Banned upon its original release in 1981, Andrzej Żuławski’s stunningly choreographed nightmare of a marriage unraveling is an experience unlike any other. Professional spy Mark (Sam Neill) returns to his West Berlin home to find his wife Anna (Isabelle Adjani, in a role that earned her Best Actress at Cannes) insistent on a divorce. As Anna’s frenzied behavior becomes ever more alarming, Mark discovers a truth far more sinister than his wildest suspicions. With its pulsating score, visceral imagery, and some of the most haunting performances ever captured on screen, POSSESSION is cinematic delirium at its most intoxicating - and a perfect addition to the Rio Theatre's Friday Late Night Movie series.

2021 4K Restoration. A Metrograph Pictures release.

"That the film is much more than a gawk-at-it freak show is testament to Zulawski's talent for making even the most exaggerated behavior resonate with pointed and potent emotion." (Time Out Magazine)

"This is not the type of horror movie you take your friends to for a laugh; this is what you watch with your ex and realize how much worse things could have been." (The Stranger)

"[Possession] remains one of the most grueling, powerful, and overwhelmingly intense cinematic experiences that you are likely to have in your lifetime." (Roger Ebert.com)

Friday, October 10
Doors 10:45 pm | Movie 11:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

POSSESSION (Andrzej Żuławski, 1981 / 123 mins / 18A) After Anna reveals to her husband, Mark, that she is having an affair, she leaves him and their son. Mark is devastated, and seeks out the man who cuckolded him, only to receive a beating. After a series of violent confrontations between Mark and Anna, Mark hires a private investigator to follow her. Anna descends into madness, and it's soon clear that she is hiding a much bigger secret -- one that is both inexplicable and shocking.

From the hearts and minds of Stephen King and Mike Flanagan comes THE LIFE OF CHUCK, the extraordinary story of an ordinary man. This unforgettable, genre-bending tale celebrates the life of Charles 'Chuck' Krantz as he experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss, and the multitudes contained in all of us. Starring Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Jacob Tremblay, Mia Sara, Matthew Lillard, Kate Siegel, and Mark Hamill.

This special re-release version of THE LIFE OF CHUCK features an exclusive Q&A with Director Mike Flanagan and star Mark Hamill. The movie, an adaptation of Stephen King's novella and directed by Mike Flanagan, follows the life of Charles "Chuck" Krantz and is a poignant, life-affirming story that deviates from traditional horror. This version offers a chance to hear insight directly from the filmmaker and actor about the making of the film, its emotional resonance, and the enduring legacy of King’s original story.

Winner of the People's Choice Award, Toronto International Film Fest 2024

"A film that’s as sweet as it is scary, and whose frights are the sort that come from all-too-relatable fears about being alone, being apart, and being unable to hold onto the people and memories that matter most." (The Daily Beast)

"This is one of the best ensembles of the year, filled in with appearances by many of Flanagan’s past collaborators." (RogerEbert.com)

"'The Life of Chuck' is miraculous, a feather in [Mike] Flanagan’s already-decorated cap, and a dance worth saying yes to." (Film Obsessive)

"Now that he’s delivered an elegy in the vein of “Stand By Me” or “The Shawshank Redemption,” Flanagan has made one thing clear: He’s attuned to King at every frequency." (Washington Post)

Monday, October 13
Doors 11:15 am | Film 11:45 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE LIFE OF CHUCK (Mike Flanagan, 2025 / 110 mins / PG) A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King's novella about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz.

STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR is a joyful and wild ride through the tale of the cultural juggernaut that is "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." From its humble origins as a London fringe theater play, the documentary tracks its meteoric rise, fall and resurrection to become the biggest cult film of all time. With intimate access to its creator Richard O’Brien and other major players such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Lou Adler, the documentary explores what makes the play and film so singular: Its groundbreaking and transgressive themes, iconic performances and epic songs that took over popular culture. The cult phenomenon that sprung around it is unparalleled, and created not only the midnight screenings which continue to this day, but also a safe haven for those who ever felt different or marginalized – with particular significance for the queer community. In our current political climate, Rocky Horror’s message of inclusion and self expression holds more resonance than ever. As Dr. Frank-N-Furter says, “Don’t Dream It, Be It.”

"A moving tribute to his father Richard O’Brien’s creation, the musical that became a cult favorite in cinemas for 50 years." (Bay Area Reporter)

"It's a film that found it's audience the way Brad and Janet found Frank's castle: by total accident, and of course, by absolute fate." (FILMHOUNDS Magazine)

"Richard's son Linus details the history of his father's iconic creation, exploring how the silly, sexy stage musical moved from sold-out London performances in 1973 to flopping on Broadway." (Radio Times)

"There are some great stories here, and whilst fans will already be familiar with many of them, they include a few surprises." (Eye For Film)

Monday, October 13
Doors 2: 15 pm | Movie 2:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR (Linus O'Brien, 2025 / 90 mins / NR) A London theater play evolves into a groundbreaking cult phenomenon, featuring iconic songs and performances that celebrate individuality. The legacy lives on through midnight screenings and a devoted following that spans generations.

Stoopid Co. and the Rio Theatre presents the second annual OFF-VIFF - a platform for the underground. Featuring the North American Premiere of JAMES, the royal return of KING BABY, the Vancouver Premiere of STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR, and a screening of the soon-to-be Canadian cult-classic, THE PEE PEE POO POO MAN. Plus short films including BIKE SHORT and FRENCH LESSONS.

OFF-VIFF is OFF-CAPITALISM! (Sort of.)

With live music! Booze! Popcorn! Grilled cheese sandwiches! Come early to meet and mingle!!

Monday, October 13

STRANGE JOURNEY
2:45 pm

JAMES
4:45 pm

KING BABY
7:20 pm

THE PEE PEE POO POO MAN
9:15

Utopia Films and the Rio Theatre presents the second annual OFF-VIFF - a platform for the underground. Featuring the North American Premiere of JAMES, the royal return of KING BABY, the Vancouver Premiere of STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR, and a screening of the soon-to-be Canadian cult-classic, THE PEE PEE POO POO MAN. Plus short films including BIKE SHORT and FRENCH LESSONS.

With live music! Booze! Popcorn! Grilled cheese sandwiches! Come early to meet and mingle!!

JAMES Shot in striking 4:3 ratio, with inspiration from silent cinema and an aesthetic rooted in the underground fringe, the darkly comic stylistically bold "hoser-noir" arthouse feature 'JAMES' follows a disillusioned East Vancouver nihilist who stumbles upon fleeting purpose after rescuing a discarded racing bike. But when it’s stolen by a cunning collector who knows its true value, James spirals into obsession, hunting through Vancouver’s subcultural underbelly in a surreal, poetic quest for meaning.

"The sort of picture for which the term “quirky” could have been invented, it bears much more similarity to the early works of Jim Jarmusch, especially in its deadpan style. Probably best appreciated at a midnight screening after a few drinks, the Canadian indie is yet another example of the festival discovering a small-scale gem... a low-key, eccentric charmer, at times resembling a vintage silent comedy in its visual humor and central figure who stumbles through life like a modern-day Buster Keaton." (The Hollywood Reporter)

Monday, October 13
Movie 4:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

JAMES (Max Train, 2025 / 99 mins / NR) An East Vancouver nihilist finds purpose when he rescues the 'Excalibur' of vintage bicycles from a garbage heap, but his renewed trajectory is threatened when a devious collector steals it, igniting a chase that could lead him back to meaning-or deeper into despair.

Utopia Films and the Rio Theatre presents the second annual OFF-VIFF - a platform for the underground. Featuring the North American Premiere of JAMES, the royal return of KING BABY, the Vancouver Premiere of STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR, and a screening of the soon-to-be Canadian cult-classic, THE PEE PEE POO POO MAN. Plus short films including BIKE SHORT and FRENCH LESSONS.

With live music! Booze! Popcorn! Grilled cheese sandwiches! Come early to meet and mingle!!

With live music! Booze! Popcorn! Grilled cheese sandwiches! Come early to meet and mingle!!

KING BABY A warped modern fairytale plays out in a crumbling 'kingdom' populated only by a King and a Servant. The arrival of a mannequin Queen throws their carefully constructed world into isolation, madness, and murderous megalomania.
“An astute reflection on the decline of male power.” (Cineuropa)

“A brilliant, insightful and hilarious fable.” (Panorama Cinema)

“King Baby is a Royal Triumph.” (Screen Anarchy)

Monday, October 13
KING BABY Screens with the short film French Lessons.
7:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Filmmakers Arran Shearing and Kit Redstone in attendance.

Utopia Films and the Rio Theatre presents the second annual OFF-VIFF - a platform for the underground. Featuring the North American Premiere of JAMES, the royal return of KING BABY, the Vancouver Premiere of STRANGE JOURNEY: THE STORY OF ROCKY HORROR, and a screening of the soon-to-be Canadian cult-classic, THE PEE PEE POO POO MAN. Plus short films including BIKE SHORT and FRENCH LESSONS.

With live music! Booze! Popcorn! Grilled cheese sandwiches! Come early to meet and mingle!!

THE PEE PEE POO POO MAN A troubled young man launches a bizarre crime spree against the citizens of Toronto in this thriller-comedy from director Braden Sitter Sr. starring Rishi Rodriguez, Spencer Rice (TV's Kenny vs Spenny), and Paul Bellini (TV's Kids in the Hall).

"A new cult classic." (The Toronto Star)

"Delightfully unlike anything you’ve seen before." (The Chicago Reader)

Monday, October 13
Movie 9:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE PEE PEE POO POO MAN (Braden Sitter, Jr., 2024 / 79 mins / NR) A paranoid young man launches a bizarre crime spree against the citizens of Toronto.

