Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia is a chillling exploration of the way that humans have destroyed this planet. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons are brilliant.

Yorgos Lanthimos has an instanty recognizable style, so even if you went into Bugonia not knowing who directed the film, it would not take long for you to figure it out. This is not a bad thing because, honestly, I cannot imagine anyone else tackling this eerie yet poignant story. He is the perfect director to explore the themes woven throughout this twisted story about conspiracy theories.

When the CEO of a major company (Emma Stone) is kidnapped by two young men (Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis) who believe she is an alien, things get really dark and crazy, pretty quickly. As she tries to convince them to let her from their basement where she is held captive, the story evolves in unexpected and twisted ways.

Viewers cannot help but laugh at Teddy and Don as they spew all the details of what they believe to be true. Yes, they provide the comedic relief, purely because of the absurdity of it all, that is much needed when you think about the dark and twisted themes that are at the center of this. To call it a black comedy is a bit of an exaggeration simply because it leans more into the twisted side of things than the comedic aspect.

Diving into the minds of those who are down a deep, dark rabbit hole of consipracy theories is what makes Bugonia as intriguing as it is. The longer we spend with Teddy (Plemons) and Don (Delbis) the more and more ridiculous they sound. The sad thing is that there are people like that in this world, and they believe with their entire being that they are correct, no matter what proof is looking them in the face that they are not.

Yorgos Lanthimos has worked with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons before so he knows how to pull their best work out of them. Both are incredible actors who have given their all to many past roles, but these are two career best performances. Which says a lot if you have seen basically any of their other work.

Watching them go toe-to-toe, or brain-to-brain, multiple times in Bugonia is more than a joy, it is basically a masterclass in acting. They are phenomenal in this film, each of them bringing something out of each other that I am not sure I have ever seen before.

Teddy is a deeply disturbed individual, but once you start to learn why, you almost empathize with him, despite the terrible things he has done. Stone’s character is not a good person either, which is shown in the beginning of the movie, and every so often sprinkled throughout. Delbis adds a ton of heart, and is easily the most likable and normal character of them all.

Conspiracy theories are of course the main theme of Bugonia, but there is quite a bit about the environment and how we have treated this planet as human beings over the course of our existance.

The overall message of the movie is that we need to love our Mother more. We have destroyed her and despite being presented with overwhelming evidence that we are, we simply do not seem to care or do anything to stop it.

Bugonia is a difficult movie to talk about without getting into spoilers because the way that things evolve are shocking and disturbing, but also done extremely well. This is a movie that will make you think, despite your feelings on it.

Bugonia is certainly not for everyone. The ending is divisive to say the least, but I had to time of my life watching it. And yes, I will be thinking about the way I treat the planet from now on. The biggest take away is the way this movie will make you consider your actions, the way you treat others, and of course, the incredible performances from Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone.

About Bugonia

Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.

Bugonia was a surprise screening at Fantastic Fest 2025 and comes to theaters on October 24.

NEXT: Silent Night, Deadly Night Review [Fantastic Fest 2025]

Silent Night, Deadly Night is a great time at the movies. Super fun kills, an intriguing story, and a great lead performance from Rohan Campbell make it a must watch.

Who doesn’t love a good slasher? Silent Night, Deadly Night is a great blend of horror and holiday, as it takes place around Christmas and involves a murdering Santa Claus. Packed with insanely fun kills and boasting a great lead performance, this one is a must see.

This film follows Billy (Rohan Campbell) who becomes a serial killer after seeing his parents murdered in front of him when he is eight years old. While we do not learn the ins and outs of everything until the third act, we do know that he murders people while wearing a santa suit around the holidays.

As someone who has not seen the 1984 Silent Night, Deadly Night, or either of the sequels, I cannot comment a lot on the differences. But I can reveal that a lot of other Fantastic Fest goers have seen it and said that this is a new and creative spin, with more comedy, than its predecessor. A story like this should lean into the ridiculous and hilarious aspects of it all, so I am really happy they did.

