Panic Fest returns for more horror/sci-fi thrills and chills! Although we only watched a handful of titles this year, this continues to present unique opportunities by offering both a theatrical and a virtual component to viewing. Don't miss out on our full coverage, just after the jump! Films CURSE OF THE SIN EATER An oddity … Continue reading Panic Fest 2024 Wrap Up
Panic Fest 2024: Faceless After Dark
★★★ When a film begins with a warning about containing a "strobing effect," there's no earthly way of knowing just what will be in store. Director Raymond Wood's Faceless After Dark takes a meta approach to the home invasion subgenre. The presence of Terrifier's Jenna Kanell drew me to the project initially, armed with the … Continue reading Panic Fest 2024: Faceless After Dark
Panic Fest 2021: Blood Conscious
★★★ Blood Conscious is socially-charged horror that plays with race and racial tensions in a way that feels meditative rather than exploitative. Its examinations stay mostly surface level, lacking spice and depth amongst the commentary. Writer/ director Timothy Covell wears influences on his sleeve and pulls decent performances from an extremely talented and diverse cast. … Continue reading Panic Fest 2021: Blood Conscious
Panic Fest 2021: Keeping Company
★★★ Keeping Company, the directorial debut of filmmaker Josh Wallace, is jet black horror comedy at its most profound. The setup is simple: two insurance salesmen get kidnapped and chained up in the basement of a creepy grandmother/grandson duo. The film takes awhile to get going, but once it’s there, the script from Wallace and … Continue reading Panic Fest 2021: Keeping Company
Panic Fest 2021: The Old Ways
★★★★ The Old Ways takes a tired horror subgenre—exorcism and possession—and resuscitates it with new life. Christopher Alender directs a clever script from Marcos Gabriel that weaves in an element of Mexican mythology. It’s the cultural flare and surprisingly potent character work that helps break out The Old Ways from traditionally predictable conventions. Cristina (Brigitte … Continue reading Panic Fest 2021: The Old Ways
Panic Fest 2021: Captive
★★★★ Captive, formerly titled Katherine’s Lullaby, is a slow-burn horror/thriller from skilled writer/director Savvas Christou. Teenage runaway Lily (Tori Kostic), fleeing her abusive father, gets kidnapped and held against her will by a delusional older man (William Kircher) convinced she’s actually his daughter. In order to survive, Lily must play pretend for as long as … Continue reading Panic Fest 2021: Captive