Fantasia Festival’s Horror Highlights

Description: Based on Stephen King's novel, this film features a schoolteacher who wakes up from a coma with psychic abilities. Its chilling premise and Christopher Walken's performance make it a classic horror entry.

Fact: David Cronenberg, known for his body horror films, directed this adaptation, giving it a unique visual style.

Description: A psychological horror set in an abandoned asylum, where a hazmat crew uncovers more than just asbestos. Its eerie atmosphere and the use of real-life recordings from the Danvers State Hospital make it memorable.

Fact: The film includes actual audio recordings from patients at the real Danvers State Hospital.

Description: A group of women venture into a cave system only to encounter terrifying creatures. Its claustrophobic setting and relentless tension earned it a place in horror history.

Fact: The film was shot in a real cave system in the UK, which added to the realism of the setting.

Description: A homage to 1980s horror, this film follows a college student who takes a babysitting job that turns into a night of terror. Its slow build-up and retro aesthetic make it a unique horror experience.

Fact: The film was shot on 16mm film to give it an authentic 1980s look.

Description: This Australian horror film deals with grief, motherhood, and the manifestation of fear through a children's book. Its psychological depth and the haunting figure of the Babadook make it a must-watch.

Fact: The film was initially banned in some countries due to its intense themes, but it has since gained cult status.

Description: A dinner party turns into a psychological thriller with elements of horror, as a man suspects his ex-wife and her new partner are up to something sinister. Its slow-burn tension and twist ending make it a festival favorite.

Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days, and the director, Karyn Kusama, is known for her work in genre films.

Description: This film delves into the eerie mystery surrounding a seemingly normal autopsy that spirals into a supernatural horror. Its inclusion in this list is due to its masterful build-up of suspense and the chilling revelation of its subject's true nature.

Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding to its authenticity. Director André Øvredal is known for his work in horror, including "Trollhunter."

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film explores the psychological and supernatural horror of a family's descent into madness. Its atmospheric tension and historical accuracy make it a standout in modern horror cinema.

Fact: The film uses authentic dialogue from the period, and all actors were required to speak in the dialect of the time.

Description: A Spanish horror film about a woman who returns to her childhood home, now an orphanage, to reopen it, only to encounter ghostly children. Its emotional depth and supernatural elements are why it's included here.

Fact: The film was produced by Guillermo del Toro, known for his work in dark fantasy and horror.

Description: This South Korean film blends horror with mystery as a police officer investigates a series of bizarre and violent events in a small village. Its complex narrative and cultural horror elements make it a standout.

Fact: The film was a commercial success in South Korea and has been praised for its storytelling and atmosphere.