AuthorKelli Marchman McNeely
14,823 stories
NetflixNewsReviewsStreaming TVTrailers
The fourth installment of Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology has arrived with “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.” And true to form, historical fidelity takes a back seat to grand cinematic spectacle. Rather than delivering a grounded exploration of the infamous 1892 Fall River ax murders, Murphy opts for sensationalized drama, exaggerated psychosexual tropes, and timeline manipulation. While long-time viewers of the franchise have come to expect artistic license over forensic accuracy, the sheer volume of historical liberties taken in this season creates a vast divide between the real-life figures and their screen counterparts. The Real Lizzie Borden vs. Murphy’s Caricature The most glaring departure in the series lies in the characterization of Lizzie Borden herself. Murphy frames Lizzie as an isolated, bumbling, and deeply bizarre outcast who spends her days lurking in the family parlor. The historical record paints a drastically different picture. The real Lizzie was an active, well-regarded member of her community. She served in local social clubs, held
Continue reading →
AdaptationAmazon Prime VideoBooksComic Books/Graphic NovelsNewsStreaming TV
Following a series-greenlight announcement earlier this summer, Amazon MGM Studios has found the lead actor for its upcoming horror-drama adaptation of Skybound Comics’ Stillwater. Fresh off his breakout role in The Conjuring: Last Rites, Ben Hardy has been tapped to star in the eight-episode streaming series. Executive producers Greg Berlanti and Carly Wray spearhead the project and co-wrote the pilot episode. The adaptation brings Chip Zdarsky and Ramón K. Pérez’s acclaimed comic book, which ran from September 2020 through January 2023, to the screen via Warner Bros. Television, Berlanti Productions, and Skybound Entertainment. A Mind-Bending Horror Mystery in a Town Without Death The narrative centers on Daniel West, an ex-con adrift in life. He receives an enigmatic letter hinting at long-buried family secrets and a substantial monetary inheritance awaiting him in the town of Stillwater. However, when he arrives, Daniel stumbles into a surreal, nightmarish community. Within the town limits, no one ever ages, no one can die, and no
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsMoviesNewsTrailers
Following a triumphant run across the international festival circuit, The Barn Part III is officially coming to physical media. Independent horror distributor Scream Team Releasing has now launched physical pre-orders on Blu-ray and classic VHS. The final chapter in the indie slasher trilogy wrapped up its theatrical run after high-profile stops at Fright Fest, Popcorn Frights, Panic Fest, Salem Horror Fest, Sitges, and Smodcastle Horror Fest. Along the way, the production also picked up a mountain of awards. It took home Best Feature Film honors at GenreBlast and Requiem Fear Fest. Justin M. Seaman won Best Feature Film. Also, Zane Hershberger won Best Cinematography at NJ Horror Con and Best Underground Horror Feature at Dead Walk Fest. Directed and created by Justin M. Seaman, The Barn Part III was brought to life through his banner, Nevermore Production Films, alongside P.J. Starks (New Fears Eve) and Blood Moon Pictures. The indie horror feature was also produced in partnership with Scream Team
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsReviewsTrailers
The long-awaited sequel to 2015’s cult horror-comedy hit Deathgasm has finally made its way to theaters and digital platforms. After a high-profile festival run featuring stops at Fantastic Fest, Sitges, BIFAN, and Fantaspoa, Deathgasm II: Goremageddon promises fans a return to the heavy metal demon apocalypse. However, while the original film struck a satisfying balance between endearing underdog humor, headbanging metal anthems, and creative practical gore, this second offering trades much of its charming heart for pure, unadulterated nastiness. Resurrecting the Band for One Last Battle Years after surviving the original film’s bloodbath, Brodie (Milo Cawthorne) finds himself washed up, broke, and rotting in small-town purgatory. A desperate lifeline appears when the legendary NoizeQuest battle-of-the-bands competition rolls into town. It offers Brodie a chance at redemption and a shot at winning back his former love, Medina (Kimberley Crossman). The catch? His drummer is missing an arm, and the rest of his bandmates are completely dead. Armed with lingering pages from
Continue reading →
