Jennie Kermode gets nervous at Frightfest

The cinematic landscape is heating up as the Frightfest prepares for its next event, promising a lineup that delves deep into the human condition—and some very unsettling transformations.

This year’s festival kicks off with Abner Pastoll’s Nervous. This debut feature immediately hooks audiences by exploring an intimate and deeply strange premise: the story of a woman who begins to lose her hearing, but only for voices belonging to men.

The film features Sarah Bolger, who brings a compelling presence to the narrative, having previously collaborated with Pastoll on the celebrated drama A Good Woman Is Hard To Find.

As the festival progresses, it showcases a remarkable breadth of cinematic horror and psychological thrillers. The slate is packed with projects that challenge expectations, from Yeon Sang-ho’s Colony> to Casey Walker’s innovative Hammer treatment of Ithaqua>.

Fans also have access to extended narratives, as Justin Hardy completes his father’s celebrated Wicker Man trilogy with the intense exploration of Wrath Of The Gods.

The festival concludes with a stark and visceral look at physical and emotional disintegration, featuring Marion Le Corroller’s sinister story of workplace burnout and bodily transformation in Species.

Beyond these featured titles, the festival has managed to secure several high-profile inclusions, including the Adams family’s eagerly anticipated new film, The Glorious Dead.

Further adding to the lineup are Lary Fessenden’s collaborative efforts in Trauma Or, Monsters All, alongside Jenn Wexler’s work on a killer franchise film concerning >.