Wednesday, July 6

Fantasia International Film Festival Most Anticipated Films

Fantasia International Film Festival

My Seven Most Anticipated Films


The Fantasia International Film Festival is rebounding back into theatres to celebrate its 26th edition July 14 to August 3, 2022.

And what an amazing line-up of films this year! 

To choose just a handful of “my most anticipated films” posed a challenge for me. Not only because there was an extensive list of female written/directed films (which if you’re an avid reader of Coda, you know I’m all over), but this festival just revives my love of genre films and unique storytelling.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the 7 films I’m looking forward to watching the most.

1. POLARIS

Written and Directed by KC Carthew

Fantasia’s opening film, POLARIS, won me over from the poster. I know, don’t judge a book, or movie, by it’s cover but it’s a killer shot of a young girl screaming ala Alexander Skarsgård from THE NORTHMAN. It’s such a powerful image and it’s backed by an intense synopsis of an all-female-identifying cast in a Yukon dystopian future Mad Max style. Being called an eco-action fantasy, I think this film is going to be one intense, chilling ride.


2. GLORIOUS

Directed by Rebekah McKendry

Not only is Rebekah McKendry a fantastic filmmaker but she is an amazing mentor for women who want to break into the horror genre. I’ll always support her work and GLORIOUS sounds like an interesting ride with Ryan Kwanten (TRUE BLOOD) locked inside a roadside bathroom with a mysterious stall buddy. It’s a blend of horror and comedy – a hard combo to get right - but Rebekah did it before with her anthology ALL THE CREATURES WERE SO STIRRING so I’m looking forward to another good time with this one.


3. NEXT EXIT

Written and Directed by Mali Elfman

NEXT EXIT is being hailed part ghost story, part speculative sci-fi and is Mail Elfman’s film debut. It’s story centers around two strangers who volunteered to help with a new groundbreaking discovery that identifies and tracks people in the afterlife. Oh, and did I mention it stars Karen Gillan, Katie Parker and Rahul Kohli? Yes, this will be an eye-opening road trip.


4. HUESERA

Written and Directed by Michelle Garza Cevera

I’m constantly drawn to films about pregnancy and motherhood. Maybe it’s because I hate the pressure around it on women. Or maybe it’s because pregnancy is not in the cards for me and watching the good, bad and ugly of it is fascinating to me. My personal feelings aside, HUESERA is a recent multiple award winner from Tribeca that explores the self-compromise of pregnancy with supernatural themes. After the recent overturn of Roe vs Wade, this film may continue to haunt us long after watching it.


5. THE FIFTH THORACIC VERTEBRA

Directed by Park Syeyoung

I’m also a sucker for a good monster movie. This South Korean film just blows my mind from the concept. THE FIFTH THORACIC VERTEBRA tells the story of mold left behind on a mattress after a couple breaks up. Structured around a countdown to a mysterious birth, the film follows the life of the mold as it slowly grows into a creature that steals the vertebrae of humans who inhabit the bed. How can you not want to see this unique story unfold?


6. THE GIRL FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Co-Directed by Yutaro Kubo and Satomi Maiya

My partner introduced me to Studio Ghibli and helped me develop a taste for anime feature films. THE GIRL FROM THE OTHER SIDE is a film about a dark creature who becomes the guardian of an innocent human child. It looks like an enchanting tale of Shiva and Teacher and fills me with warm fuzzies already.


7. RELAX, I’M FROM THE FUTURE

Directed by Luke Higginson

So, the majority of my film list has been pretty dark but here comes some light in the form of Rhys Darby. YES! According to its synopsis, RELAX, I’M FROM THE FUTURE is all fun and games until the world is in jeopardy and goofy time traveler Casper (Rhys Darby) is the only one who can do something about it. When he stumbles into Holly’s (Gabrielle Graham) life, a nutty plan unfolds involving a cartoonist and a nasty time travel agent. Darby is extremely memorable in his countless small roles so I can’t wait to see him take center stage in this first feature film from Higginson.


Now that you’ve read through my list of “most anticipated,” stay tuned July 14 – August 3 to see my reviews of the above films, and more. It’s going to be epic.

If you happen to be in Montreal, tickets for Fantasia International Film Festival go on sale July 9th - https://fantasiafestival.com/en/tickets-and-venues. In-person screenings will be held in Montreal only.

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