The V/H/S series has become a yearly landmark for most horror fans. It's been a source of discovery for some prominent voices while established names experiment with their craft. This year's V/H/S/85 features some of the biggest names to date, including Scott Derrickson (Black Phone, Doctor Strange) and David Bruckner (The Ritual). However, this will … Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: ‘V/H/S/85’ – Another Excellent Anthology for Shudder
Fantastic Fest 2023: ‘There’s Something in the Barn’ – Elves, Comedy, & Christmas Fear
While horror movies often center around our spookiest holiday, it's a nice treat when they center around the season of giving. While Christmas horror does not always get the spotlight, the blend can be extremely pleasing. With bright colors on white backgrounds, directors show a sense of style. That, plus some fun designs, helps There's … Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: ‘There’s Something in the Barn’ – Elves, Comedy, & Christmas Fear
Fantastic Fest 2023: ‘Pet Sematary: Bloodlines’ – The Intriguing Prequel Lacks Emotional Pathos
Horror prequels walk an incredibly fine line. On one hand, they need to scare the hell out of the audience as much as the initial film. On the other hand, they cannot leave trauma that will forever jade the characters. After all, if they have to return, they need to be functional humans. For a … Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: ‘Pet Sematary: Bloodlines’ – The Intriguing Prequel Lacks Emotional Pathos
Fantastic Fest 2023: ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ – Sexy, Bloody, Gothic Horror is Back on Netflix
Few would dispute that Mike Flanagan knows how to tell a great dramatic story. However, even the famed horror director has outdone himself this time. A master of suspense and dramatic storytelling, Flanagan tells his most ambitious story to date with The Fall of the House of Usher for Netflix. The eight-part limited series debuts … Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ – Sexy, Bloody, Gothic Horror is Back on Netflix
Film Review: ‘El Conde’ – A Fascist Vampire Still Living On Blood And Death
Pablo Larraín, the director behind the American biopics Jackie and Spencer, is back in his native Chile to poke at the horrendous dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The infamous man ruled ruthlessly from 1973 to 1989. As seen in his Oscar-nominated docudrama No, Larraín is not afraid of looking back into his country's troubled past. Even … Continue reading Film Review: ‘El Conde’ – A Fascist Vampire Still Living On Blood And Death
Bela Lugosi’s Undead – Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Final Preview/Hype Episode!
It's been a difficult month since the end of our 2nd season, and we're back to kick off Season 3! Both our hosts moved, and one had a bout with Covid. Of course, this left us eager to return to our favorite topic. Halloween Horror Nights 2023 kicked off a couple of weeks ago, but … Continue reading Bela Lugosi’s Undead – Halloween Horror Nights 2023 Final Preview/Hype Episode!
Review: ‘Smile’ – Trauma Exploration Falls Short of its Marketing Campaign Promise
Rejoice! For spooky season is upon us once again. Last year’s annual cinematic celebration of the macabre was kicked off by a new offering in the horror canon, Smile. A creepy trailer accompanied by a clever viral marketing campaign that saw random people eerily smiling in public venues such as sporting events helped catapult Smile … Continue reading Review: ‘Smile’ – Trauma Exploration Falls Short of its Marketing Campaign Promise
Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘For Night Will Come’ Ruminates on Power, Sacrifice, and Family
Becoming a parent fills many with dread. The grip our children have over our emotions cannot fully be described. Despite this, many see their entire world shift beneath their feet. Yet, some parents sacrifice in ways that no parent would wish on their worst enemies. Throughout For Night Will Come, a mother tries to reckon … Continue reading Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘For Night Will Come’ Ruminates on Power, Sacrifice, and Family
Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person’ Mixes Incredible Charm and Violence
In 2022, Bones and All sought to reshape the teenage cannibal film. Luca Guadagnino’s triumph did not work on some, but it also pushed for a reimagining of traditional horror tropes. The power of the monster has rarely been in its scares but instead in its commentary. This allows Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person … Continue reading Venice Film Festival 2023: ‘Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person’ Mixes Incredible Charm and Violence
Review: ‘Brightwood’ – A Creepy Tale of Getting Lost in the Woods
Setting a horror film in well-wore territory can create diminishing returns. Yet finding a unique way to channel those settings into darker visions can yield interesting perspectives. The woods have long stood in for the idea of creepy, if not actively dangerous, locations. Yet in Brightwood, getting lost in the woods is only half the … Continue reading Review: ‘Brightwood’ – A Creepy Tale of Getting Lost in the Woods