FrightFest 2023, a spine-chilling extravaganza of the macabre, unfolded before eager eyes and beating hearts, embracing horror enthusiasts in the most captivating manner. For those fortunate enough to participate, this year's festival brought an added thrill, as the haunting and hair-raising cinematic spectacles were made accessible for remote reviewing. Embarking on a virtual journey through the shadows of terror, delving into the twisted tales of horror from the comfort of one's own domain, was an exhilarating treat for every avid film critic and horror aficionado.
Mancunian Man: The Legendary Life Of Cliff Twemlow (2023) ★★★
The rise and fall of Twemlow is just as compelling as it is insane. Some scenes are a bit over-explained, but overall, West delivers a loving tribute to an otherwise forgotten legacy.
To Fire You Come at Last (2023) ★★
I'm not really into period pieces, so even though the craftsmanship and execution were exceptional, the film simply didn't resonate with me. Admittedly, I probably need to watch it again, but I'm in no real hurry.
Failure! (2023) ★
When fully committing to a gimmick, it's crucial to ensure flawless execution. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case here. Ted Raimi's back should be hurting from carrying this film, and that's about it. At least they nailed the title.
Piper (2023) ★½
Instead of elevating the film, Elizabeth Hurley delivers an unintentionally hilarious performance, and the use of CGI is reminiscent of early PlayStation survival horror games. While it starts decently enough, Piper gets awkward quick!
Herd (2023) ★★★
Herd excels in the same way that every other zombie film does, so don't expect anything beyond the usual to maintain your interest. It attempts to innovate with political commentary, but ultimately, it falls short in its exploration.
Minore (2023) ★★
Although the initial setup is engaging, the anticipation for the finale, unfortunately, leads to disappointment as it fails to meet the hype. Pacing and tone are all over the place, but somehow the film still manages to be likable.
What You Wish For (2023) ★★★
While I can appreciate the vision, tension, and commentary, the story fails to deliver where it matters most. The narrative is fresh and the characters are fine, but ultimately, there are better versions of this film.
That’s a Wrap (2023) ★★★½
What is intended to be a satire inadvertently delivers one of the best indie slashers in recent memory. The ending overstays its welcome a bit, but outside of that, extraordinary stuff and easily this director's best work.
Enter The Clones of Bruce (2023) ★★★★
Highly engaging and extremely informative to the point that I was rewinding to make sure I didn't miss any details from all four of the main Lee-a-likes. Easily one of the best documentaries in recent years.
As the digital curtains fell on FrightFest 2023, a haunting nostalgia lingered in the air, reminiscent of the bone-chilling narratives and blood-curdling imagery that had graced screens from afar. The remote experience, while a departure from the traditional communal thrill of live screenings, proved a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the horror community. The shared gasps, jumps, and shivers may have transcended physical spaces, but the communal love for the genre remained steadfast, reminding us that even in the realm of pixels and screens, the spirit of horror binds us all. Until the next terror-filled rendezvous, the echoes of FrightFest 2023 shall continue to haunt the collective imagination, leaving an indelible mark on those who dared to brave the darkness, even from a remote embrace.
Jessie Hobson