Rohan Campbell was a standout of The Monkey, but he really is allowed the time to shine in this film. He is the perfect choice for the lead and I loved watching his character struggle with certain aspects of what he does.

He seems sweet and innocent by the way he looks, but he is strong and has no problem killing people he thinks have it coming. These scenes are a ton of fun. In my theater viewers were cheering, clapping, and laughing through them all. They are violent, bloody, and absolutely insane.

Ruby Modine plays Pamela, a bit of a love interest for him. Their chemistry is great and I truly enjoyed watching them together on screen. She brings a lot of the comedy as well, landing every joke. It was easy to root for the two of them because of how good they are together.

When everything comes together in the end and we learn the whys and the hows, this already great movie becomes even better. A horror movie is almost always made better when the lore is explained to the viewers, and this is no exception.

Without spoilers, Silent Night, Deadly Night ends in a way that leaves the door open for more. Should there be a sequel, I will absolutely be seated. This is the horror slasher you didn’t know you that you needed.

About Silent Night, Deadly Night

A reimagining of the controversial 1984 cult horror classic — when Billy witnesses his parents’ grisly murder on Christmas Eve at the hands of Santa, it ignites a lifelong mission to spread holiday fear. Every Christmas, he dons the jolly red suit and delivers a blood-soaked massacre to feed his twisted sense of justice. This Christmas Eve, Billy wants to know: “Have you been naughty?”

Silent Night, Deadly Night was a secret screening at Fantastic Fest 2025 and comes to theaters December 12, 2025.

NEXT: Black Phone 2 Review

Sisu: Road To Revenge is bigger, bloodier, and even more insane than the first film. An action-packed thrill ride from start to finish.

Sisu: Road To Revenge takes what worked with the first film and dials it up to eleven. If you thought that Sisu was filled with insane action and epic stunts, just wait until you see the sequel. This movie is somehow bigger, bloodier, and bolder. Action-packed from start to finish, viewers will be hanging onto the edge of their seats as the gasp and cheer.

The movie continues the story of Aatami (Jorma Tomilla) as he carries precious cargo on his way back to Finland. Of course, nothing is easy for this man, and once again hundreds of people chase him down and try to kill him. This creates a lot of intense moments, and a whole lot of hilariously fun stunts.

Stephen Lang portrays Igor Draganov, who is the man who killed Aatami’s family and is now tasked with taking him down. We all know there will be a point when they inevitably go toe-to-toe, but because of the nature of the film, it isn’t like we are simply waiting for that time to come without being entertained.

While the highlight of the film is absolutely the insane stunts, kills, and ridiculous ways that Aatami takes lives, it does have some heart to it – especially in the end. No spoilers here, but just know that I did find myself in tears watching the final scene.

Sisu: Road To Revenge is an absolute blast from start to finish. It gives fans a whole lot more of what they loved from the first film while bringing something new to the table at the same time. This is, simply put, a ridiculously fun action movie that is completely unafraid to push the limit when it comes to blood and gore.

If you already loved Aatami, just wait.

About Sisu: Road To Revenge

SISU: ROAD TO REVENGE is a wall-to-wall cinematic action event, a sequel to the original sleeper hit SISU. Returning to the house where his family was brutally murdered during the war, “the man who refuses to die” (Jorma Tommila) dismantles it, loads it on a truck, and is determined to rebuild it somewhere safe in their honor.

When the Red Army commander who killed his family (Stephen Lang from Don’t Breathe) comes back hellbent on finishing the job, a relentless, eye-popping cross-country chase ensues — a fight to the death, full of clever, unbelievable action set pieces.

Sisu: Road To Revenge played at Fantastic Fest 2025 and comes to theaters on November 21st.

NEXT: Black Phone 2 Review

Shelby Oaks perfectly blends found footage, mockumentary, and the horror genres in a way that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Chris Stumann knows horror. He has been a fan of the genre forever, which really comes through in his directorial debut, Shelby Oaks. What started as fun YouTube videos that he and his wife filmed themselves has turned into one of the most unforgettable horror movies of the year. Perfectly blending several genres: found footage, mockumentary, and horror/thriller, this is a cannot miss movie.

The story follows Riley (Sarah Durn) who is the host of a YouTube Channel, Paranormal Paranoids. The group of four investigate places that are rumored to be haunted. When they all suddenly go missing, Riley’s sister Mia (Camille Sullivan) immediately begins looking for her.

Shelby Oaks starts as a mockumentary, where the story of Riley and her friends is being told. It is comprised of interviews with Mia, as well as clips from footage from YouTube investigations and from the camera that was found at the last place Riley was seen. The first part of this film is eerie and terrifying, largely due to the way that it is filmed.

For me, paranormal experiences have always interested me. Movies like The Blair Witch Project are intense and will give me nightmares. Mostly because they not only feel like something that could happen, but due to the way that they are shot, you are right there with the main characters through it all.

Without spoilers, there is a turning point in Shelby Oaks that comes in a shocking and abrupt way. My jaw dropped and even though I was already enjoying the first half of the movie, it was then that I leaned forward and found myself all the way in.

As someone who has a sister, and has two daughters, I could heavily relate to the strong bond between Riley and Mia. If anything like this happened to my sister I would never, ever give up hope. And I would certainly wish that my daughters would do the same for each other. Perhaps because of this, there were several scenes that really hit me right in the gut (and the heart) throughout Shelby Oaks.

Sarah Durn and Camille Sullivan both deliver incredible performances. They are both two pieces to the puzzle and it leaves the audience wondering when, if ever, they will come together. Even without them having that face-to-face time on screen, it is easy to see and feel the sisterly bond.

In the back half of the film, a switch flips, and we get into a much darker story. I found myself hanging onto every word, and being extremely present in every every scene, as I tried to work it all out. There is a creature, and multiple jump scares, that shook me to my core. It is this part of the story that ties everything together, making Shelby Oaks as a whole an extremely effective horror.

No spoilers here but the ending left me with my jaw on the floor. I truly cannot wait to see what Chris Stuckmann does next.

About Shelby Oaks

A woman’s desperate search for her long-lost sister falls into obsession upon realising that the imaginary demon from their childhood may have been real.

Shelby Oaks marks the debut feature from Chris Stuckmann, with assured visual storytelling and razor-sharp tension, it boldly announces the arrival of a compelling new voice in genre cinema.

Starring Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III and Michael Beach, Shelby Oaks is a one-of-a-kind horror that defies genre conventions, delivering a uniquely immersive and terrifying journey.

Shelby Oaks is one the most the most-funded horror film project on Kickstarter, attracting over 4500 backers and with support of acclaimed horror filmmaker and executive producer Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, Midnight Mass).

Shelby Oaks played at Fantastic Fest 2025 and comes to theaters October 24th and in UK Cinemas on October 31st.

NEXT: Black Phone 2 Review

Black Phone 2 is a worthy sequel that continues the story in a way that makes sense. Both Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw bring their A-game.

With the way that The Black Phone ended, it is hard to imagine how things could continue. Thankfully Black Phone 2 is a worthy sequel, telling a terrifying and emotional story that is not only a great follow up to the first time, but that somehow makes it even better, knowing what we know now.

The Grabber may be dead, but this universe has already established that dead doesn’t always mean dead. Finney (Mason Thames) can communicate with those that are no longer with us, as we saw when he was in The Grabber’s basement, speaking with all of his young victims on the phone. As the story continues, we realize that he still gets phone calls, although he clearly is over it, having not fully dealt with the trauma he went through.

