Choke, directed and written by Gregory Hatanaka, is a puzzling experiment in indie filmmaking that struggles to find its footing. The film attempts to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, following a nihilistic detective and a serial killer whose lives intersect through a mysterious young woman. At just 73 minutes, it’s brief, yet crams in an overwhelming number of montages, monologues, and seemingly symbolic scenes—many of which fail to resonate or clarify the story.
Read MoreWe Are Wolves (2024)
Cult cinema is alive and kicking, and We Are Wolves is proof that the weird, chaotic spirit of offbeat thrillers hasn’t gone anywhere. Directed and written by Rich Mallery, the film follows Fenix, a lost soul yearning for belonging, as she attempts to rejoin her chosen family—only to find that acceptance comes at the cost of playing some dangerously twisted games. On paper, the film is a mess of formulaic plotting and familiar tropes, and yes, the acting isn’t exactly Oscar-worthy.
Read MoreWeapons (2025)
There’s a moment early in Weapons, the kind that etches itself into your mind long after the credits roll, where seventeen children silently flee their homes at exactly 2:17 a.m., arms outstretched like birds in flight. Set to George Harrison’s haunting “Beware the Darkness,” this chilling image encapsulates everything writer-director Zach Cregger brings to the table: dread, elegance, mystery, and an unshakable grip on the surreal. Welcome back to the twisted fairy tale logic of one of horror’s freshest voices.
Read MoreBorderline (2025)
Jimmy Warden’s Borderline kicks off with an electrifying introduction that sets the stage for the chaotic and often surreal thriller to follow. Much like Warden’s previous work, Borderline thrives on blending horror, comedy, and an almost dreamlike absurdity, creating an experience that feels as unpredictable as it is entertaining. From the outset, the film exudes a strong early Coen Brothers vibe—simple yet effective, weird yet compelling.
Read MoreApartment 7A (2024) #FantasticFest
Apartment 7A, directed by Natalie Erika James, offers a fresh yet familiar dive into the eerie world of Rosemary’s Baby. Marketed as a prequel to the iconic 1968 horror classic, the film stands tall on its own with a mesmerizing performance by Julia Garner and hauntingly beautiful visuals that keep viewers on edge. Garner plays Terry Gionoffrio, an ambitious young dancer whose dreams of fame in New York are dashed after a devastating injury.
Read More