Disforia (Grimmfest 2026): The commodity of terror

Posted on October 11, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Disforia

Christopher Cartagena‘s Grimmfest 2026 feature DISFORIA dives headfirst into darkness with a global rash of suicides beginning two years prior. The system is near collapse. Aided by cult-like groups claiming to assist in suicides, when in reality, they are filled with murderous psychopaths.

Tomás, Esther, and their young daughter Say have a plan: drive over the Pyrenees to reach Esther’s sister in an isolated area untouched by the sadness. The audience quickly learns that secrets complicate everyone’s agenda. When Act Two begins, any inkling of intuition disappears. Enter Vera, a woman who claims to be a buyer for the house, but we suspect something more sinister. Cartagena keeps you teetering on the brink of hyperventilating.

Cartagena and co-writers Joan-Pol Argenter and Imanol Ortiz deliver a deeply twisted screenplay. Esther’s relationship with Say is entirely dysfunctional. When she decides not to listen to her mother, Say dons a chimpanzee mask. The choice is incredibly unsettling. But it is the trying dynamic that throws a wrench in future survival. The bond must hold, or it might spell certain doom. The script slowly reveals the trigger of unresolved trauma and detachment, making every beat between mother and daughter all the more explosive.

The set looks like an authentically abandoned home, from the draped furniture to the boarded-up entry points. Camerawork feels immersive, particularly in Say’s POV shot from behind the mask. Introducing an interactive audience ramps up the perverse nature. Internet commentators inspire increased mayhem and award points for violence.

Essentially, DISFORIA is commodifying terror. The film comes at a particularly auspicious time for American audiences with the government’s announcement of a livestreamed execution. Performances are spectacular across the board. Ranging from manic to unhinged, every cast member deserves a slow clap and a standing ovation. Each consecutive moment tops the last. As the credits roll, DISFORIA leaves nothing in its path but frayed nerves and your heart in your throat.

Year:2025
Runtime:82 minutes
Language:Spanish
Country:Spain
Premiere:UK
Rating:15

Director:Christopher Cartagena
Screenwriter:Christopher Cartagena, Joan-Pol Argenter, Imanol Ortiz López
Producer:Isabel G. Peralta
Executive Producer:Raúl Cerezo, Silvia Melero
Cast:Claudia Salas, Fariba Sheikhan, Eloy Azorín
Cinematographer:Jorge Roig
Production Design:Irene Cogolludo

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Motherwitch (Grimmfest 2026) Magic and mourning

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Motherwitch

Minos Papac‘s Grimmfest 2026 feature Motherwitch is an engaging folk horror and gothic fantasy. Set in 1882 during the British occupation of Cyprus, the story follows Eleni (Margarita Zachariou), a grieving painter isolated from her village after losing her three children in a tragic accident. Consumed by grief and anger, Eleni performs an ancient ritual—using the blood of a lonely, abused local boy named Michalakis (Sifis Katsoulakis) in a magic portrait—to resurrect her children.

Eleni’s ritual brings unintended consequences; instead of her children returning, the Kalikantzari (mischievous, goblin-like chthonic creatures from Cypriot folklore associated with the 12 days of Christmas) plunge her isolated village into supernatural terror. Eleni must confront her unresolved trauma and save Michalakis to lift the curse.

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Papac delivers a compelling duality in Eleni’s intentions. While using Michalakis for his blood, she simultaneously realizes the abuse he suffers at home and nurtures his gently inquisitive nature and artistic talent. As the chaos ensues, Eleni’s sorrow manifests into a female spirit that mirrors her grief. Only when she realizes that love, forgiveness, and acceptance conquer all does the curse break.

Young Sifis Katsoulakis is mesmerizing as Michalakis. He brings authentic moments of innocence and wonderment, easily stealing any scene he appears in. The loss of a child is an unimaginable premise for any parent. It is a depth of grief that haunts women daily as our instincts to protect remain on a constant high alert. Lead actress Margarita Zachariou explores sadness with visceral intensity. Her haunting turn will captivate you.

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Eleni’s charcoal drawings cleverly serve as foreshadowing. The landscape is straight out of a fairy tale. Cinematographer Jack McDonald captures the glorious natural beauty of Cyprus’ countryside. Filmed in an abandoned 15th-century village, McDonald utilized natural light and firelight to their fullest. The Kalikantzari initially appear in a series of shadows, sudden, strong wind gusts, momentary, emaciated touches in which we see only a small hand, and in Michalakis’s glowing red eyes. Once visible to Eleni’s, the SFX work from Goran Ignjatovski reminds me of throwback fantasy films like Ridley Scott’s 1985 LEGEND.

Motherwitch is an exquisite exploration of the stages of grief through folklore and horror. Visually breathtaking, it’s a dazzling addition to this year’s schedule

Premiere status: UK
Length: 104 mins
Year: 2026
Rating: 15
Language:Greek/Cyprus
Director: Minos Papas
Writer: Evripidis Dikaios, Nikolas Kouroumtzis, Minos Papas
Producers: Constantinos Nikiforou
Cast: Margarita Zachariou, Miltos Yerolemou, Jason Hughes

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Ithaqua (Grimmfest 2026) Gothic Western Folklore Horror

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Ithaqua

Filmmaker Casey Walker‘s Grimmfest 2026 film Ithaqua begins in 1821 in the barren lands surrounding a Canadian fur-trading post and fort. Hope dwindles as a small enclave of settlers and natives nears starvation. An American mercenary and scout is tasked with finding the larger native population to ensure the eclectic group of foreign colonizers survives the winter. But something ancient and evil looms over their journey, and it is closer than they can ever imagine. Inspired by Native American wendigo lore and H. P. Lovecraft Cthulhu Mythos, Ithaqua is here to terrorize and tantalize genre fans.

