FRIGHTFEST REVIEWS ARCHIVE
PORTAL TO HELL
A debt collector discovers his laundromat contains a gateway to the afterlife, and not the good part,in this horror comedy that received its UK premiere at FrightFest. Steven West reviews the horror comedy with a surprisingly tender centre.
SANE INSIDE INSANITY: THE PHENOMENON OF ROCKY HORROR
Receiving its English premiere at FrightFest, this documentary takes a look at the still everlasting appeal of the cult musical. Steven West reviews this behind the scenes look, that paints a well rounded and refreshingly honest account of events.
A SERBIAN DOCUMENTARY
Receiving its World Premiere at FrightFest, Steven West reviews this documentary that takes a comprehensive look behind the scenes of one of the centuries most upsetting, divisive and censored films of this century.
SUPER HAPPY FUN CLOWN
A downtrodden woman finds release when converting to her killer clown alter-ego Jenn-O The Clown in this character driven horror comedy that received its UK Premiere at FrightFest. Steven West reviews this pleasing spin on a well worn genre.
CRUSHED
CRUSHED - A prank involving a disturbing video with animal cruelty kicks off a spiralling series of unsettling events, leading a vicar to question his faith in Simon Rumley’s unflinching drama. Iain MacLeod reviews the most divisive film from this year's FrightFest, where it had its English premiere.
BAMBOO REVENGE
BAMBOO REVENGE - Three men wake up in the middle of a patch of swiftly rising bamboo that will impale them unless a vengeance seeking woman gets the answers she's looking for. Iain MacLeod reviews this French thriller that received its world premiere at FrightFest.
BONE LAKE
BONE LAKE - The erotic thriller jumps back onto the screen, and into our hearts, with BONE LAKE, the twisted tale of two mismatched couples double booked for a romantic getaway at a large secluded mansion, only to learn that its mystery may entwine them all together in a twisted fashion. Iain MacLeod reviews the fun, blood soaked throwback to the 90’s that received its UK premiere at FrightFest.
MOTHER OF FLIES
MOTHER OF FLIES - The Adams family return with what could be their creepiest and most disturbing film yet in this tale of illness, faith, sorcery and sorrow. Iain MacLeod reviews one of the most distinctive horror films of this year from one of the most creative forces in horror.
ABOVE THE KNEE
ABOVE THE KNEE - Viljar Bøe’s deadly serious look at one man’s obsession and desire to remove his healthy lower leg made its UK premiere at FrightFest. Iain MacLeod reviews the psychological character study that manages to grip the viewer in grim fascination.
INFLUENCERS
INFLUENCERS - CW returns in the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2023 SHUDDER hit that sees her revert to her old identity thieving, murderous ways, kicking off a plot that spans continents and spills even more blood. Iain MacLeod reviews the film fresh from its UK premiere at FrightFest.
ODYSSEY
ODYSSEY - A week in the life of a high-flying London estate agent gets darker and darker. From mounting debts, to kidnapping to spilled blood the pressure increases day by day in Gerard Johnson’s ruthless mix-up of character study and thriller. Iain MacLeod reviews this darkly entertaining spin on British crime thrillers that just received its English premiere at FrightFest.
REDUX REDUX
REDUX REDUX - New thrilling life is breathed into the Multiverse sub-genre with this tale of a grieving mothers quest for revenge in REDUX REDUX. Iain MacLeod reviews this lean and fast-moving, sci-fi that works as both a character piece and action movie that wowed the audience at FrightFest at its English Premiere.
SHORT FILM SHOWCASE
FrightFest 2025’s Short Film Showcases delivered horror, comedy, and surreal nightmares in bite-sized form.
Nina Romain attended Short Film Showcase Two and shares her standout picks from the showcase.
THE ARBITER
THE ARBITER – Director Marc Price returns with a quirky Brit action comedy that makes its World premiere at FrightFest this weekend. Nina Romain head to FrightFest to check out this chaotic burst of parkour fuelled, rollerskating mayhem, complete with ice cream trucks and cartoonish carnage.
DEATH CYCLE
DEATH CYCLE – Gabriel Carrer returns in high style, blending giallo inspired visuals with leather clad killers and brutal, head stomping violence. Iain MacLeod reviews this bloody and stylish slice of revenge cinema, packed with inventive kills and colour drenched cinematography, and strong performances, making its World premiere at FrightFest this weekend.
MALPERTUIS
MALPERTUIS - Harry Kümel’s dark fantasy horror makes a long overdue return to screens this weekend at FrightFest in a 4K Remaster. Iain MacLeod reviews this lost classic that more than impresses with its occultist leanings, fantastical designs, striking cinematography and so much more.
JIMMY AND STIGGS
JIMMY AND STIGGS - Joe Begos returns in high style, directing and starring in a psychedelic alien abduction set entirely within his own apartment. Iain MacLeod reviews this chaotic and abrasive slice of horrifically funny, sci-fi madness achieved entirely with astonishing practical effects and clever filmmaking making its UK premiere at FrightFest this weekend.
DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS
DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS - Newly remastered in 4K, Harry Kümel’s vampiric masterpiece returns to screens with Delphine Seyrig’s iconic performance as wicked as ever. Iain MacLeod reviews this true classic of the vampire genre, fresh from its FrightFest UK Premiere of the 4K restoration this weekend.
BLOCKHEAD
BLOCKHEAD - Documentary filmmaker Matt Harlock makes his feature debut with BLOCKHEAD, a psychological look at a young author overcoming writer’s block with help from an unlikely source who may not have his best interests at heart. Iain MacLeod reviews this challenging thriller receiving its world premiere at FrightFest.