InterviewsMoviesNews
Master of modern Southeast Asian horror, Joko Anwar, the visionary filmmaker behind the Satan’s Slaves franchise, Impetigore, and Smothered, is back! This time with his most violent and unhinged project to date. Well Go USA is about to unleash Ghost in the Cell, a claustrophobic fusion of supernatural terror, brutal prison drama, and dark satirical comedy. Packed with stomach-churning practical gore, the film comes with a clear warning: this blood-soaked thrill ride is strictly not for the faint of heart. A High-Security Penitentiary Turns into a Living Hell Written and directed by Anwar, Ghost in the Cell plunges audiences inside the oppressive, iron-clad walls of a corrupt prison. Already a powder keg ruled by a tyrannical warden and torn apart by warring convict factions, the penitentiary’s fragile ecosystem shatters when a new inmate arrives. Shortly after his processing, a string of grotesque, shocking murders erupts across the cellblocks. Victims are left flayed and carved into morbid artistic displays, turning the
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsProduct
Halloween just got a whole lot better. Following last month’s explosive announcement of the partnership between Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) and Horror, Inc., the two pop-culture giants are cranking up the terror with a massive, limited-edition PBR x Jason Universe rollout. Everyone’s favorite hockey-masked killer is officially hijacking Fall. And he’s bringing exclusive merchandise, high-stakes retail displays, and high-energy fan activations to horror lovers across the nation. Wearable Slasher Swag and Masked 12-Packs Die-hard slasher fans can head over to the official PBR store to grab the newly unveiled apparel line. It features T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and sleek hockey jerseys. The merch drops alongside PBR’s viral, wearable Jason Voorhees 12-pack packaging, which instantly transforms an empty beer case into horror’s most legendary mask. Ultra-Rare Collectibles Invade Retailers Nationwide The mayhem rolls into accounts and retail locations nationwide with limited-edition promotional displays. Storefronts are receiving exclusive Jason standees, metal tin tackers, custom tap handles, and oversized PBR x Jason bobbleheads. Because
Continue reading →
From the Crypt
It’s been a decade since director Fede Álvarez unleashed the intense home-invasion thriller Don’t Breathe. The original film introduced audiences to Stephen Lang’s terrifying, visually impaired Navy SEAL veteran Norman Nordstrom. He is better known as “The Blind Man.” The character morphed from a menacing antagonist in the 2016 original into a complex antihero in the 2021 sequel. While Levy sat out the second installment and led the franchise down a controversial narrative path, the series is preparing for a major course correction. Don’t Breathe 3 is officially moving forward, bringing both Levy and Lang back to resolve the open-ended rivalry that started it all. Beyond Fest Announcement and Franchise Origins Álvarez revealed the development on stage during a Beyond Fest Q&A. He confirmed that a script for Don’t Breathe 3 is complete and both original leads are locked to return. Álvarez directed the original 2016 film, which became a massive box office hit. Co-writer Rodo Sayagues stepped up to
Continue reading →
HalloweenMoviesNewsStreaming TV
Spooky season is officially here, signaling genre fans everywhere to lock the doors, dim the lights, and queue up a marathon of terror. While mainstream studios churn out predictable corporate scares, the true heart of horror beats wildly in the independent underground. To celebrate the best of indie cinema, horror public relations powerhouse Marketing Macabre has curated “31 Days of Indie Horror Halloween.” This definitive day-by-day watchlist features a grueling, thrilling lineup of slashers, psychological thrillers, found footage, and supernatural nightmares. For viewers ready to bypass standard studio gatekeepers. And dive into pure, unadulterated indie terror. Clear your calendar for the ultimate daily roadmap to Halloween night. Week One: Religious Cults, Cosmic Fog, and Crop Mutations October 1st: Human Hibachi 3: The Last Supper: Driven by extreme religious devotion, a fanatical cult leader guides his followers through a grotesque final meal where sacrificed humans serve as the main course. Where to Watch: Tubi (Free) or Found TV (Premium ad-free) October 2nd:
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsMoviesNewsTrailers
