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Fantasia is abuzz. A few films are sold out and the lines can be long (but also fun because you get to talk to other film fans!). But oh is it worth it to see the latest and greatest in genre film. It’s never easy to choose, but here’s something I’ll be in line for each day. I tend to favor films about teenagers, oddballs, and outcasts rather than horror and gore, which tend to work too well on my imagination.

July 18

The Wailing

SGWU Auditorium (Hall Theatre). 9:35 p.m.

With the kiss of Cannes, this film about the investigation of a spree of homicides in a Korean city. Strange things are happening. Could it be demonic possession? Na Hong-jin (of the Chaser) blends the real and the occult for a film with a mythic feel.

July 19

The Lure

SGWU Auditorium (Hall Theatre), 8 p.m.

The film is described as ” the disco mermaid stripper horror/musical/comedy/drama/romance/coming-of-age adult fable you’ve been waiting your entire life for.” Nuff said?

July 20

I, Olga Hepnarova

J.A. de Seve Theatre, 9:55 p.m.
Plays again July 25 at J.A. de Seve Theatre, 3 p.m.

Documentary filmmaking here. Olga Hepnarova drove a truck into a group of 24 strangers and killed several. What led her to this violent act? Find out from her own letters and notes as this story of a bullied social outcast speaks to how those on the margins are treated.

July 21

Fourth Place

J.A. de Seve Theatre 7:20 PM
and again on July 23 2:40 PM at the J.A. De Seve Theatre

If you can’t tell, I’m a fan of psychological thriller drama and this one is right up my alley. Fourth Place is about a childhood swimming prodigy with a mother who wants her son to do better. This tiger mom hires a questionable coach to push her son to the next level, but it comes at a cost.

July 22

Quest For Fire
Cinema Quebecoise 6:30 PM

It’s retro, but oh is this ever a solidly good film. A group of early humans has lost their most precious possession, fire, and must find a new source. It’s a one-of-a-kind film, not just a quest story but also a study of what it means to be human. You’ll forgive its flaws of time for its fantastic story and ideas.

July 23

Realive

J.A. De Seve Theatre, 7:35 PM
again July 27 at 12:45 PM

Unfortunately the first screening of this is sold out, so hit the second if you’re keen to see this modern day take on the Frankenstein story. Marc cryonizes himself because of a fast spreading cancer. Then, he is brought back to life in 2083 by a new process. Of course, the reanimated Marc is not the same as the one who “died” and the people who resurrected him aren’t exactly who they seem to be.

Assassination Classroom Graduation

SGWU Alumni Auditorium (Hall Theatre), 6:45 PM

Part II in the popular Japanese film in which class 3-E must save the earth from teacher Koro-sensei. General craziness and a lot of bloodshed will ensue. This manga-based story was a hit in 2015 at Fantasia and in Japan. Now get ready for the sequel.

July 25

The Bacchus Lady

J.A. De Seve Theatre 7:25 PM

A girl’s gotta eat, and an aging prostitute has to too. She’s 65 and once worked on a US military base. Now, she’s got a different clientele. When asked to help someone commit suicide, our grand dame must figure out what to do.

July 26

Kiki Love to Love

SGWU Alumni Auditorium (Hall Theatre) 7:45 PM

Combine all your favorite philias: necrophilia? harpaxophilia? eliphilia? somnophilia? dacryphilia? You’ll learn them all in this film about sexuality as explored through five different stories.

July 28

Slash

J.A. De Seve Theatre 1:00 PM

Neil has a somewhat shameful hobby. It isn’t Pokemon or weird masturbation games. He writes homoerotic fan fiction about Vanguard, a sci-fi action hero. His classmates find out his secret passion, and while he’s no longer going to win class presidency, he does find an ally in fellow geek, Julia. It’s a geek romance.

July 29

The Arbalest

J.A. De Seve Theatre 9:45 PM
Again on August 2 at 3:00 PM J.A. De Seve Theatre

Historical fantasy that takes place in the now. Well, almost in the now. Foster Kalt (Mike Brune) invented a Kalt Cube, the world’s most popular toy, but has stayed silent for ten years. Now, he returns again with anew toy that might change everything.

July 30

Bakuman

SGWU Alumni Theatre (Hall Theatre) 6:40 PM

At last, a proper comedy about manga. Young illustrator Moritaka has given up his manga dream after his uncle dies, but love object Miho has promised that she will be a voice for an anime. Working with his friend Akito, he fights to beat rival Aiji Nizuma to get publisehd in Shonen Jump.

July 31

Americana

J.A. de Seve Theatre. 9:45 PM

This neo-noir film about addiction and obsession. Avery Wells hides out in his cabin, drinking away his sorrow. When tragedy strikes on a film project and he returns to his hideout, he begins to connect the pieces. Is there a conspiracy that has led to his latest failure and his past?

August 1

Tower

J.A. de Seve Theatre 7:20 PM
again August 2 at 5:00 PM in the J.A. de Seve Theatre

Cinematic oral storytelling. Actors read interviews from survivors of a shooting by psychotic ex-Marine Charles Whitman that took place at the University of Texas. The stories are animated and rotoscoped, and newsreel footage and photographs are used as well.

August 2

I Am Not a Serial Killer

SGWU Alumni Auditorium (Hall Theatre) 7:20 PM

Based on the YA horror-thriller by Dan Wells, sixteen year old John Cleaver begins to investigate a series of murders in his small Midwestern community. Cleaver is not exactly a picture of robust mental health, with his own sociopathic tendencies.

August 3

Judge Archer

SGWU Alumni Auditorium (Hall Theatre) 5:15 PM

Would it be Fantasia without a proper kung-fu movie. This Chinese martial arts story takes every convention of kung fu cinema and upends it. No crazy stunts or theatrics, this one promises to be realistic and philosophical. Judge Archer, who has been raised in a monastery, must make peace between rival warlords. But, his bigger fight will be against two beautiful, crafty women who want to challenge his vows.