(REVIEW) FANTASTIC FEST 2026: Frights & Final Verdicts

Courtesy of Fantastic Fest

Horror season has reached its glorious peak, that wonderful stretch when skeletons become acceptable home décor and watching something deeply disturbing counts as a festive activity. Bringing its own brand of cinematic mayhem to the celebration, Fantastic Fest returned to Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar from September 17 through 24, 2026. The annual genre festival brings together horror, science fiction, fantasy, action, and unconventional storytelling from around the world. For anyone whose idea of a good time involves leaving a movie with questions, goosebumps, or a slightly revised opinion of humanity, that is a pretty enticing invitation.

What I appreciate about a festival like this is the opportunity for discovery. Familiar names might attract attention, but an unfamiliar filmmaker with an ambitious idea can be just as compelling a reason to press play. Horror thrives on curiosity, and there is something refreshing about approaching a movie without already knowing its entire personality from months of marketing. My coverage this year focuses on three features and one short, with room for competitive ambition, conspiracy, family unease, and a camping trip that makes staying home sound downright adventurous. Here is a closer look at each, with my individual verdicts and ratings out of five.

Courtesy of IFC Entertainment

“Bloody Tennis”

Written and directed by Nikias Chryssos, “Bloody Tennis” stars Sandra Guldberg Kampp, Elina Löwensohn, and Tracy Gotoas. The story follows Sophie, a young player admitted to an elite European tennis academy, where greatness demands more than grueling practice and talented opponents. As the institution’s sinister nature emerges, her ambition comes into conflict with her relationships and empathy. Apparently, a decent backhand is only the beginning of the admissions requirements.

Competitive sports provide fertile territory for horror because the pressure already exists before anything overtly monstrous enters the picture. Approval, status, and the fear of becoming disposable can turn a coveted opportunity into a trap. That gives this premise a central question worth exploring: How much of yourself should success be allowed to cost?

My mini review:

Honestly, I was very impressed by this movie. Taking the concept of adding tennis as the motivator for blood, gore, and a devilish ambition to be the best is very compelling. The practical effects were spot on for what I would hope for in a movie like this, and the weird side storyline that cannibalism is involved was an interesting approach. Cannibalism is a hit-or-miss approach, but done successfully, it makes for a delicious part of any storyline (pun intended). Sandra Guldberg Kampp really stole the show for me. Her talent exceeded all my expectations, and she really ran with this character. She was perfect for this role, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. The only thing that didn’t make this truly a flawless movie was that I felt the story was a bit rushed. Was I enjoying it every step of the way? Yes, but it all just happened so quickly that I feel a much slower burn could have made this top tier to me. This movie is now available on Shudder and I highly recommend you give it a shot.

My rating: 4/5

Courtesy of Fantastic Fest

“Compliance”

Writer and director Kyle Mangione-Smith brings corporate damage control into dangerous territory with “Compliance,” starring Megan Wilcox, Lindsey Normington, and Charlie Wood. Sam Cornell works as a crisis manager for the technology startup UVisit. Assigned to handle the fallout from a sexual assault scandal threatening a major deal, she becomes entangled in a violent conspiracy involving a powerful organization. What begins as a professional assignment becomes a much more threatening struggle over control.

The premise places an uncomfortable contradiction at its center: protecting a company’s reputation and responding responsibly to harm are not necessarily compatible goals. That is meaningful territory for a thriller, particularly when institutional power can determine whose account receives attention. The question for the review is whether the film turns that tension into compelling drama.

My mini review:

If I could describe this movie in 2 words, it would be “Holy Shit!!”. This movie was so intense, thrilling, and took me on a ride I didn’t expect. I had no idea where this movie was going, and as someone who has seen so many movies in my life, plots become predictable. I thought I had this movie down, but then it takes a few hard shifts off the rails that I couldn’t even believe what I was watching. The filmmaking style was incredible. The cuts from security cameras, hidden cameras, and screen life filming were so cool to see cut all together. “Compliance” has a pretty incredible ending that you will not see coming. The main actress, Megan Wilcox had a lot to carry on her shoulders for this movie, being the main person we focus on (with a few side characters shining in their own ways), and she didn’t stumble once. Megan is someone who has a bright future in horror, thrillers, and honestly any damn thing she does. “Compliance” is a movie you’re not going to want to miss, so stay tuned for announcements when it is available.

