but a little on the reserved side.

Nancy, her character in Holland, seems naive and innocent, but also clearly has a passion for mystery, even if she has to create it herself. Going on this journey with her through the film will have viewers wondering if everything is what it seems to be, or if we indeed have no idea what is going on.

Holland movie review
MATTHEW MACFADYEN and JUDE HILL star in HOLLAND Courtesy of Prime Video © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

Matthew Macfadyen and Kidman have an intense chemistry that is both eelctric and terrifying at the same time. There is something about there relationship that never seems right, which adds to the mystery of the movie.

Macfadyen is a phenomenal actor, we all know this already, but his performance as Fred in Holland is one that should earn him an award. I do not want to go into details, but I will be thinking about it for a long time to come. It is truly unforgettable.

Jude Hill, who plays their son, is also great in the movie. He has a bright future ahead of him, something many have known since Belfast.

Holland movie review
NICOLE KIDMAN stars in HOLLAND Courtesy of Prime Video © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC

What I love the most about Holland is that it constantly keeps you guessing, right up until the big reveal. There are twists, turns, and a lot of suspense thrown around. I love a good mystery and this movie absolutely delivers that.

Without spoilers, the reveal scene is easily the best in the movie. It comes out of nowhere and goes hard. There is a certain image that will be seared into my brain for years to come – and I will never look at a Pomeranian the same way again.

Holland is a bit of a slowburn, but the waiting and anticipation is worth it when all is revealed. The cast is phenomenal, working extremely well together and taking a brilliant script to the next level. While I wish the reveal happened earlier in the movie so that we could have more time with the crazy moments, it is satisfying once we learn the truth.

While I do wish it was getting a theatrical release, Holland will begin streaming on Prime Video March 27.

NEXT: Drop Review: An Intense Thriller From Start To Finish

Holland movie poster

About Holland

In this wildly unpredictable thriller, Nicole Kidman is the meticulous Nancy Vandergroot, a teacher and homemaker whose picture-perfect life with her community pillar husband and son in tulip-filled Holland, Michigan tumbles into a twisted tale. Nancy and her friendly colleague become suspicious of a secret, only to discover nothing in their lives is what it seems.

Holland premiered at SXSW 2025.

The Actor Review: A Trippy Exploration Of Reinventing Yourself

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The Actor is a weird, trippy, movie that has themes of reinventing oneself when you think it is too late to do so. André Holland is incredible.

The Actor movie review

NEON never disappoints when it comes to delivering unconventional movies. The Actor is their latest venture and it is just as weird and twisted as you might expect after reading the synopsis. After an accident, Paul E. Cole (André Holland) loses his memory. Over the course of ninety minutes or so, he searches for his identity, never quite knowing what is real and what isn’t.

Paul leaves notes for himself so that he will remember the important details, but in every town that he visits, the people look the same. Honestly, this is a brilliant move by Director Duke Johnson – casting the same actor to play several characters. It causes viewers to find themselves in the same situation as Paul, trying to put the pieces together and establish which identity is the real one.

The Actor movie review

Holland is absolutey incredible in this film. He is, of course, the main focus of the movie. There is never a scene without him in it, allowing the audience to go on this journey alongside him. Because of this we channel his emotions like confusion, anger, and love.

The thing that I truly love the most about this film is the message that it is never too late to change yourself. Paul is, understandably, curious about the man that he is. He doesn’t know much, and the more he learns about himself, the less he likes about himself.

The Actor movie review

When he meets Edna (Gemma Chan) she points out that because of his memory loss, he now has the chance to reinvent himself and become whatever he wants. This is a gift that many people in this world would want to take advantage of. We all have things in our past we would change.

Edna and Paul’s relationship might not be the core focus of The Actor, but it is an impactful part of the plot. Any time that Chan and Holland are on screen together, I was completely captivated.

The Actor movie review

Much of the events in this movie are chaotic. Paul often finds himself not knowing what to say or think because of his condition. There are times where he tries to lie his way out of situations and others where he gives in and admits what is wrong with him. All of these feelings and actions are completely valid.

The Actor movie review

It might not sound like it, but The Actor is a really fun movie. It keeps you on your toes as Paul’s memories end up twisted together. There are times where your heart will be pounding right alongside Paul, waiting to see what happens next. While the ending seems to be a bit open to interpretation in terms of what exactly this man went through, it is touching and empowering.

The Actor comes to theaters on March 14, and it is more than worth checking out on the big screen. Be sure to stay through the credits as there are sure to be some surprises when you discover all of the characters the different actors were playing.

NEXT: Mickey 17 Review: So Relatable That It Is Terrifying

The Actor movie poster

About The Actor

Based on the novel Memory by Donald E. Westlake, The Actor finds Paul Cole (Holland) stranded in a mysterious small town with no memory of who he is or how he got here. Without a sense of identity or purpose, he starts from scratch and begins courting a local costume designer Edna (Chan).

As bits and pieces of his past slowly emerge, he attempts to find his way home, but time is slippery, appearances can’t be trusted, and it’s unclear which of his identities is real.

The Actor comes to theaters on March 14.

Drop Review: An Intense Thriller From Start To Finish

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Drop is an intense ninety-minute long thriller that will have viewers on the edge of their seats as they try to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Drop Movie Review SXSW

Blumhouse’s Drop is exactly the movie I wanted it to be. A brisk, albeit intense, thriller that will have audiences on the edge of their seats. It takes place in one setting, for the most part, adding to the claustrophobic feeling, which keeps the heart rate elevated.

The premise itself is terrifying because it feels like something that could easily happen. A widowed mother, Violet (Meghann Fahy), finally decides to do something for herself and go on a first date with a man she has been speaking to online, Henry (Brandon Sklenar).

