Hell of a Summer, directed by Billy Bryk and Finn Wolfhard, offers a familiar blend of slasher horror and comedy with a modern twist. The film centers on Jason Hochberg, a 24-year-old camp counselor who feels out of sync with his younger colleagues at Camp Pineway. However, his sense of disconnection soon takes a backseat when a masked killer starts picking off the counselors, leading to a tense, bloody showdown in the woods.
Read MoreFreaky Tales (2024)
Set in the vibrant yet gritty landscape of 1987 Oakland, Freaky Tales is an anthology film that blends nostalgia, chaos, and urban folklore into a genre-bending experience. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the film delivers four interconnected narratives—teen punks defending their turf against Nazi skinheads, a rap duo fighting for hip-hop immortality, a weary henchman on a quest for redemption, and an NBA All-Star seeking retribution. With its eclectic mix of action, humor, and heart, the film is as much a love letter to the Bay Area as it is a cinematic mixtape of underdog stories.
Read MoreLiquor Bank (2025)
Filmmaker Marcellus Cox brings a heartfelt story of redemption to life in Liquor Bank, a short drama inspired by a true story. With a concise yet impactful 15-minute runtime, the film follows an ex-Marine struggling with alcohol dependency, offering a moving exploration of personal growth and the power of unconditional brotherhood. The film opens with Eddie, his phone alarm ringing persistently on his nightstand. Empty beer bottles beside it hint at the night before.
Read More825 Forest Road (2025)
Stephen Cognetti’s 825 Forest Road arrives with the weight of expectation, given his cult-favorite Hell House LLC series. As his first departure from the found-footage genre, one would hope for a fresh take on the haunted house formula. Unfortunately, despite some promising elements, the film struggles to make a lasting impact and ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.
Read MoreSoul Reaper (2024)
Soul Reaper, directed by Janella “Nella Writes” Northern and written by Shacqeal Sanders, presents a unique blend of supernatural storytelling with an urban aesthetic. Produced by Poetic Stories, this ambitious short film introduces audiences to a world where witches and warlocks walk among us, surviving for centuries by stealing souls. Set against the backdrop of North Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, the film crafts an intriguing premise that, while not without its flaws, shows great potential for expansion into a full-length feature.
Read MoreThe Assessment (2024)
Fleur Fortuné’s The Assessment feels like an extended but exceptionally crafted episode of Black Mirror, immersing viewers in an eerily plausible future where parenthood is no longer a right but a privilege. The film's exceptional world-building, impeccable set design and standout performances elevate it into something truly special—one of the better films of the year. Set in a dystopian society where aspiring parents must pass a grueling seven-day evaluation, the story follows Mia and Aaryan as they undergo an unsettling trial administered by the enigmatic Virginia.
Read MoreVoices Carry (2025) #Cinequest2025
Abby Brenker and Ellyn Vander Wyden’s Voices Carry is a slow-burning thriller that rewards patience with an eerie, atmospheric unraveling of generational trauma and supernatural mystery. Set against the picturesque yet ominous backdrop of a New Hampshire lake, the film delivers an immersive and unsettling experience that is perfect for a cold winter night. Premiering at Cinequest 2025, Voices Carry follows Sam and Jack, a couple looking for a fresh start by moving into Sam’s childhood home.
Read MoreBorderline (2025)
Jimmy Warden’s Borderline kicks off with an electrifying introduction that sets the stage for the chaotic and often surreal thriller to follow. Much like Warden’s previous work, Borderline thrives on blending horror, comedy, and an almost dreamlike absurdity, creating an experience that feels as unpredictable as it is entertaining. From the outset, the film exudes a strong early Coen Brothers vibe—simple yet effective, weird yet compelling.
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