Now in High School, Finney and Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) are still struggling with the events of the first movie. Robin’s younger brother Ernesto (Miguel Mora) is a friend of Gwen’s and while I do not want to give away too much about their relationship, it is fun to see him as a new character, after playing Robin in the previous movie.

As expected by the fact that we know The Grabber is reaching out to Finney from Hell, Black Phone 2 is very reminicent of The Nightmare On Elm Street: Dream Warriors. I absolutely love this aspect. Making the iconic, scary as heck villain essentially Freddy Krueger was a brilliant way to not only ensure his return makes sense, but to keep him just as terrifying, if not more so. Ethan Hawke once again manages to send shivers down my spine every time he speaks.

Where Mason Thames’ Finney was the main focus of the first film, the follow-up is where Gwen is given her time to shine. Yes, her “dreams” were a big part of The Black Phone, even helping to find the bodies of the dead children, but she really comes into her own in the sequel. This movie is much more her story than anything else. And Madeleine McGraw was absolutely up for the challenge.

She nails every single scene that she is in (and there are a lot). Gwen is a powerhouse. Even though she is scared at times, she also has a backbone, and will do anything to protect her brother – who will do anything to protect her. As she discovers more and more about The Grabber’s past, she finds herself realizing she needs to do the right thing.

I do not want to spoil too much, but I will say that Gwen is the key to everything in this movie. Madeleine McGraw delivers an incredible performance that left me in tears more than once.

All of that said, Mason Thames still has some unforgettable scenes as well. There is one monologue, towards the end, that had my literally clutching my heart as I cried. He is an extremely talented actor. I wouldn’t say he takes a backseat in Black Phone 2, but I would say that Madeleine steps even more to the forefront, if that makes sense.

This film is has more blood and gore than the previous one, mostly done with practical effects. They are impressive and really heighten the effectiveness of the scares. It also should be noted that the way Gwen’s dreams are portrayed in Black Phone 2 is brilliant. It makes them stand out all throughout the movie.

Black Phone 2 is emotional, terrifying, and more than I ever could have wanted. Both Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw deliver their best ever performances.

About Black Phone 2

Four years ago, 13-year-old Finn killed his abductor and escaped, becoming the sole survivor of The Grabber. But true evil transcends death… and the phone is ringing again. Four-time Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke returns to the most sinister role of his career as The Grabber seeks vengeance on Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave by menacing Finn’s younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw).

As Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, the headstrong 15-year-old Gwen begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake. Determined to solve the mystery and end the torment for both her and her brother, Gwen persuades Finn to visit the camp during a winter storm. There, she uncovers a shattering intersection between The Grabber and her own family’s history. Together, she and Finn must confront a killer who has grown more powerful in death and more significant to them than either could imagine.

Black Phone 2 comes to theaters October 17th.

The Strangers Chapter 2 explores the backstory of the strangers while also giving Madelaine Petsch time to shine as a final girl.

It is important to know that The Strangers Chapter 2 is the middle of a story before going into it. We have already seen Chapter 1, and Chapter 3 will be releasing at a later date. This makes it a little bit difficult to review, as I like to have seen the entire story before casting judgement.

Having never seen the original, The Strangers Chapter 1 was my introduction to these characters, and I rather enjoyed it. I like the anonymity of the killers. The fact that they are torturing and killing people just because they feel like it is absolutely terrifying and makes the stakes high because they truly do not care about other lives.

The Strangers Chapter 2 continues the story of Madelaine Petsch’s character, Maya, who just barely survived her recent attack. Of course, the coast is not clear, and she must continue to try to escape the strangers. At the same time, we are running around and hiding with her, we are learning more and more about the strangers through flashbacks.

Honestly, I do not think we need a backstory of the strangers, but I also do not think it takes away from the effectiveness of them like other fans do. I am perfectly fine getting to know them. Plus, the way that The Strangers Chapter 2 handles this is interesting. We might start to learn about their identities, but it still seems as if their attacks have no rhyme or reason behind them. They are just psychopaths. It is as simple as that.