Halfway through, the film takes a sharp genre turn from frontier survival drama to, well, I won’t spoil it. But holy hell, it’s a bold choice. Based on Walker’s story, with co-writing by Peter Scott Vicaire and Pascal Trottier, Ithaqua suddenly- the audience is not simply on edge; we are completely shocked and twice as engaged. They still manage to inject much-needed levity into the dialogue to break the tension when called for. It is a skillfully woven story, to say the least.

Ithaqua’s cast is phenomenal. Performances from Pamela Matthews, Peter Millard, and Aaron Poole deliver unforgettable performances. Michael Pitt plays the town’s power-hungry Magistrate. His smarmy attitude transfixes as it twists and turns into cinematic chaos. Kevin Durand is brilliant as the proud Lieutenant working under Pitt. His arc is simply delicious. Not quite enemies-to-lovers, but we’ll take it. Leenah Robinson is truly spectacular as Cole’s native partner, Ahnung. Likely the most grounded character, she is compelling as hell. Luke Hemsworth delivers a perfectly flawed hero archetype as Cole Franklin. You are genuinely rooting for him from beginning to end.

As soon as I saw Blitz/Berlin did the music, I got excited. They never let me down. Bryn McCashin‘s sweeping cinematography sets the stage for vast, cold isolation. Practical FX and make-up teams deserve all the accolades. From native folklore to cannibalism to terrifyingly curated, strategically placed flashbacks, ITHAQUA hypnotizes the viewer with canon breadcrumbs, dread, and dazzling performances. With world-building akin to Sinners, the script dives headlong into darkness and never leaves. I respect the hell out of that.

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The Restoration of Grayson Manor (2026): Queer Camp Horror Delights

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

The Restoration of Grayson Manor

Glenn McQuaid brings us into the colorful (in every sense) world of legacy, sex, and monstrous overtone. Welcome to The Restoration of Grayson Manor, and all its double entendres for dysfunction, identity, and frivolity.

Matriarch Jacqueline’s obsession with son Boyd producing an heir comes with debasing strings attached, but disguised as a favor. Jacqueline poo-poos Boyd’s career as a pianist, which further strains their already thin bond with her disapproval of his sexuality. Following a one-night stand on the grounds, and an “oops, I forgot to change out of your nightie” to rub it in mummy’s face, a freak accident in which Boyd saves his mother from death ultimately severs Boyd’s hands at the wrists.

The Restoration at Grayson Manor_press 3 kit.docx - [www.dropbox.com]

To motivate Boyd to keep living, Jacqueline claims to bring in a world-renowned team of doctors and therapists, creating him a one-of-a-kind set of bionic hands. As Boyd slowly lets his guard down with nurse Lee, his connection with the bionic hands grows stronger. Boyd’s emotions begin to control the hands, but their actions play out his deepest, most vengeful desires.

The Restoration at Grayson Manor_press 2 kit.docx - [www.dropbox.com]

Gabriela Garcia Vargas plays Boyd’s therapist. Her unresolved trauma, triggered by drugs, creates another dramatic, over-the-top addition to this already wacky screenplay. Daniel Adegboyega is a treat, delivering a presence that wavers between Dr. Frankenstein and a sexy lap dog. Declan Reynolds is genuinely charming. I loved every single second of him. Reynolds is the only grounded character in the entire film. Alice Krige is a genre legend. If you haven’t seen her in She Will, how dare you. Chris Colfer is a snarky bitch, in the best way possible. Krige and Colfer have delicious chemistry. I could watch them ping-pong insults all day long.

The Restoration at Grayson Manor_press 1 kit.docx - [www.dropbox.com]

The film is the epitome of queer camp. The dialogue, by McQuaid and co-writer Clay McLeod Chapman, is searing vitriol. The costumes are vibrant; the production design mixes a crumbling mansion with light-saturated medical tech. The pace dips at points, but if you’re choosing a film like this, you’re not there for some profound life revelation. The script gets weirder and weirder, with all the kooky kills a genre fan could desire. The film has a perfect ending once you understand the bitchy mother-son dynamic. A touch of Misery, Edward Scissorhands, and every John Waters film ever made, The Restoration of Grayson Manor is ultimately a campy romp, and we, the audience, are just along for the ride. McQuaid never apologizes for style, nor should he have to. The queer camp horror catalogue has a new member. Act accordingly.

*What do you mean you’re dressing up as the bionic hands from The Restoration of Grayson Manor for gay Halloween?*

directed by: Glenn McQuaid
written by: Clay McLeod Chapman & Glenn McQuaid
starring: Chris Colfer, Alice Krige, Daniel Adegboyega, Declan Reynolds, Gabriela Garcia Vargas, Matthew McMahon, Issac Cairns, Dave Byrne
produced by: Brendan McCarthy, Deirdre Levins, Thomas Herberth, Florian Brüning, John McDonnell

runtime: 90 Minutes
language: English
country: Ireland

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LADY (2026) Outlandish and charming

Posted on October 6, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

LADY

Samuel Abraham‘s feature-length directorial debut LADY is an unhinged portrait of identity and connection. This magical realism mockumentary comedy follows isolated English aristocrat Isabella Ravenhyde as she invites an ambitious filmmaker and his small crew to film her and her vast estate for Netflix. Within minutes of their arrival, it is quickly revealed to be a ruse. Co-host of an annual talent show for underprivileged youth called Stately Stars, Isabella believes that if she can win her own competition, Netflix will surely take notice.

