Foreigner is one of the standout films from this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival, offering a stylish and subversive take on teenage horror through the lens of the immigrant experience. Set during the early 2000s, a time of low-rise jeans, razor phones, and MySpace drama, this genre-bending feature is equal parts Mean Girls (2004), Ginger Snaps (2000), and Carrie (1976), with a distinct cultural twist. Writer-director Ava Maria Safai (ZIP) crafts a chilling and emotionally resonant coming-of-age story, blending “bubblegum horror” aesthetics with real-world themes of identity, assimilation, and alienation.
The story follows Yasi (played with depth and charm by Rose Dehgan), a Persian teenager who has recently immigrated to Canada with her family. Desperate to fit in at her new school and find a sense of belonging, she makes a bold choice, dyeing her hair blonde in an effort to align with the popular clique led by the icy and commanding Rachel (Chloë Macleod in a standout, sinister performance). But this simple act of conformity sets off a supernatural chain reaction. Yasi’s transformation invites a dark, monstrous presence into her life, one that begins to consume everything she knows about herself and the world around her.
Center: Chloë Macleod as Rachel Stanford in FOREIGNER. Photo courtesy of Fantasia International Film Festival.
What sets Foreigner apart is how it uses horror as a metaphor for cultural erasure and identity suppression. The monster in the story isn’t just a creature lurking in the shadows, it’s a manifestation of Yasi’s inner conflict, her anxiety, and her need to conform in order to be accepted. As the film progresses, the lines between social horror and literal horror blur in deeply compelling ways. Safai’s writing is sharp, infused with subtle satire, biting commentary, and an emotional undercurrent that sneaks up on you by the third act.
The film’s visual style also deserves praise. It’s drenched in nostalgic Y2K aesthetics, complete with chunky highlights, bedazzled flip phones, and slow-burn teen angst. Safai and her cinematographer, Saarthak Taneja (Count from Ten), lean into saturated colors, symmetrical compositions, and unsettling close-ups that evoke the discomfort and claustrophobia of adolescence. The result is a film that feels both lovingly retro and eerily timeless.
Performances across the board elevate the material. Dehgan (Rotten) delivers a grounded and sympathetic portrayal of Yasi, making her journey from eager outsider to reluctant conduit for horror feel personal and real. Meanwhile, Macleod (Sugar Rot) nails the high school “queen bee” archetype with a venomous edge, delivering a character you’ll love to hate. Their dynamic gives the film its emotional and psychological punch, especially as the story veers into darker, more unexpected territory.
L-R: Chloë Macleod as Rachel Stanford and Rose Dehgan as Yasmin Karimi in FOREIGNER. Photo courtesy of Fantasia International Film Festival.
What truly makes Foreigner a must-watch is how confidently it blends genres. It’s a teen drama, a supernatural horror, a cultural critique, and a dark comedy all at once, and rather than leaning too far into any one direction, Safai balances each element with impressive control. The horror is never gratuitous, it always serves the story, making the scares feel earned and the emotional moments land even harder.
Ultimately, Foreigner is a fresh, fearless, and highly rewatchable film. It’s a prime example of how horror can be used to tell deeply personal and culturally specific stories while still being entertaining, stylish, and fun. Ava Maria Safai is clearly a filmmaker to watch, and this film marks an exciting new entry into the canon of “bubblegum horror” with brains and heart. It’s another must-see selection from this year’s Fantasia lineup and one that’s sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever struggled to find where they belong.
Screening during Fantasia International Film Festival 2025.
For more information, head either to the official Foreigner Fantasia International Film Festival webpage or film website.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5.
Share this:
Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
Leave a Reply