Fantasia International Film Festival Capsule Reviews

Fantasia International Film Festival Capsule Reviews

GLORIOUS, DEADSTREAM & DARK GLASSES

I’ve got a trio of short capsule reviews from 3 big horror features from Fantasia International Film Festival. Get a taste of what you can look forward to streaming soon and watch for my full reviews with their releases.

GLORIOUS

Directed by Rebekah McKendry

Rebekah McKendry’s third feature film, GLORIOUS, is a Lovecraftian nightmare set in the one place most of us fear most – the public, roadside restroom.

When heartbroken Wes makes a pitstop at a remote rest stop, he gets more than a reprieve from his sadness as a mysterious figure begins speaking from an adjacent stall. Very quickly, Wes gets involved in a situation more terrible than he could imagine.

With great practical and special effects, subtle humor (reminded me of Peter Clines’ Threshold Universe), an amazing, unexpected twist and poetic ending, this film leaves its mark like the graffiti found on restroom stalls.

Mark your calendar for GLORIOUS’ Shudder debut on August 18.

DEADSTREAM

Directed by Joseph Winter and Vanessa Winter

DEADSTREAM is the first feature film for Joseph and Vanessa Winter, and it is very evident that a lot of love was put into this film. Not only did they both write and direct this feature, but Joseph also starred, edited, produced, and created the music. 

And it was a fun, well-rounded story with a disgraced internet personality who attempts to win back his followers by livestreaming one night alone in a haunted house but accidentally pisses off a vengeful spirit.

The buildup is slow but worth it with an explosive third act. The practical effects were fantastic for a lower budget film. Additionally, DEADSTREAM did its job – it scared the audience (me). Afterwards, I kept checking corners and turned on all the lights in my house.

Watch for DEADSTREAM’s streaming release to be announced soon and gather your wimpier friends for a fun night of frights.

DARK GLASSES

Directed by Dario Argento

Dario Argento returns to cinema with his first film in ten years, DARK GLASSES.

We should be rejoicing his return but alas this is not a return to giallo.

DARK GLASSES follows Diana, a young woman who lost her sight due to a tragic accident caused by killer who is stalking the Italian streets for sex workers. In addition to her loss, Diana discovers the family involved on the other end of the accident suffered great losses as well and she takes in Chin, the 7-year-old son to protect him from the foster system. Together, they protect one another from the dangers of the outside world.

The first 10 minutes of DARK GLASSES is promising with classic Argento colors, camera angles and the possibility of an interesting story aligning with an eclipse event our main character witnesses. But it quickly goes down a path of ridiculousness and never recovers.

Argento fans will most likely check this film out it with its release (and probably be severely disappointed). If you’re just now diving into Argento, stick with his classics.