The Loved Ones premiere

The Loved Ones, the Aussie film hailed a "demented masterpiece" and "one of the best horror movies of the decade" by critics, made an auspicious Sydney debut on Oct 27 in a special VIP screening staged by Time Out Sydney and Madman Entertainment at Event Cinemas George Street.

With cast and crew in attendance, an excited crowd groaned, grimaced, squealed, screamed and cheered through Sean Byrne's deliciously twisted thriller, watching with gruesome fascination as Adelaide-born Twilight star Xavier Samuel underwent the most terrifying prom night since Carrie at the hands of little misfit Robin McLeavy and her doting drill-toting dad John Brumpton.

Shocked yet exhilarated at the film's climax, the audience stampeded to Cargo Bar and Lounge and drank deep of Green Fairy absinthe bombs, John Boston Pale Ale and Madfish wine until 2am, as stars McLeavy, Victoria Thaine and director Byrne fended off the advances of attendant zombies and ghouls.

The Loved Ones releases nationally November 4.

Read Time Out's review of The Loved Ones and aninterview with starXavier Samuel.

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