What starts off as a lovely evening doesn’t take long to get completely off track when she starts getting random digidrops (think AirDrop). It is quickly revealed that whoever is messaging her has a partner in her home, keeping her son and sister hostage and they are willing to kill them if she doesn’t do exactly what they say.

As a mom, there are quite a few moments in Drop that hit me right in the gut. I found myself wondering how I would do if I was put in this situation, and promptly panicking after. It is a near impossible predicament because, of course, keeping your child safe is your first thought, although you doing things like committing murder in order to save them tests your morality.

Our 10 Most Anticipated SXSW 2025 Films Drop

A key theme of Drop is abuse. Violet’s previous relationship was an abusive one, and one that she put up with day in and day out. It is part of why she was chosen as the victim here, since she has proven herself to have no backbone in these types of situations. And it is absolutely devastating.

Fahy is brilliant in this film, truly having audiences feel for her. She does a wonderful job of showcasing a wide range of emotions, all of which are completely relatable and justifiable considering what she is being put through. Sklener is fantastic as well, portraying a man who understands his date has something going on, but refuses to leave her on her own to deal with it. What a stand-up guy. Maybe.

The cinematography choices heighten every single scene. The way this film is shot puts viewers right in the thick of it, with the first act in particular really excelling. The lighting and visuals add to just how alone Violet feels, making the story that much more powerful.

One of the best things about Drop is the fact that the viewers have no idea who is terrorizing her either. We see all the key players in the restaurant, but so many are suspicious that it is hard to say who exactly is doing this to her.

The first two acts are extremely suspenseful. My mind was all over the palce trying to put things together and figure out who the culprit was. That said, when it all comes out, it is sweet and satisfying. The confrontation is juicy and so well done that it will stick with me for a while.

Drop‘s third act goes hard. Heart-pounding is putting it lightly. Many people in my screening were literally leaning forward with their head in their hands waiting to see how things played out. The best part? There is quite a bit of heart stuck in there as well, and I am not ashamed to admit, I teared up as the film came to an end.

The only real issue with Drop is that while the majority of events seem like something that could happen to anyone, there are a few things that stick out as unbelievable. That said, supposedly if you are put in a situation where your adrenaline is racing, you are able to do just about anything.

This movie is everything I wanted it to be. Blumhouse has once again made me happy. Drop is intense, thrilling, and exciting, with an ending that is both shocking and satisfying. Plus, Jacon Robinson who plays Violet’s son Toby, is absolutely adorable.

Drop premiered at SXSW 2025 and comes to theaters on April 11.

NEXT: The Gorge Review: Romance Makes This Sci-Fi Thriller Unique

Drop movie poster

About Drop

A widowed mother, on her first date in years, arrives at an upscale restaurant where she meets her handsome date. But their chemistry begins to curdle as she begins being irritated and then terrorized by a series of anonymous drops to her phone.

Drop premiered at SXSW 2025.

Mix Tape Episodes 1 & 2 Review: Ever Wonder What Could Have Been?

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Mix Tape explores the theme of what could have been, something that every human on Earth can, and will, relate to. It should be noted that this review is based solely on the first two episodes of Mix Tape.

Mix Tape Episodes 1 & 2 Review: Ever Wonder What Could Have Been?

Have you ever wondered what could have been? We all have thought about how different our lives might have been, even with one little change. Mix Tape explores this idea by shining a light on two individuals who were in love as teenagers but grew apart. Now, many years later, they are both married with children of their own. But what will happen when they start to reconnect online?

In a world of social media and the internet, it is not uncommon for friends and lovers from the past to rediscover one another. Things do get messy, however, when individuals are married but find themselves rekindling a spark they thought they had lost.

In Mix Tape, both Alison and Daniel have moved on from the teenage relationship. At the same time, they are both dealing with problems in their lives, as one does. Their marriages are not perfect and neither are their children’s.

Mix Tape Episodes 1 & 2 Review: Ever Wonder What Could Have Been?
Subotica, Writer : Jo Spain, Director: Lucy Gaffy

This causes Daniel to think back to his High School love and wonder what could have been if they had stayed in touch and remained on the same path in life. When he friend requests Alison on Facebook, and she accepts, it is clear Alison has also been thinking about him.

While I have only seen the first two episodes of Mix Tape so far, things have been set up for an interesting, to say the least, story. The series seemlessly goes back and forth between the present and the past, allowing viewers to understand the relationship that Daniel and Alison had as teens, and why it has stuck with them.

The name of the series comes because Daniel made a mix tape for Alison when they were young in order to show her how much he was thinking of her. Now, as adults, he reverts back to sharing songs with her that make him think of their time together.

It is hard to judge an entire season based on two episodes, especially since adult Alison and Daniel have not really spoken with each other yet, but to say that I am intrigued to see where this goes would be an understatement.

Mix Tape Episodes 1 & 2 Review: Ever Wonder What Could Have Been?

Emotionally cheating on your spouse might make for great television, but it can be difficult at times to watch – especially for viewers who are married. Because of this I am hopeful that this relationship will remain platonic, while exploring their lives that could have been. Either way, I will certainly be tuning into the rest of the series when it releases later this year.

About Mix Tape

In Sheffield, 1989, teenagers Daniel and Alison meet at a house party, and bond over their love for music. Daniel is popular, Alison is a wallflower. When they meet on the dance floor, their lives are forever changed. The relationship they forge that night will follow them forever, and leave them wondering what could have been.

Twenty years later, Daniel is in Sheffield and Alison in Sydney. Both are married, with children nearly grown. Life looks differently for both of them than how’d they’d imagined it at seventeen.

Daniel, powerless to the strong hold the memory of Alison still has on him, reaches out to her in the hope that they might be able to rekindle that spark.

Mix Tape episodes one and two premiered at SXSW 2025 and will be released later this year.

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