My rating: 5/5

Courtesy of Fantastic Fest

“Sick”

Written and directed by Agata Trzebuchowska, “Sick” features Katarzyna Łubik, Konrad Kąkol, and Monika Niemczyk. This Polish feature follows teenage siblings Maks and Emma as they spend the summer caring for their ailing grandmother in the countryside. Inside the increasingly oppressive household, troubling changes in their relationship unfold alongside their grandmother’s disturbing transformation. The story combines family obligations, forbidden desire, and the unease of approaching adulthood.

A remote setting can remove the usual distractions, leaving characters with feelings they would rather avoid. Here, the premise brings caregiving and adolescence into the same confined space, making the family home a source of uncertainty. It also presents a substantial storytelling challenge: difficult subject matter needs emotional specificity if it is going to do more than provoke.

My mini review:

“Sick” certainly lives up to its title. Imagine the incest and isolation of “The Blue Lagoon” colliding with “28 Days Later,” and you have an idea of what you’re getting into. That does not mean the movie is bad by any stretch. The plot intrigued me, the cast handled their roles well, and I loved the cinematography. Besides, I will always champion an indie horror movie in the woods, even when its family bonding makes me want to leave the campsite. The heavy emphasis on incest held me back from a higher rating, particularly that final shot as the camera ascends above the characters. I also wanted the scares to have a sharper edge. Still, I think it is worth watching, and if you enjoy it more than I did, that is great! Putting your art into the world takes courage, and I appreciate the filmmakers and everyone who helped bring this unsettling vision to life.

My rating: 2/5

Courtesy of IMDB

“By Yourself”

Written and directed by Elaine Frost, the short film “By Yourself” stars Zelda Adams and Tessa Jean. Following a breakup, Syl heads into the woods for a solo camping trip, hoping to disconnect and spend time with herself. That retreat takes an unsettling turn when she discovers a neighboring tent that was not there the previous night. So much for a peaceful reset. Sometimes the strongest argument against outdoor recreation is simply a horror synopsis.

Short horror deserves serious attention because its storytelling demands precision. There is limited time to establish a character, make an ordinary detail feel threatening, and deliver a payoff. A tent appearing nearby is a wonderfully economical starting point: nothing about the object itself is frightening, but its arrival changes the meaning of being alone.

My mini review:

“By Yourself” was a surprisingly great short that left me wishing for a feature. Following a breakup, the main character retreats into the woods, and her isolation pulls at your heartstrings while putting you in her shoes. Who hasn’t wanted to escape into nature, crank up those “baby, come back” tunes, and quietly sob after a relationship ends? No? Just me? What really elevated this one was the added threat of a terrifying creature. Confronting your emotions alone is difficult enough without something in the woods making itself your next problem. That unexpected dynamic gave the scares an extra kick and made the emotional vulnerability feel even more intense. I am absolutely rooting for this short to become a feature because, by the time it ended, I wanted more.

My rating: 5/5

These four films represent only the portion of Fantastic Fest I was able to review, with many more titles featured throughout the event. For me, its value lies in giving independent filmmakers a platform to demonstrate their abilities and show why their stories deserve an audience. Supporting indie horror also means recognizing the actors, editors, cinematographers, effects artists, and other collaborators who bring those visions to life. Buying a ticket, choosing a legitimate release, or sharing a thoughtful recommendation helps that work find people. Horror’s next exciting voice deserves someone listening.

Whether it’s slashers in the woods, ghosts in the attic, or killers in the cornfield, ILHM Reviews brings you the frightful horror flick recommendations worth watching. Follow us on Instagram, be sure to listen to the"I Love Horror" podcast, and remember that if you’re a true fan of horror, every night can be a FRIGHT NIGHT!