Color Out of Space

(Directed by Richard Stanley, US Premiere)

one of my most anticipated films

Director Richard Stanley’s take on H.P. Lovecraft has been one of my most anticipated films this year. Color Out of Space may be Nicolas Cage’s highest profile role since his go-for-broke performance in Mandy. The film also stars Joely Richardson, Tommy Chong, and Julian Hilliard. It seems like it may be a more serious (and more psychedelic) take on “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill” from Creepshow, and I am here for it.

Plot Synopsis

Unimaginable terrors befall the Gardner family after a meteorite lands on their front lawn in Richard Stanley’s entrancing, horrific adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s short story.

We Summon the Darkness

(Directed by Marc Meyers, World Premiere)

one part Heavy Metal Parking Lot, one part Satanic Panic

Another film announced in the third wave, We Summon the Darkness has been called “one part Heavy Metal Parking Lot, one part Satanic Panic, and all entertainment.” A group of friends head out to a music festival, but an invitation to an after-party during a time of cult-related murders may prove to be more than they bargained for.   

Plot Synopsis

When Val, Beverly, and Alexis meet a group of fun-loving dudes in the parking lot of a heavy metal concert, they all decide to have an after-party, but it isn’t long before the group finds themselves fighting for their lives

Bliss

(Directed by Joe Begos, Texas Premiere)

16mm ode to sex, drugs, and vampirism

Joe Begos’s 16mm ode to sex, drugs, and vampirism is the first of two films the director is bringing to Fantastic Fest. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this one (check out Luke’s review here), and I can’t wait to soak it in—or to hear the Steve Moore score.

Plot Synopsis

While trying to complete her latest painting, a starving artist facing a lack of inspiration spirals out of control in a blaze of blood-soaked, drug-fueled glory.

VFW

(Directed by Joe Begos, World Premiere)

a who’s who of genre favorites

Begos returns for round two at Fantastic Fest. VFW features a who’s who of genre favorites spanning decades. The setup gives me serious Assault on Precinct 13 vibes, and there’s another sure-to-be-amazing Steve Moore score. Inject it directly to my brain.

Plot Synopsis

In the near future, a new drug called Hype has turned America into a war zone. The addicted are more mutant than human, and they’ve set their sights on assaulting a VFW post in Joe Begos’ star-studded latest.

This is just a sampling of the films that will be shown during Fantastic Fest 15, running September 19-26 in Austin, Texas. What films are you most excited to check out?