HOLD THE FORT Review - Fantasia Fest 2025

Horror-comedy is tricky to nail, but Hold the Fort makes it look effortless — and in just 74 minutes, no less. Director William Bagley takes the most mundane suburban villain imaginable, the HOA, and reimagines them as a necessary evil… because they’re the only thing standing between you and an annual demon invasion.

It’s a creature feature playground: witches, monsters, evil portals, and delightfully cheesy CGI that fits the tone rather than cheapens it. The gags land fast and often, and the practical effects give the monsters a tangible, grimy charm.

The concept is absurd in the best way — your trash can placement violations and strict lawn rules are all in service of saving the neighborhood from hellspawn. It’s exactly the kind of premise that would thrive on a streamer like Shudder, where audiences can stumble into it and instantly become evangelists.

If there’s a knock against it, it’s that the characters themselves aren’t as memorable as the premise they’re in.

The HOA as a whole is a fun collective, but I wish one or two of them popped a bit more as standout personalities. Still, Hold the Fort is the kind of Fantasia Fest gem that delivers exactly what you want from a midnight movie — big laughs, creative gore, and just enough ridiculousness to make you want to watch it again with friends.

🍿 SCORE = 83 / 100

*Watch my full Fantasia Top 5 on YouTube HERE.