Genre films are coming, so hold on to your popcorn! Yes, people will meow and cheer for the Shin ramen ad. That’s half the fun. This year seems to have a large number of films about cats and plenty from Quebec and Canada. Also, there are special showings of films of this year’s Cheval Noir Career Award winners, composer Danny Elfman and animation giant Genndy Tartakovsy (Powerpuff girls!). As always it’s a good idea to have a few films in the pocket to make lining up outside the Hall building worthwhile. Here’s some we have our eye on.
July 17
The Wailing
When Andrea begins to hear a ghostly wailing that overwhelms her senses, she thinks she is alone. Little does she know that two other women have shared in this experience across time and space. Although the story has some plot problems, this suspenseful, psychological horror film is full of atmospheric scenes and a strong feminist angle. Director Pedro Martin-Calero (co-written with Isabela Pena) is known for his work making music videos with The Weeknd and Hinds. (7 p.m.)
July 18
Find Your Friends
For the film that has the most cast cachet, Find Your Friends features actors who are familiar from Divinity (Belal Thorne), Euphoria (Chloe Cherry, Gossip Girl (Zion Moreno), and Grey’s Anatomy (Sophia Ali). This psychological film follows four young women on an all-girls road/party trip to Joshua Tree where a non-consensual hook up is just the beginning of the trauma that leads to brutal consequences. This is a world premiere film so see if for yourself to see if it’s got legendary status. (9:30 p.m.)
July 19
Blazing Fists
This is the film that Fantasia is made for. Takashi Miike is back with two films this year and an anime series. Blazing Fists is based on “Street Legend”, a biography of fighter Mikuru Asakura (he has a cameo). What have we got for this one: two boys meet in a juvenile detention centre and are inspired to turn their lives around and become the winner of the Breaking Down tournament in Akasura. There will be blood… and fists… and more blood… and more fists. (7:05 p.m.)
July 27 and July 29
The Undertone
Evy’s mother is dying at home, but she continues to host her podcast that explores “all things creepy” with her friend Justin. Ten audio files about a couple experiencing paranormal noises turn up in Justin’s inbox and so begins Evy’s look at how these files match her own life. This is Montreal sci-fi writer Ian Tuason’s directorial debut and a World Premiere at Fantasia. The film promises to blends religion, superstition, life, and death. (7:15 p.m. and 1:55 p.m.)
July 29
Messy Legends
When in Montreal, do as Montrealers do. Messy Legends, by Kelly Kay Hurcomb and James Watts is a micro-budget film about misguided Montreal millennials who have a disastrous night in the city. Sounds like St. Laurent just north of Sherbrooke Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 3 a.m. This will probably be a helluva lot more fun than any little blurb can be. (9:30 p.m.)
July 31 and Aug 2
Foreigner
Iranian teenager Yasamin (Rose Deghan) desperately wants to fit in at her Canadian high school. Her dark hair and imperfect English set her apart. Following a lead from the school’s queen bee, Rachen Stanford, Yasamin transforms, but at what cost. This is director Ava Maria Safai’s first full feature. (9:30 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.)
Aug 1
Lurker
Matthew (Theodore Pellerin) becomes obsessed with a rising pop star, Oliver (Archie Maedekwe from Midsommar), who visits his clothing shop. As Matthew ingratiates himself into Oliver’s circle, his narcissism grows and he will do anything possible to stay in the in-crowd. This thriller has earned high reviews from viewers. (9:25 p.m.)
Aug 3
Old Guys in Bed
Online dating in the over 45 category is a disappointment. This world premiere sheds light on the agonies of anyone on a dating site. In JP Bergeron’s film, a gay film historian, new to online dating, enlists his teenage niece to help him meet the 70-year-old man of his dreams. Ghosting is involved. It’s a universal problem, isn’t it? (4:45 p.m)
Fantasia runs from July 16 until August 3. For tickets and showtimes to all films, click HERE.