Very suddenly, Isabella’s hands disappear. Caught on camera, Sam believes this is his one shot to cash in on this strange occurrence and make a one-of-a-kind film. The translucency climbs, but Isabella refuses to see a doctor. She is hell-bent on finding her path to success through experimental performance art.

The more Sam examines Isabella’s footage and her odd behavior, the more enamored he becomes with her enigmatic existence, blurring the lines between subject and filmmaker.

Laurie Kynaston is charming and easy-going as Sam. He is a delightful foil for Isabella’s unwavering whimsy. Kynaston’s vulnerability is only matched by his co-star. Sian Clifford is diabolically delicious. A purely eccentric performance akin to Grey Gardens. Her nuanced idiocracies and unresolved trauma all play a role in Izzy. A freight train of narcissism and caricature behavior, Clifford delivers sheer comedic brilliance.

The handheld camerawork is equally dizzying and entrancing. Cinematographer Korsshan Schlauer and editor Josh Mallalieu keep your eyes darting from one corner of the screen to the other with beautiful imagery and gorgeous framing.

Filmed entirely on location at Somerleyton Hall in Suffolk, England, with production design straight out of Architectural Digest. Costumes are both remarkably wacky and incredibly elegant.

The film is a unique metaphor for feeling seen and a surprising meditation on grief; it is inarguably one of the year’s best films. LADY dazzles with its sumptuous setting, hilarious premise, and Sian Clifford’s tour de force turn. It is relentlessly quirky, ultimately overflowing with heart

Release: Theatrical in NY on 10/2 and LA on 10/9

Writer/Director: Samuel Abrahams
Writer: Miranda Campbell Bowling
Cast: Sian Clifford, Laurie Kynaston, Juliet Cowan, Olisa Odele, Jacob Masterson, Autumn Halse, Emma Buckworth, Olivia Norton
Producers: Anna Mohr-Pietsch, Stewart le Maréchal
Executive Producers: Jonny Persey, Maggie Glastonbury, Sean O’Shea, Tom Balkwill
Genre: Comedy, Mockumentary
Rating: Unrated
Run-time: 95 minutes

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Girl In The Night (Fantastic Fest 2026) He would do anything for love, but it will backfire

Posted on September 26, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Girl In The Night

Luka Marčetić‘s Slovenian dark crime comedy Girl in the Night won Fantastic Fest 2026’s Audience Award, and voters absolutely made the correct choice. Kleptomaniac Rok lives a pretty uneventful life, seeking small drips of adrenaline with petty thievery. When he encounters a mysterious girl with a head wound, Rok’s intrigue gets the better of him, and he makes excuses to be in her presence.

Nighttime shenanigans ensue. Activities include retrieving a lost ferret, moving apartments, and intense physical interrogations. Like Rok, the audience assumes Iza is a hooligan, but we soon discover her goal is merely to help people in her own curmudgeonly style. To keep her attention, Rok creates a villain character whom he claims stole her bike. Keeping up the lie without life-altering consequences proves challenging. The clock is ticking for this vigilante-sidekick duo.

Urban Kuntarič is superb as Rok. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and we are along for the rollercoaster of thrills and sadness. Lara Wolf somehow gives our leading lady equal parts spunk and moroseness. She has a living cartoon character quality somewhere between emo and tomboy. Their chemistry is cinematic magic. Witnessing Kuntarič pine for her good graces while Wolf appears to eschew his advances is dazzling.

Girl in the Night has found its audience at Fantastic Fest 2026. The cinematography, editing, and lighting are gorgeous. The deadpan delivery, the long takes- it’s all delicious weirdness. The film is undoubtedly one of the year’s best genre gems.

“Girl in the Night” can be seen next week on September 28^th at the Strasbourg Film Festival for its European premiere and then to the Sitges Film Festival in October in the Noves Visions section. Noves Visions continues to be the section reserved for the most unique, experimental, and ground-breaking productions, for filmmakers willing to challenge traditional genre conventions and explore new ways of depicting the fantastic.

For more Fantastic Fest coverage, click here!

The Incomer (2026) A winsome tale we all need right now.

Posted on September 25, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

THE INCOMER

Filmmaker Louis Paxton‘s laugh-out-loud film THE INCOMER has arrived to capture your heart. The story follows two siblings who have never left their isolated Scottish isle. When they discover a lowly land recovery coordinator, they take him for an invader. Sandy and Isla have been raised on fear-mongering folklore, making their reality incredibly fragile. Daniel immediately recognizes the danger (and potential madness) and attempts to distract them with his mainland knowledge and technology while waiting for rescue.

Relationships are tested, as Sandy instantly becomes enamored with Daniel, but Isla is suspicious of every word. Meanwhile, on the mainland, when Roz cannot reach Daniel, she sends in her most unhinged employee to finish the job.

The dialogue is like watching toddlers argue, and it is relentlessly hilarious. Daniel slowly realizes that his awkwardness is the key to connecting to this whimsical duo. Gleeson’s manipulation of The Lord of the Rings is chef’s kiss.

As the trio bond, Daniel comes out of his shell, Isla’s hardness softens, and Sandy feels left out. Things get increasingly complicated when Daniel’s hyper-aggressive coworker, Cal, becomes the latest Incomer, and the siblings each deal with their changing feelings in extreme ways.
Performances absolutely rule. Michelle Gomez, John Hannah, and Emun Elliott are delightfully funny additions to this quirky cast. Grant O’Rourke plays Sandy as a lovable, childish oaf. Every bit of newness lights up his eyes. O’Rourke steals every scene he appears in. Gayle Rankin is a comedic goddess. Her fearless career choices run the gamut of creativity. Rankin gives Isla an infectious feral energy. Domhnall Gleeson exudes unassailable charm as Daniel, and somehow remains a Timelord, with his boyish good looks. His effortless slapstick comedy is a director’s dream. Together, they are magic.
The animation during Isla’s stories is darling. The score is epic, swinging between jarring and jubilant. Costumes and production design are fantastic. The script is a joyous examination of human connection, patience, and open-mindedness. It wholeheartedly celebrates uniqueness, imagination, jumping into the unknown, and finding your people. The Incomer is undeniably one of the year’s best films.

