Family Movie: Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick’s Meta Horror-Comedy Delivers a Bloody Good Time

SXSW audiences got a dose of self-aware horror-comedy with the premiere of Family Movie, directed by and starring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick alongside their children, Sosie Bacon and Travis Bacon. The film, which premiered on March 13, 2026, offers a playfully meta take on the challenges and chaos of a filmmaking family, with a darkly comedic twist.

A Family Affair Gone Wrong

Family Movie centers on Jack (Kevin Bacon), a director dedicated to low-budget horror films, and his wife Ellen (Kyra Sedgwick), who stars in his productions. Their children, Ulla (Sosie Bacon) and Trent (Travis Bacon), are too involved, though with varying degrees of enthusiasm. As the family prepares to shoot their latest project, “Blood Moon,” a dead body turns up, throwing their already precarious world into disarray. The situation quickly escalates as they attempt to cover up the crime, leading to a series of increasingly absurd and violent events.

Meta Commentary and Real-Life Chemistry

The film’s strength lies in its meta-commentary on the filmmaking process and the dynamics of a family working together. Critics have noted the genuine chemistry between Bacon and Sedgwick, mirroring their real-life relationship. The film draws from the family’s experiences, adding a layer of authenticity to the comedic chaos. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film benefits from “the audience’s preexisting goodwill toward this clan.”

Cast and Crew

In addition to the Bacon-Sedgwick family, Family Movie features a supporting cast including Liza Koshy, John Carroll Lynch, Jackie Earle Haley, Andrea Savage, Austin Amelio, and Scoot McNairy. The film was written by Dan Beers and produced by Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Sosie Bacon, Travis Bacon, Vince Jolivette, Casey Durant, Greg Lauritano, Russell Wayne Groves, Benjamin Fuqua, and John Lang. Mac Fisken served as cinematographer, and Bryan Gaynor as editor, with music composed by Travis Bacon.

Production and Release

The project was first announced in November 2024, with Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick set to direct and star alongside their children. IMDb lists the release date as March 13, 2026, coinciding with its premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. The film runs for 81 minutes and is a production of Mixed Breed Films and Dark Castle Entertainment.

Critical Reception

Reviews of Family Movie have been mixed, with critics acknowledging the film’s charm and the appeal of seeing the Bacon-Sedgwick family collaborate. Yet, some have noted that the film’s humor and plot are somewhat predictable. The Hollywood Reporter describes it as “good for them, just okay for us,” praising the family’s bond but finding the film itself only moderately engaging. Variety notes the film’s “loose and scrappy vibe” and its ability to turn potential weaknesses into strengths.

Key Takeaways

• Family Movie is a meta horror-comedy directed by and starring Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick with their children.
• The film explores the challenges and humor of a filmmaking family dealing with a murder on set.
• The production benefits from the real-life chemistry of the Bacon-Sedgwick family.
• Critical reception has been mixed, praising the family dynamic but finding the film somewhat predictable.