Cinema Scholars is back with more reviews out of Fantastic Fest 2026. We take on gross-out comedy FLAPJAX, costume chiller The Ones Who Grieve, spooky haunter What Happened To Doris?, time-loop mind-bender 5 More Minutes, and the sci-fi charmer The Squirrel.
FLAPJAX
No good genre festival would be complete without some schlocky gross-out selection. While Fantastic Fest tends to lean more heavily on the horror/comedy end of the splatter section, there’s always room for over-the-top Troma-esque toilet humor. Though it may not be for everyone, Rocco Zevenbergen’s FLAPJAX fills the campy gore void with a gloriously disgusting ode to those notorious creations.
Synopsis
Arrow Bentley is devoted to his fast-food job. Like, dedicated. He lives, breathes, and eats Hamudders 24/7, eager to please his customers as well as the higher-ups he idolizes. When the execs decide to relaunch an old favorite, Flapjax, to reinvigorate their failing franchise, a new secret ingredient wreaks havoc on all who sample the revamped pancake. Little does Arrow know, the Flapjax are part of a sinister intergalactic scheme he must now thwart.
Discussion
You heard that right. The fate of the Earth hinges on tainted Flapjax and the loyal manager who serves them. From the very first frame, Zevenbergen establishes the alternate universe where such silliness can play out. It’s kind of like our reality, but with a flip side where an udder-themed restaurant and merch is a thing. Thankfully, the absurd tone, surreal set pieces, and earnest characters establish an anything-goes energy that makes it all fit.
The story checks all the ultra-camp cliché boxes. Naive protagonist, check. Shady corporate execs, check. Secret laboratory tests, check. Sassy best friend, check. Uncomfortable mother/son dynamic, check. Not cliché? An unexpected black-and-white sub-narrative in Japan that feels like it belongs in another movie. While this last bit definitely sets FLAPJAX apart from films of a similar ilk, the majority of the plot plays out like most gonzo fare.
And then there’s the reason fans of this subgenre show up. For the ridiculous splatter. And FLAPJAX definitely aces the assignment. From squirting udders mascots to melting patrons to head-popping ETs, the raucous visual effects in the film are impressive and appropriately over the top. While most sequences feature gooey practical effects with a smattering of well-done CGI, some key miniature work really clinches the absurd visual fun.
Conclusion
FLAPJAX is definitely not for everyone. Though its silly irreverence will resonate for some, the overall cringe is difficult to overcome. While the unlikely hero plot follows the schlock trope playbook, a surprising sub-narrative is interesting even if disjointed. And fans of the gross-out genre will be pleased as punch with the gonzo gags and nasty visual effects. So while there is a lot to appreciate, overall FLAPJAX is one tough sell.
The Ones Who Grieve
It’s tough to come up with an original story about zombies. Once a nearly forgotten subgenre, tales of flesh-eaters have dominated screens (big and small alike) for the past couple of decades. When it seems like every possible gory scenario has been depicted, along comes a fresh tale ready to horrify in new and unique ways.
In the case of the new French chiller, The Ones Who Grieve, the well-worn subject matter gets a glow-up with slightly revised undead dogma and a setting in idyllic late-19th century France.
Synopsis
Zélie is a young woman in a remote part of the countryside. She lives with her oppressively religious father, Jacob, and her obedient mother, Emilie. As Zélie starts to express her own desires and opinions, Jacob becomes bent on keeping her in line by all means necessary.
Further complicating things, a “Black Veil” has swept the region, leaving its victims with an insatiable hunger for the flesh of the dead. In response, a legion of “Maskers” carry out the gruesome task of maiming the afflicted and fitting them with a locked wooden mask/helmet to effectively starve them to death instead of a direct kill.
As if he couldn’t be more unlikable, the hyper-religious Jacob also happens to be one of these duty-bound Maskers. While Zélie is forced to assist her father with his grisly calling, she begins to question not only the humanity of the practice, but also her father’s intentions as well.