This second installment is just about ninety minutes long, and while it does contain lots of running and high-octane moments, it does slow down every so often. The strangers don’t always make the smartest decisions while they are chasing Maya around. But if they were able to catch her right away, there would not be a movie for any of us to watch.

One of the things I really enjoyed about The Strangers Chapter 2 was Petsch’s performance. She has proven herself as the perfect choice for a final girl time and time again. Throughout this film, viewers are right there with there. Knowing that there is another film, and that she is the star of it once again, it never feels as if she is in true danger. That is probably one of the biggest downfalls of Chapter 2. Although, I will admit that the trailer at the end teasing Chapter 3 has me very excited to see how things wrap up.

Even though this is technically its own movie, it really is just a part of the story. Because of that I have a hard time critiquing it. I need to know how the story ends before I can decide how I feel about it one way or another. That said, it really does simply feel like a way to connect the two. There are a few choices that were made story wise that made me think they were put there just to help the audience connect the dots between what is happening in the present and the backstory that keeps being flashed to.

When these moments happen, the movie veers off path and just comes off as strange and like we somehow left the story behind. Without spoilers, I am referring to the scene with the boars. Once again, I understand the why of it all, but I don’t feel it to be necessary.

All of this to say, I really enjoy watching Madelaine Petsch on screen. She is very talented and that makes It easy to root for her character. Of course, I knew that she had to survive this The Strangers Chapter 2, that much was obvious because we know she filmed Chapter 3, but she still gives it her all.

The Strangers Chapter 2 did offer up some surprises before ending on a cliffhanger that genuinely has me excited for the final chapter.

About The Stangers Chapter 2

The Strangers are back — more brutal and relentless than ever. When they learn that one of their victims, Maya (Madelaine Petsch), is still alive, they return to finish what they’ve started. With nowhere to run and no one to trust, Maya must survive another horrific chapter of terror as The Strangers — driven by a senseless, unceasing purpose — pursue her, more than willing to kill anyone who stands in their way.

The Strangers Chapter 2 played at Fantastic Fest 2025.

NEXT: If I Had Legs I’d Kick You Review: An Anxiety Filled Masterpiece

Coyotes might be a beyond ridiculous movie, but that doesn’t mean it is not a whole lot of fun. No surprise that Justin Long absolutely shines.

If you are looking for a movie that ensures you will have a good time watching it, no matter how ridiculous it is, Coyotes is the one for you. This movie follows a family that lives in the Hollywood Hills. They are stranded there due to a storm and end up being tormented by a pack of vicious coyotes.

They must rely on one another to ensure they make it out alive, which is no easy feat, even for a family that loves each other, due to the extreme pressures that they are under. Justin Long and Kate Bosworth star in this insane but fun movie. It should come as no surprise that they have great on-screen chemistry because they are a real-life couple.

Coyotes knows exactly what type of movie it is, leaning into the more humorous moments as well. This is essentially a home invasion movie, except the home invaders are wild animals that are willing to stalk their prey, no matter how long it takes. It is just as ridiculous as it sounds, and just as fun to watch as you might expect.

While the look of the coyotes could have been improved, as they often times never aren’t as scary as they should be, that actually adds to the humor of the movie. Things get nasty and gory at times, with a few shocking moments that will even cause viewers to hide behind their hands.

Without giving too much away, once the pieces of the puzzle come together, and the why of it all is revealed, Coyotes really proves what a fun movie it is. That said, this movie also has a lot of heart in it. There are some great moments between the parents, as well as with their daughter, that might even cause a few viewers to get misty-eyed (I sure did).

That said, this movie really is just something to turn your brain off and watch if you want to have a good time. It is silly, ridiculous, and an absolute blast. Justin Long has a way of excelling in these types of movies, and he, once again, is the standout. Clocking in at just ninety minutes, there is never a dull moment, as it flies by due to on-point pacing.

