10 Must-See Movies at FrightFest 2015 by Scott Weinberg{0}
It’s that time of year again! Yes, time to sit down and sift through 70+ FrightFest selections and decide, based solely on title, premise, cast, and key crew members, which films you want to see. It’s a pretty daunting task. But we’re here to help on a few of the films we’ve already seen. Beyond these recommendations, you’ll have to just roll the dice on some films – and that’s one of the coolest things about film festivals, so enjoy it.
Body
A trio of teenage girls break into a house, cause a tragic accident, and then scheme on how to avoid their (wildly deserved) punishment. The central plot covers a bit of familiar ground, but don’t be put off if the plot sounds like I Know What You Did Last Summer. Because this movie is a lot better than that.
Deathgasm
A celebration of friendship, loyalty, hard-rockin’ ass-kickin’ heavy metal, and evil demons who kill several Kiwis in amusingly gruesome fashion. (I reviewed the film for Nerdist, and you can read that review right here.)
Hangman
Fans of the found footage format should certainly appreciate this creepy switch in perspective. It’s about a family who returns home from vacation, and fail to realise that a lunatic has planted a bunch of cameras inside the house. Yep. (Full review here.)
Hellions
The director of Pontypool returns with a Halloween-themed nightmare that touches on “killer kids,” “home invasion,” and all sorts of creepy weirdness. It’s about a young lady who stays home during Halloween Night, only to discover that some of the local trick or treaters are demonic little creatures who have a rather unsavory agenda. And it’s not candy they’re after.
The Nightmare
The director of the fascinating Room 237 returns with another documentary, this one about the horrors of sleep paralysis and its related maladies. And yes, it’s very creepy. (Check out David Hughes’ full review right here.)
Nina Forever
A young man discovers that his recently deceased girlfriend refuses to stay dead. And let’s just say that poor Nina seems to show up at only the most intimate of moments. (Full review here.)
Stung
Probably the best comedy/horror/romance about giant killer wasps you’ll see all year.
Sun Choke
A disturbed young woman slowly comes to realise that her live-in therapist does not have her best interests at heart. And that’s a massive understatement.
Turbo Kid
This oddly lovable satire of the mid-’80s post-apocalypse B-movie boom has been kicking butt at film festivals across the globe, and there’s no reason to think it won’t make a huge splash at FrightFest. (You can read my Nerdist review here.)
We Are Still Here
A strong cast and an unpredictable demeanor are the highlights of this genre concoction that’s equal parts giallo throwback and 1970s made-for-TV horror film homage. (Full review here.)
Obviously you can expect a lot more FrightFest coverage from The Horror Show team as the event draws closer. There are still some tickets left. Go get some!
Scott Weinberg (@ScottEWeinberg)
Poster collage designed by Andrew Jones