Discussion
The Ones Who Grieve is a grisly tale told in the beautiful context of a costume drama. Along with cinematographer Antoine Carpentier, director Quarxx captures each sequence with the care of typical corsets and carriages fare. Yet, when the story goes dark, the director also captures the effects sequences with the same care. While digital effects are dotted throughout the picture, it is obvious that Quarxx favors practical effects in a few particularly stomach-churning sequences. The mix of beauty and ugliness creates a fascinating palette, but it also serves as a metaphor for humanity as well.
A side narrative about Tesla and the scientific revolution in the late 1800s also punctuates a confluence of the old world and the new. As religious standards are questioned by science, many see such innovations as a direct affront to their moral integrity and a complete abomination. As scholars seek to use electricity as a panacea to the Black Veil, gruesome demonstrations follow. Unfortunately, this fascinating subplot is mostly abandoned as the story trains its focus back on Zélie’s plight.
Conclusion
The Ones Who Grieve ends up being a gorgeous trip into the grotesque. Visions of ghouls and man’s inhumanity to man are contrasted against a background of the idyllic countryside. It’s a classic story of oppression and redemption within the context of a grisly Black Veil. While an interesting scientific subplot is never fully realized, Zélie’s escape from her father’s wrath is captivating nonetheless.
What Happened To Doris?
By now, even average moviegoers are familiar with haunted house tropes. Moving objects, foul smells, cold spots, voices, and visions are all hallmarks of the catalog. But those same audiences likely never wonder where such specific details originate. In Nick Simon’s new film, What Happened to Doris?, Heather Graham portrays a real-life victim of a sinister succubus that inspired an entire genre.
Synopsis
In What Happened to Doris, the typical creaky-house jump-scare clichés ratchet up into an all-out assault on Doris and her children. As the single mom reaches the breaking point, validation from the paranormal scientific community and her resolve to protect her brood help validate Doris’ unbelievable plight.
![[L-R] Kayden Alexander Koshelev as “Brian Bither,” Island Austin as “Sylvia,” Daniel Reed Ferrell as “Ricky” and Heather Graham as “Doris Bither” in the horror film, WHAT HAPPENED TO DORIS? Photo courtesy of Entity Returns LLC.](https://i0.wp.com/cinemascholars.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/hhhh.webp?resize=690%2C289&ssl=1)
With another stellar horror turn from Graham, plus gravitas from Mimi Rogers as a paranormal expert, What Happened To Doris? is ultimately a story about strong women thrust into an inexplicable, menacing situation.
Discussion
Thankfully, Simon steers the film firmly away from exploitation with a fair, honest portrayal of the titular character. The film openly acknowledges that Doris isn’t exactly June Cleaver with her penchant for beer and having children with different partners. But the movie also recognizes Doris’ unquestionable dedication to her family and her plight as a struggling mother with few resources.
Graham’s frank take on Bither is refreshing. She is a woman who refuses to stand down, and Graham captures her determination with a steadfast yet layered take. Graham shows that her character’s imperfections do not define her; it’s the empowering demand for dignity that is conveyed.
Unlike many “less is more” creep-outs, Simon really goes for it as far as visual effects. The parapsychologists jam Bither’s house full of cool 70s ghost-hunting tech that captures some chilling imagery. Other practical gags, like objects appearing or moving after cutaways or even flying across the room, give a sinister sense of danger.
Additionally, we also get to see quite a lot of the entity that is tormenting the family. So often it seems that perhaps too much is left to the imagination, but Simon lets us really take in the ghoulish figure with whom poor Doris had to contend.
Conclusion
The eventual validation she receives from the parapsychology team’s recorded proof of her peril not only clears Doris’ character it also adds to the thematic gravity and visual interest of the film. What Happened To Doris? is a captivating and creepy look at a sensational real-life story that is a must-see for paranormal enthusiasts and horror hounds alike.
5 More Minutes
Time loop movies have been a fixture of Fantastic Fest since the early days. From Time Crimes and Looper to Beyond The Infinite 2 Minutes and The River, stories about a rift in the time-space continuum will always be fest faves.
In this year’s entry, 5 More Minutes, a struggling couple heads to a countryside rental to sort out their relationship but end up getting stuck in a dreadful 5-minute time loop instead.
