This morning saw the announcement of this year’s Midnight Madness line-up and the Toronto International Film Festival. This year’s line-up not only features the return of some notable alumni, but also a few films that aim to relaunch horror franchises of the past. Without further ado, I will go through some of the highlights of this year’s Midnight Madness line-up.
Opening and Closing Films
Sadako vs. Kayako, Kōji Shiraishi, Japan (International Premiere) – Closing Film
I’m actually listing this one first, since it is one of the films in this year’s Midnight Madness line-up that quite intrigues me. Sadako vs. Kayako brings together the villains of Ringu and Ju-On together in a J-Horror monster brawl. It is quite ironic that this film is arriving around the same time as Rings, a new North American reboot of The Ring. I do have to say that this film interests me a lot more than that one.
Free Fire, Ben Wheatley, United Kingdom (World Premiere) – Opening Film
Ben Wheatley is no stranger to Midnight Madness, having had played Kill List as part of the programme a number of years ago. Free Fire is probably most notable for its star-studded cast, which includes Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, and Sharlto Copley.