From the moment the screen flickers to life, HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER drags us into its gritty world, where the line between human nature and monstrous violence is not just blurred but obliterated. This film is a stark departure from the typical gloss of mainstream horror, immersing us in a narrative so raw it could leave you questioning the very fabric of morality.

When the facade of a seemingly ideal life crumbles, THE BIG DOG emerges as a darkly comedic story that dissects the duplicity in our modern existences. Written and directed with a sharp eye by Dane McCusker, this movie delves deep into the day of Richard Morgan, brought to life by Julian Garner, as he navigates the fallout of his hidden life as a financial submissive. Combining biting humor with gripping narrative tension, this film pulls the audience into a riveting psychological exploration, making every moment count.

Nestled in the eerie quiet of the small mountain village of Roquenoir comes a chilling tale about ancient evils and the resurgence of The Soul Eater. Directors Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo veer from traditional horror stories into a suspenseful concoction of crime and mystery. The shift is refreshing, proving their filmmaking prowess isn’t confined to splatters of blood and screams in the dark.

Don Bluth’s departure from Disney was not just a career move; it marked the birth of a new era in animation, evidenced by his groundbreaking project, THE SECRET OF NIMH. This film turned the animation world on its head by introducing mature themes and complex characters, diverging drastically from the shiny, simplified narratives that dominated the genre. With a storyline that embraced the shadows more than the sparkles, THE SECRET OF NIMH challenged viewers to find beauty and depth in the darkness of its animated world.

In the heart of Chicago, Tom Witzky, played by Kevin Bacon, finds his ordinary life as a lineman turned upside down following a hypnosis session at a family party in STIR OF ECHOES. With his wife Maggie (Kathryn Erbe) and son Jake (Zachary David Cope) by his side, Tom's initial doubts about anything beyond the norm are shattered when he uncovers dormant psychic abilities. This awakening thrusts him into the center of a chilling mystery wrapped around their seemingly tranquil neighborhood.

When isolation turns to fear, the vast, eerie reaches of the Adirondack Mountains provide the perfect setting for a chilling story. COME HOME, directed by Nicole Pursell and Caitlin Zoz, reimagines the classic cabin-in-the-woods horror with a fresh view, injecting modern dread into an age-old genre. While the film boasts a compelling visual journey and a suspense-laden ambiance, it occasionally needs to work on weaving these elements into a coherent whole.

Step into a world that’s hard to explain with a unique debut from directors Michal Vojtech and Ariel De La Garzal, MEOW! revives the lost art of silent film by exploring Prague’s shadowy alleys and historic vistas. The film presents an absorbing narrative featuring Anna Maria, a restroom attendant portrayed by Paige Janey. Anna is drawn into a curious and eerie adventure pursuing her missing cat. This search sets her on a collision course with an array of peculiar characters, with Raphael Ruiz delivering a performance that blends comedic relief with a touch of the sinister.

In the short film SPECTRUM by British director Rick Stanton, audiences are treated to a stirring exploration of life on the autism spectrum, depicted in striking black and white that lends a classic feel to a thoroughly modern subject (at least one that is viewed through a contemporary lens.) The film centers on Steve, played by the director’s brother, Steven Stanton, whose performance brings a heartfelt authenticity to the role. Alongside him, Hasan Dixon and the Wunmi Mosaku contribute to a dynamic ensemble that showcases the depth of neurodivergent talent.

Keshav Shree's WHERE ARE YOU REALLY FROM? explores the complexities of identity and assimilation. It tells the story of an executive in London whose life takes an unexpected turn when he loses his British accent following a stroke. This event triggers a journey filled with humor and introspection as he seeks to recover his accent and confronts deep-seated traumas, questioning his cultural identity.

Christine Wiederkehr's 7 FOIS navigates the complexities of human emotion and interaction with a narrative that's as profound as it is succinct. Center stage is young Elio, played with grace by Vidal Arzoni, whose life takes a sharp turn when he meets his tutor's lover, depicted by Luna Wedler. This meeting ignites a series of revelations and encounters, peeling back layers of vulnerability and highlighting silent battles.

JB Ghuman Jr.'s PASSIVE POWERS is a unique breeze through the often tumultuous storytelling landscape. This film breaks from conventional cinema, charting a course through the quieter yet profoundly significant aspects of human connections. With the technologically advanced Insta360 TITAN camera, Ghuman crafts a visual journey that dives deep into the essence of empathy and patience—traits seldom highlighted amid overt human expressions.

WRECKED A BUNCH OF CARS, HAD A GOOD TIME, plunges viewers into the electrifying world of demolition derbies, where chaos is not just a spectacle but a bonding agent for its participants. In this 12-minute documentary, directors James P. Gannon and Matt Ferrin capture the intense emotions and community spirit that thrive in the dust-filled arenas. The film features four participants, each fueled by adrenaline and passion, whose stories reveal the human side of this metal-crushing sport.

In the quaint setting of a small town where virtues are few and far between, the film REPLICATOR explores a dark and gripping narrative that takes the classic horror plot of alien body-snatchers and gives it a fresh, contemporary twist. Darby Vincent is at the core of this eerie tale, played with fierce determination by Brey Noelle. As a public defender, she navigates a landscape teeming with moral difficulties, exacerbated by the disturbing transformation of the town's less savory characters. Under the direction of Mark Andrew Hamer, the film spins a web of supernatural suspense, questioning the price of righteousness in a world riddled with corruption. Honestly, I thought I knew what I was getting into here, and I had no clue; film is a medium you must experience to understand fully! No guessing allowed!

Amid the bustling vibes of Manhattan's Upper East Side, RUNNING ERINS captures the essence of life through a blend of reality and scripted but “real” scenes. Spearheaded by the creative ingenuity of Erin Fogel, this series pilot breathes life into its characters, drawing an intriguing line between the characters' fictional experiences and the real-life inspirations behind them.

William Tyler Wiseman's MOONWATER ventures into the tangled undergrowth of human connection and self-redemption with an unflinching gaze. In this film, we meet Peter Goodman, a man locked down by his demons, portrayed by Matthew Wayne Roberts. A forgotten moonshine still in the deep forest, left behind by his late father, becomes Peter's unexpected opportunity to purge his troubled past and mend the strained ties with his brother, Thomas Goodman, whose portrayal by Michael Lee Joplin exudes unresolved tension.

Tucked away in a serene setting, the indie thriller OUR HAPPY PLACE delves deep into the psychological labyrinth of its lead, Raya, weaving a story of survival and revelations. Unlike typical horror fare that leans heavily on shock and awe, this film opts for a more cerebral approach, digging into the emotional and mental landscapes that are as treacherous as the physical ones Raya navigates.

Stepping into the fray, THE CODER crafts a narrative rich with tension and deep personal stakes. Directed by Will Crouse, this brisk 15-minute film captures the volatile energy of a cryptocurrency start-up teetering on the edge of disaster. Mary is central to the unfolding drama, enacted with grit and grace by Abbey Toot, whose journey from a composed professional to a beleaguered programmer highlights the personal toll of technological ambitions.