The 2018 edition of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival takes place from from October 11-19, 2018 at the Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto. The entire line-up for the festival has now been announced, so it is time for me to list off the five films that I specifically recommend you check out at the festival. These are either films that I saw and enjoyed earlier this year at Fantasia or they simply stand out for me among the films this year. For each selection, I’ll also list a few similar films, to give you an idea of what each selection is about.
Satan’s Slaves (Joko Anwar, Indonesia) – Special Presentation
It has been a very solid year for scary haunted house films and Satan’s Slaves is a film that you should not miss. This is a truly scary film and it has probably one of the most well-executed ghost reveals I have ever seen in a film. This was my favourite film from Fantasia this year at Satan’s Slaves should not be missed.
See If You Liked: Hereditary, Paranormal Activity 3
Mega Time Squad (Tim van Dammen, New Zealand) – Toronto Premiere
New Zealand has been a breeding ground of genre-comedies over the last few years and Mega Time Squad is no exception. This is quite enjoyable time travel comedy and is sure to be a major crowd pleaser.
See If You Like: Housebound, Flight of the Conchords, What We Do in the Shadows
Overlord (Julius Avery, USA) – Canadian Premiere
Produced by J.J. Abrams and set for a wide release in November, hosting the Canadian premiere of Overlord is probably one of the highest profile Toronto After Dark acquisitions, since they played the Eli Roth-produced The Last Exorcism way back in 2010. While not the first World War II zombie film, Overlord will undoubtedly be a can’t miss film at the festival this year.
See If You Like: Dead Snow, Trench 11
Lifechanger (Justin McConnell, Canada) – Toronto Premiere
Local Toronto filmmaker Justin McConnell unleashes his inner Cronenberg, with this film that combines shapeshifting body horror with a romance plot. This is sure to be one of the most hyped screenings of the festival, with many local cast and crew in attendance.
See If You Like: Dead Ringers, The Fly
Anna and the Apocalypse (John McPhail, UK) – Toronto Premiere
This is a Christmas-set musical with zombies. ‘Nuff said!
See If You Like: Shaun of the Dead, La La Land
And those are my five films to see at Toronto After Dark. For a full listing of films and information on how to get passes and tickets, please check out the official website at http://torontoafterdark.com/
