Cult of Terror Review: A documentary that explores the passion that fans feel for film in the horror genre.
Cult of Terror review by Andrew Gaudion.
Cult of Terror Review
As any horror fan can attest, and particularly those who attend FrightFest, horror festivals are particularly special. They have an atmosphere unlike any other, a fervour generated by the passion of the fans. Horror fans are a special breed. They adore the genre and exude that passion in an infectious fashion, making horror festivals thoroughly entertaining.
Horror festivals are the focus of this documentary. Cult of Terror traverses the globe, taking in a number of varied horror festivals that all go to demonstrate the passion that the horror community has. From digging in to favourite characters, sub-genres and icons, Mendoza seeks to unravel exactly what it is that makes horror festivals so damn popular.
Through a number of talking heads with people ranging from Bruce Campbell to Robert Englund, festival founders, collectors and fans alike. Mendoza cuts between his various interviews and anecdotes to reinforce his key interest; why do people love horror so much?
Unfortunately for the film, a lot of the answers end up covering the same sort of material. The universally accepted idea is that people really enjoy the catharsis of exploring the darker recesses of human nature in a manner which is ultimately harmless. This reading of horror is undoubtedly true, there’s just only so many times you can hear people articulate it before it ends up becoming quite monotonous and not all that enlightening.
The film never quite finds another gear in which to develop its interests in what makes fans tick. It very nearly finds it when it decides to explore more niche festivals, like the Argentinian Zombie Walk, a mass gathering of zombie fans in Buenos Aires. It is quite a sight to see and is an interesting avenue in which to unpack the horror community’s zeal.
Mendoza is clearly devoted to his aim of celebrating the horror fanbase, establishing a sense of connection that transcends borders and backgrounds. He’s done exceptionally well to have a wide range of individuals offering views and opinions from different aspects of the community. It is unfortunate that it never really articulates its findings in a manner which is all that engaging.
Cult of Terror is clearly made with a love for both horror and its community. The only issue it has is that the content that has been collected isn’t varied enough to remain captivating throughout. But, much like the festivals and fans at its focus, the passion can at times be infectious enough to maintain your interest.
Cult of Terror review by Andrew Gaudion, August 2018.
Cult of Terror screened as part of Arrow Video Frightfest 2018.
