As a preview, here are five of my choices for must-see films at this year's Soho Horror Film Festival.
Blood & Guts (Online Premiere)
For one night only, the ever-talented Adams Family are hosting a Preview Night prior to the Online festival. Making up their Sleepover Marathon are short films which the family starred in, a live-commentary of a work that inspired them, and an anniversary screening of their early film, Knuckle Jack. But the film I am highlighting is this documentary from Tina Grapenthin, Katie Green and Carlye Rubin, which promises an intimate portrait of this family of independent filmmakers. For anybody who has loved the likes of Hellbender, Mother of Flies, and Where The Devil Roams, this is a must-see. For anyone who is not yet a fan of these wonderful filmmakers, perhaps this would be a good start.
The Death of Us (Online Premiere)
As part of the online festival, we have this interesting feature from first-time filmmaker Annabella Rich. After a brutal home invasion results in the death of their infant son, a grieving couple retreat to an isolated country house. However, the grieving mother is soon tormented by visions. This psychological horror thriller is a promising start to Rich as a filmmaker, particularly regarding the emotional devastation it portrays. To misquote Nicole Kidman, heartbreak feels good in a film like this.
The Fox (Special Preview)
Moving onto the in-person festival, this Australian feature brings together quite the cast for this outrageous black comedy. Jai Courtney's kind, but dim, farmhand finds his world turned upside down upon discovering his fiancée is cheating on him. Things grow stranger when a talking fox voiced by Olivia Colman enters the picture. What does the fox say? It offers a bizarre bargain involving a magical pit that will transform whoever enters it into the ideal partner. Prepare for a twisted outback folktale that offers a chaotic reminder of being careful what you wish for.
Mr Creamy Jeans Hidey Hole (International Premiere)
I'm not saying that this choice is because of the fascinating title, but I cannot rule out that being a factor. A man plagued by chronic pain and unresolved guilt receives a chilling message: "I know what you did." The note leads him to The Hidey Hole, an underground museum of erotic nightmares, curated by the unsettling Mr. Creamjeans. Henry is offered the chance to erase his secret crime, but only if he accepts a guided tour of the museum's most depraved exhibits. Prepare for a unique ride with so much penis trauma.
The Only One (International Premiere)
Closing out the in-person festival is this relationship satire meets a bloody homage to 90s slasher flicks. After failing to make it in Hollywood, an aspiring actress returns to her sleepy hometown. Matters worsen when her ex-boyfriends start being murdered, courtesy of a masked serial killer dressed as Prince Charming. With her high school best friend, the protagonist must stop the spree of this twisted killer who is far from a fairytale heartthrob. Of the films on offer, be sure to not make this the only one you watch.
The Soho Horror Film Festival will run from 20th-22nd November at the Coldharbour Blue Cinema in Brixton, London.
The online Sohome Horror Film Festival will run from 26th to the 29th November.
Full details on all the films on show, festival accessibility and ticket options can be found at www.sohohorrorfest.com
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