Black Sheep previews the 2013 Toronto After Dark Film Festival

If you’re a horror fan, this week is shaping up to be a good one here in Toronto. Not only do we have the highly anticipated new adaptation of Stephen King’s seminal work, CARRIE, being released this friday, but starting Thursday the 17th, we also have the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. Now in it’s 8th year, this festival is the go-to for horror fans, sci-fi geeks and aficionados of the just plain weird. Since its inaugural festival back in 2006, TAD has brought to the big screen some of the best in the modern horror genre including LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, TRICK ‘R TREAT, AMERICAN MARY and V/H/S, and of course a huge selection of shorts from all over the world.

With the festival sprawling 9 nights and showcasing 19 feature length films, it gets pretty difficult to choose which ones you might not want to miss out on. This year TAD has conveniently done some of the leg work for its audience by giving each night a descriptive title to help find the movies that are right for you. Friday the 18th is “Bug Night”, Sunday the 20th is “Gross Out Night” (I won’t be missing that one!) and Tuesday the 22nd is “Sci-Fi Night”. You get the picture. Here at Black Sheep Reviews we have narrowed the list down to our must-see Top 5 TAD Films, hopefully to make your decision making even easier still.

Thursday, October 17, 7pm – WE ARE WHAT WE ARE

(trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQbS5YuBTNM&sns=em)

If you don’t already have your ticket for this one, you might be out of luck. But we have recently learned that rush tickets might be available for this one, so don’t give up all hope just yet. This remake of Jorge Michel Grau’s 2010 film about a cannibalistic family looks absolutely amazing. This is actually my top pick for the festival, and one I wouldn’t even think of missing. The trailer is haunting, intriguing and beautiful, and from what I’ve heard, so is the film. Directed by Jim Mickle (STAKELAND) this movie got rave reviews when it screened at both Cannes and Sundance this year.

Sunday, October 20, 7pm – SEPTIC MAN

(trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T22lv3iFHuw&sns=em )

This Canadian feature is part of the “Gross Out Night”, and judging by the trailer, that seems incredibly appropriate. Trapped inside a septic tank during a water contamination crisis, Jack (Jason David Brown) undergoes a hideous transformation and must try to escape. Directed by Jesse T. Cook who brought us SCARCE and MONSTERS BRAWL and written by Tony Burgess (PONTYPOOL), this one looks like it’s guaranteed to gross out all who see it.

Monday, October 21, 7pm – ODD THOMAS

(trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zwp5k9zNP8&sns=em)

Based on the New York Times bestselling book by Dean Koontz, this movie follows Odd (Anton Yelchin, FRIGHT NIGHT) a short order cook with a sixth sense, as he attempts to stop a disaster that is heading towards his home town. Also starring Willem Defoe and directed by Stephen Sommers (THE MUMMY), this films looks like a trippy awesome ride.

Tuesday, October 22, 7pm – The LAST DAYS ON MARS

(trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDu4ESiwFHs&sns=em)

This Canadian premiere stars Liev Schreiber (SCREAM), Olivia Williams (THE SIXTH SENSE) and Elias Koteas (SHUTTER ISLAND) as a group of astronauts who discover a deadly strain of bacteria on the red planet that begins to turn the crew into zombies. This sci-fi movie looks bloody, terrifying and intense, so naturally I am very excited to see it during the festival. Directed by first time feature film director Ruairi Robinson.

Thursday, October 24, 7pm – WILLOW CREEK

(trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBPTLqUtsjw&sns=em)

There are two things that really frighten me. One is being in the woods, like seriously deep in the woods. The second thing is Big Foot. These fears go hand in hand, and this movie brings them both together in a found footage style that looks terrifying. I am by no means a fan of the found footage genre, but the trailer for this one looks promising. It might just make you rethink any camping plans you might have. From Bobcat Goldthwait (GOD BLESS AMERICA) and co-presented by Rue Morgue Cinemacabre.

The Toronto After Dark Film Festival runs from Thursday, October 17 to Friday, October 25 at the Scotiabank Theatre in downtown Toronto. For more information on the films and how to get your hands on tickets, please visit the Toronto After Dark website. You can also follow TAD on Twitter at @TADFilmFest.

Black Sheep Reviews will be publishing reviews for the majority of the films the day after they screen so be sure to check back often and join the conversation!