CQ21 Horror & Thriller Preview

In our lifetime the horror genre went from grainy VHS to the 3D mutliplex. From the cultural fringe to million dollar movie franchises, all in a few short decades. Team Edward, THE WALKING DEAD and Jersey Shore all terrorize mainstream audiences while indie and international movies continue to be on the bleeding edge of the genre. 

Here are the horror and thrillers playing at Cinequest this year.


BAD BEHAVIOUR
What Is It About: Psycho siblings Emma and Peterson murder their way down the coast of Austrailia in this first feature by film maker Joseph Sims.
Why We'll See It: A stylized, Australian version of NATURAL BORN KILLERS? We're game.


THE DEAD
What Is It About: A descendant from the Romero zombie flick lineage. This movie adds the twist of being set in a post apocalyptic Africa.
Why We Might See It: The most important question in our minds is can the zombies run? We hope the answer is yes, only if they're Kenyans.


EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE (ALTING BLIVER GODT IGEN)
What Is It About: A writer witnessing a hit and run becoming increasingly paranoid about the world and those around him. Who can he trust?
Why We'll See It: Thrillers from Denmark have a better track record than Usain Bolt.



THE HAIR OF THE BEAST (LE POIL DE LA BÊTE)
What Is It About: Werewolves, priests and angry villagers set in France in the 17th century.
Why We're Seeing It: Love the premise, the setting and the trailer. This one's at the top of our list.



NOSFERATU - SILENT CINEMA AT THE CALIFORNIA THEATRE
What Is It About: A rich European land owner contracts a young English man to AHHHHHHHH!!!
Why We're seeing It: We've got the hots for Count Orlock. Feels good to get that out there.


MIDNIGHT SON
What Is It About: A young man comes to terms with his sexuality vampirism.
Why We're Seeing It: This was given to us as a screener and we admit we were pretty skeptical going into it. Turns out it's a restrained and oddly sensual vampire movie. A future cult classic among the moody and gothic demo.

RESTIVE
What Is It About: An abused mother and son are pursued through a dark wood. Will self preservation triumph over her motherly protection instincts?
Why We Might Skip It: Minimal information available about this movie online. We'll wait for the festival buzz to decide.


SECOND-STORY MAN
What Is It About: A cold world of crime and revenge is the setting for this story of a robbery gone wrong.
Why We Might See It: Recommended by our friend Cynthia. We liked her Q&A with director Neal Dhand.


SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS
What Is It About: A modern gothic murder mystery.
Why We Might See It: Two words: Peter Stomare. The mustache is just icing on the cake.