The legendary indie Canadian production company collective Astron-6 made waves across this country (and beyond) thanks to its impressive roster of retro, 80s-centric titles that include fan-favourites like MANBORG, FATHER’S DAY, and THE EDITOR. Though the collective is no more, founding member Steven Kostanski has continued making films that evoke the practical FX-heavy nostalgia of that era, with titles like THE VOID and PSYCHO GOREMAN. The Rio Theatre is excited to (finally!) welcome him to the venue for a screening of his latest entry, FRANKIE FREAKO, on October 14.

Workaholic yuppie Conor (played by frequent collaborator Conor Sweeney) has a dilemma: no one in his life respects him! Not his boss, not his coworkers, not even his wife Kristina, who thinks he’s an uptight “square.” Conor sees no way out of this existential rut until one night channel-surfing he catches a bizarre ad for a party hotline hosted by a strange dancing goblin: Frankie Freako. Conor is entranced by Frankie’s promises of wild and freaky adventures, just a phone call away – could this be the recipe to spice up his flavourless life? Home alone for the weekend, he works up the courage to dial the number for the Frankie Freako hotline. As soon as the call connects, it unleashes CHAOS into his white-collar world, releasing Frankie and his troublemaker friends from their dimensional prison.

It’s a race against time as Conor must defeat the rambunctious ruffians and clean up their trail of destruction before Kristina returns from her trip, all while going on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. With Kristy Wordsworth, Adam Brooks.

Official Selection, Fantasia Film Festival 2024 & Fantastic Fest 2024

“‘Frankie Freako’ continues the winning streak of Steve Kostanski and the collective of Astron-6 with another comedic hit that is filled with off-kilter comedy, inventive practical effects and a respectful, nostalgic and sardonic look into ‘80s pop culture.” (Their Own League)

“Built from the same little monster framework as stuff like the Gremlins and Critters series, ‘Frankie Freako’ is an unapologetically weird, esoteric ride through a very particular kind of ’80s movie.” (Paste Magazine)

“Reverent without being slavish, ‘Frankie Freako’ builds a brave new world of old school puppet wonder, and is perhaps Kostanski’s first real family-friendly creation, depending on the family, I suppose. Most of all, ‘Frankie Freako’ is freakin’ fun!” (Screen Anarchy)

Monday, October 14
PLUS! Filmmaker Steven Kostanski LIVE Q&A (With PUPPETS?!)
Doors 6:15 pm | Movie 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

Wednesday, October 16
Doors 6:15 pm | Movie 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

FRANKIE FREAKO (Steven Kostanski, 2024 / 82 mins / 14A) Workaholic yuppie Conor is in an existential rut until one night he catches a bizarre ad for a party hotline hosted by a strange dancing goblin: Frankie Freako. Could this be just the recipe to spice up his boring life?

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.