Fantastic Fest 2023 Overview
by Tori Potenza, Staff Writer
Fantastic Fest has made a name for itself as one of the go-to festivals for genre lovers. Horror, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Action, and any of the weird stuff in between has probably made its way to this festival. Each year the festival manages to show some of the most anticipated genre films of the year as well as curating a collection of repertory screenings, and lesser known indie and international titles to give attendees the chance to see something new and exciting they may not be able to see otherwise. While I could not make the trek down to Austin, Texas for this year’s festival I was able to cover the festival virtually and got a chance to see several great titles from the comfort of my own home.
This year Fantastic Fest debuted several highly anticipated titles including the new science fiction feature from Star Wars creative Gareth Edwards, The Creator. Mike Flanagan’s newest show The Fall of the House of Usher made a theatrical debut before it is available for Netflix viewers. They also showcased the highly anticipated remake of The Toxic Avenger, a time travel slasher called Totally Killer, and a brand new cut of the elusive and controversial classic Caligula: The Ultimate Cut. And some exciting upcoming features like a new Song Kang-ho film, Cobweb and Vera Drew’s The People’s Joker.
As always, there were plenty of filmmakers to and events to exciting audiences including live shows from popular horror podcasts like The Kingcast and Horror Queers. There were repertory screenings of horror flicks like Messiah of Evil, Blonde Death, Door, and Blood Diner. And as always some of the most exciting showings came from their secret screenings block where audiences got a chance to see new films not on the schedule like Saltburn, Saw X, and Nic Cage’s new film Dream Scenario.
Here are a few of my most anticipated films that I did not get to see after hearing the buzz from folks.
Suitable Flesh (dir. Joe Lynch, 2023)
This one has been on my list for awhile because it features beloved horror icon Barbara Crampton (Reanimator, From Beyond, You’re Next). Heather Graham stars alongside her and this thrills me. Horror has a knack for snatching up some talented actors and bringing them into the fold later in their career giving them the chase to tap into some darkness they may not have in the past (like Alicia Silverstone and Molly Ringwold). I know little about the film besides the fact that it focuses on a psychiatrist and a patient with multiple personalities and that it is a Lovecraft adaptation.
Strange Darling (dir. J.T. Mollner, 2023)
If Kyle Gallner is in a new project it is most likely already on my most anticipated list. He has to be one of the hardest working actors in horror because he has already appeared and given incredible performances in several indie horror films like Mother May I? and one of my favorites of the year, The Passenger. Strange Darling focuses on the love life of a serial killer and if Gallner's casting is any indication this should be a very fun ride.
Saltburn (dir. Emerald Fennell, 2023)
As a fan of Killing Eve and Promising Young Woman, I am always ready for a new Emerald Fennell project and while this one seems different from some of her other projects, I am very intrigued by the mystery of Saltburn. A college student is invited to spend the summer with his friend and his aristocratic family. While it is hard to gleam what is in store for us the trailer does offer some gorgeous cinematography and a stacked cast. The film stars Rosamund Pike, Carrie Mulligan, Richard E. Grant, and Barry Keoghan. It looks gorgeous and chaotic much like Fennell’s other work.
Dream Scenario (dir. Kristoffer Borgli, 2023)
Whenever there is a new Nic Cage project in the works, genre fans seem to flock. What is most interesting to me about Dream Scenario however, is the man behind the camera. Earlier this year I saw Kristoffer Borgli’s body horror comedy, Sick of Myself and it is one of my favorite watches of the year. This Norwegian director has a biting sense of humor and I look forward to seeing how that plays into this new film. Cage plays a man who suddenly finds out that millions of people are dreaming about him. Hard to say where this will go but it should be an interesting ride.
So those are some of my most anticipated Fantastic Fest films. Make sure to check back with some reviews on the films I got to see while covering the festival. Also make sure to visit Fantastic Fest to see their entire list of films that premiered. It is a huge list with incredible talent so make sure to add those titles to your watchlist!