At SXSW 2026, I attended the world premiere of Family Movie, and it lives up to its name—truly a “family movie” in every sense. Directed by and starring Kevin Bacon, the film fully embraces its identity as a playful, self-aware farce, and it works best when it simply delivers a fun, chaotic ride.
The story focuses on the Smith family, who have gathered again at their charming farm to make another low-budget horror film. These movies aren’t exactly masterpieces—in fact, they’re often intentionally poor—but for Jack and Ellen, who play their roles with warmth and ease, the main goal is to keep the family united. Their adult children, Trent and Ula, are less enthusiastic, quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) trying to break away from the family tradition. That tension between holding on and letting go simmers beneath the surface—until, of course, a real dead body shows up on set. From there, things spiral into total chaos.
What makes this film stand out is the casting. Kevin Bacon is joined by his real-life family, including Kyra Sedgwick, Sosie Bacon, and Travis Bacon, and that dynamic absolutely carries the film. There’s a natural chemistry that feels genuine, even when the script leans heavily into genre clichés. You can tell they’re having fun, and that energy comes through clearly on screen.
The film is clever and fun, though clearly rooted in familiar horror-comedy territory. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, and honestly, it doesn’t need to. It plays with genre expectations, mocks the idea of making a horror film, and embraces its own absurdity. At just 81 minutes, it moves quickly and never overstays its welcome.
During the SXSW screening, the Q&A with the Bacon family was nearly as entertaining as the movie itself. There was a genuine sense of camaraderie and humor as they discussed working together, which added another layer of charm to what we had just seen. It’s clear this was as much a personal project as it was a creative endeavor.
Overall, Family Movie is a silly, enjoyable ride—a light, self-aware horror-comedy that doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is. It’s a fun idea, executed with enthusiasm, and anchored by a family that clearly enjoys making movies together. While it relies heavily on genre clichés, the spirit of the project—and the real-life family at its center—makes it an easy, entertaining watch.