A Bite too far for horror fans?

Film leads to viewers fainting.

by Jennie Kermode

Bite
Bite

It's the story of a young woman who undergoes a bizarre transformation after being bitten by a mysterious insect, and it has reportedly led to horror fans fainting and vomiting. Now Bite is on its way to Film4 Frightfest, will London audiences react the same way?

Montreal horror audiences are not an easy target - many of the regulars there cut their teeth on early David Cronenberg films like Rabid and Videodrome - but a screening of Bite at the city's Fantasia International Film Festival saw at least two people faint and another throw up, according to audience members. Fortunately the film's promoters had already handed out sick bags before the screening began. Reports that an ambulance was called to the screening are unconfirmed.

Although it could just have been something in the popcorn, fainting in horror films has happened before. Another Frightfest choice, Grace, led to two people fainting when it was shown at Sundance, and several people fainted or vomited as they watched James Franco's character cut off his arm in different screenings of Danny Boyle's 127 Hours. The first film ion record as having triggered such reactions is the 1931 version of Dracula, which starred Bela Lugosi as the pointy-toothed count. No such incidents were reported at screenings of Roger Corman's The Pit And The Pendulum, but the producers thoughtfully took out insurance of the first person to die of fright.

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film