2023 Fantastic Film Festival Review
In all the excitement of transitioning to a new website last winter, I realized that I never posted my rankings from last year’s Fantastic Fest. To remedy this, I will be posting an abbreviated version recapping my general thoughts on each film.
I watched 31 films which averaged a 7.06/10 rating from me, which means I saw plenty of excellent films here.
Without further ado, here are the 31 films I watched at last year’s Fantastic Film Festival and my personal ranking of how much I enjoyed them.
31. The Jar (Director: Bruce Toscano; United States)
After rushing to the scene of a car accident, a man finds a peculiar jar in the wreckage. Taking it home, he discovers that a demon inhabits the container and will stop at nothing to take over his life. The Jar is an insufferably boring film that operates solely on nightmare logic. While the team over at Terror Vision did an excellent job of bringing the film back to life, allowing its signature hazy dream-like cinematography to shine, they could not do anything about the rest of the film. Terribly acted, written, and paced, The Jar is an endurance test for those who do not have a strong love for Z grade films.
Full Review: N/A
Where to Watch: See Here
30. The Strangler (Director: Paul Vacchiali; France)
Suicidal women find themselves the victim of a serial killer across the city. A detective traces the heinous acts back to a twisted man that believes he is doing the women a favor by ending their lives for them so they no longer have to suffer. The Strangler is a fine French horror crime film that suffers mostly from its generic story. Surely the blueprint for other films, The Strangler shines in its performances and cinematography despite its empty characters and plodding script. Fans of early proto slashers may enjoy this more than casual viewers of the genre.
Full Review: N/A
Where to Watch: See Here
29. Suburban Tale (Director: Stephen Alexander; India)
The weekend of her cousin’s wedding, a young woman is tasked with taking care of another family member possessed by a demon. Suburban Tale is such a tricky film. There is plenty to like in its strange approach to social commentary and surprisingly strong creature effects, but it never quite nails the tone of its story or the horror element well enough to stick the landing. It gets plenty of points for featuring a new take on werewolves using Indian folklore, so if that is a hook for you, definitely check it out once it gets released stateside.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
28. Where the Devil Roams (Director: John Adams, Zelda Adams, Toby Poser; United States)
A small family of carnival workers slash their way through upstate New York as they travel the circus circuit. Where the Devil Roams is signature Adams Family filmmaking. For those that jive with their unique storytelling capabilities, this indie film will brighten their day. Bold swings on storytelling, practical effects, and performances make Where the Devil Roams memorable, if anything. While it never decides on a tone and its story may meander a bit, this ‘Frankenstein’ inspired tale is certainly not one people an easily box up nicely.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
27. You’re Not Me (Director: Marisa Crespo, Moisés Romera; Spain)
Returning home after three years, a young woman is surprised to find her family’s overall chilly reception to her, her partner, and their child. Even more surprising is the stranger that is now sleeping in her room with all of her old belongings. A Christmas-time tale of terror with a few twists, You’re Not Me is a fairly standard psychological horror film that delves into several different fears about adulthood, belonging, and xenophobia. While not reinventing the wheel, it does good on the traditions of its subgenre.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
26. Property (Director: Daniel Bandeira; Brazil)
A rich couple decides to vacation at their remote estate in the country after a terrible trauma haunts them in the city. Once there, they find the farm workers are in open revolt over the decision to sell the farm and upend their livelihoods. After a brief moment of escape, one of them is trapped in their armored car as the workers attempt to negotiate, intimidate, and beg for their documents and fair pay. Property is a wicked thriller on the deep wounds of classism and racism within Brazil that can be translated easily to other cultures. Its matter-of-fact approach to its subject matter and brutal examination of its various characters, make Property a watch you will not be able to shake after viewing.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
25. We Are Zombies (Director: RKSS; Canada/France)
In a post zombie apocalypse world, zombies live among the living. Instead of mindless, hungry killing machines, they are mostly seen as burdens or objects for the use of the non-infected. That changes when three slackers accidentally uncover a huge conspiracy at the mega corporation that sells retirement packages for the living impaired. We Are Zombies is a cute horror comedy that hits enough of the right marks to warrant a watch. Its social commentary on today’s commodification culture and its breezy approach to storytelling makes it an entertaining watch at the very least.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
24. The Last Video Store (Director: Cody Kennedy, Tim Rutherford; Canada)
