CategoryTrue Story
Horror films based on true events — the real cases behind the movies and how much they got right.
374 stories
BooksComic Books/Graphic NovelsNewsTrue CrimeTrue Story
An award-winning CNN journalist is leaving the traditional newsroom. Jake Tapper recently announced a highly anticipated new creative project. Meanwhile, the bestselling author is tackling a deeply terrifying real-life historical subject, far more disturbing than any horror movie. Tapper explores the intense hunt for a notorious war criminal. Tapper created a magnificent true-story-inspired debut graphic novel, The Butcher: The Decades-Long Hunt for Klaus Barbie, One of the World’s Most Notorious Killers. The highly anticipated project focuses on the infamous Klaus Barbie. Uncovering Dark Historical Secrets First, the compelling story deeply examines an elusive mass murderer. Barbie escaped justice and thrived for decades after WWII. However, dedicated Nazi hunters and brave journalists eventually tracked him down. The intense investigation also revealed shocking, unexpected historical truths. For instance, it exposed exactly who originally helped this killer escape. As a result, Tapper drew on his legendary investigative journalism skills. Additionally, he painstakingly researched primary sources in four languages. Namely, he studied vital documents in
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
Scatena & Rosner Films has acquired North American distribution rights for Marrow. The new horror feature comes from writer-director Mitch McLeod. It stars Jessica Dawn Willis alongside genre icons Danielle Harris and Michael Ironside. Viral Fame Turns Deadly The story draws inspiration from real police files tracking a small-town Texas stalking case. Specifically, it follows Jamie Foster, a faded vlogger desperate to revive her waning online influence. In a risky bid for views, she invites her stalker onto her channel. Consequently, she suspects he may be the serial killer targeting local influencers. Her subscriber count skyrockets almost immediately. However, the stunt quickly turns lethal as the line between hunter and hunted vanishes entirely. A Dark Exploration of True Crime Culture Zach Stampone praised the film’s sharp commentary on modern media obsession. Indeed, the narrative explores how far content creators will go for public attention. Stampone noted that the confident filmmaking pulls viewers into a deeply unsettling space. As a result,
Continue reading →
NetflixNewsStreaming TVTrue CrimeTrue Story
Fans of Netflix’s chilling mystery-horror series “The Watcher” can finally look forward to a new chapter after a nearly five-year wait. Production on the long-awaited second season is officially scheduled to begin this fall in New York, Variety reports. Returning Cast and Creative Team Original cast members will reprise their roles in the upcoming installment, including Naomi Watts, Bobby Cannavale, