5) Cub
I feel like Cub flew inexplicably under the radar, since I didn’t even know it released this year until stumbling upon its Blu-ray on a random website. My love for Jonas Govaerts’ boy scout horror flick dates back to Fantastic Fest 2014, where it kicked off a stellar week of screenings for myself, but then no one talked about it. Why? Frankly, I have no idea.
The film itself does a great job building backstory, and Govaerts’ experiences filming artsy music videos pays off in the ways of cool stylings, detailed productions and tremendous snippets that create a unique moving picture. Even though it stars mostly young children, there’s no sense of playing it safe – these kids are alone in the woods and they have every reason to be afraid. Deaths are outdoorsy and Govaerts enjoys building his urban legend with all the right campfire touches.
Hopefully people will discover Cub as it makes VOD rounds – starting with you!