THE INCOMER Trailer:

IN THEATERS: September 25, 2026

DIRECTOR: Louis Paxton

WRITER: Louis Paxton

CAST: Domhnall Gleeson, Gayle Rankin, Grant O’Rourke, Emun Elliott, Michelle Gomez, and John Hannah

SYNOPSIS: Sundance Award-winning comedy, The Incomer is a modern folk fairy tale set on a remote Scottish island, where two siblings survive by hunting seabirds, retelling the stories of their ancestors, and defending the isle from dreaded Incomers. Their world is upended with the arrival of an awkward council worker who has come to uproot them from their homeland on behalf of the government.

RUN TIME: 102 minutes

RATING: R

GENRE: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

DISTRIBUTOR: Sumerian Pictures

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Death Has No Master (2026): The haunting legacy of colonizer trauma.

Posted on September 19, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Death Has No Master

Jorge Thielen Armand‘s Fantastic Fest 2026 feature, Death Has No Master, stars Asia Argento as Caro, a woman who returns to Venezuela to sell her father’s cacao farm, only to discover former staff have moved in and refuse to leave. Caro carries obvious signs of unresolved trauma. You can see it in her physical presence and hear it in her voice. Being in the house is unbearable, but the town and societal rules have changed since she was a child, and her uphill battle to claim her inheritance and reclaim her sanity seems impossible.

Luis Armando Arteaga’s cinematography makes the film look timeless. The locations are stunning. The combination of Vittorio Giampietro’s music the entire sound editing burrows under your skin.

Dogreika Tovar gives Sonia a bitterness that feels earned, putting the audience squarely in a morally grey position. Arturo Rodriguez gives Yoni a dazzling, enigmatic energy. He is almost a gateway between past, present, and future. Asia Argento‘s Caro teems with fear and anger. A performance that must be witnessed. It is mesmerizing.

Jorge Thielen Armand utilizes quick flashes of memory to suggest despair, but it is not until the film’s final act that we fully understand the chokehold this house, this land, and this country have on Caro’s entire existence. Time and memory blur, and the madness is unrelenting. Death Has No Master is an examination of power, trauma, and class. It is dark and haunting in a way that feels physically heavy. It is a complex and unsettling film.

Showings :Fri, Sep 18th, 5:30 PM @ Theater 7Wed, Sep 23rd, 11:00 AM @ Theater 1Wed, Sep 23rd, 11:00 AM @ Theater 2Wed, Sep 23rd, 11:00 AM @ Theater 4

Year:2026

Runtime:106 minutes

Language:Spanish

Country:Venezuela, Canada, Italy, Luxembourg

Premiere:North American Premiere

Director:Jorge Thielen Armand

Theater 1September 23, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:51 PM CDT

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SICK (Fantastic Fest 2026) Gagworthy sibling summer

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

SICK

Agata Trzebuchowska’s Fantastic Fest 2026 film Sick is just that. The story follows sixteen-year-old Maks and his nineteen-year-old sister Emma as they spend an isolated summer with their ailing grandmother. Maks is stuck between a sexual awakening and childhood reminiscence. He grew up spending lazy days on the lake, exploring the forest trails, and playing with Emma alongside his doting grandmother.

Now, with Gran suffering from a mysterious illness and Emma creating an increasingly aggressive and inappropriate dynamic in the house, everyone’s behavior intensifies. Emma actively flirts with Maks, testing his self-control. Her power trip does not end with Maks. She treats Gran as a nonverbal prop to bait her brother into risky behavior.

Two bizarre plotlines play out simultaneously: a brother-sister scenario that creeps you out and a grandmother transforming into something completely unknown. Somehow Trzebuchowska weaves the two together seamlessly. Gran’s health improves. Maks and Emma go deeper down the rabbit hole. Their health begins to deteriorate. Gran is acting weird… and leaving strange goo in her wake.

Tomasz Kajetan Naruszewicz’s editing is spectacular. The lighting is stunning. Maciej Edelman’s music and camerawork are jarring. Performances are mind-blowing. Katarzyna Łubik is enthralling as Emma. She has the audience in a chokehold. Nonrad Kąkol gives Maks a beautiful balance between innocent puppy dog and weak-willed hormone monster. It’s a gorgeous turn.

SICK is unrelenting. Fantastic Fest audiences are done for. Sick tells viewers that when you break the laws of nature, all bets are off. It’s a jaw-dropping film. It obliterates rational boundaries. Akin to a car crash. You cannot look away.

SICK
Feature Film (Poland)
(World Premiere, 2026, 90 mins, In Polish with English subtitles)
(Drama/ Horror)

Directed and written by: Agata Trzebuchowska
Producers: Patryk Sielecki, Adrianna Rędzia
Starring: Konrad Kąkol, Katarzyna Łubik, Monika Niemczyk, Julian Świeżewski, And Eliza Rycembel.