Join us at the Rio Theatre as Claudio Simonetti's Goblin performs a live score to Dario Argento's iconic, "giallo," the phantasmagoric nightmare of a horror icon SUSPIRIA ("the most terrifying movie ever made!") alongside a screening of the film. Following the screening there will be a 45 minute "Best Of" add-on performance.

Composer Claudio Simonetti has written, recorded and performed some of the most influential scores and soundtracks in horror, including DAWN OF THE DEAD, DEEP RED / PROFONDO ROSSO, DEMONS, TENEBRE and many others, with his seminal work and legendary style still informing the genre to this day. This year, Simonetti's Goblin celebrates Argento's SUSPIRIA by performing Goblin's iconic score to a special screening of the film. Almost five decades after its release, both SUSPIRIA and Goblin's unforgettable score remain the stuff of legend, having aid the framework for a myriad of horror scores to come.

This genre-defining cult-classic has been lovingly restored and remastered in glorious 4K - the film's bizarre colour schemes come alive in a whole new way. Buoyed by Goblin's phenomenal soundtrack, SUSPIRIA is "nightmare fuel" for the senses - and can only be truly enjoyed on the big screen... If you dare!

Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school. When she arrives, late on a stormy night, no one lets her in, and she sees Pat (Eva Axén), another student, fleeing from the school. When Pat reaches her apartment, she is murdered. The next day, Suzy is admitted to her new school, but has a difficult time settling in. She hears noises, and often feels ill. As more people die, Suzy uncovers the terrifying secret history of the place...

"It's always fascinating to watch; the thrills and spills are so classy and fast that the movie becomes in effect what horror movies seemed like when you were too young to get in to see them." (Time Out)

"The blood pours freely in Argento's classic SUSPIRIA, a giallo horror as grandiose and glossy as it is gory." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"From stormy start to fiery finish, it's a stylish, compelling, phantasmagoric movie." (The Observer)

Tuesday, October 14
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tier 1 (Rows 1-6, Centre Section) $105+ s/c
Tier 2 $84+ s/c

Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin will be selling additional VIP perks available through their website, but those will not be redeemable without a ticket to the event.

SUSPIRIA (Dario Argento, 1977 / 92 mins/ 18A) A newcomer to a fancy ballet academy gradually comes to realize that the school is a front for something far more sinister and supernatural amidst a series of grisly murders.

Join us at the Rio Theatre as Claudio Simonetti's Goblin performs a live score to Dario Argento's iconic, "giallo," the phantasmagoric nightmare of a horror icon SUSPIRIA ("the most terrifying movie ever made!") alongside a screening of the film. Following the screening there will be a 45 minute "Best Of" add-on performance.

Composer Claudio Simonetti has written, recorded and performed some of the most influential scores and soundtracks in horror, including DAWN OF THE DEAD, DEEP RED / PROFONDO ROSSO, DEMONS, TENEBRE and many others, with his seminal work and legendary style still informing the genre to this day. This year, Simonetti's Goblin celebrates Argento's SUSPIRIA by performing Goblin's iconic score to a special screening of the film. Almost five decades after its release, both SUSPIRIA and Goblin's unforgettable score remain the stuff of legend, having aid the framework for a myriad of horror scores to come.

This genre-defining cult-classic has been lovingly restored and remastered in glorious 4K - the film's bizarre colour schemes come alive in a whole new way. Buoyed by Goblin's phenomenal soundtrack, SUSPIRIA is "nightmare fuel" for the senses - and can only be truly enjoyed on the big screen... If you dare!

Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school. When she arrives, late on a stormy night, no one lets her in, and she sees Pat (Eva Axén), another student, fleeing from the school. When Pat reaches her apartment, she is murdered. The next day, Suzy is admitted to her new school, but has a difficult time settling in. She hears noises, and often feels ill. As more people die, Suzy uncovers the terrifying secret history of the place...

"It's always fascinating to watch; the thrills and spills are so classy and fast that the movie becomes in effect what horror movies seemed like when you were too young to get in to see them." (Time Out)

"The blood pours freely in Argento's classic SUSPIRIA, a giallo horror as grandiose and glossy as it is gory." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"From stormy start to fiery finish, it's a stylish, compelling, phantasmagoric movie." (The Observer)

Wednesday, October 15
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tier 1 (Rows A-F, Centre Section) $105+ s/c
Tier 2 $84+ s/c

SUSPIRIA (Dario Argento, 1977 / 92 mins/ 18A) A newcomer to a fancy ballet academy gradually comes to realize that the school is a front for something far more sinister and supernatural amidst a series of grisly murders.

The Realm
presented by KING SNOW

Follow snowboarding’s new backcountry mega crew through the mountains of Japan, Canada and Norway. Featuring BRIN ALEXANDER, DARCY SHARPE, STALE SANDBECH, TORGEIR BERGREM, CHRIS RASMAN, MIKEY CICCARELLI, MARK SOLLORS, JODY WACHNIAK and SEAN MISKIMAN. Watch some of the world’s best snowboarders flip, spin, and even straight air their way into our hearts and onto the big screen at the Rio Theatre. Directed by “The Manboys” chief of staff Rusty Ockenden who has made sure to milk these generational talents of all they are worth. Let us see who's put it all on the line and who maybe should try a little bit harder next winter!

What happens when nine riders from four countries touch down in the Japanese Alps in the midst of a season-defining storm cycle? The universal language of ‘dig yourself out, lap until your legs give out, and do it all again’ removes any barriers that may have existed, and a silent bond is forged through the immersive experience that storm riding brings. Linking up with snowboard legend Tadashi Fuse, follow along as the Arc’teryx team including Jared Elston, Spencer O’Brien, Robin Van Gyn, Sean Miskimin Joe Lax, Elena Hight, and Severin Van Der Meer, search high, low, and everywhere in between for deep turns and unforgettable times.
Between Days is an Alexander Douglas Craig Film.

Riders in attendance! Posters!

Thursday, October 16
Doors 7:00 pm | Event 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

A copious cavalcade of top notch talent and captivating cabaret await at The Rio Theatre Burlesque and Variety Show on Saturday, October 18th!

Local luminary April O’Peel has curated a show full of wonder sure to dazzle and delight our fun loving audience! The theme is NO THEME! That’s right! These talented performers will each be performing one act of their choosing! What act will they decide to bring to The Rio Theatre Burlesque and Variety Show!? Find out on Saturday, August 30th, as these stars align for one night only!

Saturday, October 18
Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Save $10 with Early Bird tickets just $20 until midnight October 1!

General Admission $30 + s/c | $35 + s/c at the door
VIP tickets (Rows 1-3, centre section) $40+ s/c
Squad Pass (Group of Four Tickets – online only) $100+ s/c

With Featured Performances By:

Angora Phobia | Arabella Boop | The Cryptids | Flora Fancy | Gnarleigh
Grace Galore | Honey Bee | Heavy Duty Dance Collective
Mosco Moonshine | Sensi Kat | Terry Brennan

Hosted by MISS KISS

This is a private event for the cast and crew & family and friends of MISTER SANDMAN.

MISTER SANDMAN follows a group of former summer camp misfits as they uncover the mystery behind a shared ghost story while moving symbolically through the five stages of grief. Set in an abandoned summer camp, each must confront their darkest fears, which take the shape of nightmarish visions tied to a traumatic event from the past.

https://www.instagram.com/MisterSandman_Film

Sunday, October 19
12:00 pm

Stage legend.
Social media sensation (@BroadwayBarbaraOfficial).
Subtly understated international entertainment titan.

Broadway Barbara makes her triumphant return to the Rio Theatre following a string of raucous, sold-out performances in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Provincetown!

For this special performance, revel in the glorious excess of the spooky season as Barbara unleashes a jumbo-sized trash bag’s worth of tricks and treats: unique interpretations of Broadway tunes, ribald show biz tales, her legendary Fosse dance moves, and a tasteful assortment of tooth-chattering Halloween surprises.

Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bask in the eerie glow of Barbara’s unique talents, when she levitates the roof of one of Vancouver’s premiere destinations for live theatre, comedy, and music!

Broadway Barbara at the Rio – skip this show, and you better wear soft shoes... because you’ll be kicking yourself for the rest of your days!

"A dash of Liza with a Z, a splash of Patti LuPone, and a drive that comes from knowing that there’s no one who compares, Broadway Barbara is bitingly funny, cutting to the heart of the quirks of Broadway and musical theatre." (Glam Adelaide)

"The show gifted us moments where Judy-Garland-esque gravitas could rub against wackiness worthy of Lucille Ball." (Australian Arts Review)

"Barbara, is original and laugh-out-loud funny. I honestly can’t remember the last time I laughed that hard." (Theatre Pizzazz NYC)

Sunday, October 19
Doors 7:30 pm | Event 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Barbara Dixon is no mere entertainer; she is the living, breathing, dancing, screaming embodiment of entertainment itself. An inveterate performer with decades of experience, Ms. Dixon is a singer and dancer whose career has touched every medium and genre – from (off-) Broadway to (near-) Hollywood, and everywhere in between. Barbara Dixon is a tireless artist, having logged more audition time without booking a lead role than any other performer in Broadway history.

Fans, critics, passersby, and professional rivals all agree: Barbara Dixon is a creative force -- passionate, headstrong, and occasionally frightening. She possesses a bucket of unforgettable tunes, a large rolling suitcase full of unbelievable stories, and the unquenchable thirst to perform.

