As the leaves start to turn and the air gets that crisp autumn bite, genre fans know what's coming: Fantastic Fest is back. For over two decades, this Austin-based gathering has been the go-to destination for the boldest, strangest, and most provocative work in horror, sci-fi, and beyond. It's a place where emerging filmmakers and seasoned veterans alike get to unleash their wildest visions on an audience that craves the unexpected. This year's lineup is no exception, and one of the most intriguing entries is a Polish psychological horror-drama called Sick—a film that takes the familiar coming-of-age story and warps it into something deeply unsettling.
Directed by Agata Trzebuchowska in her feature debut, Sick follows 16-year-old Maks, who is shipped off to his grandmother's rural home for the summer. With nothing but endless social media scrolling to fill the hours, his boredom is palpable. That changes when his older sister, Emma, shows up. At first, her arrival seems like a welcome break from the monotony, but soon her teasing takes on a sharper edge, and the lines between sibling affection and something far more disturbing begin to blur. Meanwhile, their grandmother undergoes a strange and ominous transformation of her own. The result is a film that promises to be "thrillingly perverse," leaving viewers as unsettled as Maks himself by the time the credits roll.
Before its world premiere, we've got an exclusive first look at two new posters that perfectly capture the film's eerie tone. Both feature snakes—one shedding its skin, the other with jaws wide open. At first glance, they might just seem like creepy imagery for its own sake, but there's a clever double meaning at play. The serpent in the middle of molting and the one ready to strike are meant to evoke the male and female reproductive organs, leaning directly into the film's exploration of budding sexuality. It's a subtle, uncomfortable layer that adds depth to what could otherwise be mistaken for a simple summer getaway gone wrong.
Trzebuchowska is no stranger to the spotlight, having starred in Paweł Pawlikowski's Oscar-winning Ida back in 2013. More recently, she appeared in the Charli XCX-led romantic comedy-drama Erupcja. With Sick, she steps behind the camera, bringing a bold vision that blends horror, adolescence, and raw emotion. The cast includes Konrad Kąkol as Maks and Katarzyna Łubik as Emma, with Monika Niemczyk, Julian Świeżewski, and Eliza Rycembel rounding out the ensemble.
For those who love a good psychological thriller, Sick is shaping up to be a must-see. It joins a lineup that includes other genre-bending titles like Littermates, which also explores dark family dynamics, and the witch horror The Heretiks. If you're looking for more recommendations, check out our list of top gothic horror novels or dive into the best psychological thrillers to get in the mood.
Sick premieres at Fantastic Fest on September 18 at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas. The festival runs from September 17 through 24, offering a packed schedule of screenings, panels, and surprises. Check out the exclusive posters in the gallery above to get a taste of what's in store.