Stormlight Pictures and Aradia Pictures’ Where the Hell is Anna? Shot entirely on location in Tennessee, the regional indie sensation premiered at the Nashville Film Festival. After taking home the festival’s prestigious Best Tennessee Feature Film trophy, organizers added an encore screening on September 28. Flower Crowns, Blood Sacrifices, and Sinister Sisterhood The story follows Derick. She’s a messy, heartbroken young woman who refuses to accept her best friend Anna’s sudden disappearance. Driven by desperation, Derick tracks Anna to a secretive, women-only woodland retreat and crashes the secluded commune. Once inside, she discovers a bizarre, sun-drenched environment. The residents are preparing Anna for a sacred ritual known as “Induction Day.” However, beneath the commune’s bright floral aesthetics and superficial sisterhood mantras lies a terrifying nightmare. One that involves sinister fertility experiments and gruesome blood sacrifices. It also promises ascension to a high-dimensional paradise called Summerland. ‘Midsommar’ Meets ‘Booksmart’ in a Darkly Comic Survival Tale Fusing visceral folk horror with sharp,
Continue reading →
AdaptationGamingMoviesNetflixNewsStreaming TV
‘The Conjuring’ Expands into Interactive Horror with Netflix’s ‘The Conjuring: Unspoken’ One of the most financially successful and terrifying cinematic franchises in modern horror history is getting a brand-new video game. Based on The Conjuring universe, the game is officially titled The Conjuring: Unspoken. The project is set to anchor Netflix’s high-profile slate for the upcoming Halloween season. Over a Decade of Cinematic Terror Enters an Interactive Era Since director James Wan launched the original film in 2013, The Conjuring universe has expanded into a sprawling, interconnected blockbuster franchise. It spans 10 feature films, including box-office hits like Annabelle and The Nun. The series has grossed over $2 billion globally, cementing its place as a cornerstone of modern horror cinema. The films have traditionally relied on suffocating atmospheric tension, sudden jump scares, and haunting sound design to terrify audiences in their seats. The Conjuring: Unspoken shifts players from passive observers to active participants. Instead of watching investigators, horror fans will soon
Continue reading →
More from Kelli Marchman McNeely
NetflixNewsReviewsStreaming TVTrailers
The fourth installment of Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology has arrived with “Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story.” And true to form, historical fidelity takes a back seat to grand cinematic spectacle. Rather than delivering a grounded exploration of the infamous 1892 Fall River ax murders, Murphy opts for sensationalized drama, exaggerated psychosexual tropes, and timeline manipulation. While long-time viewers of the franchise have come to expect artistic license over forensic accuracy, the sheer volume of historical liberties taken in this season creates a vast divide between the real-life figures and their screen counterparts. The Real Lizzie Borden vs. Murphy’s Caricature The most glaring departure in the series lies in the characterization of Lizzie Borden herself. Murphy frames Lizzie as an isolated, bumbling, and deeply bizarre outcast who spends her days lurking in the family parlor. The historical record paints a drastically different picture. The real Lizzie was an active, well-regarded member of her community. She served in local social clubs, held
Continue reading →
AdaptationAmazon Prime VideoBooksComic Books/Graphic NovelsNewsStreaming TV
Following a series-greenlight announcement earlier this summer, Amazon MGM Studios has found the lead actor for its upcoming horror-drama adaptation of Skybound Comics’ Stillwater. Fresh off his breakout role in The Conjuring: Last Rites, Ben Hardy has been tapped to star in the eight-episode streaming series. Executive producers Greg Berlanti and Carly Wray spearhead the project and co-wrote the pilot episode. The adaptation brings Chip Zdarsky and Ramón K. Pérez’s acclaimed comic book, which ran from September 2020 through January 2023, to the screen via Warner Bros. Television, Berlanti Productions, and Skybound Entertainment. A Mind-Bending Horror Mystery in a Town Without Death The narrative centers on Daniel West, an ex-con adrift in life. He receives an enigmatic letter hinting at long-buried family secrets and a substantial monetary inheritance awaiting him in the town of Stillwater. However, when he arrives, Daniel stumbles into a surreal, nightmarish community. Within the town limits, no one ever ages, no one can die, and no
