Sundance 2021 Horror Preview
Things look different in Park City, Utah this year. It isn’t crowded with filmmakers, producers, and writers. There are no long lines outside of theaters or people freezing their asses off waiting for a Lyft.
The pandemic really did a number on not just theaters, but also on the film festivals that people in the industry thrive on to show off their work and make connections.
I’ve previously written about the festival landscape for this year, but since Sundance starts tomorrow, I wanted to give a little preview of the movies I’m anxious to see this year. Most passes are already sold out, but there are some individual tickets still available to purchase online.
Due to limited time and budget, I only chose the four films that I feel everyone will be talking about the next day. I hate it when my friends get to see new horror flicks before me, so I do anything I can to be at the forefront of what’s new in the genre.
Knocking
A film by Swedish director Frida Kempff who, in 2010, saw her short film Bathing Micky awarded a Jury Award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Molly hears a knocking coming from the ceiling in her new apartment. She searches for the source but her upstairs neighbors claim to not know what she is talking about and are dismissive towards her. Molly wonders if it’s all in her mind because she recently experienced trauma that has affected her ability to thinks clearly.
This film explores gaslighting and mental illness and the stigma surrounding those who are dealing with it. I’ve heard we are in for a knock out performance by actor Cecilia Milocco as Molly.
Especially in a time where many people are experiencing mental health and isolation issues, this film promises to be a timely reminder of the stigmas that are still strong in society around mental illness.
Premieres at 9 pm on Friday, January 29th.
Censor
A psychological horror film set in 1985. Enid, a film censor, watches a video that brings up memories of her past and she sets out to solve the mystery of her sister's disappearance. The film is from Welsh director Prano Bailey-Bond, and this film is her debut feature. She was recently named a 2021 Variety ‘Director to Watch’ and I am beyond excited to see this film. It’s said to have a very accurate retro feel and as a kid who grew up in the ’80s on horror flicks, I can’t wait to see what this film does.
The film does have strobe effects, extreme violence, and gore, so it’s not going to be for everyone.
Premieres Thursday, January 28th, at 9 pm.
The Blazing World
This horror flick comes from director/writer/actor Carlson Young. This isn’t her first time at this festival and I’m sure it won’t be the last. A short film of the same name preceded this film and it premiered at Sundance in 2018 and was her directorial debut. I saw the short film and that’s what made me really want to see how it fleshed out into a feature.
Margaret, played by Carlson, has been haunted by the memory of watching her sister drown while her parents were arguing. She falls into an inner life and goes on a journey to destroy her inner demons before they destroy her.
This film is both horror and fantasy and should take us on a wild ride!
Premiers Sunday, January 31st at 3 pm.
Prisoners of the Ghostland
This film has everyone talking because it’s a Nicolas Cage helmed flick. Let’s be real here, Nic Cage is his own sub-genre of film and I’m all for it. I think Cage is excellent in the horror genre and Mandy is one to watch if you haven’t already.
Directed by Sion Sono, and with what is being called Cage’s most unhinged performance yet, the film follows a ruthless bank robber (Cage) sprung from jail by a warlord when his granddaughter goes missing. Strapped into a leather suit that will self destruct in 5 days(omg, really?!), He goes off searching for the girl and his freedom through an apocalyptic wasteland.
With a plot like that and Cage in the starring role, it’s sure to be a gory and fun ride if nothing else. Cage doesn’t give you boring and the story is a great set up for him to shine.
It’s being called a western, samurai, post-apocalyptic thriller. I have a feeling we are in for a truly spectacular film that may be on a regular midnight movie screening schedule in twenty years, as a beloved cult horror film.
Premiers Sunday, January 31st at 6 pm.
Those are my top picks but Sundance has plenty more horror to offer viewers, so check it out and buy tickets to make sure you’re in the know about this year's best horror films.
Buckle up for some gory days ahead at Sundance from the comfort of our own homes, and let me know what you think of this year’s horror films after you've devoured them.
