Montreal is about to transform into a cinematic wonderland as the 28th Edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival begins on July 18th and runs through August 4th. Known for its electric mix of genre films, Fantasia remains a beacon for horror, fantasy, science fiction, and cult cinema enthusiasts. This year’s lineup promises an exhilarating ride, brimming with innovative storytelling, groundbreaking debuts, and a celebration of visionary filmmakers from around the globe. Here are some of the films that I am most excited about.
Bookworm
The festival opens up with a rather unusual pick, Bookworm, a family film about Mildred (Nell Fisher, Evil Dead Rise), an avid bookworm whose world is turned upside down when her absent father, Strawn Wise (Elijah Wood, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), comes to take care of her after a family crisis. In an attempt to bond, the pair set out into the New Zealand wilderness to look for the elusive, Canterbury Panther.
If you want to know the quickest way to my wallet, cast Lord of the Rings alumni and my butt will be in a theater ASAP. Bookworm is the sophomore directorial outing for Ant Timpson, who previously directed the cult horror comedy, Come to Daddy, also starring Elijah Wood. However, instead of diving back into the horror genre, Timpson decided to make a family film that echoes films such as Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Bookworm looks adorable and heartwarming, and I can’t wait to see it. But I will say that I am not mentally prepared to see Elijah Wood play a failed middle-aged father because I swear he was a teenager just last year.
The Beast Within
Another film that is making its world premiere is The Beast Within. Starring Kit Harrington (Game of Thrones), we follow a father who desperately tries to control a secret as his family begins to suspect something may be wrong with him as a monstrous figure appears at night.
I have been a fan of Kit Harrington since Game of Thrones, and I am glad that he is starting to pursue other projects to break his Jon Snow type casting, I believe horror is a great place for him to start. Furthermore, I am always down for some classic werewolf horror, as it is a tale that is as old as time. The Beast Within appears to have a beautiful gothic atmosphere, which perfectly pairs with some werewolves.
Azrael
In the post-apocalyptic future, Azrael (Samara Weaving, Ready or Not), and Kenan (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Femme) make a daring escape to evade their capture. However, after falling back into the clutches of evil, Azrael learns that she will be sacrificed to appease an ancient evil that lurks in the shadows of the trees. Not willing to become demon food, Azrael fights tooth and nail to secure her and Kenan’s freedom in E.L. Katz’s (Cheap Thrills), Azrael.
When I was first introduced to Samara Weaving in the 2019 horror comedy, Ready or Not, Weaving immediately became one of my favorite scream queens and has continued her reign with Azrael. With the film being a strange mashup between Mad Max: Fury Road and Evil Dead, Weaving appears to be ready for the challenge as she continues her reign as one of the most underrated scream queens in Hollywood.
Shelby Oaks
When the popular YouTube series Paranormal Paranoids ceased production when Riley Brennan and her three co-hosts disappeared near the deserted town of Shelby Oaks, Ohio in 2008, conspiracy theories ran rampant over the years. However, no one is more determined to get to the truth than Riley’s sister, Mia (Cammilla Sullivan), who finally agrees to tell Riley’s story to a documentary film crew (Emily Bennett and Rob Grant) in the hopes of finding closure. However, this closure leads to shocking events that lead Mia back to where it all began, Shelby Oaks.
If you are unaware, Shelby Oaks is the directorial and writing debut of YouTube creator and film critic, Chris Stuckmann. I have been following Stuckmann for well over a decade and I am finally glad that he is finally making his first movie after a successful Kickstarter campaign. I can’t wait to see what he brings to the table and to see if his years as a film critic will prove useful as he makes his directorial and writing debut.
Cuckoo
Gretchen (Hunter Schafer, Euphoria) is taken from her divorced mother’s home in the States and is dragged halfway around the world by her father and his new wife. While in the Bavarian Alps, she works for Herr Konig (Dan Stevens, Abigail), an odd bird who initially comes across as friendly, and gives Gretchen a desk job at his hotel. On her first night on the job, unsettling things begin to happen to and around her, particularly random attacks by a freakish, screaming woman – yet Gretchen has no idea just how bizarre and dangerous things are going to get.
Hunter Schafer is an actress that I have been following ever since I was first introduced to her in HBO’s Euphoria. I greatly enjoyed her character and I’m glad she is starting to break out of her Euphoria mold and take on bigger and more unique projects. Scream Queen is a perfect place to start in Tilman Singer’s Cuckoo. With an ensemble cast that includes Dan Stevens and Jessica Henwick, Cuckoo has the makes of a future horror cult classic.
These five films are just a handful of the 200 feature length and short films that are expected to show over two weeks.
What Else to Expect from the Festival.
Beyond screenings, the festival is set to include several feature guest including Mike Flannagan (The Haunting of Hill House) who will be awarded the 2024 Cheval Noir Career Award for his contribution to horror and genre filmmaking. As well as interactive workshops and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Harboring an interactive community of filmmakers who love genre filmmaking.
Fantasia is not just a film festival; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings together a passionate community of film lovers. The festival fosters a vibrant atmosphere where attendees can connect, share their love for cinema, and celebrate the art of filmmaking. From impromptu discussions in the festival lounge to meet-and-greets with directors, Fantasia creates a unique space for cultural exchange and cinematic exploration.
As the Fantasia International Film Festival 2024 approaches, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. With its compelling lineup of premieres, tributes to legendary filmmakers, and commitment to diversity and innovation, this year’s festival is set to be an unforgettable celebration of genre cinema. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-time attendee, Fantasia promises a captivating journey into the fantastical, the eerie, and the extraordinary.
Mark your calendars and prepare for a festival experience like no other. Fantasia 2024 is ready to dazzle, disturb, and delight audiences, reaffirming its status as one of the most exciting and influential film festivals in the world.
Leave a Reply