Fantastic Fest 2026 in Austin, Texas, was a genre lover's paradise, and Collider's Perri Nemiroff was right in the thick of it. The 21st annual festival celebrated horror, sci-fi, and action with a lineup that pushed boundaries and championed fresh voices. From the world premiere of Beware Boiúna to the buzz around Zach Cregger's Resident Evil, the festival was packed with must-see projects.
This year's slate included 73 features and TV shows, with highlights like A24's Primetime starring Robert Pattinson and Bleecker Street's Victorian Psycho with Maika Monroe. The festival also honored the breakout success of Curry Barker's Obsession and Kane Parsons' Backrooms, both of which have become horror touchstones. For fans of the latter, there's also a Backrooms video game on the horizon.
Nemiroff's interviews at the Midnight Manor dug deep into the filmmaking process, from initial sparks of creativity to creature design and character arcs. Here's a taste of the conversations that went down.
Inside the Amazonian Terror of Beware Boiúna
The festival opened with Mike P. Nelson's creature feature Beware Boiúna, a follow-up to his secret Silent Night, Deadly Night premiere last year. The film stars Jessica Rothe (Happy Death Day), Logan Marshall-Green (The Odyssey), and Kiana Madeira (Fear Street) as a medical team deep in the Amazon, where an ancient predator awakens to restore balance.
In an interview with Nemiroff, Nelson explained how he knew his cast was right for the roles. "It was getting on those initial calls right off the bat. Obviously I knew Jessica from Happy Death Day... When I got to have that call, and knowing Jess's repertoire in horror and knowing that we were going to be doing some crazy things with her character, I was like, 'God, this would be so freaking cool.'" He praised Madeira's edge from Fear Street and Marshall-Green's willingness to engage in real conversations about making the film unique and grounded in character.
Rothe and Madeira also shared insights into their characters' unexpected chemistry, the explosive bar scene, and the film's massive mud-pit sequence. Rothe revealed a decades-old connection to Marshall-Green, and the trio discussed building jungle sets on location and pulling off a one-take set piece that will leave audiences breathless.
For those who love horror that's both terrifying and thoughtful, Beware Boiúna is a must-watch. And if you're looking for more scares, check out our list of flawless 90s horror masterpieces.
What's Next for Horror: Resident Evil and Primetime
Beyond the premiere, Fantastic Fest was abuzz with anticipation for Zach Cregger's Resident Evil, which promises to reinvent the beloved video game franchise. Cregger's previous hit Weapons has been climbing Netflix's charts, and fans are eager to see his take on Raccoon City. The festival also spotlighted A24's Primetime, starring Robert Pattinson, which is generating serious awards buzz.
These projects, along with Victorian Psycho and others, signal a vibrant future for horror. Whether you're into creature features, psychological thrillers, or sci-fi epics, Fantastic Fest 2026 proved that the genre is in good hands. For more on the festival's highlights, stay tuned to Collider.