FANTASTIC FEST 2026 OFFICIAL SCREENINGS
Location: Alamo Drafthouse Lamar
Address: 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Friday, Sept 18 at 5:30PM (Theater 6)

Thursday, Sept 24 at 5:45PM (Theater 6)

Thursday, Sept 24 at 5:45PM (Theater 7)

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GRIMMFEST 26- OPENING, CLOSING, + SHORTS. Oh, My!

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

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Portal To Hell (2026) No good deed goes unpunished in this devilish delight

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Portal To Hell

Woody Bess’ outstanding horror-comedy Portal to Hell is a Faustian deal wrapped in an emotional redemption arc I didn’t see coming. The film follows a lonely debt collector who discovers a portal to hell in this local laundromat. After following the tracks of a demon into the back alley, Dunn is presented with a deal: three souls for the life of his cancer-stricken neighbor. But as the saying goes, “No good deed goes unpunished.”

Roping in Weir, the laundromat’s manager, the two devise a plan to lure terrible people into the porta to fulfill the deal. But nothing is easy. Killing people, good or bad, is complicated.

The Sun Never Sets (2026): Authentically messy love

Posted on September 4, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

The Sun Never Sets

Joe Swanberg‘s ability to write real life shines once again in his latest film, The Sun Never Sets. Wendy, a woman in her early 30s, has been dating Jack, a father of two great kids, for two years now. Wendy is an outdoorsy, impulsive Anchorage native whose dreams of marriage and kids don’t fit into her current relationship.

Jack puts her in an impossible position, proposing that Wendy take a few months to explore other options to make sure she understands that Jack does not plan to remarry or have more kids. The consequence of this well-meaning deal? Wendy runs into her ex and sparks fly. Now she must wade through the complexity of age and stage, unresolved trauma, and all the what-ifs in life.

Watching each other date rewires Wendy and Jack. Chuck is trying his best to get his shit together; it just happens to be a slower process. Jack immediately regrets his proposition and goes all in, pushing Wendy to confront mixed messages. Can the two overcome passion, sadness, and regret to find one another again as reality crashes around them?

Anna Konkle plays Jack’s ex-wife. Their chemistry is lovely. Konkle gives Johnson a gentle sounding board for his headspace. They feel like a real-life co-parenting team with an amicable, we used to be married connection. Debby Ryan is the best friend every woman wishes she had. Authentic and level-headed, she is always a delightful addition.

Lamorne Morris plays Jack’s confidant. While we only see him in scenes with Johnson via Zoom, their years-long relationship in real life shines through with humor and heart. Morris, like Ryan, brings sincerity to the film. Corey Michael Smith gives Chuck the right amount of frustration with his current state, while also delivering a breezy connection with Fanning’s Wendy.

Jake Johnson plays Jack with a grounded sense of self. Jack is a grown-up in all the right ways. Anyone who’s been an avid reader of my work knows how much I adore Johnson. His effortless charm sneaks under your skin, and Jack is no exception.

Dakota Fanning gives Wendy the most earnest longing to figure life out in her 30s. Like every role she tackles, her tangible humanity is magnetic. Johnson and Fanning’s chemistry is off the charts. The arguments feel more like intimate peeks into the viewer’s life than acting.

The script forces Wendy to choose between a spontaneous and seemingly perpetual bachelor and an adult. While all three people are flawed, they are also incredibly human. Swanberg is a master at making the mundane the most important. This is why his films hit on a different level.

Unresolved feelings take years to manage, no matter how much you care for someone. There is no big secret to how we grow as couples or individuals as life rolls on. Swanberg taps into undeniable life truths. Love is unpredictable. Love is messy. Love is work.

While I was initially let down (maybe for 30 seconds) by the ending, Swanberg absolutely delivers perfection in those final moments. Wendy’s pursuit of closure with everyone is emotionally healthy, and who knows what the future brings for her. The Sun Never Sets is hopeful.

IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

Synopsis: Wendy (Dakota Fanning) believes she’s perfectly happy in her relationship, until her older boyfriend, Jack (Jake Johnson), who is divorced with children, insists they take a break to make sure she’s truly okay giving up on the idea of marriage and babies. During this time, Wendy unexpectedly runs into her ex, Chuck (Cory Michael Smith), who reignites her carefree and spontaneous side, and suddenly seems to want a family. The three of them navigate a chaotic, confusing, and often funny relationship triangle, reminding us that the pursuit of love is beautiful and messy all at once. The film was shot on 35mm on location in Alaska.

Writer, Director, & Editor: Joe Swanberg

Cast: Dakota Fanning, Jake Johnson, Cory Michael Smith, Debby Ryan, Anna Konkle, Lamorne Morris, Karley Sciortino

Producers: Jake Johnson, Ashleigh Snead, Joe Swanberg, Dakota Fanning, Cory Michael Smith

Executive Producers: Kathy Gitibin Parsa, Ariana Parsa, Dan Johnson

Director of Photography: Eon Mora

Genre: Romantic Drama

Language: English

Runtime: 102 min

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Oddities (Frightfest 2026): Chaos Unleashed

Posted on September 3, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Oddities

Filmmaker Tyler Savage‘s Frightfest 2026 film ODDITIES follows party-girl roommates as they spiral into chaos: an accidental murder, a pissed-off drug dealer, and then unexpected captivity by a would-be savior. After almost getting raped in search of a quick high, Mak and Rose go on the run, only to discover that there is an enormous bag of drugs in the trunk of their now-dead assailant. They know someone will come looking for them.

To evade a tailing cop, the two randomly drive toward a sign that reads Antiques. Once inside the roadside shop, Mak makes one more terrible life choice, putting the roommates in the hands of an unhinged woman. Now captives in a cell beneath the big red barn, they must contend with the owner’s unusual beliefs.