Connect on Instagram @BroadwayBarbaraOfficial
Connect on Twitter @BroadwayBarbaraOfficial
Connect on TikTok @BroadwayBarbaraOfficial

About the Show:

Created by Leah Sprecher while she was a member of the famed Groundlings' Theater Sunday Company, Barbara Dixon is informed by Leah's genuine affection for classic Broadway performers -- and her own attempts to forge a creative career, through years of auditions, rejection, and the helpful advice that "it might take you a while."

To make this indomitable character the center of her own show, Leah devised a comedic cabaret that charts the history of modern Broadway -- and forms a backdrop for the absurd, ribald, surprisingly touching, and ultimately inspiring career of Barbara Dixon. Crafting a script and stage show with her then-boyfriend (and now husband) writer/director Brad Stevens, Leah first brought Barbara to the
stage in Los Angeles in 2018.

During the pandemic, the couple used the time away from the stage to craft social media videos that would hone Barbara's voice and back story... and cause the character to go viral. Bringing "Broadway Barbara" back to the stage in 2021, Leah has since performed in New York City, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, London, and her home base of Los Angeles. By mid-2022, Barbara was selling out venues across the country and had amassed nearly half a million followers on social media.

Broadway Barbara Live! is conceived and performed by Leah Sprecher and is written and directed by Leah Sprecher and Brad Stevens.

The live, smash hit epic comedy THE CRITICAL HIT SHOW returns to the Rio Theatre's stage on Wednesday, October 22 for more monstrous mirth, merriment, and snacks!

Prepare yourself for a night of laughter, as some of Vancouver’s best comedic performers grace the stage in a night featuring intrepid players on a gallant quest for comedy glory (and more snacks) in a hilariously epic adventure that has been running continuously since 2012.

Spanning over 100 live performances in both Canada and the United States, two years of “at-home” streaming, and frequent festival appearances, The Critical Hit Show is one of the longest running comedy shows around. #DNDLive is an improvised adventure that takes its inspiration from tabletop role-playing games, fantasy film and TV, and (most importantly) you!

Whether you’re a longtime fan, you’ve been enjoying our live streamed shows, or you’re brand new to The Critical Hit Show - you’re going to have a great time.

Wednesday, October 22
Doors 6:15 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change.
Advance tickets $17 +s/c | $20+ s/c at the door

THE ADVENTURERS

Eric Fell as The Dungeon Master
Ian Boothby as Benoit the Anointed, the Half-Elf Cleric
Joanna Gaskell as Freya, the Elf Warlock
Barbara Beall as Ingrid, the Halfling Fighter
Ellen MacNevin as Belle Strummer, the Half-Elf Ranger
Allen Morrison as Spitz Lube’n, the Human Wizard
Shaun Stewart as Brask Hellbeard, the Dwarf Bard

More monsters! More Magic! More Mayhem! More Off-Brand soda!

Twitter: @critshow
www.criticalhitshow.com
www.facebook.com/dndlive

A woman's obsessive search for her missing sister leads her into a terrifying mystery at the hands of an unknown evil. With Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, and Michael Beach.

Actress Camille Sullivan will be joining us to intro the film!

"It’s lean as a hellhound." (Austin Chronicle)

"Pacy, clever, and most importantly, creepy as all hell; Shelby Oaks both is and isn’t what you’re expecting, announcing Chris Stuckmann as a very promising new voice in horror." (HeyUGuys)

"The edge-of-your-seat thrills, impeccable sound design, thoughtfully crafted cinematography, and powerhouse performances bring to life the tragic tale of Riley Brennan in a feature that is sure to become a must-watch for all horror fans." (FILMHOUNDS Magazine)

"Chris Stuckmann makes his directorial debut with a film that blends horror documentary, found footage, and narrative feature into a singular vision." (Loud and Clear Reviews)

"Newer genre fans will likely respond to Shelby Oaks with big smiles on their faces. It’s a very well-made film, with plenty of clever twists and turns and no real lulls in the increasingly complex narrative." (ScreenAnarchy)

"There is an era of Aughts horror, brimming with creepypasta web stories, short-form scary films, and rentable DVD rip-offs and reboots, that hasn’t received the same reverence as other time periods. And Stuckmann plays in that time period well." (Fangoria)

Wednesday, October 22 Advance Screening
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Presented in partnership with Elevation Pictures and the Vancouver Horror Show.

SHELBY OAKS (Chris Stuckman, 2025 / 99 mins / 14A) A woman's desperate search for her long-lost sister falls into obsession upon realizing that the imaginary demon from their childhood may have been real.

"Vancouver’s Most Innovative Comedy / Variety Show" is back with a Halloween special! Join us as we celebrate the greatest holiday ever with lots of laughs, audience surprises and wild entertainment. Featuring...

PRE-TEEN ROCK BAND: BLUE JAY VALLEY! - A group of 9 to 12 year olds from East Van who rock hard! With influences ranging from the Hives, gob, Weezer, Green Day, Sloan, Beastie Boys, KISS, AC/DC, Vicious Cycles, and the Ramones.

FROM GUTTER CLOWN CABARET: PRISCILLA COSTA! - Internationally trained in clown, bouffon, sketch comedy and improv, Priscilla turns a life of hard knocks into absurd and delightful clown theatre!

SPIDER RACES! - Paul & Ryan will both bring a spider they caught in their house and we will race them on an elaborate homemade track designed and built by Ace Marten's! Prizes for the winners!

GIANT AUDIENCE OUIJA BOARD! - We are building a massive planchette piece to place in the middle of the audience so everyone can be in contact with it. We ask questions of the spirits and as a group we all receive the answers.

12 YEAR OLD HORROR ARTIST ATTICUS STRANGE! - You can see and purchase his cool horror zines!

INCREDIBLE DIY SYNTHPOP: DEVOURS! - Across five acclaimed underground albums, Devours (Jeff Cancade) has written confessional and confrontational electronic music about masculinity, body image, gay politics, and inner-city queer existence. Maybe you've seen them on VICE or at SXSW, Treefort Music Fest, Sled Island, JunoFest, Vancouver Jazz Fest?? Maybe you've never seen them and you are about to hear your fave new artist? I think they are one of the most exciting musical acts in the country!!

Co-Host RYAN BEIL from THE SUNDAY SERVICE!

Tech director & live switching by ERIC ST. LAURENT!

House band! More comedy!

Thursday, October 23
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets $22+ s/c | $25+ s/c at the door

“Like freebasing sheer fun!" (The Globe & Mail)
“There is no funner night out... you have to experience it.” (The Georgia Straight)
"Something of a phenomenon.” (Vancouver Sun)

Thursday, October 23
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets $22+ s/c | $25+ s/c at the door

“Like freebasing sheer fun!" (The Globe & Mail)

"Something of a phenomenon.” (Vancouver Sun)

This Show is Inspired By a True Story. (Truly.)

The show which you are about to see is an account of the tragedy which befell a group of drag performers, in particular Dandy of the Dead (aka TikTok superstar and regular Rio Theatre host, Dandy) and his invalid brother, Jordy Matheson. It is all the more tragic in that they were gay. But, had they lived very, very long lives, they could not have expected nor would they have wished to see as much of the mad and macabre as they were to see that day. For them an idyllic summer afternoon drive became a nightmare. The events of that day were to lead to the discovery of one of the most bizarre crimes in the annals of East Van history, The Dandy Chainsaw Masquerade.

Come dressed in your Halloween best for a raucous evening of campy horror comedy, drag performances, burlesque, games and music! Don't miss out on the interactive elements in the VIP section, which includes priority seating and a prop bag that coordinates with the show! 

Friday, October 24
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets $25+ s/c (Until September 26)
Adult $30+ s/c in advance |  $35+ s/c at the door
VIP (Priority Seating & Prop Bag) $40+ s/c

Hosted by the social media sensation and award winning master of ceremonies DANDY (@dandyandfriends) 
 
Featuring the Dancing Dandies of the Dead

Phoenix Hellfire
Gnarleigh
Dusty Crops
Princess Fluffy Butt
Mrs. Heart

and Many More!

About your Host:

Dandy (he/him) is the award-winning host made popular on TikTok for his viral videos promoting queer joy! Winner of Host of the Year 2024 for Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and awarded runner up in the Georgia Straight’s BEST OF VANCOUVER for his show Drag Attack! – you can catch him regularly on stage in his shows at the iconic Rio Theatre in Vancouver, or touring this Fall between LA and New York City. His all new series Dandyland, which highlights businesses, organizations, and artists in the lower-mainland’s LGBT Community, premiered this Summer on Optik TV and was nominated by the Costume Designers Guild Awards for Excellence in Short Form Design 2024, and WON a CAFTCAD Award for Excellence in Webseries 2024 thanks to already award winning, multi-talented Costume Designer, Rafaella Rabinovich.

@dandyandfriends

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? An as-yet-to-be-named host will be on-hand to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged - because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

Your own props are also very welcome, but please – whatever you do – DO NOT BRING RICE OR CONFETTI!

Hosted by Dandy!

Friday, October 24
Doors 11:00 pm | Show 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 / 100 mins / 14A) A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

More tricks! More treats! More All-You-Can-Eat Cereal!

The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party is returning to the Rio Theatre for a whole Halloweekend of fun times on Saturday, October 25 AND Sunday, October 26. Get ready for a specially-curated all-new lineup of retro TV goodness covered in sugary cereal. It's Volume X - Halloween Style!

Kids today may not realize the significance of the Saturday morning ritual, but once upon a time, we had to wait a whole week to get our cartoon fix, and when we got it, we tended to binge. Well – welcome to The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party - that special time when kids and kids-at-heart get to relive the exciting Saturday morning ritual of non-stop retro cartoons, and binge on the multi-colored sugary cereals that used to be a part of every “balanced” breakfast!

