Festivals - PIFFF 2024 : Ick"Kicks Off the Festivities in Spectacular Style

By Mulder, Paris, Max Linder Panoram, 04 december 2024

The 2024 edition of the Paris International Fantastic Film Festival (PIFFF) kicked off in style with the European premiere of Joseph Kahn's highly anticipated film Ick. Held at the historic Max Linder Panorama cinema, the opening night attracted moviegoers eager to discover Joseph Kahn's latest cinematic venture. Renowned for his film Bodied and his iconic music videos for the likes of Taylor Swift and Eminem, Joseph Kahn's return to feature filmmaking has already made waves on the festival circuit.

Screened earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Ick blends horror, comedy and science fiction in a bold narrative that showcases Joseph Kahn's talent for genre subversion. The story follows high school science teacher Hank (Brandon Routh), whose life is turned upside down by the reappearance of his high school sweetheart, Staci (Mena Suvari), and the arrival of a mysterious student, Grace (Malina Weissman). Adding to the chaos, an alien invasion turns the small town into a pulsating battlefield of bizarre events and existential questions.

On opening night, Joseph Kahn personally introduced Ick to an enthusiastic crowd. After the screening, the director lent himself to a lively Q&A session, sharing insights into his creative process and the challenges of balancing humor and horror. Joseph Kahn also revealed that his inspiration came from his love of the nostalgic rock music of the early 2000s, a love that shines through in the film's soundtrack. Tracks by Blink-182, Sum 41 and Creed serve as emotional anchors, enhancing both the comic and dramatic moments of the story.

At the premiere, audiences raved about the film's hyper-stylized visuals, inventive alien design and performances by its talented cast. Brandon Routh's portrayal of Hank was particularly appreciated for its blend of vulnerability and charm, while Mena Suvari and Malina Weissman deliver convincing performances that add depth to the story.

As Ick continues its journey through the festival circuit, industry insiders have reported a heated bidding war between distributors vying for the rights to bring Joseph Kahn's creation to a wider audience. With its unique blend of genres and early acclaim, Ick has positioned itself as one of the most exciting films of the year.

For the PIFFF, Ick's premiere not only set the bar high for the week's festivities, it also reaffirmed the festival's reputation as a global showcase for innovative genre cinema. The enthusiastic audience response to Mr. Joseph Kahn's work testifies to the enduring appeal of bold, boundary-pushing storytelling.

From December 4 to 10, the festival offers an eclectic program of horror, fantasy and science fiction films. This year's program includes world premieres, retrospectives and discussions with major players in genre cinema. The festival comes to a close on December 10 with the screening of Lorcan Finnegan's The Surfer, starring Nicolas Cage, a fitting conclusion to a week of imaginative and thrilling cinema.

Whether you're drawn to spine-chilling horror films, laugh-out-loud comedies or thought-provoking tales, PIFFF 2024 is a celebration of the fantastic that offers something for everyone. With Ick leading the way, this year's edition is set to leave a lasting impression on audiences and filmmakers alike.

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Synopsis:
High school science teacher Hank reconnects with his first love and suspects a new student in his class might be his daughter, all while dealing with an alien threat in their town.

Ick
Directed by Joseph Kahn
Produced by Steven Schneider
Written by Joseph Kahn, Dan Koontz, Samuel Laskey
Starring: Mena Suvari, Brandon Routh, Malina Pauli Weissman, Harrison Cone, Mariann Gavelo
Music by Brain Mantia, Melissa Reese
Cinematography: David C. Weldon Jr.
Edited by: Chancler Haynes
Production Companies: Image Nation, Interstellar Entertainment
Distributed by CAA Media Finance
Release Date: 21 September 2024 (United States)
Running Time: 92 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville