The Overlook Film Festival remains that girl. This year, they brought out the buzzy titles, like Faces of Death, and the more indie films, like Grind. They gifted cinephiles the chance to watch Larry Fessenden’s monster quadrilogy with the beloved filmmaker in attendance. They even had immersive horror experiences that were too cool for most of us to dabble with between parties, panels, and even a parade. While Overlook always delivers, they went above and beyond for the horror fiends this year. Don’t even get me started on the stellar shorts programming, some of which has been reviewed by Brian Fanelli. Which is why trying to pick a top 10 anything from this year is nearly impossible. However, I am a girl who loves a good list, and I am here with 10 movies we’re glad we caught at Overlook.
10. Normal
Many cinephiles hold filmmaker Ben Wheatley in the highest regard. So, his reentering the arena with an action-thriller made a lot of genre fans happy. To sweeten the pot, the cast includes Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, and Lena Headey. We all expected chaos, and that’s exactly what we got! In his review, Brian Fanelli wrote, “His latest work struggles with its pacing and tone, but it’s sure as hell an entertaining mishmash of genres that will make for a fun time at the movies.”
9. Leviticus
Our HorrorBuzz staff have probably talked about Leviticus more than any other film at Overlook Film Fest this year. No matter where it lands with each of us, it gave us a lot to digest and made us feel our feelings. Our EIC, Norman Gidney, caught it earlier this year at a different festival, which is why we all wanted to lay our eyes on it. In his review, he raved, “Leviticus is easily one of the most satisfying horror movies that I have seen in years. A banger of a horror movie that will change the way you see things.”
8. Exit 8
As someone who loved the Exit 8 game and loves Japanese horror films, I was excited that this adaptation understood the assignment. It was my first film at this year’s Overlook Film Fest and set a high bar for what was to come. However, like Xero Gravity, I also couldn’t ignore the pro-life messaging of the film even for the sake of having a good time. In her review, she wrote, “Exit 8 does a fantastic job at using liminal, video game dread to describe and expose the magnetic pull of hollow, unchanging routines.” If you want unnerving cinema, then this is the title for you. Just don’t forget we all warned you about the odd theme shoehorned in.
7. Marama
Taratoa Stappard’s first feature blew many of us away. This film feels personal, even if you do not have access to the press packet. Aside from being visually stunning, it explores the evils of colonization, becoming generational trauma. This gothic horror centered on a Maori woman’s search for answers seeps into your bones. It’s as chilling as it is gorgeous, but not in the ways you’d expect from a genre film that at first blush seems like a retread. Also, wouldn’t be me if I didn’t point out this is the first time in years I did not hate something set in Victorian England.
6. Hokum
Damian McCarthy is known for the creepy, atmospheric films that keep people up at night. So, we love that he snatched Adam Scott, who is in his horror era, for his latest tale of dread. Whether or not you’re a diehard fan of McCarthy’s, you have to admit this is his best feature to date. Our EIC, Norman Gidney, wrote, “Lush with atmosphere and mystery, and Halloween goodness, Damian McCarthy has given us a frighteningly fun haunted house movie with Hokum. This will be a new Halloween tradition for me.” I’m willing to bet that’s going to be a popular sentiment when the film hits the streets in a few weeks.
5. New Group
Yûta Shimotsu won me over with last year’s Best Wishes to All. However, I did not expect the next feature film to be an even more wildly bizarre tale. This film tackles groupthink, conformity, and so much more in the most unique way possible. This might be the funniest and most terrifying film about assimilation we have had in years. I made a bunch of my friends catch it at Overlook, and each and every single one of them is welcome.
4. Boorman and the Devil
David Kittredge’s documentary made me reevaluate a movie I dislike. That is the power of cinema, and another reason I was happy to see it in Overlook’s programming this year. Kittredge’s film explores how Exorcist II: The Heretic got made and investigates why it flopped. The doc never feels as long as the runtime tells you it is because it’s fun, informative, and genuinely respects its subject. This is for the film kids and aspiring cinephiles. While this will not change the way you feel about this sequel in this storied franchise, it will paint you a vivid picture of the era it was made in and the people who worked on it. Boorman and the Devil is easily one of the best horror docs on the circuit at the moment.
3. Never After Dark
I cannot stop raving about Never After Dark. It’s fun, cool, and terrifying in the ways that make it feel bigger than it is. Writer-director Dave Boyle and Cinematographer Patrick Ouziel throw us at the intersection of art and J-horror as they craft a riveting mystery. Ouziel communicates a retro and soft vibe that sustains tension while keeping us uneasy. Meanwhile, Boyle has clearly done the homework and giddily toys with the audience. We love to see it! Never After Dark is a strong reminder that Overlook Film Fest’s international titles are each an event unto themselves every year.
2. Obsession
All of us who watched Milk & Serial knew Curry Barker was a filmmaker to watch. However, I doubt most of us thought his second feature would be one in contention for best movie of the year. Yet, here we are, and here this chaos stands. This movie is wicked, wonderful, and wildly entertaining. It also continues what feels like Barker asking what’s wrong with cis-straight dudes these days via art. A valid question and a stellar movie to investigate this global concern that has been plaguing the human race since the beginning. If you listen to nothing else I tell you, watch Obsession as soon as you can.
1. An American Werewolf in London
Overlook Film Festival knows that horror kids want to see Rick Baker pick up awards. We also want to watch the best werewolf transformation in cinema history with the man who did it in attendance. Which is why this is the number one movie we’re excited to see at the festival. Some of us were not born when the film came out and had never seen it in a theater. So, that was also very cool on top of knowing there would be a Q&A hosted by Sam Zimmerman (Senior Vice President of Blumhouse-Atomic Monster) that would let us hear Baker talk about his career and this film. This was inspiring and easily one of the highlights of a fantastic festival.
We are sorry you did not get to attend The Overlook Film Festival this year. We had a great time and hope you catch all of these new releases. You should also probably rewatch An American Werewolf in London when the FOMO wears off. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to finish uploading a million pictures and videos from this weekend.
