Best Films We Watched at Austin Film Festival
See seven of our favorites out of the fest and when they’ll be available to watch in theaters
Film lovers were in for a treat last week as the Austin Film Festival took over downtown theaters from Oct. 23–30, presenting nearly 200 screenings alongside panels, retrospectives and industry conversations. The festival spotlighted an impressive range of storytelling — from bold new voices to established directors experimenting with more intimate, character-driven work. The mix of studio-backed productions and smaller independent features made for a dynamic and deeply engaging week of film. Here are some of our top picks from the festival and when to expect them on screens nationwide.
No Other Choice
South Korean auteur Park Chan-wook returned in peak form with “No Other Choice,” a darkly funny and deeply human thriller. The film follows a desperate husband and father, played masterfully by Lee Byung-hun, who devises a morally twisted plan to secure employment after years of joblessness. With razor-sharp editing, detailed production design and Park’s trademark tonal balance between humor and tragedy, “No Other Choice” proves both wildly entertaining and socially incisive.
In select U.S. theaters Dec. 25, 2025; nationwide Jan. 2026.
Hamnet
Adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel and directed by Academy Award-winner Chloé Zhao, “Hamnet” is a sweeping and intimate portrait of love, grief and artistic legacy. Set in Elizabethan England, the film traces William Shakespeare’s (Paul Mescal) relationship with his wife, Agnes (Jessie Buckley), and the tragedy that would inspire his most famous work, “Hamlet.” Buckley delivers an Oscar-worthy performance that oscillates between raw emotion and quiet restraint, while Zhao’s naturalistic direction captures the fragility of human connection against lush, painterly backdrops.
Holiday Gift Guide
Limited theatrical release Nov. 27, 2025; wide release Dec. 12, 2025.
Is This Thing On?
Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial effort trades the grand scale of “Maestro” for a smaller, emotionally charged drama. “Is This Thing On?” examines a couple navigating middle age and the unraveling of their relationship. Will Arnett plays a man finding purpose in New York’s stand-up scene, while Laura Dern portrays his wife, a former volleyball pro rediscovering her passion through coaching. The film’s intimate perspective and authentic dialogue add emotional depth, capturing the evolution of love and identity over time.
In theaters Dec. 19, 2025.
The Testament of Ann Lee
From Mona Fastvold, co-writer of last year’s Oscar-winning “The Brutalist,” comes a hypnotic and haunting biographical drama about Ann Lee, the 18th-century founder of the Shaker movement. Amanda Seyfried delivers a transformative performance as Lee, portraying a woman shaped by trauma and divine conviction. The film’s ethereal choreography, flowing camera work and rich period detail make it feel like a living painting — one that questions faith, gender and the line between revelation and madness.
Limited theatrical release Dec. 25, 2025.
Dead Man’s Wire
The festival’s opening night film, “Dead Man’s Wire,” marks Gus Van Sant’s long-awaited return to the director’s chair after a decade. Based on the true story of Tony Kiritsis, a man who took his loan officer hostage in 1977 Indianapolis, the film reimagines the bizarre event with dark humor, stylized visuals and a groovy ‘70s soundtrack. Bill Skarsgård shines in one of his most layered performances yet — charismatic, unpredictable and oddly sympathetic.
Limited release Jan. 9, 2026; wide release Jan. 16, 2026.
Jay Kelly
Noah Baumbach reunites with an all-star cast — including George Clooney, Adam Sandler and Laura Dern — in this darkly comic character study about a fading movie star reckoning with his legacy. Clooney plays Jay Kelly, an actor forced to confront his failures and estranged relationships while on a whirlwind European trip. While the narrative occasionally circles familiar territory, Baumbach’s wit and existential undertones make it a moving reflection on the price of fame.
In select theaters Nov. 14, 2025; streaming on Netflix Dec. 5, 2025.
Bite to Bite
A standout among documentaries this year, “Bite to Bite” follows two Canadian fishermen as they trace their prized bluefin tuna from the icy Atlantic to Tokyo’s bustling fish markets. Directed by Austin-based filmmaker Kelly Lipscomb, the film captures the intimate bond between fishermen and sushi chefs and their shared reverence for the sea. With gorgeous cinematography and a poignant message about sustainability, it’s a soulful meditation on craftsmanship, connection and environmental responsibility.
Release date to be announced.
RELATED: The Best Theatre, Dance, Films and More to See in Austin This Fall