Austin, Texas, is once again the place to be as Fantastic Fest kicks off its 2024 edition, bringing together cinephiles from around the globe to celebrate the best in genre film, eat tacos, talk story, eat tacos, enjoy movies and… eat tacos. Okay, I’m hungry. It’s been a long day. But man, the movies at Fantastic Fest look amazing.
With an eclectic lineup that promises to delight and disturb and make you crunch your popcorn… this year’s fest is not to be missed. We can’t list them all, but here are a few of the films the Filmmaker Mixers are looking forward to.
Bone Lake
Bone Lake promises to deliver a chilling twist on the romantic getaway genre, directed by Fantastic Fest alum Mercedes Bryce Morgan. Diego and Sage, caught in a romantic rut, rent a scenic lakeside property to rekindle their relationship. However, their weekend plans unravel when another couple, Will and Cin, unexpectedly joins them due to a double booking. What starts as a potential friendship quickly devolves into a chaotic mix of sex, lies, and escalating violence. Blending early 2000s erotic thriller vibes with campy humor, Bone Lake explores the fragility of relationships and the darker sides of desire, promising a wild ride that challenges the limits of love and revenge.
Dead Talents Society
In Dead Talents Society, the afterlife isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ghosts face intense competition to earn their haunting licenses, risking disintegration if they fail to stand out. Our heroine, known only as the Rookie, is thrust into this spectral struggle and quickly learns she must create a captivating persona to avoid oblivion. After a disastrous audition, she finds camaraderie among a quirky group of misfit ghosts led by former pop idol Makoto and fading diva Catherine. Together, they strive to perfect her haunting skills before a looming deadline. Directed by John Hsu, this supernatural horror comedy from Taiwan promises to be a wildly imaginative tale about teamwork, friendship, and finding purpose—even in death!
Ghost Killer
We’re thrilled to see Ghost Killer, featuring Fumika (Akari Takaishi), a millennial facing a tough job market and high rents—along with the occasional possession by a ghostly assassin named Hideo (Masanori Mimoto). As she navigates her challenges, Fumika embarks on a quest for revenge against the gangsters who killed Hideo, seeking her own brand of justice.
Directed by the renowned Kensuke Sonomura, Ghost Killer is set to showcase his signature single-take action style, emphasizing dynamic choreography and character-driven fights. With Takaishi’s talents paired with veteran stuntman Mimoto, this world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2024 promises to deliver thrilling action and a fresh perspective on revenge narratives. We can’t wait to see it!
Never Let Go
We’re eagerly anticipating Never Let Go, directed by Alexandre Aja (known for The Hills Have Eyes and Crawl), in collaboration with the creative minds behind Stranger Things and Arrival. This psychological thriller/horror stars Academy Award winner Halle Berry as a mother fighting to protect her twin sons from an encroaching evil outside their home.
As they navigate this terrifying threat, the family’s only defense is their bond—literally tethering themselves together with ropes to stay connected. But when one of the boys begins to doubt the reality of the danger, their ties are tested, leading to a harrowing struggle for survival. We can’t wait to see how this gripping tale unfolds!
The Spirit of Halloweentown
We can’t wait to dive into The Spirit of Halloweentown, a documentary that promises to explore the enchanting town of St. Helens, Oregon—home to the beloved Disney Channel cult classic Halloweentown from the 1990s. Directed by acclaimed filmmakers Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, this film aims to showcase the vibrant community that celebrates Halloween year-round.
With its focus on the colorful residents and their passionate discussions about the film’s legacy, we’re eager to see how this charming character study captures the enthusiasm of Halloween fans and the unique dynamics of small-town life. It looks to be a delightful experience for both Halloweentown devotees and anyone fascinated by the quirks of human behavior!
See you all at Fantastic Fest!