The cartoon lineup is always a mystery, but Volume X will be covered in an extra spooktacular Halloween coating - so expect to see even more monsters, sci-fi, sleuths, superheroes and all kinds of 2D silliness. Expect the unexpected, from faves and obscurities spanning the '30s through the '90s, all punctuated with vintage commercials, PSAs and station IDs for a 3-hour trip down memory lane! Get ready for a sugar rush and an explosion of nostalgia in one hair-raising morning.

Even better...? COSTUME CONTEST! Show us what you've got, or maybe just give your costume a test-drive before the big day. Costumes (and, as always, comfy pajamas) are welcome and encouraged.

Curated by David Bertrand

Please note: Dairy-free options are available. Compostable bowls and spoons will be provided, but we do encourage guests to bring their own NON-BREAKABLE (ie, not ceramic) bowls and spoons.

Saturday, October 25
Doors 9:30 am | Event 10:00 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

"It's alive....!"

The Rio Theatre's series of Halloween favourites continues this month as we venture ever deeper and darker into classic "creature features" of yore with a screening of James Whale's stylish, bold, and nuanced FRANKENSTEIN (followed by the 1935 follow-up, THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN) on Saturday, October 25.

This iconic horror film follows the obsessed scientist Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) as he attempts to create life by assembling a creature from body parts of the deceased. Aided by his loyal misshapen assistant, Fritz (Dwight Frye), Frankenstein succeeds in animating his monster (Boris Karloff), but, confused and traumatized, it escapes into the countryside and begins to wreak havoc. Frankenstein searches for the elusive being, and eventually must confront his tormented creation.

"The most influential horror film ever made, this stark and stylish work has a weird fairytale beauty." (The Village Voice)

"One of the most deservedly famous and chilling horror films of all time." (Chicago Reader)

"Still unnerving to this day, 'Frankenstein' adroitly explores the fine line between genius and madness, and features Boris Karloff's legendary, frightening performance as the monster." (Rotten Tomatoes)

Saturday, October 25
Doors 1:30 pm | Movie 2:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Single Film and Double Creature Feature Tickets available!

Why not make it a DOUBLE Creature Feature with James Whale's 1935 follow up, THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, at 3:30 pm?

FRANKENSTEIN (James Whale, 1931 / G / 71 mins) Dr Henry Frankenstein is obsessed with assembling a living being from parts of several exhumed corpses.

The Rio Theatre's seasonal deep dive into Halloween-y favourites continues on Saturday, October 25 with one of the all-time great monster movies, James Whale's iconic THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. This 1935 sequel to Whale's 1931 film FRANKENSTEIN (also screening October 25 as part of a Double Creature Feature) retained the legendary Boris Karloff as the eponymous, mortally challenged creation.

After recovering from injuries sustained in the mob attack upon himself and his creation, Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) falls under the control of his former mentor, Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger), who insists the now-chastened doctor resume his experiments in creating new life. Meanwhile, the Monster (Karloff) remains on the run from those who wish to destroy him without understanding that his intentions are generally good despite his lack of socialization and self-control. With Elsa Lanchester, Valerie Hobson.

"James Whale's erudite genius brings it all together. He sculpts every nuance of self-parody, social satire, horror, humour, wit and whimsy into a dazzling whole, keeping every one of his fantastical plates spinning until the tragic, inevitable finale." (Empire Magazine)

"Another astonishing chapter in the career of the Monster." (New York Times)

Monday, October 25
Movie 3:30 pm *Screening as part of a double bill. Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (James Whale, 1935 / 75 mins / PG) THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN begins where James Whale's FRANKENSTEIN (1931) ended. Dr. Frankenstein has not been killed as previously portrayed and now he wants to get away from the mad experiments. Yet when his wife is kidnapped by his creation, Frankenstein agrees to help him create a new monster, this time a woman.

"I have crossed oceans of time to find you..."

Francis Ford Coppola's gorgeously goth, Oscar-winning adaptation of Bram Stoker's iconic novel stars Gary Oldman in the title role as a nocturnal immortal who leaves the captive Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) and Transylvania for London in search of Mina Harker -- the spitting image of Dracula's long-dead wife, Elisabeta (Winona Ryder). Obsessed vampire hunter Dr. Van Helsing (Anthony Hopkins) sets out to end the madness. Also starring Richard E. Grant, Cary Elwes, Billy Campbell, Tom Waits, Monica Bellucci.

"Overblown in the best sense of the word, Francis Ford Coppola's vision of Bram Stoker's Dracula rescues the character from decades of campy interpretations -- and features some terrific performances to boot." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"This luscious film restores the creature's nobility and gives him peace." (TIME Magazine)

"It is Coppola's most lavish and, certainly, his most flamboyant film; never before has he allowed himself this kind of mad experimentation." (Washington Post)

Saturday, October 25
Doors 5:00 pm | Movie 5:30 *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA (Francis Ford Coppola, 1992 / 130 mins / 14A) Count Dracula, a 15th-century prince, is condemned to live off the blood of the living for eternity. Young lawyer Jonathan Harker is sent to Dracula's castle to finalise a land deal, but when the Count sees a photo of Harker's fiancée, Mina, the spitting image of his dead wife, he imprisons him and sets off for London to track her down.

The newest chapter in New Line Cinema's bloody successful franchise takes audiences back to the very beginning of Death's twisted sense of justice - FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES. Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefani heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle - her grandmother, Iris -and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all. With Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd.

This installment of the franchise was shot primarily in and around Vancouver, and we are delighted to welcome filmmakers (and local cinema heroes!) Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein to the screening to join us for a Q&A.

"Adding some surprising emotional layers onto the ghoulish bones of 'Final Destination's' mythology, 'Bloodlines' ingeniously executes grisly set pieces with precision and turns impending doom into outrageous fun." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"We’re here for the kills and, again, every single kill in 'Final Destination Bloodlines' is a winner. Every time a head explodes, which is a lot, you’ll want to stand up and cheer." (TheWrap)

"It’s a rare franchise reboot that works as a standalone, even with a few choice callbacks and links to the previous movies." (Chicago Tribune)

"This is also the series at its best ... [T]he Bloodlines filmmakers have found a way to reinvent the Final Destination wheel — and then promptly crush someone’s head with it." (Crooked Marquee)

"A bloody, bonkers, thrill-ride from start to finish, Final Destination: Bloodlines has everything fans have come to love from the iconic horror series, while exploring new avenues that pack a stronger emotional punch than ever before." (FILMHOUNDS Magazine)

Saturday, October 25
Doors 8:00 pm | Movie 8:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES (Zach Lipovsky & Adam Stein, 2025 / 110 mins /18A) Plagued by a violent and recurring nightmare, a college student heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle of death and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all.

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? An as-yet-to-be-named host will be on-hand to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged - because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

Your own props are also very welcome, but please – whatever you do – DO NOT BRING RICE OR CONFETTI!

Saturday, October 25
Doors 11:00 pm | Show 11:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 / 100 mins / 14A) A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

More tricks! More treats! More All-You-Can-Eat Cereal!

The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party is returning to the Rio Theatre for a whole Halloweekend of fun times on Saturday, October 25 AND Sunday, October 26. Get ready for a specially-curated all-new lineup of retro TV goodness covered in sugary cereal. It's Volume X - Halloween Style!

Kids today may not realize the significance of the Saturday morning ritual, but once upon a time, we had to wait a whole week to get our cartoon fix, and when we got it, we tended to binge. Well – welcome to The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party - that special time when kids and kids-at-heart get to relive the exciting Saturday morning ritual of non-stop retro cartoons, and binge on the multi-colored sugary cereals that used to be a part of every “balanced” breakfast!

The cartoon lineup is always a mystery, but Volume X will be covered in an extra spooktacular Halloween coating - so expect to see even more monsters, sci-fi, sleuths, superheroes and all kinds of 2D silliness. Expect the unexpected, from faves and obscurities spanning the '30s through the '90s, all punctuated with vintage commercials, PSAs and station IDs for a 3-hour trip down memory lane! Get ready for a sugar rush and an explosion of nostalgia in one hair-raising morning.

Even better...? COSTUME CONTEST! Show us what you've got, or maybe just give your costume a test-drive before the big day. Costumes (and, as always, comfy pajamas) are welcome and encouraged.

Curated by David Bertrand

Please note: Dairy-free options are available. Compostable bowls and spoons will be provided, but we do encourage guests to bring their own NON-BREAKABLE (ie, not ceramic) bowls and spoons.

Saturday, October 26
Doors 9:30 am | Event 10:00 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? An as-yet-to-be-named host will be on-hand to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged - because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 / 100 mins / 14A) A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

Nicolas Roeg's acclaimed supernatural thriller DON'T LOOK NOW is as much a surrealistic ghost story as it is a meditative exploration on grief, told through the experiences of a married couple. Noted for its innovative use of imagery and colour (and a legendary love scene featuring the late, great Canadian icon Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie), the British-Italian co-production was released at the height of the "giallo"era, although it offers its own unique, moody spin on Italian mystery with plenty of suspense and gothic atmosphere to spare.

This screening will be hosted by guest curator Osgood Perkins (LONGLEGS, THE MONKEY), who will join us to introduce the film. DON'T LOOK NOW was digitally restored in 4K from the original camera negative in 2023, under the direct supervision of cinematographer Anthony B. Richmond.

Still grieving over the accidental death of their daughter, Christine, John (Sutherland) and Laura Baxter (Christie) head to Venice, Italy, where John's been commissioned to restore a church. There Laura meets two sisters who claim to be in touch with the spirit of the Baxters' daughter. Laura takes them seriously, but John scoffs until he himself catches a glimpse of what looks like Christine running through the streets of Venice. With Sharon Williams, Hilary Mason, Clelia Matania.