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsMoviesNewsTrailers
Following a triumphant run across the international festival circuit, The Barn Part III is officially coming to physical media. Independent horror distributor Scream Team Releasing has now launched physical pre-orders on Blu-ray and classic VHS. The final chapter in the indie slasher trilogy wrapped up its theatrical run after high-profile stops at Fright Fest, Popcorn Frights, Panic Fest, Salem Horror Fest, Sitges, and Smodcastle Horror Fest. Along the way, the production also picked up a mountain of awards. It took home Best Feature Film honors at GenreBlast and Requiem Fear Fest. Justin M. Seaman won Best Feature Film. Also, Zane Hershberger won Best Cinematography at NJ Horror Con and Best Underground Horror Feature at Dead Walk Fest. Directed and created by Justin M. Seaman, The Barn Part III was brought to life through his banner, Nevermore Production Films, alongside P.J. Starks (New Fears Eve) and Blood Moon Pictures. The indie horror feature was also produced in partnership with Scream Team
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsReviewsTrailers
The long-awaited sequel to 2015’s cult horror-comedy hit Deathgasm has finally made its way to theaters and digital platforms. After a high-profile festival run featuring stops at Fantastic Fest, Sitges, BIFAN, and Fantaspoa, Deathgasm II: Goremageddon promises fans a return to the heavy metal demon apocalypse. However, while the original film struck a satisfying balance between endearing underdog humor, headbanging metal anthems, and creative practical gore, this second offering trades much of its charming heart for pure, unadulterated nastiness. Resurrecting the Band for One Last Battle Years after surviving the original film’s bloodbath, Brodie (Milo Cawthorne) finds himself washed up, broke, and rotting in small-town purgatory. A desperate lifeline appears when the legendary NoizeQuest battle-of-the-bands competition rolls into town. It offers Brodie a chance at redemption and a shot at winning back his former love, Medina (Kimberley Crossman). The catch? His drummer is missing an arm, and the rest of his bandmates are completely dead. Armed with lingering pages from
Continue reading →
InterviewsMoviesNews
Master of modern Southeast Asian horror, Joko Anwar, the visionary filmmaker behind the Satan’s Slaves franchise, Impetigore, and Smothered, is back! This time with his most violent and unhinged project to date. Well Go USA is about to unleash Ghost in the Cell, a claustrophobic fusion of supernatural terror, brutal prison drama, and dark satirical comedy. Packed with stomach-churning practical gore, the film comes with a clear warning: this blood-soaked thrill ride is strictly not for the faint of heart. A High-Security Penitentiary Turns into a Living Hell Written and directed by Anwar, Ghost in the Cell plunges audiences inside the oppressive, iron-clad walls of a corrupt prison. Already a powder keg ruled by a tyrannical warden and torn apart by warring convict factions, the penitentiary’s fragile ecosystem shatters when a new inmate arrives. Shortly after his processing, a string of grotesque, shocking murders erupts across the cellblocks. Victims are left flayed and carved into morbid artistic displays, turning the
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsProduct
Halloween just got a whole lot better. Following last month’s explosive announcement of the partnership between Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR) and Horror, Inc., the two pop-culture giants are cranking up the terror with a massive, limited-edition PBR x Jason Universe rollout. Everyone’s favorite hockey-masked killer is officially hijacking Fall. And he’s bringing exclusive merchandise, high-stakes retail displays, and high-energy fan activations to horror lovers across the nation. Wearable Slasher Swag and Masked 12-Packs Die-hard slasher fans can head over to the official PBR store to grab the newly unveiled apparel line. It features T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and sleek hockey jerseys. The merch drops alongside PBR’s viral, wearable Jason Voorhees 12-pack packaging, which instantly transforms an empty beer case into horror’s most legendary mask. Ultra-Rare Collectibles Invade Retailers Nationwide The mayhem rolls into accounts and retail locations nationwide with limited-edition promotional displays. Storefronts are receiving exclusive Jason standees, metal tin tackers, custom tap handles, and oversized PBR x Jason bobbleheads. Because