Tasked with returning her late father’s overdue video tapes, a young woman enters into an unassuming video store late one night. Amongst the tapes is a cursed tape that, when played, causes the VHS player to bring movie characters to life. Unfortunately, her father had a liking for genre films, so she and the lone video store clerk are besieged by a variety of B-movie staple antagonists. Full of heart and a few good laughs, The Last Video Store is a quirky, low budget horror movie that gets by on the wackiness of its premise. Intentionally hokey acting and Z grade special effects give the picture a more authentic feel, in what could have been a tough sell. It’s not for everyone, but for genre enthusiasts who have love for films that have few fans, it is a nice, gory love letter.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
23. In My Mother’s Skin (Director: Kenneth Dagatan; Philippines/Singapore)
During World War II, a young family is left alone in a sprawling mansion when the patriarch goes off to get help from American forces when Japanese soldiers intimidate him into revealing the location of hidden gold in the area. When her mother gets sick, the daughter seeks out the help of a fairy in the woods with sinister intentions. In My Mother’s Skin is a delightfully gory and imaginative folk horror film that blends plenty of interesting ideas together in its twisted take on the fairy tale. Beautiful cinematography, unexpected scares, and a powerful performance from Jasmine Curtis-Smith make this Filipino horror film a treasure for horror fans.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
22. Tiger Stripes (Director: Amanda Nell Eu; Malaysia/Taiwan/France/Germany/Netherlands)
Once a care-free little girl enjoying her days spending time with friends, Zaffan contends with the paranormal when she begins changing into a strange creature after getting her first period. Coming-of-age horror mixed with a dash of absurdity, Tiger Stripes is an odd yet enjoyable Malaysian offering that defies easy categorization. It’s hard being a girl when everything ties back to what you aren’t doing right, and Tiger Stripes allows its protagonist to be messy, make mistakes, and embrace her true self in a journey audiences won’t be able to shake.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
21. Project Silence (Director: Tae-gon Kim; South Korea)
A father taking his daughter to the airport finds himself trapped with hundreds of other motorists when a car accident blocks all lanes of traffic. Their irritation turns to fear when the bridge begins to collapse and a pack of genetically engineered killer dogs escape from a transport vehicle, ready to hunt down every last unlucky survivor. Project Silence is best enjoyed when not taken seriously. Sure, it touches on government corruption and stupidity, but at the end of the day it is a solid action horror that knows how to make its audience squirm and shake in fright.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
20. Sleep (Director: Jason Yu; South Korea)
While pregnant with their child, a woman works around her husband’s sudden bouts of violent sleepwalking. As the duo dive deeper into the mystery, the source of their misery comes from something they never could have expected. A twisted supernatural horror comedy featuring great performances from Jung Yu-mi and Lee Sun-kyun, Sleep is not exactly what you would expect from its premise. Three distinct acts come together to tell one of the more intriguing takes on sleep-based horror in years.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
19. There’s Something in the Barn (Director: Magnus Martens; Norway)
An American family relocates to Norway after inheriting a property from a relative in the mountains. Their excitement is met with apprehension as they struggle to integrate into the community and understand the customs. Among them, involve the care of their property’s barn elf, who they consistently anger by not adhering to the set of rules left for them. There’s Something in the Barn is a fun and cheeky horror comedy that plays on the fish-out-of-water trope to extract laughs at the sake of the clueless American transplants. A more violent version of Gremlins, this Norwegian fairy tale is certain to tick off any holiday horror cravings any genre cinephile may have.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
18. Totally Killer (Director: Nahnatchka Khan; United States)
When her mother is killed by the town’s infamous Sweet Sixteen Killer, Jamie Hughes accidentally stumbles upon a time machine that takes her back to when the murders began. Determined to catch the killer before he has the chance to take her mom’s life, Jamie must integrate into the 1980s without raising suspicion and keep her mother out of danger when she inadvertently change’s the killer’s timeline by interfering with the past. Totally Killer is a fun slasher that is propped up by its excellent cast, interesting set pieces, and wicked sense of humor. Lacking only in its kills, Totally Killer is a great Halloween thrill ride perfect for anyone looking for a gateway into slashers.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
17. Rage (Director: Jorge Michel Grau; Mexico)
Alan and his father return to their old neighborhood after the loss of his mother. Once there, tensions rise between the family and their neighbors, as Alan’s father must pay for the slights his brother left on the community before vanishing. Things are complicated when it is revealed that Alan’s father might be a werewolf. Rage is a haunting and tragic family horror drama that examines the relationship of a single father and his son. Growing up without direction, Alan yearns for direction and guidance as he navigates youth in a volatile social climate. More affecting than scary, Rage is a little indie film that will stick with you long after watching.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
