Due to the pandemic and various other factors, I won’t be attending FrightFright in person this year. However, instead, I am reviewing a few things remotely for Hero Collector (which will be posted subsequently), and a couple of things here. I’ll also be posting a couple of reviews following FF’s Digital Strand in a couple of weeks time. In the meantime, here is a small snapshot of things to watch out for/coverage so far. Hopefully a few titles will pique your interest. I will try to add as I go along and reviews will be posted on a separate page. Have a great FrightFest!
Demonic
Director: Neill Blomkamp.
With: Carly Pope, Chris William Martin, Nathalie Boltt, Michael J. Rogers, Andrea Agur.
Canada 2021.117 mins
Writer and director Neill Blomkamp returns after six years with a work on possession, personal demons, and simulation. Review forthcoming.
MAIN SCREEN
THURSDAY 26TH AUGUST 2021- 6.00 & 6.25 PM
The Brilliant Terror
Directors: Paul Hunt and Julie Kauffman.
With: Mike Lombardo, Jeremiah Kipp, Ashley Thorpe, Heidi Honeycutt, Julie O’Connor Ufema.
USA 2021. 78 mins.
An interesting and warts-and-all documentary about grass roots horror filmmakers, their methods and their lives. Very human and without fanfare, it’s nice to have such an intimate, close up look at filmmakers and their craft, and what makes them tick. Interviewees include Heidi Honeycutt of Los Angeles’ Etheria Film Festival. An illuminating watch.
DISCOVERY SCREEN ONE
THURSDAY 26TH AUGUST 2021 – 8.50 PM
Red Snow
Director: Sean Nichols Lynch.
With: Dennice Cisneros, Nico Bellamy, Laura Kennon, Alan Silva, Vernon Wells.
USA 2021. 80 mins.
A Christmas vampire tale with its tongue firmly in cheek. Review forthcoming.
DISCOVERY SCREEN TWO
THURSDAY 26 AUGUST 2021 – 11.10 PM [international Premiere]
Bad Candy
Director: Scott B. Hansen, Desiree Connell.
With: Corey Taylor, Zach Galligan, Derek Russo, Ryan Kiser, Alexandra Lucchesi.
USA 2020. 100 mins.
I’m a sucker for a horror anthology, and this one really hits the mark. It’s gory, the music bangs, Zach Galligan from Gremlins and Corey Taylor from Slipknot are late night radio DJs Paul and Chilly Billy overseeing local tales where the line between local myth and reality becomes increasingly blurred and increasingly grim. It’s fun, it’s frightening, it looks great. Watch this one, because it rules!
DISCOVERY SCREEN TWO
FRIDAY 27TH AUGUST 2021 – 1.20 PM
Laguna Ave
Director: David Buchanan.
With: Dan Crane, Stephanie Brait, Jeff Hilliard, James Markham Hall Jr., Russell Steinberg, Sheridan Ward.
USA 2021. 80 mins.
Think of John Waters meets technology in this surreal tale of paranoia and Artificial Intelligence in Los Angeles. It’s strange, it’s funny, it’s filled with WTF moments. One for lovers of the bizarre who want their horror with a side of the darkest humour.
DISCOVERY SCREEN ONE
FRIDAY 27TH AUGUST 2021 – 11.10 PM
No Man of God
Director: Amber Sealey.
With: Elijah Wood, Robert Patrick, Luke Kirby, Aleksa Palladino, Christian Clemenson.
USA 2021. 100 mins.
Elijah Wood is the FBI analyst Ted Hagmaier who volunteers interview Ted Bundy (Luke Kirby) in the early days of FBI Profiling. My review of this one is forthcoming but if you like Mindhunter and True Crime, do not miss this one.
MAIN SCREEN
SUNDAY 29TH AUGUST 2021 – 8.50 & 9.10 PM [European Premiere]
Mystery Spot
Director: Mel House.
With: Graham Skipper, Lisa Wilcox, Debbie Rochon, Julie Osterman, Seán Patrick Judge.
USA 2020. 111 mins.
An interesting take on grief, isolation, and connection. Review forthcoming.
MONDAY 30TH AUGUST 2021 – 6.15 PM
The Retaliators
Directors: Samuel Gonzalez Jr.
Bridget Smith. With: Michael Lombardi, Marc Menchaca, Joseph Gatt, Katie Kelly, Abbey Hafer.
USA 2021. 97 mins.
A rock n’ roll horror with appearances and music by and from Tommy Lee from Mötley Crüe and the acting debut of Papa Roach singer Jacob Shaddix, The Retaliators is a revenge thriller that’s big on gore and heavy on music. The OTT gore will ensure this one secures crowd pleaser status, while the peppered humour and throwbacks to classic horror fare will make this fun to watch with a crowd.
MAIN SCREEN FILMS
MONDAY 30TH AUGUST 2021- 10.45 & 11.10 AM
Sabina Stent 