"This haunting thriller and study of the psychology of grief is one of the most accomplished, and most troubling, films by the British director Nicolas Roeg." (The Times UK)

"Every frame is calculated perfection." (Little White Lies)

"A devastating portrait of grief, a master class in disjunctive editing and a haunting disquisition on the use of the color red." (Los Angeles Times)

"It's a ghost story; it's a meditation on time, memory and the poignancy of married love. And it's a masterpiece." (Guardian)

"Nicolas Roeg's 1973 film remains one of the great horror masterpieces, working not with fright, which is easy, but with dread, grief and apprehension." (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times)

Sunday, October 26
Doors 5:15 pm | Movie 5:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

DON'T LOOK NOW (Nicolas Roeg, 1973 / 18A / 110 mins) A married couple grieving the recent death of their young daughter are in Venice when they encounter two elderly sisters, one of whom is psychic and brings a warning from beyond.

Our canine hero, Indy, finds himself on a new adventure with his human owner--and best friend--Todd, leaving city life for a long-vacant family home in the country. From the start, two things are abundantly clear: Indy is wary of the creepy old house, and his affection for Todd is unwavering. After moving in, Indy is immediately vexed by empty corners, tracks an invisible presence only he can see, perceives phantasmagoric warnings from a long-dead dog, and is haunted by visions of the previous occupant’s grim death. When Todd begins succumbing to the dark forces swirling around the house, Indy must battle a malevolence intent on dragging his beloved Todd into the afterlife.

"What could have easily been a cheap gimmick instead provides the foundation for one of the best horror films so far this year." (IndieWire)

"'Good Boy' is a haunting, unconventional horror, featuring one of the best performances I have seen this year (by a dog no less) and shows Ben Leonberg has captured lightening in a bottle." (Film Inquiry)

"Don’t let the gimmick fool you; 'Good Boy' is primed to be one of the most chilling movies of 2025." (Dread Central)

"With an innovative hook and Indy’s mind-blowing lead performance, Good Boy is one of the most unique experiences of the year, it is big fun in a cute, furry little package." (ScreenAnarchy)

"[Director] Ben Leonberg crafts a thoughtful, unnerving, and heartrending portrayal of how utterly terrifying it can be for a dog when his whole world is upended and he’s unable to understand why." (Bloody Disgusting)

Sunday, October 26
Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

GOOD BOY (Ben Leonberg, 2025 / 73 mins / 14A) A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? An as-yet-to-be-named host will be on-hand to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged - because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 / 100 mins / 14A) A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

"Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?"

There's evil in the wood.... In the exquisitely made and terrifying debut film from writer-director Robert Eggers (NOSFERATU, THE NORTHMAN, THE LIGHTHOUSE), the age-old concepts of witchcraft, black magic and possession are innovatively brought together to tell the intimate and riveting story of one family's frightful unraveling in the New England wilderness circa 1630.

Upon threat of banishment by the church, an English farmer leaves his colonial plantation, relocating his wife and five children to a remote plot of land on the edge of an ominous forest - within which lurks an unknown evil. Strange and unsettling things begin to happen almost immediately - animals turn malevolent, crops fail, and one child disappears as another becomes seemingly possessed by an evil spirit. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, family members accuse teenage daughter Thomasin of witchcraft, charges she adamantly denies. As circumstances grow more treacherous, each family member's faith, loyalty and love become tested in shocking and unforgettable way.

THE WITCH painstakingly recreates a God-fearing New England decades before the 1692 Salem witch trials, in which religious convictions tragically turned to mass hysteria. Told through the eyes of the adolescent Thomasin (a star-making turn from Anya Taylor-Joy) and supported by mesmerizing camera work and a powerful musical score, THE WITCH is a chilling and groundbreaking new take on the horror genre. With Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Ellie Grainger, Lucas Dawson.

"A horror flick with Puritans, possessed kids, naked forest women and a haunting goat named Black Phillip." (USA Today)

"With a gentle rap-rapping, Mr. Eggers intensifies the shivers with art-film moves, genre shocks and an excellent cast that includes a progressively rowdy menagerie. (The New York Times)

Monday, October 27
Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE WITCH (Robert Eggers, 2016 / 93 mins / 14A) In 1630 New England, panic and despair envelops a farmer, his wife and four of their children when youngest son Samuel suddenly vanishes. The family blames Thomasin, the oldest daughter who was watching the boy at the time of his disappearance. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, twin siblings Mercy and Jonas suspect Thomasin of witchcraft, testing the clan's faith, loyalty and love to one another.

"They're all gonna laugh at you!"

The Rio Theatre's annual deep-dive into Halloween movie goodness continues on Monday, October 27 a very special screening of Brian de Palma's CARRIE.

Even better? This screening will be hosted by filmmaker Mike Flanagan (DOCTOR SLEEP, THE LIFE OF CHUCK, Netflix's "Midnight Mass"), who is bringing along some very special guests... the cast of the upcoming Amazon TV series "Carrie", which is currently shooting here in Vancouver!

In this chilling adaptation of Stephen King's horror novel, withdrawn and sensitive teen Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) faces taunting from classmates at school and abuse from her fanatically pious mother (Piper Laurie) at home. When strange occurrences start happening around Carrie, she begins to suspect that she has supernatural powers. Invited to the prom by the empathetic Tommy Ross (William Katt), Carrie tries to let her guard down, but things eventually take a dark and violent turn. With John Travolta, Amy Irving, Betty Buckley.

"'Carrie' is a terrifying lyrical thriller. The director, Brian De Palma, has mastered a teasing style -- a perverse mixture of comedy and horror and tension." (New Yorker)

"De Palma at the top of his game." (Empire Magazine)

"Grounded by the incredible and unforgettable performance of Sissy Spacek and the masterful direction of De Palma, Carrie is a horror masterpiece that defies convention and proves itself timeless." (Film Inquiry)

"It opens with an insidiously brilliant update of Psycho's shower scene and ends with a jump scare that Hitchcock would have envied; in between, it's merely the tenderest and most affecting movie ever made out of one of King's novels." (The Ringer)

As always, audience costumes (including ghoulish 70s prom attire!) are very welcome - and encouraged!

Monday, October 27
Doors 7:45 pm | Movie 8:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

CARRIE (Brian De Palma, 1976 / 98 mins / 18A) Carrie White, a shy, friendless teenage girl who is sheltered by her domineering, religious mother, unleashes her telekinetic powers after being humiliated by her classmates at her senior prom.

"They're all gonna laugh at you!"

The Rio Theatre's annual deep-dive into Halloween movie goodness continues on Monday, October 27 a very special screening of Brian de Palma's CARRIE.

Even better? This screening will be hosted by filmmaker Mike Flanagan (DOCTOR SLEEP, THE LIFE OF CHUCK, Netflix's "Midnight Mass"), who is (probably) bringing along some very special guests... the cast of the upcoming Amazon TV series "Carrie", which is currently shooting here in Vancouver!

In this chilling adaptation of Stephen King's horror novel, withdrawn and sensitive teen Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) faces taunting from classmates at school and abuse from her fanatically pious mother (Piper Laurie) at home. When strange occurrences start happening around Carrie, she begins to suspect that she has supernatural powers. Invited to the prom by the empathetic Tommy Ross (William Katt), Carrie tries to let her guard down, but things eventually take a dark and violent turn. With John Travolta, Amy Irving, Betty Buckley.

"'Carrie' is a terrifying lyrical thriller. The director, Brian De Palma, has mastered a teasing style -- a perverse mixture of comedy and horror and tension." (New Yorker)

"De Palma at the top of his game." (Empire Magazine)

"Grounded by the incredible and unforgettable performance of Sissy Spacek and the masterful direction of De Palma, Carrie is a horror masterpiece that defies convention and proves itself timeless." (Film Inquiry)

"It opens with an insidiously brilliant update of Psycho's shower scene and ends with a jump scare that Hitchcock would have envied; in between, it's merely the tenderest and most affecting movie ever made out of one of King's novels." (The Ringer)

As always, audience costumes (including ghoulish 70s prom attire!) are very welcome - and encouraged!

Monday, October 27
Doors 10:20 pm | Movie 10:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

CARRIE (Brian De Palma, 1976 / 98 mins / 18A) Carrie White, a shy, friendless teenage girl who is sheltered by her domineering, religious mother, unleashes her telekinetic powers after being humiliated by her classmates at her senior prom.

Our canine hero, Indy, finds himself on a new adventure with his human owner--and best friend--Todd, leaving city life for a long-vacant family home in the country. From the start, two things are abundantly clear: Indy is wary of the creepy old house, and his affection for Todd is unwavering. After moving in, Indy is immediately vexed by empty corners, tracks an invisible presence only he can see, perceives phantasmagoric warnings from a long-dead dog, and is haunted by visions of the previous occupant’s grim death. When Todd begins succumbing to the dark forces swirling around the house, Indy must battle a malevolence intent on dragging his beloved Todd into the afterlife.

"What could have easily been a cheap gimmick instead provides the foundation for one of the best horror films so far this year." (IndieWire)

"'Good Boy' is a haunting, unconventional horror, featuring one of the best performances I have seen this year (by a dog no less) and shows Ben Leonberg has captured lightening in a bottle." (Film Inquiry)

"Don’t let the gimmick fool you; 'Good Boy' is primed to be one of the most chilling movies of 2025." (Dread Central)

"With an innovative hook and Indy’s mind-blowing lead performance, Good Boy is one of the most unique experiences of the year, it is big fun in a cute, furry little package." (ScreenAnarchy)

"[Director] Ben Leonberg crafts a thoughtful, unnerving, and heartrending portrayal of how utterly terrifying it can be for a dog when his whole world is upended and he’s unable to understand why." (Bloody Disgusting)

Tuesday, October 28
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

GOOD BOY (Ben Leonberg, 2025 / 73 mins / 14A) A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.