16. Saw X (Director: Kevin Greutert; United States/Mexico/Canada)
Before John Kramer meets his demise, he set up other games that we did not know about before his undoing. Travelling to Mexico for a miracle cure for his cancer, John is horrified to learn that he has been tricked by a sophisticated group of hustlers. Not one to let anyone get the last word, John enlists the help of Amanda to teach them what a true miracle looks like. Saw X brings the series back to form with nerve shredding suspense and terrifying traps. Although the uneasy social politics of the film’s victims make it hard to get fully onboard, Saw X proves there is still juice in the series to explore the lore further.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
15. Crumb Catcher (Director: Chris Skotchdople; United States)
Already fighting just hours after getting married, a newlywed couple travel to a remote lake house for their honeymoon. Once there, they are harassed by a psychotic couple that are hellbent on them financing their crackpot invention. Crumb Catcher takes you by surprise. What starts as an irritating comedy of errors morphs into a tense battle of wills. Featuring one of the most interesting climaxes and chase sequences of the fest, Crumb Catcher is not for the weak, or those who find themselves averse to secondhand embarrassment in film.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
14. The Deep Dark (Director: Mathieur Turi; France)
A group of miners are tasked with guiding a professor around a section of tunnels for his research. Once down in the depths of the mining cavern, a cave in traps the team underground and opens up an undiscovered chamber. Armed only with their knowledge of caving, the group must find a way out while evading the creature that lurks within the tunnels. Claustrophobic and atmospheric, The Deep Dark is a solid French thrill ride that hits all the marks one expects out of a creature feature. A terrifying design and strong practical effects keep the tension wrought and capable performers keep the energy flowing. Horror fans clamoring for a capable underground horror film will be delighted with The Deep Dark after years of disappointments following The Descent.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
13. The Coffee Table (Director: Caye Casas; Spain)
Tasked with watching his newborn while his wife gets groceries, an incident with a new coffee table changes the family’s lives forever. Easily one of the most twisted films to come out of the fest, The Coffee Table is the darkest of dark comedies that stuns with its wicked sense of humor. Strong characterization and writing keep this simple film from losing any tension or suspense as the family comes to terms with their new reality. You aren’t ready for The Coffee Table, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch it anyway.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
12. The Sacrifice Game (Director: Jenn Wexler; United States)
Two young women are forced to stay at their boarding school through the holidays with two staff members. Resigned to their fate, the group try and maintain a sense of Christmas joy, even though a rash of satanic murders sweep the surrounding cities. One night at dinnertime, a fateful knock on their door changes the course of their evening of merriment. The Sacrifice Game is a gleefully fun slasher that doesn’t pan out like one would expect. The ensemble cast does a great job of bringing their characters to life while the story keeps viewers on their toes. Holiday horror is not hard to come by, but definitely make sure you add this one to your list for the Yuletide season.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
11. #Manhole (Director: Kazuyoshi Kumakiri; Japan)
A night of drinking leads to a young businessman falling into a manhole. Upon waking up, he realizes that he cannot escape from his imprisonment. Armed only with his cell phone and some personal effects from work, he must figure out how to get out and if there is a more sinister reason for his entrapment. #Manhole is a fun, twisty thriller that isn’t afraid to get ridiculous with its premise. Yûto Nakajma delivers an excellent nearly one-man performance bringing his enigmatic character of Shunsuke to life. #Manhole is a twisted little mystery worth searching for.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
10. V/H/S/85 (Director: David Bruckner, Scott Derrickson, Natasha Kermani, Mike P. Nelson, Gigi Saul Guerrero; United States)
Five tales of found footage horror are taken from 1985 made for television broadcast. Emergency workers discover something underground, a group of vacationers are attacked by an unknown force, a woman conjures something deadly in a live performance, a celebration turns into a deadly siege, and a teenage boy has visions of a murderer. Dark, sinister, and twisted, V/H/S/85 continues the tradition of the series by unleashing hell on unsuspecting viewers. Personal favorites include “No Wake”, “Ambrosia”, and “Dream Kill” but all of the shorts are exceptional in this entry thanks to the top notch directors attached.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
9. Blood Diner (Director: Jackie Kong; United States)
Working at a deceptively innocuous health diner, two brothers continue their late uncle’s work to bring an ancient goddess back to life. In doing so, they must kill virgins and set aside ingredients for a buffet. Blood Diner is a wacky slasher with plenty of humor, gore, and heart. Its playful tone and outlandish characters make it one of the most memorable theatrical experiences to date. Horror fans that cherish B movies will adore Jackie Kong’s love letter to the absurd.
