Fantastic Fest 2015 Preview: 16 Fantastic Picks From Around The Globe

February
Buzz was very positive at TIFF where this wintery supernatural thriller premiered. Emma Roberts, Kiernan Shipka, and Lauren Holly star. Brrrr. - Ryland Aldrich

Klown Forever
The first film was an electrifying comic experience, knowing and smart and smutty, and now the lead duo are leaving Denmark for Los Angeles. Hilarity will surely ensue. - Peter Martin

The Mind's Eye
With a Scanners-like premise from director Joe Begos, the promise of '80s-influenced horror is back. Plus, Larry Fessenden is always a treat. I'm sure he'll turn in a suitably disgusting performance -Michele "Izzy" Galgana

Ruined Heart
This "punk noir opera" by Filipino vet Khavn de la Cruz stars Asano Tadanobu and just happens to be DPed by Christopher Doyle. - Ryland Aldrich

Tale of Tales
Despite the stellar cast (Salma Hayek, John C. Reily, Vincent Cassel), what I'm really eager to see on the screen are the weird fairy tales told in incredibly lush photography. -Michele "Izzy" Galgana

Demon
Using a lesser known monster of Jewish mythology, director Marcin Wrona (who tragically passed away last week) has crafted an odd tale of a young man trying to fit in with his new family, who, upon discovering what might be their dark secret, finds himself overtaken by a spirit determined to live again. This film is a sepia-toned surreal fevered nightmare, probably the strangest wedding you will ever attend, and one that will send chills not just down your spine, but through your entire body. - Shelagh Rowan-Legg

Lovemilla
Can true love survive when robotic body parts are involved? Based on a Finnish TV show, this is a wonderfully funny exploration of a (slightly) alternate universe. - Peter Martin

Speed
Lee Sang-woo's second film at the fest (as well as producer and TwitchFilm contributor Pierce Conran) makes its North American debut after world premiering at Jeonju. - Ryland Aldrich

Men and Chicken
Mads Mikkelsen dresses down in a smarmy mustache and curly wig whilst doing disgusting, funny things with collaborator and Danish auteur Anders Thomas Jensen. I'm in. -Michele "Izzy" Galgana

Yakuza Apocalypse
Miike. Yakuza. Vampires. Yesssss. - Ryland Aldrich

Der Bunker
A college student moves into very strange house, inhabited by a very strange set of parents and their supposed child who is far older than his claimed 8 years of age. Bizarre, comic, and, yes, philosophical. - Peter Martin

Zoom
Plenty of people had good things to say when Pedro Morelli's Gael Garcia-Bernal-starring "fast-paced, pop-art inspired, multi-plot contemporary comedy" debuted at TIFF. Kid Koala did the music and will be spinnin' tunes at Fantastic Fest as well. - Ryland Aldrich

Come Drink With Me
King Hu's magnificent direction, led by the equally magnificent Cheng Pei-Pei, makes for a magical, transporting experience. - Peter Martin

The Keeping Room
After watching Britt Marling in Another Earth, I'm looking forward to the emotional resonance and inner strength she'll bring to The Keeping Room, what looks to be a survilist film set among the wreckage of the Civil War. -Michele "Izzy" Galgana

The Brand New Testament
Belgian Jaco Van Dormael made waves at Cannes this year with this bizarre tale of a young girl dealing with life and death and God. - Ryland Aldrich

Stand By For Tape Back-up
An essay film about grief, filled with wry observations on the meaning of life, Ghostbusters, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. - Peter Martin