Here are five must-see movies playing the 2026 Overlook Film Festival

Obsession- Courtesy of Focus Features

The Overlook Film Festival kicks off this week and runs from April 9-April 12. The fest takes place in New Orleans and features dozens of feature films, several shorts, and intriguing panels on various aspect of the horror genre. Here are five must-see films playing this year's festival.

Obsession

Writer/director Curry Barker carved out a name for himself with his YouTube short films and Milk & Serial, his DIY found footage movie. Obsession is his proper debut film, and because of Barker's reputation, Focus Features quicky scooped up the distribution rights. Obsession is the Overlook's opening night film.

The feature is a twisted take on the common "Monkey's Paw" tale. In this version, a lovelorn 20-something makes a wish on a mysterious novelty toy to earn the attention and affection of his unrequited crush. He soon finds out that his dreams and wish are far worse than any nightmare he could have imagined. The cast includes Michael Johnston, Inde Navarette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless, and Andy Richter. After it screens at Overlook, Obsession will release in U.S. theaters on May 15.

Leviticus

Leviticus is the Overlook's Centerpiece Film this year, so it certainly warrants attention. The movie is set in an isolated, super religious Australian community where two closeted high school lovers struggle to come into their own. Suddenly, a fit of jealousy ousts them, and they're forced into a form of conversion therapy. This unleashes a deadly threat in what sounds like an intriguing queer horror feature and coming-of-age tale.

Directed by Adrian Chiarella, the movie stars Joe Bird, Stacy Clausen, Mia Wasikowska, Jeremy Blewitt, Ewen Leslie, and Davida McKenzie. Leviticus was acquired by NEON. Following its screening at Overlook, it'll have a wide theatrical release in June.

Exit 8

Liminal space horror movies are all the rage right now. What started as an internet trend over the last few years has blossomed into feature-length movies. Exit 8, directed by Genki Kawamura, is a Japanese film based on the hit video game. The story follows a lost commuter trapped in a repetitious corridor in the bowels of a Japanese subway station. In order to escape, he must look for breaks in the pattern that imprisons him.

The movie stars Kazunari Ninomiya, Yamato Kochi, Naru Asanuma, Kotone Hanase, Nana Komatsu. If you're unable to catch Exit 8 at Overlook, it's receiving a wide theatrical release this weekend in the U.S.

Normal

Ben Wheatley is always an interesting filmmaker to follow. Director of Kill List and Sightseers, his latest movie is described as an action thriller about a small-town sheriff (Bob Obenkirk). Following a local bank robbery, he uncovers a web of dark dealings in his hometown. Color us intrigued.

The movie also stars Henry Winkler and Lena Headey. Additionally, the movie is part of the Overlook's first ever "Side Shows" category. These are basically genre-adjacent movies that aren't straight-up horror movies but still fit within the mission and flavor of the festival.

Ugly Cry

While the Overlook has some well-known genre directors returning with new movies, including Damien McCarthy, whose third feature, Hokum, is the closing night film, indie horror King Larry Fessenden, who's debuting his latest, Trauma, or Monsters and All, and, as already mentioned, Ben Wheatley, film festivals are a great place to discover new voices. These voices are the future of the genre.

In that regard, first time writer/director Emily Robinson will unveil Ugly Cry. The movie is about an actor's determination to break into Hollywood. However, this leads her down a frightening spiral of obsession. The movie is described as Repulsion-esque, so we certainly can't wait to see it.

For a full list of all feature-length movies playing this year's fest, check out our previous articles on the Overlook's first and second wave programming announcements. For ticket information and the specific film times and locations, visit the festival's website.

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