Full Review: N/A
Where to Watch: See Here
8. Out of Darkness (Director: Andrew Cumming; United Kingdom)
Making landfall in a new world after leaving their old lives behind, a clan of Stone Age humans fight for survival against the inhospitable landscape of their new home. As if the elements weren’t complicating matters enough, the group is besieged by an unknown force that begins picking them off one-by-one. Out of Darkness is a beautifully filmed indie survival horror that asks the question: is survival worth the person you must become to achieve it. There is plenty to boast about this indie film but none as impressive as the extraordinary feat of creating an entire language that feels real enough to be confused for Stone Age linguistics.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
7. Your Lucky Day (Director: Dan Brown; United States)
The quiet New Year’s Eve night at a corner store is disrupted when a man discovers he won the lottery which entitled him to $156 million. His dreams are cut short, when someone murders him for the ticket. Faced with the moral quandary of going to the police or splitting the winnings amongst the group, the night spirals into chaos when more people get involved with the ticket. Tense, well-acted, and ethically ambiguous? Your Lucky Day is an excellent morality thriller that injects enough energy into the script and uses its small location to its greatest ability.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
6. Strange Darling (Director: JT Mollner; United States)
A one-night stand leads to a serial killer going on a killing spree in the Pacific Northwest. Strange Darling is best viewed with an open mind and no prior knowledge. Both Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald deliver electric performances that deliver the film’s unique story structure with ease. Lean, mean, and positively twisted, this is one serial killer horror film you do not want to miss.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
5. When Evil Lurks (Director: Demián Rugna; Argentina/United States)
The possession of a local boy puts a small community on red alert. Two brothers and a neighbor attempt to fix the problem before realizing they just made things worse. Now, the brothers race to gather their families and flee far away from the demonic entity’s force. It’s too late. When Evil Lurks radiates some of the most dark and sinister energy of a horror film this decade especially when it gets to the iconic scares and imagery it passes on to viewers. Fantastic world building and a unique take on possession make this Argentinian supernatural horror one to prioritize.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
4. You’ll Never Find Me (Director: Josiah Allen, Indianna Bell; Australia)
A loner is visited by a young woman seeking shelter from the violent thunderstorm outside. A tense understanding develops between the two, as they wait out the storm so she can leave to call for a ride. The night takes the duo to strange places, revealing there is more to their relationship than appears. You’ll Never Find Me isn’t an incredibly unique film, but it is incredibly effective. Immersive sound design, tight cinematography, and a slow-burn crescendo of unease makes this Australian indie exceptionally unnerving. You may guess exactly where You’ll Never Find Me leads to, but the journey is beyond worth it in the end.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
3. Wake Up (Director: RKSS; Canada)
Young activists sneak into an IKEA-like store after dark in an effort to vandalize it due to the store’s reputation on the environment and animal rights. Trapped inside with the nightwatchman who is having a terrible day, the group crosses the line and sets off a chain reaction where he begins hunting them down one-by-one. Wake Up is an action-packed slasher full of creative kills, great chase and fight sequences, and impressive cinematography. No one has too much sympathy here, making it an equal opportunity funhouse ride for anyone looking for good ole fashioned horror action.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
2. Suitable Flesh (Director: Joe Lynch; United States)
A psychiatrist is visited by a young man claiming his father is trying to take over his body. In trying to help him, she learns that he is linked to a horrific curse that has been passed down for centuries. Horny body possession horror with a Lovecraftian twist, Suitable Flesh is an incredible example of what can go right when you just have fun with a concept. Heather Graham, Judah Lewis, and Barbara Crampton make the silliness of Suitable Flesh real and exciting. It also cannot be forgotten that Suitable Flesh has one of the gnarliest kills of the fest that you have to see to believe.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
1. Infested (Director: Sébastian Vanicek; France)
The residents of a budget apartment building find themselves attacked by a swarm of rapidly reproducing, highly venomous, aggressive spiders. Easily the scariest film this reviewer has seen in years, Infested is a non-stop haunted house of arachnophobic terror. Never content to scaring audiences in just one way, director Sébastian Vanicek employs a variety of horror techniques to extract the maximum amount of tension, revulsion, and fear in his characters and audience. Impressive spider effects and great set design set this film apart from most creature features. Hopefully, it will continue to find its audience but Infested will likely cement its legacy status among horror fans for years to come.
Full Review: See Here
Where to Watch: See Here
Final Words on Festival:
I love Fantastic Fest and will continue coming back year after year as long as my bank account allows me. I can’t wait to share my thoughts on 2024 now that I have published this, even if it is super late!