Xander Berkeley enters in Act 3. Berkley has a knack for elevating any project he appears in regardless of the genre. Gunner Willis delivers a mesmerizing, trauma-led turn as Francis. Savage gives legend Adrienne Barbeau an unreal complexity in Betty. Her outwardly calm demeanor hides a ferocity and quick-witted, razor-sharp instinct. It’s horrifying, and she is brilliant.

Lovie Simone and Lilimar are fantastic foils for one another. Mak is boisterous but ultimately submissive, while Rose is seemingly quiet, level-headed, and proactive. Their personality differences and ultimate teamwork drive their storyline forward as outside forces continue to pounce.

Simone gives Mak a striking physicality. Her distinct body language pulls you past the facade of a vapid young woman and leads you to root for her. Lilimar bears a striking resemblance to Angelina Jolie. Her whip-smart delivery is enthralling. She could effortlessly carry a film all her own. Their chemistry is undeniable. The banter feels both lived-in and fresh. It’s a beautiful pairing.

Stephen Boyer‘s editing is exhilarating. The fast pace and pulsing score, combined with neon-saturated lighting in the first 20 minutes, keep the adrenaline pumping. Amber Unkle‘s production design is spectacular. Savage leaves clues everywhere, some subtle, others blatant foreshadowing. Antonio Cisneros‘ camerawork is just super cool from beginning to end.

But don’t get distracted. There are multiple storylines. Each one adds fuel to the fire. Oddities is a freight train. Each beat gets stranger and more terrifying, with the film boasting one of the wildest final twists. I’m begging for more, as long as Lilimar is involved.

U.K. PREMIERE
AT FRIGHTFEST 2026
Monday, August 31st

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Our Hero, Balthazar (2026): I need you to pay attention to this film.

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Our Hero, Balthazar

Oscar Boyson‘s dark, complex, and grossly timely film, Our Hero, Balthazar, has arrived to jar you. Affluent Manhattan private school student Balthazar finds himself taking advantage of the cultural tragedy of mass shootings for validation and attention he’s missing from his absent mother. When his efforts to impress his activist crush fail, Balthazar concocts a demented plan.

Void of any real feelings, his apathetic worldview is fueled by pills, money, and online dopamine hits. When a scholarship classmate, Eleanor, rejects his creepy attempts to connect, Balthazar decides to make a move so dangerous that he couldn’t possibly understand the ramifications. Balthazar’s over-the-top TikTok videos pique the interest of a random commenter. To gain her affections, he sets out to “save a potential school shooter,” or so he claims. But really he’s playing God.

Enter Solomon, the face behind the computer screen. Solomon exists in the shadow of his pyramid-scheming, supplement-hawking father. Catfished by Balthazar, Solomon decides that having a friend is more important than harming a genuine connection. As the tension ramps up between bravado and action, the relationship proves deadly on every level.

Asa Butterfield is haunting as Solomon. At first glance, he seems to embody the red pill manosphere, toxic masculinity persona to the nth degree. But the lack of control and loneliness manifest in people-pleasing and big talk to hide feelings of failure and to please his scumbag father.

Jaeden Martell delivers a breathtaking performance in the titular role. His ability to move through the spectrum of emotions within the same beat is chilling. Balthazar is a manipulative asshole, often manic. His tunnel vision energy is very ADHD presenting, and yet to discern between diagnosis and entitlement is all shades of grey. Martell is a chameleon. It is an award-worthy turn, and I hope people are paying attention.

Butterfield and Martell are an exhilarating pair. Emotionally, they are the same person. Watching them bounce off one another is a masterclass. Both characters are part victim and part product of their environment. The give and take is dazzling.

The score is unforgettable, moving between upbeat after-school special (this is a compliment), death metal riffs, and quieter, deeply sinister pieces. The handheld camerawork is incredibly immersive. It makes you an unwitting accomplice to every moment.

OUR-HERO-BALTHAZAR-Official-Trailer-1-33-screenshot

Boyson and Ricky Camilleri‘s script is a freight train. Tackling AI, influencer and incel culture, political theatre, poverty, gun regulation, and media culpability, Our Hero, Balthazar, will permanently imprint on your brain. Between cinephiles, activists, and traumatized generations of kids and adukts, the film will undoubtedly trigger every feeling imaginable. It’s an impressive feat of storytelling and a candid look at our reality. Our Hero, Balthazar, is a prime example of how essential the art form of filmmaking is.

Our Hero, Balthazar Trailer:

Rotten Tomatoes Certified-Fresh Pitch-Black Comedy Available for Digital Rental and Purchase August 11, 2026 from WG Pictures and Radial Entertainment

The film stars Martell, Butterfield, Chris Bauer (“The Wire,” “True Blood”), Jennifer Ehle (“Pride and Prejudice,”
Saint Maud), Anna Baryshnikov (“Dickinson,” Love Lies Bleeding), Noah Centineo (To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, “The Recruit”), Becky Ann Baker (“Girls,” “Freaks and Geeks”), Avan Jogia (“Twisted,” “56 Days”) and Pippa Knowles.

Runtime: 96 Minutes | Rated R

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Grimmfest 2026 Passes Running Low! Grab yours today!

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

Grimmfest 2026 Passes on Sale now and selling fast!

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The Dollmaker (2026): Unhinged horror will scar you

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

The Dollmaker

José María Cicala‘s The Dollmaker has a lot going on: missing women, a disturbed protagonist, a woman who sees dead people, and that’s only the beginning.

Tomás is a video store clerk and amateur dollmaker who becomes the main suspect in a string of female kidnappings. But not before he tries his hand at the dating scene, all while keeping his doting mother apprised of his every move.

