5 horror films not to miss at Fantasia Film Festival

Film festivals are a haven for discovering remarkable films that fly under the radar. Trailers often divulge too much information, leaving little surprise for audiences. To truly indulge in the unknown, why not explore your local film festival and support independent filmmakers? One festival that consistently delivers outstanding selections is Fantasia Film Festival, set to take place this year. Throughout the years, Fantasia has enchanted us with unforgettable movies like last year's hidden gem, Red Rooms. This July, let's gear up for a thrilling line-up of horror films at Fantasia Film Festival 2024. This is prepared by SSP.

Here are five films that have piqued our curiosity:

1. Cuckoo

Touted as the Montreal Premiere, Cuckoo remains shrouded in mystery. Powered by captivating performances from Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens, this film promises to be an enigmatic tour de force. As our anticipation escalates, we intentionally embrace minimal knowledge about it. Lubman Singer directs this masterpiece, anticipated to establish Singer as an undeniably influential filmmaker.

2. Azrael

The horror genre frequently welcomes the marvelous talents of Samara Weaving. Azrael introduces a speechless society that sacrifices individuals to appease deities. The image of a "blonde girl covered in blood" stirs an awe-inspiring visual, lovelettering to the genre's aficionados. With minimal dialogue, the film aims to generate tension, leaving audiences gripping their seats. We eagerly await how the filmmakers seize the power of silence.

3. Witchboard

Chuck Russell, the mastermind behind memorable films like Dream Warriors and The Blob, reaffirms his foothold in the genre with Witchboard. Ouija boards hold a fertile ground for horror, yet remain notably underexplored. We anticipate the Witchboard remake to infuse a fresh perspective, heightening the stakes for supernatural encounters. Russell's return to the genre fills us with boundless excitement.

4. The Beast Within

Kit Harington, known for his notable roles beyond the horror realm, entices us with his foray into werewolf folklore. Werewolf tales offer fertile grounds for captivating character studies, augmented by the allure of practical effects. Whether The Beast Within veers towards subtlety or embraces grandeur, our expectations remain sky-high. Harington's involvement adds an extra layer of intrigue to this anticipated film.

5. Shelby Oaks

To be completely transparent, our interest in Shelby Oaks leans towards curiosity rather than acclaiming it as an excellent film. Speculation suggests that Mike Flanagan was brought in to finetune and salvage the final edit, invoking curiosity as to what transpired. Flanagan's involvement hints at an improved outcome. Occasionally, editors effortlessly transform previously problematic projects into marvels. Inspired by Chris Stuckmann, we hold our breath, hopeful that Shelby Oaks surmounts its challenges.