Even with a premise that feels like it could happen, but probably wouldn’t, it gets intense. There are heart-pounding moments as viewers wait to see what is coming next.

About Coyotes

When a scorching wildfire hits the Hollywood Hills, a family is stranded as their neighborhood is destroyed and their home becomes a blazing prison.

What begins as an intimate domestic drama quickly escalates into a pulse-pounding survival thriller as a pack of predatory coyotes disoriented by the fires tighten their perimeter around the house. Rendered powerless by collapsing roads and no electricity, the family must rely on their courage, resilience, and love for one another to survive both the inferno and the snarling threat outdoors.

Justin Long and Kate Bosworth, real-life partners sharing the screen for the third time, bring a raw emotional intensity and layered chemistry to their roles as the trapped family’s parents.  Their performances underline the dual nature of the nightmare they are living—how human bonds are tested under extreme pressure and how strong one’s primal survival instinct can be.

Coyotes played at Fantastic Fest 2025.

NEXT: Our 10 Most Anticipated Fantastic Fest 2025 Films

APPOFENIACS serves as a chilling warning about the use of AI and the effects that it can have on the world and the people around us.

AI is a hot topic right now, so it makes perfect sense that there are a lot of movies and series that tackle the consequences that can come with it. That said, APPOFENIACS is like nothing I have ever seen before. It is terrifying on several different levels, as it showcases what can happen if you upset the wrong person, and they opt to use AI to make your life a living Hell.

Probably the scariest thing about this is that it can easily become a reality. All too often, people do not consider the full consequences their actions have, likely because they are selfish and truly just do not care about others.

APPOFENIACS showcases the horrific effects that deep fake videos can have, not just on the people they feature, but those surrounding them. When a young man becomes obsessed with using this technology to get back at those who have upset him, as well as just anyone he feels like targeting, the violence and trauma that follows is shocking.

This movie is absolutely bonkers, but also a lot of fun. There are many moments that will leave viewers with their jaws on the floor, especially as everything starts to connect. The only real issue with the film is that there are a lot of characters to follow; however, once things settle down and it homes in on a select few, APPOFENIACS really shines.

The shift from the first act to the second act is a bit jarring at first, but it doesn’t take long for things to clear up so that viewers can guess where things are going. APPOFENIACS features a lot of blood and gore, most (maybe even all) of which are practical effects. I always appreciate when things like this are done practically, even if it sometimes can turn out looking a little bit silly.

The cast does a wonderful job of displaying true urgency. Everyone has their moment and is a key part of the story. There is not one character, among the many, that could be removed and the film would still work the way it is supposed to.

Honestly, APPOFENIACS is going to have me being a bit nicer to strangers, even if they are absolutely in the wrong. Because this deep fake AI technology is something that actually exists in our world, it can be used against us, and no matter how much we assure others it is not us, there is a chance the consequences will be drastic.

APPOFENIACS is wild, crazy, bonkers fun. It is bloody and violent, but also serves as a warning about the effects of AI technology. As the dots all start to connect, it becomes clear exactly what set everything in motion, and to say it is terrifying is a bit of an understatement.

NEXT: A Relentless March: An Interview with Garrett Wareing for The Long Walk

About APPOFENIACS

A young man is obsessed with creating deepfake videos, eagerly finding new ways to exploit the technology. From pornography to manufacturing a racist rant, his videos are incredibly cruel and vile. As his creations are unleashed into the world, he sows havoc, with absolutely no regard for the consequences. Lives are ruined and lost, all due to fake videos created for seemingly no good reason at all, except that the technology exists, so why not use it?

The brilliant ensemble cast includes memorable performances from Sean Gunn, Jermaine Fowler, and Michael Abbott Jr. Equally timely and relevant as it is disturbing and provocative, if you weren’t already worried about the implications AI has on our future, you certainly will be after watching APPOFENIACS.

APPOFENIACS played at Fantastic Fest 2025.