Although we had to drag our tails to an 8:00 am showing after spending the entire prior day getting lost in the cinema, this wasn’t the worst choice for the workation. The Swallow, written & directed by Kevin Kölsch & Dennise Widmeyer, was a cute nod to “The Raft” segment from Creepshow 2 (1987). This movie was also the closing night film chosen to wrap up Fantastic Fest 2026.
This year, Fantastic Fest was all about creature features, and The Swallow fell right in line with the theme. For background, see Creepshow 2 (1987) and “The Raft” – a short story by Stephen King released in November 1982. This is a story about a vacation gone wrong. A group of teens is literally swallowed up by a being cosplaying as a mud pit. Although I, like many of you, am no stranger to a film about a derailed trip, The Swallow attempted to bring a fresh take on a familiar story.
We follow Ziggy (Grace Van Dien – Stranger Things, Silver Star (2024) and her friends. They embark on a journey to a familiar vacation space from her boyfriend’s (Jack Wright – All There Is (2025)) youth. Before they get to the space, they encounter a fence that indicates some changes have occurred since that childhood visit. It’s also (surprise, surprise), a mile or so into the woods and away from their parked car.
The group pushes through and decides to crawl through an opening at the base of the fence. This is clearly a red flag and a sign to skip this trip and head on home, but we digress.
The Creature
When we get introduced to the “big bad” of the film, we don’t waste any time getting our cast out of paint. And honestly, thank you to the creators for that move. We have some “oh shit” moments when we see how the being moves, manipulates, and ultimately gobbles up our group. However, I felt like something was missing from the depiction of this tale. Especially with the story being somewhat of a reimagining.
Like “The Raft,” I was geeked when we learned the being digests anything that falls into its midst. And it operates like advanced nega quicksand. There was also a moment while watching this movie where it felt like our group was too turned around and just forgot their way back to the car. Or perhaps the forest around them could also be manipulated à la the Black Woods Forest from The Blair Witch Project (and sequels). Either way, this movie fell right in line with most things I viewed at Fantastic Fest. But with a conclusion that was sealed & delivered with bleakness.
The end of this movie snatched me bald, but also made me pause and think. Will people enjoy this film as the festival closing movie? I know The Swallow will find its tribe, but in my opinion, this flick was a festival filler instead of a closer. I enjoyed how this movie breathed new life into a familiar tale. But ultimately, I left this film edgeless, but also looking for more. I would give The Swallow 3 out of 5 submerged skeleton hands for those who are feeling adventurous.
Kathleen White-Jefferson
My name is Kathleen (Kat), and I am a Washingtonian, writer, podcaster, & podcast producer. In addition to being an avid reader and lover of all things Horror/Sci-fi, I am a huge advocate for change and for supporting folks (of all ages) in my community. I love collecting trinkets, & I believe in the importance of having accessible and equitable resources for all.
