Family Movie Review: A Fun Family Horror Experience with Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick at SXSW
In a unique blend of family dynamics and horror, the new film Family Movie premiered at SXSW on Friday the 13th, capturing the unconventional spirit that arose during the pandemic. The project, brought to life by Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, seeks to bridge family bonds through the horror genre over the course of four years.
Dubbed the "Kevin & Kyra Film," this low-budget production cleverly depicts the realities of making a low-budget horror film. The couple, who have previously collaborated, bring their talents together alongside their children, Sosie Bacon and Travis Bacon, engaging in a humorous exploration of filmmaking’s more absurd aspects.
Screenwriter Dan Beers penned the script, which features Kevin as a notoriously poorly-reviewed director struggling to create yet another horror film. Facing financial challenges, he enlists his family’s help, including Sedgwick, who plays his wife. As the plot unfolds, tensions mount when their daughter, Sosie, receives a career-changing opportunity that could conflict with their production timeline.
Various complications arise, particularly from their neighbor, played by John Carroll Lynch, whose unruly dog disrupts their shoot. In an unexpected turn, Sedgwick’s character takes drastic measures to resolve the issues, leading to further chaos.
The film incorporates a self-referential style as both fake and real dramatics collide. The Bacons achieve a balance of humor and horror, with the dynamics of their family adding depth to the experience. The performances, especially by Kyra Sedgwick, are noted for their comedic brilliance, effectively engaging audiences in the genre’s tropes while offering a fresh perspective.
Featuring a strong supporting cast, including Jackie Earle Haley and Liza Koshy, Family Movie is positioned to find enthusiastic distribution, promising a captivating experience for horror fans.
Title: Family Movie
Festival: SXSW (Narrative Spotlight)
Directors: Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick
Screenwriter: Dan Beers
Cast: Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Sosie Bacon, Travis Bacon, Liza Koshy, John Carroll Lynch, Jackie Earle Haley, Andrea Savage, Austin Amelio, Scoot McNairy, Nathaniel Woolsey
Sales agent: Gersh
Running time: 1 hr 21 mins
