Mother of Movies decided to apply to cover the Overlook Film Festival but didn’t get in. Oh well, better luck next time hey. The swanky New Orleans-based fest runs from March 30th to April 2nd, 2023. Judging by the epic line-up, 2023 movie releases are going to be lit. The Overlook will kick off with a world premiere throwing Nic Cages’ horror comedy Dracula title Renfield (Universal) up as its opening act. For those that are unaware why this title looks like so much fun, the idea comes from the gory mind of The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman.
Closing the 4-day event will be the highly anticipated Evil Dead Rises (Warner Bro’s.) If that’s not enough to whet your movie fangs, there is also a Q&A with Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage, and director Chris McKay. Hoult plays the loyal servant of Draculas’ Cage. Those in attendance in New Orleans can also bear witness and enjoy an opening night Vampire Ball before Renfield his theatres on April 14th. The ball is being put on by Magnet Releasing and hosted by the Toulouse Theatre. If someone could shout me tickets to New Orleans for that or pack me in a suitcase, I would owe you big time.
Nicolas Cage Will Raise the Roof at the Overlook Film Festival
Alongside the standard fare of feature films and shorts, The Overlook Film Festival has Retro presentations. There is also live and immersive programming that will leave a mark. Look for shows like Ted Geoghean’s Final Exam Horror Trivia Night, Friday Night Dark Art Market, and The Kingcast.
2023’s Overlook Film Festival introduces a brand new music sidebar to put your dancing shoes on for. If that tickles your fancy, check out SQÜRL, a rock band from New York City. Thou will also be playing and this band takes their inspo from legends like Nirvana and the newly revived Soundgarden.
Closing night will be a massive Trick or Treat Halloween party. This event will be held on the appropriately nominated date of April Fools Day.
But what about the movies, I hear you ask! The Overlook Film Festival 2023 will show 53 films in total. 29 of those will be feature films with the remaining 24 being short films. There will be a super special Anniversary screening of David Coronenberg’s The Dead Zone presented by Fangoria with special guests. There is also some sort of secret centerpiece Film being shown on March 31st which promises to be one of the most exciting new titles of 2023.
Five Movies to See At 2023’s Overlook Film Festival
Mother of Movies isn’t going to list the whole lineup, however, even though we won’t be covering the festival, we will highlight the top five movies that we’ve zeroed in on as potentially being a really good time. For more information about tickets, the schedule, and more go to the Overlook Film Festival website.
The Wrath Of Becky
I would be remiss to not point out the underrated horror film Becky released in 2020. We loved it. And now Lulu Wilson is back in The Wrath of Becky. Directed by Matt Angel and Suzanna Coote, the film takes place two years after the original. Becky is older and wiser but is she less violent? The story gives John Wick in a female form as Becky takes revenge on some men who stole her dog and tried to ruin her life.
Renfield
If you weren’t aware, Mother of Movies rarely watches an entire film trailer. However, when I venture to an in-cinema screening, watching the movie trailers comes with the package. At 2023’s Scream VI viewing, I was bedazzled by the Renfield trailer. I have never wanted to see a Dracula movie more than after I watched the Renfield teaser. Another world premiere, Renfield has an epic cast. Nicholas Hoult stars as Renfield, second fiddle to the egotistical and demanding Dracula (Nicolas Cage.) If you’re going to watch one movie trailer this year, make it Renfield and I promise you won’t be able to stop yourself from watching this title. The full review for Renfield can be found here.
Evil Dead Rises
And while trying to look away from my middle front row recliner at Limelight Cinemas in Australia, I was also treated to the unadulterated movie trailer for Evil Dead Rises. Blood, demons, sisters, and a mother rising from the dead amidst soft and eerie chaos and brilliantly orchestrated dances of carnage and chainsaws look to be on the agenda. Can’t wait for this, and neither should you.
Written and directed by Lee Cronin (The Hole in the Ground.) The cast of Evil Dead Rises includes Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Morgan Davies, Gabrielle Echols, and, Nell Fisher.
Accused
A world premiere from the brilliant eye of the director Philip Barantini (Chornobyl TV series and Band of Brothers) Written by Barnaby Boulton and James Cummings (Boiling Point.) The story of “Accused 2023” pits society against one man wrongly accused by the social media army of revenge. Mistakenly identified as a terrorist, a lone man must fight to keep a mob mentality from aiming their vengeance on his life.
Trim Season
Director Ariel Vida has a horror story set in an isolated marijuana farm and that’s enough to pique my interest. Trim Season features a cast of talent and well-known horror fans’ faves like Bethlehem Million (Sick), Alex Essoe (Midnight Mass), and Bex Taylor-Klaus (Hell Fest.) A group of twenty-something finds more than they bargained for while trying to make a quick buck.
More Titles Added to What to Watch, Festival Best Movies
Appendage
A body horror from Anna Zlokovc, Appendage sees fashion and the inward downward spiral of self-confidence manifest in a growth that appears on the back of a young woman at the top of her game.
Frankenstein Stories Galore
birth/rebirth (Laura Moss) and The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (Bomani J. Story.)
One narrates the battle between a mother and a pathologist in birth/rebirth. The other, The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster tells the tale of a sister who just wants her brother back from the dead.
Late Night With the Devil
From Australia, Late Night with the Devil looks promising as a night talk show host brings an eclectic group of guests to the stage. In what is centered around a Halloween show special this host gets an in-your-face dose of evil. Directed by Colin Cairnes and, Cameron Cairnes.
