Since 2012, Brandon Cronenberg has emerged as a notable voice in horror filmmaking, crafting just three feature films. Yet, these films stand out as some of the most compelling contributions to 21st-century horror. Given his lineage—being the son of the iconic David Cronenberg—it seems only natural that Brandon would gravitate toward the genre that his father popularized.
Brandon Cronenberg embarked on his directing journey with his debut feature, Antiviral, at the age of 32. This film, released to a modestly positive reception, set the stage for his future endeavors. Following a lengthy eight-year break, where he honed his skills through music videos and short films, he re-emerged in 2020 with the acclaimed Possessor and again in 2023 with Infinity Pool. Both films have received enthusiastic responses from critics and audiences alike, solidifying his status as a horror maestro. Fans are now eagerly anticipating his next cinematic venture.
1 Antiviral (2012)
A Disturbing Exploration of Celebrity Obsession
Marking his entry into feature filmmaking, Antiviral showcases Brandon Cronenberg’s distinctive style, even if it’s overshadowed by his subsequent works. The film stars Caleb Landry Jones as Syd March, an employee at Lucas Clinic, a fictional facility that markets viruses obtained from celebrities to obsessed fans. The narrative takes a dark turn when Syd is compelled to take a lethal virus from celebrated actress Hannah Geist (Sarah Gadon), leading him down a path of horror and introspection.
This debut shines with its striking body horror, inherited from Cronenberg’s legacy, delivering both discomfort and an incisive look into the eerie interconnections between celebrities and their fans. Although Antiviral holds a score of 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, it stands as an impressive debut. The film adeptly addresses its themes without becoming overly convoluted, maintaining an engaging narrative throughout its visceral approach to horror.
2 Infinity Pool (2023)
Unveiling the Horrors of Consequence-Free Living
In Infinity Pool, Brandon Cronenberg continues to push the boundaries of horror. The film features Alexander Skarsgård as James Foster, a novelist who unwittingly participates in a horrific act while vacationing with his wife in a fictional island resort. His crime pushes him into a chilling revelation: wealthy foreigners can create clones to take the fall for their misdeeds—an unsettling commentary on privilege and morality.
Though it veers from traditional horror, the film offers a harrowing experience as James descends into madness, bound by the surrealistic nightmare around him. One particularly unnerving scene features grotesquely masked figures serenading him from below, effectively illustrating Cronenberg’s knack for visualizing existential horror.
3 Possessor (2020)
Among Cronenberg’s trio of films, Possessor emerges as the most fully realized. The film navigates the chilling realm of psychological terror through the lens of Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough), an assassin utilizing mind-ownership technology to execute her missions. This thrilling premise becomes a battleground of will as Vos struggles for domination over her unwitting host, Colin Tate (Christopher Abbott), amidst a whirlwind of graphic violence.
Possessor encapsulates an unsettling synthesis of gore and psychological exploration, managing to keep the audience engaged through its brisk pacing and unexpected twists. Each scene is crafted with precision, ensuring that not a moment feels superfluous. The striking visuals drawn from body horror elements leave a lasting impact as viewers navigate the disorienting narrative alongside the characters.
Future Projects: What Lies Ahead for Brandon Cronenberg
At present, fans eager for news on Brandon Cronenberg’s upcoming projects face a wait. However, in January 2023, he hinted at a potential space-horror film titled Dragon, revealing his ambition for innovation within the genre. He shared:
“I have a space horror movie film called Dragon that I’ve been working on for a number of years that might happen. And I’m also adapting a novel called SuperCannes as a limited series. It’s not really sci-fi or horror; it’s more of a strange detective story. I’m not sure if either of those things will happen ultimately, but that’s what I’m working on.”
While updates on Dragon have slowed, recent news in May 2024 confirmed that Ringside Studios and Anti-Worlds Film & Television are set to co-produce the adaptation of J.G. Ballard’s novel SuperCannes, in which Cronenberg will take the helm as director. Characterized as a futuristic thriller, SuperCannes delves into the dark underbelly of an exclusive corporate enclave. This project seems poised to align perfectly with Cronenberg’s unique storytelling capabilities.
Brandon Cronenberg’s films demonstrate an evolving mastery of horror that engages viewers on multiple levels. As he continues to carve his niche in the genre, audiences will eagerly await his next chilling venture.