The 2024 edition of Fantasia Fest is fast approaching. Also, with a huge amount of titles to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to pick. From Horror to Comedy to Drama, this year’s films seeks to deliver something different. So, here are five flicks you should keep a look out for.
Fantasia Fest Directorial Premiere Shelby Oaks (Horror, dir. Chris Stuckmann)
First, from executive producer and award recipient Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, The Fall of the House of Usher), Shelby Oaks marks the directorial debut of Chris Stuckmann. So, the story follows Mia (Camille Sullivan), who joins forces with a documentary film crew to search for her missing sister. At last, Stuckmann, a popular YouTube creator and film critic, makes the transition between mediums with Shelby Oaks. Together with Flanagan as EP, Shelby Oaks looks to be a promising debut from Stuckmann.
Cuckoo (Thriller/Horror, dir. Tilman Singer)
Next, from Writer/Director Tilman Singer, we have Cuckoo. Plus, this marks the first American film from the German-born Singer. The story follows teenager Gretchen (Hunter Schafer, Euphoria), who begins to notice some strange things after moving with her dad (Marton Csokas) and her step-mom (Jessica Henwick, Iron Fist). Additionally, Gretchen gets a new job at a resort. Which is ran by her dad’s employer (Dan Stevens, The Guest). Containing a nice blend of horror, suspense, and thriller and an all-star cast, Cuckoo looks to be a tense entry from Singer.
Bookworm (Comedy/Kids, dir. Ant Timpson)
Next, from director Ant Timpson, is the film Bookworm. Which will open up the 28th edition of Fantasia Fest. The story follows eleven year old Mildred (Nell Fisher, Evil Dead Rise). She is forced to reunite with her absentee father (Eljiah Wood, The Lord of the Rings). Moreover, the two begin a journey of re-discovery. Yet all the while, learning more about each other. Plus, there looks to be an amalgam of heartfelt moments and the visual style of Wes Anderson and Taika Waititi, Bookworm looks to be a delightful adventure from beginning to end.
Fantasia Fest Azrael (Horror/Thriller/Action, dir. E.L. Katz)
In addition, having its Canadian premiere at Fantasia Fest, Azrael comes to us from director E.L. Katz and screenwriter Simon Barrett (You’re Next, The Guest). So, the story follows Azrael (Samara Weaving, Ready or Not) and Kenan (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Candyman). After escaping a cult, the two must traverse a treacherous forest. Since it is a mixture of action and horror, this looks to be a fascinating collaboration between Barrett and Katz. Especially given Barrett’s previous films. Plus, you have Weaving leading the cast. Which makes Azrael overall, a must-see.
Fantasia Fest The A-Frame (Horror/Sci-Fi, dir. Calvin Reeder)
Finally, another having its international premiere at the festival, The A-Frame comes to us by writer and director Calvin Reeder. The story follows Donna (Dana Namerode), a talented pianist, who seeks find a way to play again. Donna meets a mysterious scientist named Sam, (Johnny Whitworth, Limitless), who seeks to help her. However, things come to a head. In particular, things coalesce when Sam’s true intentions are revealed. Thus, forcing Donna to make a decision. So, it looks to be a combination of horror and drama. As such, The A-Frame looks to be an interesting take of the wish fulfillment genre. Albeit with helpings of social commentary.