Synopsis
Antonio and Barbara are already bickering on the scenic car ride to their Airbnb. Far from the city, their young son, and a cellular signal, the harried couple are making a last-ditch effort to save their marriage. Once they arrive at the gorgeous remote estate, their host Carlos shows them the property.
After the customary 5-minute tour, the manager says his goodbye, drives away, and BOOM! The trio has somehow landed back in their exact positions observing a prop plane in the sky upon their arrival. From here, what seems like a simple, innocuous premise spirals into a mind-bending, unexpectedly sinister fight for survival 5 minutes at a time.
Discussion
With its high-concept story and pitch-black tendencies, it’s no surprise that 5 More Minutes won the Audience Award at Fantastic Fest. From the get-go, the context of a failing marriage sets a raw emotional tone and delicate edge for the characters to walk. So when the film’s conceit occurs early on, the couple’s tenuous dynamic is well established, adding to the tension. As the characters try to establish what’s happening, the wild card Carlos only adds to the complexity of their dilemma.
As with any good time travel story, the context of the 5-minute loop is so captivating. Director Javier Ruiz Caldera creates a fresh dogma where time resets though any previous damage remains. This clever plot device makes for some grim callbacks as the 5-minute vignettes snowball into a dreadfully original conclusion.
Furthermore, 5 More Minutes is a meditation on the rapid devolution of society when the natural order is altered. While our protagonists are good people, they quickly discover the lengths one will go to for self-preservation.
Conclusion
5 More Minutes is an incredibly smart, well-played film that might just blow your mind a little. With the powder keg of a failing marriage, a story that continually resets, and a cascade of terrible events, 5 More Minutes is as mind-boggling as it is entertaining.
The Squirrel
When you think of a futuristic story set in a technological dystopia, a dark, dismal landscape usually comes to mind. However, in Markus Lehmusruusu’s new sci-fi charmer, The Squirrel, the director finds a light and quirky story in the middle of some heavy high-concept ideas. The result is a surprisingly poignant and meaningful meditation on nature and humanity.
Synopsis
Pasi seems like your average worker bee. Every day he gets ready for work, makes the same commute, and reports to his cubicle at his tech job. It all feels very familiar until it becomes clear that this universe exists in some not-too-far-off otherworld. A future where nature has been completely depleted, and humans have automated nearly everything. Including procreation. Basically, any part of life that might cause any danger, both physically or emotionally, has been replaced with a nice, easy alternative.
Soon, however, Pasi’s cocoon of oblivion is shattered when he discovers an injured squirrel. Presumed extinct (along with the rest of the natural world) for ages, the sudden appearance of the rodent throws Pasi for a complete loop. Where did it come from? Are there more? What does it eat? As he looks for answers to save his new furry friend, Pasi begins to question the strict rules and regimens that dictate his monotonous day-to-day life.
Discussion
In The Squirrel, Lehmusruusu takes rather gloomy, high-concept subject matter and makes it totally accessible through quirky humor. From constant personal biometric announcements to automated copulation to the irony of Pasi’s work project developing a robotic dog, The Squirrel wastes no time poking fun at modern “advancements.”
Captivating production design paired with cleverly framed locations give the film its futuristic feel. Stacks of escalators pair nicely with brutalist architecture that evokes a sense of sterility and order. Other sets featuring a palette of lab whites also lock in the utilitarian vibe of this future world.
And then there’s the squirrel itself. Undeniably adorable, Pasi can’t help but be entranced by the tiny creature’s curious antics. The squirrel obviously represents humanity’s apparent disconnect with nature. But it also keenly illustrates Pasi’s imprisonment within a treadmill of a life he didn’t exactly choose. As Pasi yearns to understand his new furry charge, he also learns about his own needs and curiosity in the process.
Conclusion
Through all the offbeat humor and severe aesthetics, The Squirrel is an incredibly touching and hopeful story. Lehmusruusu creates a visually stunning tale that uses awkward moments to broach serious subjects. In the end, we are reminded that nature always finds a way, and humanity can too.
