My Must Watch List for Grimmfest

This year’s Grimmfest is packed with awesome films and we are literally being spoilt with choice for what to see. Even though I plan on seeing all the films offered, I have managed to pick out a few that I am excited about seeing this year. So sit back and check out the films that, for me, are a must watch. 

1) Await Further Instructions –– Thursday, 4th October at 8:45pm

Christmas with your family can be hell: having to put up with your racist grandparents or the auntie who gets drunk and thinks she is the greatest singer in the world isn’t the best way to celebrate the holidays. But imagine that you are stuck in the house and are unable to leave, and on the TV instead of the Queen’s Speech there is a message that says “Stay Indoors and Await Further Instructions.” Director Johnny Kevorkian looks to show that Hell is other people, with showcasing the worst in British society in the Brexit climate, and this film looks like it will be one to watch. 

2) Dead Night –– Friday, 5th October at 7:00pm

When I saw the tagline “A caring mother loses her grip on sanity during one terrifying night in the woods”, I knew this was one film I needed to watch. Combining an Evil Dead-style cabin in the woods with the clever idea of showing a double narrative of how it was reported on a true crime show, the film is described as “an off-kilter, bloody, and darkly humorous study in family dysfunction, religious hypocrisy and media manipulation that you won’t forget in a hurry.” And throw the brilliant Barbara Crampton into the mix and we have a film that you really can’t miss out on. 

3) Summer of ’84 –– Friday, 5th October at 11:00pm

We all love Stand by Me and The Goonies, so when I read about Summer of ’84 it reminded me of these films. The story revolves around a group of teenaged friends who suspect that their policeman neighbour is a serial killer, and as they gather evidence it gets more dangerous. Apparently, it doesn’t rely on references to make you say “Oh I remember that brand/show/food” but captures the spirit of the films I mentioned at the start. I am expecting big things from this one and I really hope it delivers. 

4) Nightmare Cinema –– Saturday, 6th October at 4:30pm

Taking its inspiration from Creepshow and Masters of Horror, Nightmare Cinema boasts an all-star line-up of directors bringing five chilling tales together on the screen. Five strangers come together in an abandoned theatre and are subjected to their worst fears on the big screen. With each section directed by one of Alejandro Brugués, Joe Dante, Mick Garris, Ryûhei Kitamura and David Slade, you can guarantee there will be something for everyone’s taste. 

5) Alive –– Sunday, 7th October at 2:30pm

Grimmfest regular Rob Grant returns this year with a film that promises to become another festival favourite. The synopsis gives us a taste of what we can expect when “a severely injured man and woman awake in an abandoned sanatorium only to discover that a sadistic caretaker holds the keys to their freedom and the horrific answers as to their real identity.” Based on Grant’s previous films, we can expect a truly disturbing 91 minutes in which we will be shocked and pleased in equal measures. 

And those are just a few of the amazing films showing over the four days of Grimmfest. You can get your Grimmfest tickets here and join me for some fun.