Film Event: Film4 Fright Fest 2015 - Part I

Hello, hello! Another Film4 FrightFest is upon us and this year was bigger than ever before. For those of you who don't know, FrightFest is the UK's biggest international film festival, running for five days and celebrating all things scary on screen. In association with MovieRamblings and off my own back also, I ventured to Leicester Square to get coverage of the five day event.

As always, the festival atmosphere is buzzing but this year sees sixteen years of the festival and this time it was better than ever. With dozens of celebrity guests, more world cinema pieces and of course, plenty of horror. Here's a run down of a few of the film's from this year's excitements. 

Wheelchair-bound and suffering from amnesia, January (Amy Manson) is forced to reside to her childhood home following a motorcycling accident abroad. Having been away for six years and unable to remember any of her family, she struggles to adjust to her family's way of life. When her adoring boyfriend, Callum (Simon Quarterman) mysteriously leaves, it soon becomes clear all is not as it seems.

Though sometimes slow in pace, the twisted story, eventual plot development and characters certainly compensate. James Cosmo provides an excellent performance alongside Manson for which the film owes a great deal of its success. Despite a narrative dip in the middle, Estranged features some excellent horror writing. It is haunting, well shot and is a worthy watch for horror fans. Estranged gets 3 out of 5 stars.
 You can read my full review of Estranged here

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Once part of the psychopathic duo in Sightseers (Ben Wheatley, 2012), Steve Oram makes his directorial debut with the barmy concept that is AAAAAAAAH!. Presented as "Romero and Juliet meets Planet of the Apes", the bizarre narrative sees 80's queen Toyah Wilcox star along side Boosh boys, Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt with Green Wing's Julian Rhind-Tutt. 

Possibly one of the worst films I have ever with no human dialogue present at any point. I can't help but think, however, that you Eraserhead, Luxury Comedy-lovers might just find some joy in it's insanity. Aaaaaaaah! gets a Sophie star rating of 2 out of 5 stars though 1 star was tempting.
You can read my full review of AAAAAAAAH! here

 A single mother (Ali Larter) and her two children are tormented by a mysterious supernatural disturbances in their home. Paranormal experts have refused to help but, with the presence becoming more intense and dangerous, her scientist boyfriend steps in to hunt down the violent spectre.

With a cheesy, poorly written script and sub-par acting, B-Movie visual effects and very little going on, The Diabolical truly lives up to its name and earns itself a 2 on the Sophie star rating.
You can read my full review of it here

I think I joined MovieRamblings at a chaotic yet amazing time. I feel so lucky to have gotten to see some of these ahead of the festival as well as attend this year to be able to share them all with you.  I got to see and meet some awesome celebrities and was so impressed with some of the line up. More on the way soon with Part II.

Have you been to Film 4 Fright Fest? What's your favourite horror film? As always, thanks for reading and please do leave your thoughts/comments below!

Until next time horror fans,