One of my favourite film festivals, and the first I decided to cover when I started this site, the Toronto After Dark Film Festival (TAD) takes over downtown Toronto beginnng tomorrow until October 24th.. In store, there are 9 nights of horror, action, cult, and sci-fi movies. It is by far, one of the most fun festivals to attend… not only as a cult film fan.
For those of you who, like me, are still making up your schedules, I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of films I am planning to check out. If you don’t reside in Toronto but you’re not wanting to miss the film festival, have a look into short term rental accommodation provided by companies such as DelSuites and others in the Toronto area.
Opening Night
Thursday, Oct 16th, 9.45pm
SUBURBAN GOTHIC (USA)
Director Richard Bates, Jr. bring us this “spooktacular ghost-hunting horror comedy starring Criminal Minds’ Matthew Gray Gubler, Thor’s Kat Dennings, Twin Peaks’ Ray Wise, Jeff Combs & John Waters“.
Horror comedies are not only fun but can have a wider appeal. I have also read some positive reviews on this film; as such, it seems like a good way to start our time at TAD.
Sunday, Oct 19th, 9.30pm
LATE PHASES (USA)
This werewolf thriller builds to “an intense violent climax, in which a series of vicious nighttime attacks in an otherwise tranquil community compels an aging war veteran (Stake Land’s Nick Damici) to take matters into his own hands. As the ex-solder starts to track down the culprit, he realizes he’s up against a deadly foe that’s not quite human, but rather one part man, one part wolf, and very hard to kill”.
A werewolf thriller? There is no way I could miss this film. And yes, this film is also garnering some positive attention as well… I’m ready to howl!
Monday, Oct 20th, 7.00pm
OPEN WINDOWS (SPAIN/USA)
From Spanish director, Nacho Vigalondo (Time Crmes) comes this dark cyber thriller about a man (Elijah Wood) forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse with an online psychopath.
Elijah Wood in a thriller sounds rather enticing, if you ask me. Being a fan of Spanish horror as well, I am keen to see how this project turned out.
Tuesday, Oct 21st, 7.00pm
PREDESTINATION (AUSTRALIA)
A sci-fi crime thriller about a time-travelling agent (Ethan Hawke), tasked with stopping crimes before they’re committed.
To be frank, I am choosing this film based on the fact that it’s Ethan Hawke and a sci-fi movie. Add some time travel to the mix and I am there… well, in a manner of speaking.
Thursday, Oct 23rd, 9.30pm
WHY HORROR? (CANADA)
In this documentary, horror journalist Tal Zimerman (Rue Morgue) travels the world to understand why we love to be scared. Horror icons John Carpenter, George A. Romero, Eli Roth, Don Coscarelli and more share their lively opinions to the subject.
I think many of us wonder the same thing, why do we “love to be scared”? I also think we need to support Canadian film projects, especially documentaries. I am definitely looking forward to this one.
Closing Night
Friday, Oct 24th, 7.00pm
LET US PREY (UK/IRELAND)
When a menacing stranger (Game Of Thrones’ Liam Cunningham) shows up in the middle of the night at an isolated police station, the officer on duty (Pollyanna McIntosh) finds herself suddenly besieged by a demonic outbreak of violence.
Hmm… cryptic description. I researched more about this film and all I have to say is, it sounds like a heck of a ride! Not for the faint of heart but certainly one not to miss. Bring a buddy, if necessary.
All screenings are preceded by various genre short films. And for your convenience, all films screen at the Scotiabank Theatre. For full details on the festival line-up, festival passes, film times and more, visit torontoafterdark.com. See you in the night… after dark.
