Fathom Events is bringing back Fright Fest, screenings of classic and indie horror movies in theaters for a limited run. This year’s offerings will include “The Exorcist,” “The Birds,” “Christine,” and “They Live.”
The schedule for 2023 is:
September 3rd, 6th – “They Live” 35th Anniversary Screening
Fathom is celebrating the 35th anniversary of John Carpenter’s still disturbingly relevant masterpiece. The late wrestling icon Roddy Piper stars as a construction worker with sunglasses that allow him to see alien forces at work. These nifty shades reveal sinister subliminal messages as well as exposing the aliens posing as humans. The film also features Meg Foster as well as Keith David, who has one of the most epic fight scenes in horror history. Each screening will include an exclusive introduction by Carpenter, discussing the film’s creation and legacy. (Hopefully it’ll go better than last year’s “The Thing” anniversary showing.)
September 10th, 13th – “Christine” 40th Anniversary Screening
If you can’t get enough Carpenter, Fathom will also be celebrating the 40th anniversary of this classic Stephen King adaptation. In the film high school nerd Arnie (Keith Gordon), has an unhealthy devotion to his newly restored Plymouth Fury. A devotion that has some seriously deadly consequences. Kelly Preston, Alexandra Paul, and Harry Dean Stanton star, along with Gordon. This film will also have a special, exclusive introduction by Carpenter.
September 21st, “Shaky Shivers”
“Fast & Furious” mainstay Sung Kang makes his big-screen directorial debut in this comedic nod to ’80s horror. This modern creature feature follows two friends (Brooke Markham and Vyvy Nguyen) as they spend the night in an abandoned summer camp. But the party gets weird when werewolves, zombies, and cultists start showing up. Erin Daniels, Skyler Day, Herschel Sparber, and Jimmy Bellinger also star.
October 1st, 4th – “The Exorcist” 50th Anniversary Screening
Not only is David Gordon Green’s direct sequel, “The Exorcist: Believer” hitting theaters on October 13th, but it’s also the 50th anniversary for the classic film. In the late William Friedkin‘s iconic film, a young girl named Regan (Linda Blair) is possessed by a demon. Which transforms her into a foulmouthed, violent, and destructive force of evil, that occasionally spits up split pea soup. Two priests (Max Von Sydow and Jason Miller) must battle to save her soul from the clutches of evil. These will be screenings of Friedkin’s Extended Director’s Cut with newly restored and remastered picture and sound. Along with footage not previously seen in theaters, including an alternate ending. All presented in stunning 4K.
October 8th, 11th – “House of 1000 Corpses” 20th Anniversary
Fathom is celebrating the 20th anniversary of writer and director Rob Zombie’s feature length film debut. “House of 1000 Corpses” follows four friends on a road trip to see offbeat roadside attractions. But their quest for cheap thrills lures them into the clutches of the murderous Firefly family. A family that protects and harbors a horrific local legend. Starring Sheri Moon Zombie, Rainn Wilson, Walton Goggins, Bill Moseley, and the late film icons Sid Haig and Karen Black. Each screening will include an exclusive featurette by Zombie, giving unique insight into his process and this cult favorite that almost didn’t see the light of day.
October 19th – “Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls”
This film is written and directed by Andrew Bowser. It tells the story of an aspiring occultist, Onyx. Who lands the opportunity of a lifetime when he is invited to attend a ritual at the mansion of his hero, Bartok the Great. But his plans quickly go awry, when Bartok’s true motives are revealed — sending Onyx into a supernatural battle for his very soul. The film features performances by horror legends Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton.
October 22nd, 23rd – “The Birds” 60th Anniversary Screenings
Fathom will wrap up Fright Fest with a 60th anniversary showing of Alfred Hitchcock‘s classic “The Birds.” Which follows a beautiful socialite (Tippi Hedren) on a pleasant trip to Bodega Bay. Her vacation soon takes a horrifying turn when the local bird population begins to brutally attack the town’s residents. Based on a short story by Daphne Du Maurier the film also stars Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, and Suzanne Pleshette. Each screening will have an exclusive introduction by Leonard Maltin, discussing the iconic movie and the legendary filmmaker.
Tickets for the Fathom Fright Fest films are available for purchase via the Fathom Events website.
