SALEM HORROR FEST: Five Films to Watch Out For!

The spookiest month of the year is almost here, and that means it’s nearly time for Salem Horror Fest! The fifth annual queer-run horror film festival in Salem, Massachusetts — the Halloween capital of the world — kicks off this Friday with in-person festivities. Strict COVID safety protocols are in effect, though, and there is a virtual festival available starting on Saturday. Since it’s the fest’s fifth anniversary, I thought I’d highlight five films I’m most excited to see. There are so many more offerings on the fest’s website, so check it out!

A still from So Vam. A person in a black jacket with red fringe stands with their arms outstretched in front of red and white lights against a black background.

So Vam, dir. Alice Maio Mackay

Kurt is an outcast in a conservative town who dreams of moving to the city to be a famous drag queen. When he is kidnapped by a predatory old vampire and killed, he is rescued just in time to be resurrected by a gang of rebellious vampires who feed on bigots and abusers.

A still from Death Cast. A girl stands in a room with her arms crossed and a tearful, frightened look on her face. Two boys stand behind her looking away.

Death Cast, dir. Bobby Marinelli

Six fame-hungry actors are documented as they unknowingly trade their lives to star and die in an experimental horror film.

A still from What Happens Next Will Scare You. A grainy shot of a priest sitting behind a desk covered in religious tchotchkes has a caption that reads, "and how to perform the Rites of Exorcism."

What Happens Next Will Scare You, dir. Chris LaMartina

Working late on their Halloween feed, a motley crew of internet journalists share their top thirteen scariest viral videos, but when an early entry curses our snarky hipsters, they must distinguish fact from fiction before a tidal wave of terrifying supernatural activity leads to real-life murders.