Although I adore Austin, this year I’ll be attending Fantastic Fest from the comfort of my own couch. Fantastic Fest 2020 will run from Thursday, September 20 - Thursday, October 1 on their digital platform: Alamo On-Demand.
Image Courtesy of Fantastic Fest
While this year's lineup is smaller than usual, each film is said to capture the spirit of Fantastic Fest in its own unique way. The best part is, their lineup of brand new features and live events will be free to anyone living in the United States. If something piques your interest, you can follow this link to RSVP to the screenings and events you'd like to attend. For guidance, I've put together this list of the 8 feature films I'm looking forward to at Fantastic Fest 2020 in order of their premiere dates:
1. Possessor Uncut (UK & Canada, Texas Premiere)
In Brandon Cronenberg’s latest gore soaked sci-fi thriller, Possesor Uncut, identity theft takes on a new meaning as corporate assassins can virtually take over other people to carry out their kills. Starring Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Possessor Uncut will premiere Thursday, September 24 at 7:40pm CT, exclusively at Alamo Slaughter Lane. Get tickets here.
2. Girl (USA, American Premiere)
A young woman returns to her small hometown intent on killing her abusive father only to discover someone murdered him the day before. As the girl searches for answers, she uncovers a family legacy more dangerous than she'd imagined. Written and directed by Chad Faust. Starring Bella Thorne, Mickey Rourke and Chad Faust.
Girl will premiere Friday, September 25 at 9:00pm CT on Alamo On-Demand.
3. The Stylist (USA, World Premiere)
Few things in life hold more promise than a new hairstyle. But the women who visit stylist Claire’s chair get more than they bargained for, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase “extreme makeover” in Jill Gevargizian’s first feature film, based on her acclaimed 2016 short. Starring Brea Grant, Najarra Townsend and Laura Kirk.
The Stylist will premiere Saturday, September 26 at 8:00pm CT on Alamo On-Demand.
4. The Boy Behind the Door (USA, World Premiere)
After Bobby and his best friend Kevin are kidnapped and taken to a strange house in the middle of nowhere, Bobby manages to escape. But as he starts to make a break for it, he hears Kevin’s screams for help and realizes he can’t leave his friend behind. Written and directed by David Charbonier and Justin Powell. Starring Lonnie Chavis, Ezra Dewey and Kristin Bauer van Straten.
The Boy Behind the Door will premiere Sunday, September 27 at 8:00pm CT on Alamo On-Demand.
5. How to Deter a Robber (USA, World Premiere)
Two teens playing amateur detectives get more than they bargained for when they investigate the wrong cabin in this darkly comedic romp. Written and directed by Maria Bissell. Starring Vanessa Marano, Abbie Cobb and Leah Lewis.
How to Deter a Robber will premiere Tuesday, September 29 at 5:00pm CT on Alamo On-Demand.
6. The Queen of Black Magic (Indonesia, North American Premiere)
Childhood friends Hanif, Jefri, and Anton take their families on a trip to the orphanage where they grew up to pay their final respects to the man who raised them. But they’ll soon discover that the secrets from their past refuse to stay buried. Directed by Kimo Stamboel. Starring Ario Bayu, Hannah Al Rashid and Adhisty Zara.
The Queen of Black Magic will premiere Wednesday, September 30 at 10:00pm CT on Alamo On-Demand.
7. Bloodthirsty (Canada, World Premiere)
When indie singer Grey struggles to write her sophomore album, she teams up with a mysterious producer at his secluded cabin. Though their bond strengthens her music, it also starts to irreparably alter Grey’s body and mind. Directed by Amelia Moses. Starring Lauren Beatty, Greg Bryk and Katharine King.
Bloodthirsty will premiere Thursday, October 1 at 10:00pm CT on Alamo On-Demand.
8. The Wolf of Snow Hollow (USA, Texas Premiere)
A small mountain town full of quirky characters is thrown into chaos when dead bodies start piling up after every full moon in Jim Cummings’ supremely fun foray into horror. Written and directed by Jim Cummings. Starring Jim Cummings, Riki Lindhome and Robert Forster.
The Wolf of Snow Hollow will premiere Thursday, October 8 exclusively at Alamo Slaughter Lane. Showtime and ticket info are coming soon.
of course the two films I want to see on this list are playing in person only ;(