Join us at the Rio Theatre on October 28 for a screening of James Gunn's Vancouver-lensed 2006 horror comedy SLITHER - hosted by MastersFX founder, the legendary Todd Masters!

Wheelsy is a small town where not much happens and everyone minds his own business. No one notices when evil slips in quietly but, when people find mutilated livestock and a woman goes missing, Sheriff Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion) discovers an alien organism that threatens to devour all life on Earth. With Elizabeth Banks and Michael Rooker.

"'Slither' is an absolute treat." (BBC)

"There's something winning about this grab bag of orally fixated invertebrates and mucus-covered Noids." (Slate)

Tuesday, October 28
Doors 8:00 pm | Movie 8:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

SLITHER (James Gunn, 2006 / 95 mins / 18A) A small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters.

It was Colonel Mustard in the billiard room with a candlestick...

Based on the popular board game CLUE, this live-action adaptation received mixed reviews upon release, but in the years since it has taken on a life of its own and become a total cult movie - perfect for inclusion in the Rio's Halloween movie calendar! Even better? This 40th Anniversary edition has been re-mastered with all THREE of the film's original "alternative" endings - and we get to choose it! So prepare yourself for a totally different ending to CLUE than the one you've seen in a theatre before...

Set in the McCarhty-esque 1950s, CLUE finds six colorful dinner guests gathered at the mansion of their host, Mr. Boddy -- who turns up dead after his secret is exposed: He was blackmailing all of them. With the killer among them, the guests and Boddy's chatty butler must suss out the culprit before the body count rises. Starring Tim Curry, Eileen Brennan, Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Christopher Lloyd, Leslie Ann Warren, and Michael McKean.

Costumes welcome... And encouraged!!!

"A work of cult-genius." (The Huffington Post)

Wednesday, October 29
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

CLUE (Jonathan Lynn, 1985 / 94 mins / PG) Six guests are invited to a strange house and must cooperate with the staff to solve a murder mystery.

Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins), a Vietnam War veteran plagued with troubling hallucinations and traumatic flashbacks, struggles to maintain his sanity as his terrible past invades his waking life. As girlfriend Jezzie (Elizabeth Peña) and chiropractor friend Louis (Danny Aiello) try to help him find balance, Jacob only descends further into madness and despair.

This restoration was completed by ROUNDABOUT – USA from the original negative scanned and restored in 4K. The color grading and restoration was supervised by Adrian Lyne. This project was brought to you by STUDIOCANAL and supervised by Delphine Roussel and Jean-Pierre Boiget.

“Adrian Lyne’s giddying, unsettling direction conjures up moments of horrifying hallucinogenic power." (Time Out)

"For hours and days after you've seen it, you'll still be putting it together in your head. While all of it is gripping, it doesn't come together until the final scene, which is jolting, transcendent, unexpected yet inevitable." (Seattle Times)

"As long as the movie refuses to commit itself, it is a truly creepy, nerve-jangling experience." (Chicago Tribune)

"It is this constant slippage into uncertainty that makes 'Jacob's Ladder' unique. Lyne's focus on the sensual experiences of his character helps blur that line between dream and reality..." (The Ringer)

Wednesday, October 29
Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

JACOB'S LADDER (Adrian Lyne, 1990 / 113 mins / 14A) Jacob Singer is trying to make sense of his fractured life and memories. Plagued by hallucinations, flashbacks, and conspiracies, he struggles down a path to enlightenment from these manic strains. With nothing but support from friends and loved ones will he be able to push through the haze of his PTSD.

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? An as-yet-to-be-named host will be on-hand to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged - because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 / 100 mins / 14A) A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

I"It's showtime."

Yes, it’s happening!> We're officially in Halloween mode and featuring old-skool classics this season, including Tim Burton's original BEETLEJUICE, which is getting prime-time treatment on our screen - just in time for Halloween!

BEETLEJUICE (Tim Burton, 1988 / 92 mins / PG) | Thanks to an untimely demise via drowning, a young couple (Geena Davis, Alec Baldwin) end up as poltergeists in their New England farmhouse, where they fail to meet the challenge of scaring away the insufferable new owners and their moody daughter. In desperation, the undead newlyweds turn to an expert frightmeister, but he’s got a diabolical agenda of his own.

"The power of Christ compels you!"

Five decades after its release, director William Friedkin's supernatural horror classic THE EXORCIST still remains one of the most frightening films ever made. Based on the hugely popular novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty (who also wrote the screenplay), the film was both a massive commercial and critical success, garnering an impressive ten Academy Award nominations (including one for Best Picture). As terrifying today as it was upon its release in 1973, Friedkin's hugely influential movie remains one of the most profitable horror movies (though he prefers you not call it a “horror film,” but rather, a “theological thriller”) ever made. The enduring popularity of THE EXORCIST makes it one of the Rio Theatre's most requested titles, and a divine choice for a "Devil's Night" screening on October 30.

Based loosely on actual events, the story follows 12 year-old Regan (Linda Blair, in a breakout performance), whose increasingly odd behaviour goes beyond what one would normally expect from a pubescent young woman (levitating, speaking in tongues). When her fraught mother (Ellen Burstyn) hits a dead end after seeking medical help, she turns to the Church. A local priest (Jason Miller), is convinced Regan is under the devil's control, and makes a request to perform an exorcism with the help of one of their more experienced experts (a perfectly cast Max von Sydow).

"The movie that launched a new era in horror films, and which, for one generation, remains one of the scariest experiences of their lives." (New York Daily News)

"The film is a triumph of special effects. Never for a moment--not when the little girl is possessed by the most disgusting of spirits, not when the bed is banging and the furniture flying and the vomit is welling out--are we less than convinced. The film contains brutal shocks, almost indescribable obscenities. That it received an R rating and not the X is stupefying." (Roger Ebert)

Thursday, October 30
Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE EXORCIST (William Friedkin, 1973 / 121 mins / 18 A) 12-year-old Regan MacNeil begins to adapt an explicit new personality as strange events befall the local area of Georgetown. Her mother becomes torn between science and superstition in a desperate bid to save her daughter, and ultimately turns to her last hope: Father Damien Karras, a troubled priest who is struggling with his own faith.

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? An as-yet-to-be-named host will be on-hand to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged - because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

Your own props are also very welcome, but please – whatever you do – DO NOT BRING RICE OR CONFETTI!

Thursday, October 30
Doors 11:00 pm | Show 11:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 / 100 mins / 14A) A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? An as-yet-to-be-named host will be on-hand to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged - because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

Your own props are also very welcome, but please – whatever you do – DO NOT BRING RICE OR CONFETTI!

Friday, October 31<
Doors 7:45 pm | Show 8:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 / 100 mins / 14A) A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

There is no better way to experience the pop-culture juggernaut that is THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? An as-yet-to-be-named host will be on-hand to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do's-and-don'ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged - because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here's your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 / 100 mins / 14A) A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

Step into the shadows at the Rio Theatre as Tall Shadows bring Benjamin Christensen’s legendary 1922 silent film HÄXAN (aka “Witchcraft Through the Ages”) to life with an original live score, transforming the haunting masterpiece into a fully immersive experience. With its infamous depictions of witchcraft, demons, and superstition, HÄXAN has been shocking and fascinating audiences for over a century. Now, paired with an evocative new live soundtrack, the film’s surreal imagery becomes even more intense and unforgettable.

Tall Shadows is a duo exploring neo-classical, drone, industrial, electronic, and psychedelia. A skilled violinist, synthesist and sample artist, Woes, the primary composer, orchestrates a captivating atmosphere featuring the violin’s haunting melodies intertwining with hypnotic drones. This ‘avant-goth’ aesthetic blends the classical tradition with contemporary electronic experimentation. The duo have performed original live scores to several films, by classic directors such as Ingmar Bergman to the more experimental works of Kenneth Anger and E. Elias Merhige.

HÄXAN (Swedish for ‘witch’) is a 1922 silent documentary film that dramatises the European witch hunts of the Middle Ages, depicting alleged accounts of witch activity alongside the methods of torture used by Church officials. Ahead of its time in terms of narrative and filming technique, HÄXAN continues to shock audiences with its boldness of content.

Don’t miss your chance to experience what Variety Magazine once called “Unadulterated Horror!”

Saturday, November 1
Doors 6:45 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets (Until October 13 – Limited number available) $23+ s/c
General Admission $30+ s/c

HÄXAN (Benjamin Christenson, 1922 / 100 mins / NR) Fictionalized documentary showing the evolution of witchcraft, from its pagan roots to its confusion with hysteria in Eastern Europe.

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro adapts Mary Shelley’s classic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist who brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation. Starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, with Charles Dance and Christoph Waltz.

"The Toronto-filmed epic is a thing of grotesque beauty, body horror of such operatic spectacle and emotional impact, it makes you want to applaud with two severed hands." (Toronto Star)

"For all its stylistic brio and an overall mesmerizing look, in which even throwaway visuals sear themselves into your memory, Frankenstein remains the simple, direct story of a man and his nonbiological offspring." (Rolling Stone Magazine)

"Guillermo del Toro delivers a moving masterpiece of horror and romance." (Mashable)

"Del Toro’s love for the grotesque and the abject is sincere and passionate, and there are scenes in 'Frankenstein' that play like thesis statements for the director’s entire career." (AV Club)

"Del Toro throws everything he can at the screen. 'Frankenstein' is loud, bombastic, sublime and silly. This is a universe in which towers totter above precipices, cellars drip hollowly and women wear impossible dresses in the snow." (Time Out)

Sunday, November 2
Doors 1:15 pm | Movie 1:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

FRANKENSTEIN (Guillermo del Toro, 2025 / 150 mins / 14A) A brilliant but egotistical scientist brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.

