The start of the Fantasia International Film Festival is just around the corner. Running from the 14th July until 3rd August the Canadian festival celebrates the best and brightest new genre offerings. As always, THN will, as always, be bringing you reviews of films screening. For those attending the festival it can be a nightmare trying to pick what to watch and with so many films on offer it’s often hard to know which to prioritise. With that in mind, here’s a selection of some of the titles that we are most excited for people to see.
Hypochondriac
We’ve been fans of Hypochondriac since its debut at SXSW. Written and directed by Addison Heimann, Hypochondriac is inspired by Heimann’s own battles with mental illness and charts the mental decline of one young man, Will (Zach Villa). Will’s life devolves into chaos as he loses function of his body while being haunted by the physical manifestation of his childhood trauma. For fans of both Daniel Isn’t Real and Donnie Darko, Hypochondriac presents an important tale of mental health, love, and the destructive need to embrace our demons. A stunningly honest and frightening journey through the darker aspects of the human psyche, Hypochondriac should be immediately added to the top of your watch-list.
Freaks Out
Having already screened in the UK at Arrow Video FrightFest Glasgow we can attest that Freaks Out is a very special little film. A beautifully peculiar concoction of World War II setting, gorgeous cinematography, X-Men type outcasts and Guns ‘n’ Roses, Freaks Out is entirely unique in its presentation. Freaks Out very much feels like a film that would be the result of a collaboration between Guillermo del Toro and Baz Luhrmann; if that doesn’t get you excited, I’m not sure what will. Well, how about it being directed by Gabriele Mainetti, whose 2016 film They Call Me Jeeg Robot won over the Fantasia audience in spades? The story sees a group of circus ‘freaks’, each with a special talent or ability do battle with swathes of Nazi’s as they attempt to rescue their captured leader. A swirling and sweeping epic tale that traverses time and genres, Freaks Out is a must for fans of complex period-set fantasy epics.
Deadstream
Following in the vein of Dashcam, Deadstream places an unlikeable influencer into the role of protagonist. Said protagonist, Shaun Ruddy, isn’t quite as controversial as Dashcam’s Annie, but has been cancelled prior to beginning his live-stream event. In a bid to win back his viewers and repair his reputation Shaun decides to lock himself in a haunted house for the night and stream the results…what could possibly go wrong? Written and directed by Vaness and Joseph Winter (the latter also starring as Shaun), Deadstream offers the perfect found-footage / live-stream variation on the iconic Evil Dead. Hold onto the contents of your stomach as like Raimi’s classic, Deadstream effortlessly transitions from scare moments to gross gags, ramping up the fun and fluids to create a modern spin on classic creepy chaos.
Speak No Evil
Director Christian Tafdrup and his brother Mads Tafdrup set out to write the nastiest horror they could imagine and the result of their hard work, Speak No Evil , certainly aligns with their goal. After having become fast friends whilst holidaying in Tuscany, a Danish family of three accept the invitation to stay with their new Dutch friends. However, despite getting along famously whilst in Italy, It quickly becomes apparent that this won’t be happening as the hosts they encounter here are vastly different to who they thought they met on holiday. As true colours are shown, the Danish trio find themselves in a very vulnerable position. The real-world and relatable scenarios posed within Speak No Evil make it agonisingly relatable watch and also an intensely uncomfortable movie. Channelling the best of Funny Games, Wolf Creek, and The Strangers, Speak No Evil is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat with your heart in your mouth.
Sissy
Created by Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes Sissy is an intoxicating tale of the toxicity of female friendships, the distracting power of social media, and the trauma that childhood leaves behind. Aisha Dee gives an exceptionally charismatic lead performance as Cecilia, a wellness influencer who finds herself trapped on a bachelorette party getaway with her childhood tormentor. As Cecilia’s mental health comes under pressure all Hell breaks loose. A wickedly dark heart is hidden beneath all the glitter stars and pink hues (that make up both the cinematography and mise-en-scene), ensuring Sissy a wildly entertaining journey through a damaged mind. Wonderfully whimsical and wickedly inventive with its story-telling structure Sissy is destined to become a firm favourite with the Fantasia crowd.
Fantasia International Film Festival runs from Thursday 14th July – Wednesday 3rd August 2022.
