The Fantasia International Film Festival has slowly released information on its lineup of titles premiering between July 20th and August 9th. Summer in Montreal, Quebec will be full of creative people showcasing their work for the press and fellow filmmakers. The festival will take place at the Concordia Hall Cinema, with additional screens at the Cinémathèque québécoise and Cinéma du Musée. The lifespan and growth of indie (and even blockbuster) horror depends upon the outlets and festivals offering support and uplifting new creators. The growing list of horror films included in this year’s festival lineup is incredible!
Lovely, Dark, and Deep (World Premiere)
Georgina Campbell plays a park ranger in an isolated forest outpost, the site of multiple mysterious disappearances, and she is plagued by visions blending the past and present with something even more sinister. The film is directed by Teresa Sutherland who previously wrote for Midnight Mass and was a screenwriter for The Wind. Sutherland’s directorial debut, also starring Nick Blood, Wai Ching Ho and Edgar Morais, will have its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival.
Where The Devil Roams (World Premiere)
Where The Devil Roams is a new feature from cult favorites The Adams Family (Toby Poser, John Adams, Zelda Adams), follows a family of traveling sideshow performers as they traverse Depression-era America on a bloody search for eternal life. This title continues the exploration of horror and family dynamics again in this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival.
Sympathy For The Devil (International Premiere)
After being forced to drive a mysterious passenger at gunpoint, a man finds himself in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse where nothing is as it seems. Yuval Adler directs this wild ride featuring Joel Kinnaman and Nicolas Cage.
Talk To Me (Canadian Premiere)
Danny and Michael Philippou direct this Australian title which stars Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, and Miranda Otto. When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.
Romi (World Premiere)
AI takes control when a young woman hides out in a state-of-the-art smart home while evading the law. As her reality unravels, she discovers she’s not the only one with secrets. Starring Alexa Barajas, Juan Riedinger, Pavel Kríz, and Jocelyn Chugg as the omniscient ROMI. This title will be having its world premiere at Fantasia.
Vincent Must Die (North American Premiere)
Random strangers have suddenly started attacking the otherwise unremarkable Vincent (Karim Leklou) with murderous intent. As things spiral violently out of control, he is forced to flee and change his life completely. After debuting at Cannes Critics Week, Vincent Must Die (directed by Stéphan Castang) will have its North American premiere at Fantasia.
Suitable Flesh (Canadian Premiere)
A psychiatrist falls into a downward spiral of sex, possession, and death when a young patient shows up at her door with symptoms that are of another world. Adapted from H.P. Lovecraft’s The Thing on The Doorstep, this film stars Heather Graham and Judah Lewis and is directed by Joe Lynch. The film also reunites actress Barbara Crampton, Screenwriter Denis Paoli, and Executive Producer Brian Yuzna.
Late Night With The Devil (Canadian Premiere)
Credit: Fantasia International Film Festival
After being an official selection for SXSW 2023, the plot of Late Night With The Devil revolves around a live television broadcast in 1977 that goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms. The film stars David Dastmalchian and is directed by Colin and Cameron Cairnes. Late Night With The Devil will have its Canadian premiere at Fantasia.
Perpetrator (Canadian Premiere)
At its core, Perpetrator is a horror film inspired by the shared experience of generations of women. The film was an official selection at Berlinale 2023, and Tribeca Film Festival 2023. Directed by Jennifer Reeder, this film stars Kiah McKirnan, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Lowell, and Ireon Roach. Perpetrator will have its Canadian premiere at Fantasia.