Succulent Love
Presented by Ukraine Harmony Foundation

SUCCULENT LOVE is a brand-new theatrical comedy premiere making its Canadian debut right here in Vancouver. On stage, a cast of talented young actors will bring you laughter and heartfelt emotions as they uncover the mysteries of human relationships. This performance is all about love in its many forms — from funny, everyday moments to profound experiences.

This production combines a scripted storyline with moments of interpretation and direct interaction with the audience. The course of the performance will partly depend on the viewers themselves, making each show a truly unique experience.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the Canadian premiere of a show that promises to be one of the brightest theatrical events of the year!

Sunday, November 2
Doors 7:30 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIP Main Floor, Centre Rows A-E $50 + s/c
Main Floor, Assigned $40 + s/c

Save $10 off tickets with EARLY BIRD tickets available until midnight October 10!

In the near future, in a world of loneliness, artificial intelligence, and overwhelming choice, Maria — a successful, vibrant, and independent woman — grows tired of her fruitless search for “the one.” One particularly lonely evening, after a few glasses of wine, she stumbles upon an ad for a new biotech product: a man you can grow… from a pot. Not taking it seriously, she orders a “partner-in-a-box.” But the joke turns real — and soon, a man begins to sprout in her apartment. What follows is not just the perfect man, but a wild and tender adventure filled with fiery emotions, hopes for a dream future, and questions: What is love? Can it be manufactured? Do real relationships even exist anymore? Succulent Love is an absurdist comedy with a tender heart, where humor blooms through loneliness, and hope blossoms in the most unexpected places.

Cast: Olha Honcharko, Marcus Curtis
Director: Oleksiy Gnatkovskyi
Playwrights: Davis Kolbergs, Oleksiy Gnatkovskyi
Producers: Producers: Kateryna Svitlychna, Elena Khvostova, Larysa Khvostova
Genre: Romantic Comedy with Interactive Elements

LILITH FAIR is the story of a group of women who were told their dream was unachievable yet pursued it anyway, and changed music history in the process. It's a story of artists who defied every convention of the music industry, an industry that told them there was only room for one woman at the top. Of how Lilith Fair's camaraderie and a common cause created legendary performances and life-changing concerts for fans. And how the tour rocked American culture, only to have its success obscured, and its lasting legacy largely overlooked, in order to preserve the status quo.

"Lilith, for Adam’s mythological unsubmissive first wife, with Fair standing for equal, beautiful and a celebration, was a wild idea made reality, and one whose success would propel it through three summers, from 1997 to 1999." (Los Angeles Times)

"The antidote to the angry dudes who dominated pop culture at the time, many of whom turned their aggression directly toward Lilith Fair." (Exclaim!)

Featuring Sarah McLachlan, Olivia Rodrigo, Jewel, Erykah Badu, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Natalie Merchant, Brandi Carlisle, The Indigo Girls, Diane Sawyer, and more.

#MusicMonday, November 3
Doors 5:50 pm | Movie 6:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

LILITH FAIR:BUILDING A MYSTERY (Ally Pankiw, 2025 / 99 mins / NR) The untold story of the groundbreaking all-women music festival, started by singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan in the late 1990s.

Romanian writer-director Radu Jude is back with another work of cinematic absurdity - this time, it's a Dracula film made in Transylvania. What does it contain? A vampire hunt. Zombies and Dracula crashing a strike. A science-fiction story about Vlad the Impaler coming back. An adaptation of the first Romanian vampires novella. A love story. A montage film reusing a classic vampire film. A vulgar folktale. A.I. generated kitsch stories. And many delights in a film dealing with this cinema myth.

"Dracula, emotion, sex, nudity, vampires, zombies, action, lots of blood, violence, AI images, car chases and good quality comedy! 15 strong stories plus jokes, jokes, jokes – like "you’ll laugh until you piss yourself."" (Films We Like)

"It’s fucking nuts." (RogerEbert.com)

"Director Radu Jude adopts the often-misunderstood “depiction is not endorsement” approach: his film argues that generative AI is quite literally a vampire, sucking the blood out of civilization as we know it." (Spectrum Culture)

"'Dracula' is a satirical epic that holds no punches and leaves no room for breathing, where people are heckled, and the viewer is provoked." (InSession Film)

""Dracula" is as much concerned with the cannibalization of Dracula and his becoming a messianic sexual figurehead as it is with the contorting of Romanian culture into a form of play or political leverage." (Next Best Picture)

Monday, November 3
Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

DRACULA (Radu Jude, 2025 / 170 mins / R) In modern-day Transylvania, vampire hunts and labor strikes collide with sci-fi twists, romance, and AI-crafted tales, as multiple storylines blend folklore, classic horror, and contemporary elements into a fresh take on Dracula's legend.

Bif Naked is a force of nature. A poet, a fighter, and a rock ‘n’ roll icon, she’s spent her career rewriting the rules, smashing barriers, and inspiring generations with her unapologetic voice and fearless authenticity. BIF NAKED is the definitive documentary on the life and career of one of Canada’s most unique and enduring artists.

The Rio Theatre is thrilled to welcome this outstanding Canadian icon for the Canadian Theatrical Premiere of the documentary, followed by an intimate acoustic performance and Q&A. Bif is a bona-fide Vancouver legend, and there's nowhere better than on our #EastVan stage for a once in a lifetime chance to celebrate the artist and her indelible career.

Tuesday, November 4
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets $35+ s/c
VIP (Includes Artist Circle Seating & Photo Opp) $50+ s/c

On sale Friday, September 12 at 9:00 am

Born in secret in India, adopted by American missionaries, and raised in Canada, Bif’s journey has been anything but typical. She found her voice in the underground punk scene of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, quickly rising to prominence with her raw, emotionally charged lyrics and undeniable stage presence. As she ascended to rock stardom, she became a symbol of empowerment, a beacon for misfits, and an outspoken advocate for causes close to her heart. But her story isn’t just about fame. It’s about survival. Bif has faced and overcome extraordinary challenges—cancer, addiction, sexual assault, and a brutal music industry that often sought to silence her. Yet, through it all, she remained unbreakable, turning her pain into poetry and her struggles into anthems. Told through exclusive interviews, rare archival footage, and anthemic performances, BIF NAKED is a deep dive into the life of a woman who has lived and loved fearlessly. It’s about the cost of authenticity, the power of perseverance, and the undeniable impact of an artist who continues
to define and redefine herself. With Bif Naked, George Stroumboulopoulos, Doug Fury, Chiko Misomali, Peter Karroll.

This is Bif Naked—unfiltered, unstoppable, and louder than ever.

The Rio Theatre is pleased to welcome comedian Maria Bamford back to our stage on Thursday, November 6.

Thursday, November 6
Doors 5:30 pm | Show 6:30 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change.
Tickets on sale August 15

Maria Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She starred in the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown, and is the star of three unconventional hour-long stand-up specials: Weakness is the Brand, Old Baby and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special!

Maria was the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and starred alongside Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis and Brian Posehn in the Comedy Central series The Comedians of Comedy and Netflix’s Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. She also created and starred in the cult hit web series The Maria Bamford Show, in which she plays all the characters.

Maria is often recognized for her prolific voiceover work, including characters on Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, Summer Camp Island, Adventure Time, Talking Tom and Friends, Bob’s Burgers, Legend of Korra, Puss in Boots, CatDog and PBS’s Emmy-winning series Word Girl. She also stars as Tilly Mulch in Team Coco’s scripted podcast Frontier Tween. Maria played DeBrie Bardeaux on Netflix’s Arrested Development and recurred on the ABC hit series Fresh off the Boat.

She is the 2014 winner of the American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic.

Maria’s late night appearances include CONAN, The Tonight Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Late Night with Seth Meyers, CONAN, The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show. Her interview series What’s Your Ailment? deals with the various mental struggles of celebrities and is available on the Topic streaming service. Her Audible Original You Are (A Comedy) Special is a semi-mock instructional book for both standup and life.

Official Website www.mariabamford.com

Instagram @mariabamfordcomedy

Twitter @mariabamfoo

The Rio Theatre is pleased to welcome comedian Maria Bamford back to our stage on Thursday, November 6.

Thursday, November 6
Doors 8:30 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change.

Maria Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She starred in the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown, and is the star of three unconventional hour-long stand-up specials: Weakness is the Brand, Old Baby and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special!

Maria was the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and starred alongside Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis and Brian Posehn in the Comedy Central series The Comedians of Comedy and Netflix’s Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. She also created and starred in the cult hit web series The Maria Bamford Show, in which she plays all the characters.

Maria is often recognized for her prolific voiceover work, including characters on Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, Summer Camp Island, Adventure Time, Talking Tom and Friends, Bob’s Burgers, Legend of Korra, Puss in Boots, CatDog and PBS’s Emmy-winning series Word Girl. She also stars as Tilly Mulch in Team Coco’s scripted podcast Frontier Tween. Maria played DeBrie Bardeaux on Netflix’s Arrested Development and recurred on the ABC hit series Fresh off the Boat.

She is the 2014 winner of the American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic.

Maria’s late night appearances include CONAN, The Tonight Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Late Night with Seth Meyers, CONAN, The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show. Her interview series What’s Your Ailment? deals with the various mental struggles of celebrities and is available on the Topic streaming service. Her Audible Original You Are (A Comedy) Special is a semi-mock instructional book for both standup and life.

