I recently had the chance to screen some indie films from this year’s ScreamFest Horror Film Festival, and here’s my takeaway on four standout titles: The Red Mask, Landlord, Nightshift, and Spirit of Halloweentown.
The Red Mask plunges you into a meta-horror labyrinth, following writer Allina Green (Helena Howard) as she reimagines a cult classic while facing online backlash and creeping paranoia. When her screenplay blurs with reality, every knock at the door could be deadly. With suspense, satire, and a jaw-dropping twist, it’s horror reinvented for the modern era.
Landlord is a tense cat-and-mouse thriller set in a rundown apartment complex. A bounty hunter goes undercover, befriends a young boy, and uncovers the truth about who’s really in control. Though it stumbles slightly at the finish, the atmospheric tension and layered twists keep you on edge.
Nightshift, a six-minute French short, flips a classic robbery story on its head. Two thugs target a gas station only to meet a far deadlier attendant. It’s chilling, clever, and lingers long after the credits roll.
Finally, Spirit of Halloweentown is a heartwarming celebration of the beloved 1998 classic. In St. Helens, Oregon, fans and locals alike bring the magical world of Marnie Piper to life through performances, contests, and haunted houses. For anyone who loves Halloween nostalgia, this event is pure enchantment.
From suspenseful chills to nostalgic thrills, this year’s ScreamFest offerings prove that horror—and its spirit—comes in many shapes, sizes, and twists.