Continue reading →
From the Crypt
It’s been a decade since director Fede Álvarez unleashed the intense home-invasion thriller Don’t Breathe. The original film introduced audiences to Stephen Lang’s terrifying, visually impaired Navy SEAL veteran Norman Nordstrom. He is better known as “The Blind Man.” The character morphed from a menacing antagonist in the 2016 original into a complex antihero in the 2021 sequel. While Levy sat out the second installment and led the franchise down a controversial narrative path, the series is preparing for a major course correction. Don’t Breathe 3 is officially moving forward, bringing both Levy and Lang back to resolve the open-ended rivalry that started it all. Beyond Fest Announcement and Franchise Origins Álvarez revealed the development on stage during a Beyond Fest Q&A. He confirmed that a script for Don’t Breathe 3 is complete and both original leads are locked to return. Álvarez directed the original 2016 film, which became a massive box office hit. Co-writer Rodo Sayagues stepped up to
Continue reading →
HalloweenMoviesNewsStreaming TV
Spooky season is officially here, signaling genre fans everywhere to lock the doors, dim the lights, and queue up a marathon of terror. While mainstream studios churn out predictable corporate scares, the true heart of horror beats wildly in the independent underground. To celebrate the best of indie cinema, horror public relations powerhouse Marketing Macabre has curated “31 Days of Indie Horror Halloween.” This definitive day-by-day watchlist features a grueling, thrilling lineup of slashers, psychological thrillers, found footage, and supernatural nightmares. For viewers ready to bypass standard studio gatekeepers. And dive into pure, unadulterated indie terror. Clear your calendar for the ultimate daily roadmap to Halloween night. Week One: Religious Cults, Cosmic Fog, and Crop Mutations October 1st: Human Hibachi 3: The Last Supper: Driven by extreme religious devotion, a fanatical cult leader guides his followers through a grotesque final meal where sacrificed humans serve as the main course. Where to Watch: Tubi (Free) or Found TV (Premium ad-free) October 2nd:
Continue reading →
Film FestivalsMoviesNewsTrailers
Stormlight Pictures and Aradia Pictures’ Where the Hell is Anna? Shot entirely on location in Tennessee, the regional indie sensation premiered at the Nashville Film Festival. After taking home the festival’s prestigious Best Tennessee Feature Film trophy, organizers added an encore screening on September 28. Flower Crowns, Blood Sacrifices, and Sinister Sisterhood The story follows Derick. She’s a messy, heartbroken young woman who refuses to accept her best friend Anna’s sudden disappearance. Driven by desperation, Derick tracks Anna to a secretive, women-only woodland retreat and crashes the secluded commune. Once inside, she discovers a bizarre, sun-drenched environment. The residents are preparing Anna for a sacred ritual known as “Induction Day.” However, beneath the commune’s bright floral aesthetics and superficial sisterhood mantras lies a terrifying nightmare. One that involves sinister fertility experiments and gruesome blood sacrifices. It also promises ascension to a high-dimensional paradise called Summerland. ‘Midsommar’ Meets ‘Booksmart’ in a Darkly Comic Survival Tale Fusing visceral folk horror with sharp,
Continue reading →
AdaptationGamingMoviesNetflixNewsStreaming TV
‘The Conjuring’ Expands into Interactive Horror with Netflix’s ‘The Conjuring: Unspoken’ One of the most financially successful and terrifying cinematic franchises in modern horror history is getting a brand-new video game. Based on The Conjuring universe, the game is officially titled The Conjuring: Unspoken. The project is set to anchor Netflix’s high-profile slate for the upcoming Halloween season. Over a Decade of Cinematic Terror Enters an Interactive Era Since director James Wan launched the original film in 2013, The Conjuring universe has expanded into a sprawling, interconnected blockbuster franchise. It spans 10 feature films, including box-office hits like Annabelle and The Nun. The series has grossed over $2 billion globally, cementing its place as a cornerstone of modern horror cinema. The films have traditionally relied on suffocating atmospheric tension, sudden jump scares, and haunting sound design to terrify audiences in their seats. The Conjuring: Unspoken shifts players from passive observers to active participants. Instead of watching investigators, horror fans will soon
Continue reading →
