Fantastic Fest 2023: Beyond 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms,' What's Next for Horror?

The air in Austin crackled with anticipation during the 21st annual Fantastic Fest, a pilgrimage for genre enthusiasts and filmmakers alike. This year, amidst the thrilling chaos of horror, sci-fi, and action, the festival once again proved itself a crucial incubator for the future of scares. Collider's Perri Nemiroff was on the ground, witnessing firsthand the cinematic voices that are set to define the next era of horror, moving beyond the recent successes of films like Obsession and the viral phenomenon of The Backrooms.

The festival is more than just a showcase; it's a platform for originality. Among the standouts was Shudder's upcoming The Cycle, a project that has already generated significant buzz, particularly with its casting of Deborah Ann Woll, known for her compelling performances in Daredevil: Born Again. This film represents the kind of bold storytelling that Fantastic Fest champions, offering fresh perspectives within the horror space.

Furthermore, the festival provided a glimpse into highly anticipated projects, including Zach Cregger's take on the iconic Resident Evil franchise. Cregger, who previously impressed audiences with Barbarian, is poised to inject his unique brand of horror into the beloved video game world, a move that has fans and critics alike eager to see how he reinvents the familiar. The sheer variety of projects, from intimate indie dread to massive franchise reboots, underscored the genre's current dynamism.

The Pulse of the Genre

Fantastic Fest has a well-earned reputation for spotlighting films that challenge conventions and push the boundaries of what horror can be. It’s a space where established names and emerging talents share the stage, fostering a sense of community around the art of fear. This year’s lineup continued that tradition, offering a diverse slate that catered to both seasoned cinephiles and those just dipping their toes into the darker waters of cinema. The excitement surrounding films like The Cycle and the anticipation for Cregger's Resident Evil are testaments to the festival's ability to identify and amplify promising new directions in horror storytelling.

What Fans Are Eagerly Awaiting

For dedicated horror fans, Fantastic Fest is an essential event, serving as an early indicator of what will be dominating their streaming queues and cinema visits in the coming year. The buzz generated around films like The Cycle and the sheer curiosity surrounding Zach Cregger's Resident Evil project translate into tangible anticipation. These aren't just movies; they represent potential new obsessions, future cult classics, and the evolution of the genre itself. The community thrives on these early glimpses, dissecting trailers, speculating on plotlines, and debating the potential impact of these new visions.

What's Next

While specific release dates for many of the festival's most talked-about films, including The Cycle and Zach Cregger's Resident Evil, have not yet been announced, the energy from Fantastic Fest 2023 suggests a potent year ahead for horror enthusiasts. Keep an eye on Shudder for The Cycle and official announcements regarding Resident Evil.