A Simplistic Preview: Fantasia 2026: A Simplistic Guide
The Fantasia Film Festival is Brewing Up Something Big for it’s 30th Edition
Hitting 30 can be a milestone. You’re out of your 20s, you finally feel like you have your life together and you might have a house and, hey, maybe you’re married with a kid(s) on the way. Or you could be the Fantasia Film Festival and still highlighting some of the craziest, pushing-the-envelope films in the festival circuit. I prefer the latter.
The 30th Edition of the Fantasia Film Festival will be conjured back from July 16th to August 2nd 2026.
With so many films on this year’s docket it might seem a little daunting to figure out which ones to check out. Luckily for you, Simplistic Reviews is here to sherpa you through the program and let you know what you SHOULD be watching for the week two-or-so weeks. Let’s dive in shall we.
The Last Temptation of Becky
If you’re already a fan of the “Becky” series this should be a no-brainer. Our aforementioned heroine has already taken on a Neo-Nazi Kevin James, tracked down a kidnapped down taken by homegrown terrorists and this time she’s taking down the Fourth Reich. Sure to be a bloody good time.
Rubberhead: The Life & Monsters of Steve Johnson
One of the unsung practical effects masters of the 1980s and 90s was Steve Johnson. He might not be a household name but working with the likes of Rick Baker and creating mind-melting effects from a personal favorite of ours “Freaked,” to everyone’s favorite erotic alien thriller “Species” it’s due time to preach the gospel of an unsung hero of VFX world.
Los Vampires
Taking some notes from the likes of “Shadow of the Vampire” and maybe a dash of Dario Argento’s “Opera",” “Los Vampires” is the fictionalized(?) account of how the OTHER famous (or infamous) “Dracula” film was made in the 1930s. Did I mention mysterious murders are happening on the set all the while?
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
A hot commodity on the festival circuit, “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” is finally making its way to Fantasia.
Sex, blood, murder…did I mention sex, a southern-drawling Gillian Anderson, more sex, Hannah Einbender as a disillusioned writer looking for more our of the horror genre, and of course; sex. If you don’t know who Jane Schoenbrun is yet (please check out the delightfully odd '“We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” and “I Saw the TV Glow”) you will after you take a trip to Camp Miasma.
Bowels of Hell
Coming hot out of Brazil might be the craziest film in this year’s line-up; “Bowels of Hell.”
Loaded with blood, gore, and plenty of shit, this scatalogical horror romp is guaranteed to leave you needing a shower. Personally, I was a big fan of “Flush” at the 2025 Edition of Fantasia so why not another trip to the bathroom to see what happens.
The Samurai and the Prisoner
If you’re looking for something a little classier, “The Samurai and the Prisoner” is sure to hit the spot with it’s attention to detail and whodunit nature.
Already a hit at this year’s Cannes (we well as with Martin Scorsese) this murder murder in feudal Japan is part “The Silence of the Lambs” and “Throne of Blood.”
Attack on Paradise
Not enough action for you at Fantasia yet? Let’s talk about “Attack on Paradise.” What’s a guy to do when he just gets out of prison and finds that where his mom is living has been taken over by a drug kingpin? Well, probably kick some ass.
Like a Dutch “The Raid,” “Paradise” ups the ante and looks to deliver some bone-crunching, high-octane action.
This is merely a taste of this year’s festival with over 100 films, both features and short, and we’ll be covering as much as we can both here and over at Letterboxd
Other films we’re looking forward to include (but of course are not limited to)
I Love Paris, Buddy, Sour Minnows, Home Bodies, Unholy Night, Tight Lettuce, Godhead, The Fox, Backstage Madness, and Our Effed Up World.