Official Website www.mariabamford.com

Instagram @mariabamfordcomedy

Twitter @mariabamfoo

The 3rd annual TMFF roars back to Rio Theatre for one night only with the newest and best motorcycle films from around the world. From epic adventures with friends, to vintage bikes retracing the first Dakar Rally, to Mary McGee's history-making life story, these film capture the human spirit at full throttle. One night only. Global cinema, unforgettable journeys, and motorcycles as you’ve never seen them before. Presented in conjunction with Rio Theatre.

Friday, November 7
Doors: 6:00 PM | Films: 6:30 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

FILMS
100 Kicks in the Desert, UK, 53 min, Directed by Llewelyn Sullivan-Pavey
Motorcycle Mary, USA, 22 min, Directed by Haley Watson
Ducati DesertX | NORRA Mexico 1000 Rally, USA, 26 min, Directed by Matthew Sanders w. LIVE Q&A with director Matthew Sanders

Intermission

Doors: 8:15 PM | Films: 8:45 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

FILMS
Southbound 2, USA, 88 min, Directed by Danny McGee & Jonah Levine
Life’s Like Changing Tyres, Channel Island of Jersey, 9 min, Directed by Thomas Dance
Hey Kid, Canada, 6 min, Directed by Daniel Stark w. LIVEQ&A with director Daniel Stark

All Access Pass to both series - General Admission $35 + s/c

The 3rd annual TMFF roars back to Rio Theatre for one night only with the newest and best motorcycle films from around the world. From epic adventures with friends, to vintage bikes retracing the first Dakar Rally, to Mary McGee's history-making life story, these film capture the human spirit at full throttle. One night only. Global cinema, unforgettable journeys, and motorcycles as you’ve never seen them before. Presented in conjunction with Rio Theatre.

Friday, November 7
Doors: 6:00 PM | Films: 6:30 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

FILMS
100 Kicks in the Desert, UK, 53 min, Directed by Llewelyn Sullivan-Pavey
Motorcycle Mary, USA, 22 min, Directed by Haley Watson
Ducati DesertX | NORRA Mexico 1000 Rally, USA, 26 min, Directed by Matthew Sanders w. LIVE Q&A with director Matthew Sanders

Single series tickets - General Admission $20 + s/c

All Access Pass to both series - General Admission $35 + s/c
Buy an All Access Pass here: https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/38947-the-motorcycle-film-festival-tmff-all-access-pass

The 3rd annual TMFF roars back to Rio Theatre for one night only with the newest and best motorcycle films from around the world. From epic adventures with friends, to vintage bikes retracing the first Dakar Rally, to Mary McGee's history-making life story, these film capture the human spirit at full throttle. One night only. Global cinema, unforgettable journeys, and motorcycles as you’ve never seen them before. Presented in conjunction with Rio Theatre.

Friday, November 7
Doors: 8:15 PM | Films: 8:45 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

FILMS
Southbound 2, USA, 88 min, Directed by Danny McGee & Jonah Levine
Life’s Like Changing Tyres, Channel Island of Jersey, 9 min, Directed by Thomas Dance
Hey Kid, Canada, 6 min, Directed by Daniel Stark w. LIVEQ&A with director Daniel Stark

Single series tickets - General Admission $20 + s/c

All Access Pass to both series - General Admission $35 + s/c
Buy an All Access Pass here: https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/38947-the-motorcycle-film-festival-tmff-all-access-pass

The Rio Theatre is very excited to welcome comedian Nataly Aukar to the stage on Monday, November 10.

Monday, November 10
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Nataly Aukar is a Lebanese-born and raised writer and performer based in NYC. As a stand-up comic, Nataly has toured the world, opening for comedians such as Ramy Youssef ("Ramy"), Mo Amer ("Mo," "Black Adam"), and Gad El Maleh ("Huge in France") and was featured on Don’t Tell Comedy, and in the Netflix is a Joke Festival as part of the “Introducing…” showcase. She also starred, alongside Hiam Abbas ("Succession"), in "Noa Osheroff’s" short film “Sofa So Good” which was highlighted in The New Yorker.

Nataly is currently touring her hour-long set “My Turn To Talk,” after previewing the show to a sold out audience at Joe’s Pub in NYC and Largo in Los Angeles.

Connect on Instagram @natyourcolor

Almost 20 years into their fruitless quest to book their band a gig at a hallowed Toronto venue, co-creators Matt (writer-director Matt Johnson) and Jay (writer-composer Jay McCarrol) decide it’s time to pull out all the stops. Displaced in the past, these serial bumblers inadvertently wreak havoc on the timeline, dramatically (and hilariously) rewriting their futures.

Overflowing with pop culture references, wild gags, and inspired set pieces, NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE is gloriously ridiculous, endlessly clever, and riotously entertaining. This one is for all the deranged dreamers out there.

Filmmakers Jay McCarrol and Matt Johnson will be joining us at the Rio Theatre for an in-person intro and post-show Q&A.

"The shrewd visual trickery and sleight-of-hand editing that collapse the distance between the original series’ zero-budget aesthetic and this more comfortably subsidized version can’t actually erase the passage of time. If anything, they deepen it. Content collapsed." (The Ringer)

"A thrilling, roof-shaking blast." (A thrilling, roof-shaking blast." (Slate)

Tuesday, November 10
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE (Jay McCarrol &Matt Johnson, 2025 / 98 mins / NR)When their plan to book a show at the Rivoli goes horribly wrong, Matt and Jay accidentally travel back to the year 2008.

Presented by Matchstick

Join Coast Mountain Film Festival for an evening of ski films, prizes and good vibes. We'll start with a bonus film project by Joey Kraft, producer of last year's critically acclaimed "The Harvest", before screening our feature, Matchstick Film's "After the Snowfall".

“After The Snowfall” is a celebration of skiing in its purest form, chronicling the world’s best athletes and everyday skiers as they chase snow, risk it all, and find joy in the mountains. From deep powder mornings in Japan to pond skimming in California, the film explores what skiing brings to our lives. With a blend of jaw-dropping action, heartfelt storytelling, and the unmistakable soul of Matchstick Productions, After The Snowfall is a reminder that skiing is more than a sport; it is a way of life. Presented by Toyota with support from The North Face, Ikon Pass, and Stanley.

Tuesday, November 11
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Cast: 
Mark Abma, Dennis Ranalter, Logan Pehota, Craig Murray, Janelle Yip, Nico Porteous, Jess Hotter, Finn Bilous, Ben Richards, Tonje Kvivik, Marcus Goguen, John Rollins, Nadine Wallner, Coline Ballet-Baz, Michelle Parker, Caite Zeliff, Sam Cohen, Xander Guldman, Sam Smoothy, Karl Fostvedt, Parker White, Nikolai Schirmer, Jacob Wester

Shot on Location: 
CMH Heli Skiing Monashees Lodge, BC
Palisades Tahoe, CA
Arapahoe Basin, CO
Steamboat, CO
Haines, Alaska
Lyngen Alps, Norway
Myoko, Japan
Skull Island, BC
Tordrillo Mountains, AK
Whistler, BC

The Bicycle Film Festival (BFF) been celebrating bicycles through art, film and music over the last 24 years. BFF spanned the world in over 100 cities worldwide to an audience of over one million people.

BFF Vancouver presents two short film programs: Cycle for Change and Cinematic. These short films appeal to a wide audience from film connoisseurs to avid cyclists and everyone in between. Curated documentaries, narratives, animations, award-winning directors, and emerging talents – all sharing equal billing.

Presented by HUB Cycling

Wednesday, November 19
Program 1: Cycle For Change
Doors 5:15 pm | Show 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Program 2: Cinematic
Show 8:30 pm

Single Program: (Sliding Scale): $20 / $25 / $30 + s/c
Double Bill: $50 + s/c

The Bicycle Film Festival (BFF) been celebrating bicycles through art, film and music over the last 24 years. BFF spanned the world in over 100 cities worldwide to an audience of over one million people.

BFF Vancouver presents two short film programs: Cycle for Change and Cinematic. These short films appeal to a wide audience from film connoisseurs to avid cyclists and everyone in between. Curated documentaries, narratives, animations, award-winning directors, and emerging talents – all sharing equal billing.

Presented by HUB Cycling

Wednesday, November 19
8:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Program 2: Cinematic
(Sliding Scale): $20 / $25 / $30 + s/c

The Rio Theatre is pleased to welcome comedian Gareth Reynolds back to our stage on Tuesday, December 2.

Tuesday, December 2
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

GARETH REYNOLDS is an internationally touring stand-up comedian whose brilliantly clever quips perfectly offset Dave Anthony’s hilarious snark on their smash-hit podcast The Dollop, which
garners over 5 Million downloads every month.

Gareth has written on ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, FLAKED and HOOPS for Netflix, as well as YOU’RE THE WORST on FX and I’M SORRY for truTV. Previous to that he wrote on the Comedy Central sitcom IDIOTSITTER, took the lead on ABC show HAIL MARY, and has been seen on IFC’s MARON.

His debut stand-up album “Riddled With Disease” released Dec. 6 2019 on Comedy Dynamics and reached #1 on Billboard that week. Originally hailing from the sweet streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Gareth moved to Los Angeles where he began producing and writing his own material, eventually making shows at Comedy Central, The Travel Channel, and MTV

He also has a cat named Jose.

Instagram @reynoldsgareth
TikTok @reynoldsgareth
X @reynoldsgareth

Mountains on Stage aims to bring the mountains to the city and to share all the beauty of mountain sports! A selection of the best films related to mountain activities are presented.

Complete program info and lineup coming soon!

Tuesday, December 9
Doors 6:15 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.