At SXSW 2026 in Austin, two standout films—Dreamquil by Alex Prager and Never After Dark by Dave Boyle—made their highly anticipated world premieres, capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike. Adding to the festival’s international momentum, Mile End Kicks, directed by Chandler Levack, celebrated its international premiere, further highlighting SXSW as a key global.
The Hollywood Reporter
‘DreamQuil’ Review: Elizabeth Banks and John C. Reilly in a Visually Adventurous Slice of Dystopia That Feels Like Yesterday’s News
First-time feature director Alex Prager conjures a nightmare future world where a cutting-edge wellness treatment promises women a new lease on life.
”the surrender of one’s own humanity to machinery is a theme more prevalent than ever. i loved the old hollywood techniques including miniatures and matte paintings juxtaposed with the futuristic themes of ai and automation. sooo good.
Letterboxd - Review by icryluck
#YASSSSALEXPRAGER
BUT WHY THO ?
“Never After Dark holds an incredibly smart story within, making the mystery well worth unraveling.”
a near-perfect haunting. While a couple of lingering questions remain unaddressed, the film’s ending is emotionally resonant. And as the realization dawns of what the film’s opening moments meant all along, it’s too late to turn back.
Bloody-Disgusting
‘Never After Dark’ SXSW Review – The Living Terrorize in Atmospheric Japanese Ghost Story
Boyle presents a fascinating character study at the heart of his midnight chiller, an intriguing antisocial protagonist far more comfortable with ghosts than people.
”There is no doubting the fact that what Boyle and his team have created here is easily one of the early frontrunners for the year’s most accomplished horror films. Stunningly realized, fastidiously scripted and executed on every level, and genuinely frightening, Never After Dark is a beautiful nightmare from which I never wanted to wake up.
Letterboxd - Review by Josh H