Haunted by severe unresolved trauma and heinous visions surrounding his mother, the audience understands that Tomás is not right in the head. When he meets Tina, a waitress whose past trauma and fragile daughter have triggered visions of the dead, a romantic spark takes a sinister turn as Tomás exists in a demented reality.

The film’s opening credits immediately draw you in. The characters are flamboyant and unforgettable, almost as if a graphic novel sprang to life. The colors are vivid through a crime noir lens. Cinematographer Martín Nico utilizes soft focus as a keen device, while Cecilia Calarota‘s chaotic editing keeps us off balance. Rodrigo Noya swings between sweet and sociopathic in the same beat. It’s a chilling turn.

The homages to classics like Texas Chainsaw, May, The Shining, and Psycho are clear. Practical FX are gruesome. The script spirals into total madness. The Dollmaker is one of the year’s most chaotic and unhinged films. It will make your nightmares seem tame.

THE DOLLMAKER from director José María Cicala arriving on VOD, digital on August 25?

Dripping with Lynchian style, The Dollmaker (Encantador; Argentina, 2025) is part charming, funny, decidedly weird and enjoyably bloody. Things are not all they seem to be in a cheerfully idyllic town that soon becomes a hotbed of female kidnappings. No one seems to care much about the missing women including nerdy video store clerk and amateur dollmaker Tomás (Rodrigo Noya.) But when a new inspector comes to town determined to find the solve the disappearance, Tomás soon becomes the unlikely prime suspect. A horror film which becomes increasingly dark, and gruesome, and unpredictable.

ICE CREAM MAN (2026) Eli Roth returns with a sick treat

Posted on August 3, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

ICE CREAM MAN

In Eli Roth‘s latest deranged installment, Ice Cream Man, a quaint seaside town gets rocked when an evil, dairy-centric pied piper turns the kids in town to murderous lemmings. An unlikely group of 12-year-olds who did not partake in the product band together. Can they survive middle school and make it to summer break alive?

Jared finds himself the target of every bully in town. His empathetic, quick-witted, lactose-intolerant nature proves resourceful when all the other kids transform into supernatural maniacs from the treats they’ve consumed the night before that last week of school. In true Roth fashion, what you see is never what you get, and no one is safe. Roth does not give a rat’s ass where your line in the sand exists.

The cast is phenomenal. Charlie Storey plays Piper, the featured deranged girl and pseudo-leader of the rabid pack of littles. She is terrifying. Eli Roth is Jared’s dad. Spectacularly snarky, Eli writes a slick character every time. Ari Millen gives the Ice Cream Man a happy-go-lucky vibe that immediately creeps viewers the fuck out. He never says a word, but is easily a fan-favorite baddie.

Shiloh O’Reilly gives Tommy an abundance of swagger. He is a solid addition to the cast. Sarah Abbott delivers a brilliant physical performance as Jared’s older sister, Lizzie. Kiori Mirza Waldman nails the socially aware preteen, offering an unexpected but welcomed complexity. Charlie Zelyzer gives Jared the most fun, charming, watchable star power. Cast him in everything immediately.

Practical FX and makeup effects are as gruesome and memorable as we’ve come to expect from Roth’s resume. Kills are diabolical, and the children’s subsequent actions are bonkers—a huge shout-out to Appled Arts FX Studio and Morot FX for their work. Brandon Roberts‘ music is appropriately unhinged. I hear you, Snoop Dogg.

Roth consistently pushes the envelope in horror, delivering unforgettable films that leave a mark on your psyche and make you laugh at their intrusiveness. The lore created by Roth combines a generational curse, the church’s abhorrent crimes, and an immigrant’s supernatural revenge plot. Yes, all the things wrapped in one absolutely bananas package.

Ice Cream Man arrives on the heels of Weapons, but here we have a more comedic angle, and the children target all adults. It plays more along the lines of Cooties (2014). Ice Cream Man is a sick treat, as satisfying going down as it is coming back up. Always stay through the credits.

ICE CREAM MAN will be In Theaters Nationwide on August 7, 2026.

DIRECTED BY: Eli Roth

WRITTEN BY: Eli Roth & Noah Belson

STORY BY: Eli Roth

PRODUCED BY: Eli Roth, Kate Harrison

CAST: Ari Millen, Benjamin Byron Davis, Eli Roth, Karen Cliche, Dylan Hawco, Sarah Abbott, Shiloh O’Reilly, Kiori Mirza Waldman, Charlie Zeltzer, Charlie Storey

SYNOPSIS: Ice Cream Man follows an idyllic summer town descending into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet delights with horrifying results.

RUN TIME: 86 minutes

RATING: Unrated

GENRE: Horror

DISTRIBUTOR: The Horror Section

OFFICIAL SITE: www.icecreammanmovie.com

SOCIAL HANDLES:

@horrorsectionstudios (IG, FB, YT, Threads) | @thsstudios (X) | @ths_studios (TikTok)

HASHTAG: #icecreammanmovie

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BIRDCALL (Fantasia 2026 short) Analog horror post-pandemic

Posted on July 30, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

BIRDCALL

Beginning with a family-friendly PSA video, Justin Calandriello‘s Fantasia 2026 short BIRDCALL immediately sets your brain on bothered mode. This analog survival horror is undeniably captivating.

Four minutes and thirty seconds into the fifteen-minute run, audiences will seethe with pure hatred at Birdcall’s male protagonist, John. The selfish misogyny of this hyper-toxic asshole playing God with an experimental viral antidote to what can only be described as a mutated bird flu virus is blood-boiling.

