South by Southwest (SXSW) always delivers a packed slate of unforgettable
film screenings, and every year there are a few titles that immediately rise
to the top of the must-see list. One of those films this year is THE SNAKE,
director Jenna MacMillan’s razor-sharp dark comedy set to World Premiere
on March 13.
Starring beloved comedians Robin Duke (Saturday Night Live, Groundhog
Day), Susan Kent (Trailer Park Boys), Dan Petronevic (Letterkenny), and
Emma Hunter (The Beaverton), THE SNAKE leans hard into chaos, comedy,
and uncomfortable truths—exactly the kind of film that thrives in a festival
setting.
Written by Susan Kent, who also stars in the film, THE SNAKE centers on
an ungovernable forty-something wild child Jamie whose life implodes after
colliding head-on with her venomous mother, played by Robin Duke. The
mother-daughter dynamic is explosive from the start, setting a chain
reaction that leaves Jamie newly evicted, partially single, and making
impulsive decisions that only accelerate the mess she’s in. 
The film follows Jamie as she spirals through a chaotic quest in search of
something resembling “home.” Along the way, she finds herself in deeply uncomfortable, darkly funny situations—including waking up in bed with her best friend’s husband—that push the story into bold, unpredictable territory. It’s a comedy that doesn’t play it safe, balancing sharp humor with emotional volatility and moments that feel uncomfortably close to real life.
What makes THE SNAKE stand out is how confidently it embraces its
characters’ flaws. This isn’t a redemption story wrapped in a neat bow—it’s
messy, biting, and self-aware, anchored by performances from comedians
who know exactly how to weaponize timing, tension, and silence. Duke’s
portrayal of Jamie’s mother is particularly striking, bringing years of
comedic precision to a role that’s as cruel as it is funny.
Overall, THE SNAKE feels tailor-made for SXSW: provocative,
laugh-out-loud uncomfortable, and best experienced with a crowd.
