London | January – March 2027
Horror fans, cinephiles and the gloriously squeamish, take note. The BFI has announced David Cronenberg: Mind, Body, Reality, a major season devoted to the Canadian maestro of body horror, running at BFI Southbank from 1 January to 16 March 2027, with selected films at BFI IMAX and on BFI Player. Programmed by journalist and podcaster Mike Muncer, it brings more than twenty films to the big screen alongside talks, a live podcast, a quiz and even a sip-and-paint session. Here is what you need to know.
1. More than twenty films across three themed strands
Rather than running in date order, the season is arranged thematically across three strands. In January, ‘Mutated Identities’ and ‘Diseased Realities’ explore bodies in transition, unstable minds and dark visions of the world, with titles such as The Brood, Shivers, Dead Ringers, Naked Lunch, Spider and Cosmopolis. In February and the first half of March, ‘Bodies in Collision’ turns to the visceral, from Rabid and The Fly to A History of Violence and Eastern Promises. It is a clever way to see how Cronenberg’s obsessions run through a career of more than 50 years. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, the structure makes it easy to find a way in.
2. The Fly, Crash and Videodrome on the UK’s biggest screen
For the ultimate big-screen experience, BFI IMAX, the biggest screen in the UK, will host screenings of Crash, The Fly, Videodrome and Dead Ringers. The season notes describe The Fly, with Jeff Goldblum’s tragic, career-best turn, as the greatest body horror movie of all time. Videodrome screens in its Director’s Cut, while Dead Ringers features Jeremy Irons playing a pair of identical twins. Seeing these films at that scale is a very different experience from watching at home. Expect the squirms to be supersized.
3. Plenty of 35mm screenings and a few surprises
Film purists will be pleased to see a good number of titles screening on 35mm, including The Brood, Naked Lunch, M. Butterfly, Fast Company, Scanners, The Fly and A Dangerous Method. There are some intriguing curveballs, too. Clive Barker’s Nightbreed (Director’s Cut) is included because Cronenberg gives a chilling performance as Dr Ecker. Jason X, the tenth Friday the 13th film, sends Jason Voorhees into space and features a Cronenberg cameo. It all adds up to a programme that is as playful as it is serious.
4. Talks, a live podcast, sip and paint, and a quiz
There is a lively events programme running alongside the films. On 11 January, Mike Muncer gives a free Introduction to David Cronenberg for members of the BFI’s 25 and Under scheme, and on 13 January his award-winning podcast The Evolution of Horror records live at BFI Southbank with filmmaker Prano Bailey-Bond and critic Jamie Graham. David Cronenberg Sip and Paint arrives on 21 January, with acrylic paint, mini canvases and a complimentary drink provided. On 9 February, the Philosophical Screens series tackles A History of Violence with a panel of film philosophers. Finally, die-hard fans can test their knowledge at a Cronenberg quiz hosted by Muncer on 5 March.
5. Stream from home on BFI Player, and know your on-sale dates
If you cannot make it to the South Bank, a collection of Cronenberg’s films will be available to stream on BFI Player, including The Brood, Naked Lunch and The Shrouds. For those heading in person, tickets are released in two waves. January screenings and events go on sale to BFI Patrons on 30 November, BFI Members on 1 December and the general public on 3 December. February and early March tickets follow on 11 January for Patrons, 12 January for Members and 14 January for everyone else. Popular events like the live podcast and sip and paint are likely to go quickly, so set a reminder.
Tickets and info
What: David Cronenberg: Mind, Body, Reality
Where: BFI Southbank, with selected films at BFI IMAX and on BFI Player
When: 1 January – 16 March 2027
General sale: 3 December (January events); 14 January (February and March events)