Up next from Imagine Fantastic Film Festival 2025 is the horror comedy Hold the Fort, written and directed by William Bagley. A couple moves into their dream home, but it has an HOA. Nightmares for most, this couple moves in and quickly learn that they should have spent some time reading over their contract. With $500 a month in fees, this neighborhood better be building more than just a new pool.
Lucas and Jenny
The new neighbors, Lucas and Jenny (Chris Mayers and Haley Leary), just moved in, and there’s already a little trouble in paradise. After moving out of the “big city,” they should be celebrating in the home of their dreams. However, Lucas failed to inform Jenny that the house came with a Homeowners Association, and the dues are absurd. Lucky for them, they are charming and have a strong relationship. Unlucky for them, the HOA president is already dropping letters and shows up personally to invite them to their Equinox neighborhood party. There isn’t any escaping from meeting the new neighbors.
From the start, there’s something strange about the neighborhood. And there’s something special about the HOA. Lucas and Jenny seem to be the only pair who have no idea what’s going on. They conduct regular neighborhood business and then begin to discuss the events of the evening.
The Equinox
Their fearless leader and HOA president, Jerry (Julian Smith) begins the evening’s rundown with a trunk of treasures, i.e. a weapons cache. Naming supernatural entities, he explains which weapons are most effective in defeating witches, werewolves, and other similar entities. Come to find out, Lucas never read the welcome package, and they are in for a helluva night.
While talking to neighbors Annette and Ted (Michelle I. Lamb and Levi Burdick), Lucas and Jenny learn that the Equinox opens a portal to hell, allowing monsters and spirits to escape into their neighborhood. The HOA works together to destroy everything that comes out and leaves them to Hold the Fort.
Lucas proves to be useless at first and runs and hides, accidentally shooting a hired gun, McScruffy, who helps the HOA stay alive. The neighbors start dropping left and right, and Lucas must come to terms with the realness of their situation and start destroying kung fu spirits, kamikaze bats, and possibly The Stick Man. What follows is an explosive, hilarious evening of the bizarre and unfortunate.
Hold the Fort is silly, good fun, and has enough kills to keep the seasoned horror fan entertained. The pacing is fast, just like its runtime of only 76 minutes. It’s wildly imaginative and kept my interest piqued throughout. It’s perfect for a night with friends. Check out our other reviews from Imagine Fantastic Film Festival 2025 here.
