Cult Of Chucky to open Frightfest

Death Note and Leatherface among the big names in a bumper line-up.

by Jennie Kermode

It's playtime again in Cult Of Chucky
It's playtime again in Cult Of Chucky

The full line-up for this year's Horror Channel Frightfest was announced today, with Child's Play sequel Cult Of Chucky set to headline. The return of the doll possessed by a serial killer sees the franchise swerve away from comedy to focus more on fear in a move that already has fans excited, but it's just one taste of what the festival has in store.

Among the other films attracting attention is Adam Wingard's adaptation of the manga Death Note, in which a teenager who uses a supernatural notebook to turn vigilante finds himself getting in too deep. Texas Chainsaw Massacre prequel Leatherface brings more sinister chills, and a young man determined to lose his virginity gets in too deep when he and his friend meet two uncannily beautiful women in Double Date. There's also vampire comedy in Fanged Up, an alien invasion in Canaries, and death by dangerous driving giallo The Glass Coffin.

In all, the festival will feature 64 films, including 20 world premières.

"The whole cinema landscape is changingand Horror Channel FrightFest is listening," said festival director Alan Jones. "We know the fans want to see the films first, see them fast and see them in an environment that is second to none. That’s why we have what we believe is the finest line-up ever assembled and are showcasing the superlative selection in premium surroundings. So, the West End becomes the Dark Heart of London once again. And we’ve made it to our 18th birthday. It’s going to be quite some party."

The festival will run from 24 to 28 August and as usual we'll be bringing you coverage here at Eye For Film.

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