Bob Odenkirk in ‘Normal’ to Open 26th Boston Underground Film Festival

Ben Wheatley’s action‑packed Normal starring Bob Odenkirk will open the 26th edition of Boston Underground Film Festival, taking place Wednesday, March 18, through Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Following the screening Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul, Nobody) will join the audience for a live post-screening Q&A

Taking place at the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square and expanding to include the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, BUFF will present a program of more than 20 films and shorts, including two dedicated blocks highlighting local filmmakers.

Also screening is TIFF Midnight Madness sensation Obsession as a centerpiece selection, and Relic director Natalie Erika James’ Sundance thriller Saccharine as one of the festival’s two closing‑night selections.

The repertory centerpiece is a 40th‑anniversary screening of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), presented by Rucking Fotten and featuring an in‑person appearance by its star, horror icon Bill Moseley, for a post‑screening Q&A and meet‑and‑greet.

This year marks a significant transition for BUFF with the departure of Artistic Director Kevin Monahan and Director of Programming Nicole McControversy, who for nearly two decades championed the festival’s offbeat spirit. Former BUFF technical directors Adam Van Voorhis and Phil Healy have stepped into the role of co‑festival directors, and they have brought on Coolidge Corner Theatre artistic director Mark Anatasio as BUFF’s new artistic director.

“BUFF is such a wonderful place for genre film fans to gather and share a love for weird cinema together as an audience. In an age where we’re constantly getting further disconnected from each other, festivals like ours and the venues we’re screening in are so important for keeping our community alive. I’m very excited to be a part of its next chapter!” Mark Anastasio, BUFF Artistic Director.

“It is our great honor and uttermost joy to ensure that the underground spirit of BUFF will continue to give the darkest visions of filmmakers, from all aspects of life and absurdity, a place for their voices to be heard and celebrated by the Boston Underground faithful.” Phil Healy & Adam Van Voorhis, BUFF Co-Festival Directors