Vassiliki Gicopoulos delivers a perfectly vulnerable portrayal of a clearly abused woman, perhaps finally coming to terms with her life path. Sam Beaton is spectacular as John. Incredibly punchable in his narcissism, you will love to hate him. He gives off a real serial killer meets incel vibe, which is a total compliment.

A mix of personal videos and security cam footage, Birdcall’s progressively disgusting FX makeup by Catherine Hamel will make you gag. Calandriello’s editing is a wonder, with strategic cuts from awkward angles allowing the imagination to fill in the gaps from actions just beyond the frame.

Halle Kott‘s screenplay drops tidbits of a lush backstory that one could endlessly analyze on a rewatch. Don’t you dare disassociate during the credits.

Director

Justin Calandriello

Producer

Sam Beaton, Justin Calandriello, Halle Kott

Writer

Halle Kott

Cast

Sam Beaton, Vassiliki Gicopoulos

Cinematographer

Joshua Popovski

Sound Designer

Xavier Oshinowo

Editor

Justin Calandriello

Special Effects

Catherine Hamel

Production Designer

Dina El Sabbagh

For all things Fantasia, click here!

UNHOLY NIGHT (Fantasia 2026): The curse of Catholic guilt

Posted on July 30, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

UNHOLY NIGHT

Filmmaker Michael Gabriele‘s Fantasia 2026 film UNHOLY NIGHT follows a family curse steeped in Italian lore in which deceased elders reanimate and embark on murderous rampages on Christmas. But mostly those who disrespected them.

The comedy comes when family members discover ways to communicate and calm their deceased loved ones. Gabriele weaves a failed relationship into the plot. Gino and his ex-girlfriend are forced to team up, simultaneously resolving their issues and saving their family bond.

This truly ensemble cast will delight you as much as annoy you. Marc Bendavid gives Gino a kind heart and sweet determination. Shout out to the incomparable Jacqueline Robbins, who delivers a pitch-perfect performance as Nonna. Give her all the awards.

Genre tropes are perfectly utilized for laughs, scares, and gross-out factor. Ethan Lawrence Strokton delivers a beautifully memorable score. The FX are appropriately gagworthy. DP Ryan French‘s camerawork both floats through the room like a ghost and writhes like a maniac depending on the temperament of the dead.

The film will induce guffaws and pull at the heartstrings of anyone who grew up with very Italian relatives. Sunday dinners and over-indulgent holidays where aunts, uncles, and cousins shout phrases over one another. They are loud, boisterous occasions where there is always pinching of cheeks, favoritism, and mild racism. Gabriele absolutely nails what it means to be part of an Italian family.

The film delivers over-the-top splatterfest kills mixed with culturally specific humor, making Unholy Night feel like Christmas in July. The film’s finale is otherworldly and outright shocking, forcing audiences to examine love and loyalty. A story of redemption and unresolved trauma disguised as a holiday horror is a gift to Fantasia 2026 audiences.

Director

Michael Gabriele

Producer

Jason Levangie, Jenna MacMillan, Marc Tetreault

Writer

Michael Gabriele

Cast

Marc Bendavid, Toni Ellwand, Shailene Garnett, Ron Lea, Jacqueline Robbins

For all things Fantasia, click here!

THE FATED HOUR (Fantasia 2026) Haunting short

Posted on July 30, 2026 by Liz Whittemore — Leave a reply

THE FATED HOUR

Based on “The Relationship with the Spirit-World” by Friedrich Laun, filmmaker Peter Hengl‘s Fantasia 2026 atmospheric period short THE FATED HOUR begins in Austria, 1810. Florentine recounts her deceased sister’s supernatural predilections to her fiancé, ultimately warning him of her potential impending destiny.

Seraphine was gifted or afflicted with telepathy, astral projection, and an overwhelming melancholy air. Her inexplicable connection to the spirit world and her ability to receive messages from beyond create a rather chilling existence in 1810. But Florentine’s eternal love for her sister reigns supreme.

Costumes are beautiful. The camerawork, editing, and candlelit rooms lend to a haunting atmosphere. Every aspect of production is divine. Alina Schaller is incredibly compelling as Florentine. You truly hang on every word. Fanny Altenburger, who also provides stunning songwriting and vocals for the film, is mesmerizing as Seraphine, with an ethereal aura.

THE FATED HOUR delves into grief, the indescribable bond between sisters, and even believing women. It’s a genre delight, and extra delicious for us bookish, gothic-loving girlies to get lost in.

Director

Peter Hengl

Executive Producer

David Gregory

Producer

Lola Basara, Kier-La Janisse

Writer

Peter Hengl

Cast

Fanny Altenburger, Daniel Holzberg, Cornelius Obonya, Alina Schaller

Disforia

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The Restoration of Grayson Manor

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THE INCOMER

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SICK

SICKFeature Film (Poland)(World Premiere, 2026, 90 mins, In Polish with English subtitles)(Drama/ Horror)

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Portal To Hell

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The Sun Never Sets

IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

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Oddities

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Our Hero, Balthazar

Rotten Tomatoes Certified-Fresh Pitch-Black Comedy Available for Digital Rental and Purchase August 11, 2026 from WG Pictures and Radial Entertainment

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Grimmfest 2026 Passes on Sale now and selling fast!

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The Dollmaker

THE DOLLMAKER from director José María Cicala arriving on VOD, digital on August 25?

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ICE CREAM MAN

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BIRDCALL

Director

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Writer

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Cinematographer

Sound Designer

Editor

Special Effects

Production Designer

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SICK
Feature Film (Poland)
(World Premiere, 2026, 90 mins, In Polish with English subtitles)
(Drama/ Horror)