BLOOD SHINE (U.S., 2025)
Official synopsis: Set in a desolate expanse of upstate New York, Blood Shine centers around Clara (Emily Bennett), a religious zealot who worships light in lonely, sacred rituals. When problematic horror director Brighton West (David Call) travels upstate to finish the screenplay for his next film, a chance encounter with Clara leads him into an hallucinatory web of faith, flesh, and the sublime. The film is inspired by the chilling tradition of classic British folk horror, and showcases jaw-dropping practical gore FX from master artist Brian Spears.
Cowriters/codirectors Emily Bennett and Justin Brooks ratchet up the unease with their feature Blood Shine. The film opens with a blood-soaked introduction to character Clara (Bennett is terrific in the role), who immediately gives off “something is off with this woman living alone in a secluded rural area” vibes that seasoned fear-fare aficionados will know well. The introductory scenes for arrogant, womanizing film director West makes it obvious that he is not someone who viewers will get behind. Naturally, these two meet, and after Clara’s charismatic leader (Larry Fessenden) comes into play, Blood Shine heads straight into highly disturbing territory. Without wanting to give too much away, suffice it to say that cat-and-mouse psychology and physical violence are ratcheted up, the latter in graphic display. Bennett and Brooks take folk horror elements to more gruesome levels than usual, with the result being a not-for-the-squeamish exercise in fright fare.
ALAN AT NIGHT (U.S., 2025)
Official synopsis: An internet prankster documents the increasingly odd behavior of his new roommate, Alan.
Writer/director Jesse Swenson’s Alan at Night is a blend of mockumentary-style awkwardness comedy, satire of YouTube prank bros, and jaw-dropping found-footage horror. YouTuber Jay (Joseph Basquill) advertises for a one-month roommate, and herpetologist Alan (Chris Ash) moves in. Alan lacks people skills and, as evidenced in one uncomfortable scene, knowledge of sexual intimacy. Jay and his show partner ask Alan to be a guest, which raises the discomfort level and the stakes, along with disapproval from Jay’s girlfriend Sam (Hadley Durkee). Alan’s behavior goes from odd to puzzling (including a refrigerator raid for mayonnaise during sleepwalking) to increasingly threatening. Swenson juggles the different styles on display quite nicely, and he is aided by a solid cast. Like most found footage style horror outings, Alan at Night delivers its scares later on in the proceedings, but what separates it from the pack is the fact that there is plenty of entertainment on hand before that, rather than merely the trope of people wandering around in an outside location.
Blood Shine and Alan at Night screened as part of Popcorn Frights, which ran 8/7–17, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information, visit https://popcornfrights.com/.
