FRIGHTFEST REVIEWS ARCHIVE
MAG MAG
The closing film of this year's Halloween FrightFest is a dizzying take on J-Horror from Japan’s most popular comedian Yuriyan Retriever. Iain MacLeod reviews this genre mash-up that combines long haired, shuffling ghosts, musical sequences and reality TV to massively entertaining effect.
POSTHOUSE
A legendary silent film from the Phillipines is rediscovered by a troubled editor, who with the help of his daughter attempts to restore it, only for the evil within the film itself to tear into the real world with horrifying results. Iain MacLeod reviews the film which just received its UK premiere at FrightFest Halloween.
AFFECTION
Jessica Rothe stars as Ellie, or is it Sarah? Suffering from a neurological condition that resets and jumbles up her memories, she soon learns that the truth could be something far more disturbing. Iain MacLeod reviews the tricky and creepy sci-fi that just played Halloween FrightFest.
DOLLY
A romantic hike takes a dark turn when an unsuspecting couple encounters a hulking doll-faced killer who wants nothing more than to play with them, in her own, sick and sadistic manner. Iain MacLeod reviews the gothic backwoods horror DOLLY, that kicked off day two of FrightFest Halloween 2025.
EVERY HEAVY THING
Cult director Mickey Reece closes out the first night of Halloween FrightFest with his latest film EVERY HEAVY THING. Iain MacLeod reviews this mix of film noir, sci-fi and dark comedy where a newspaper ad salesman gets mixed up in a misogynistic murderers killing spree
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.
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.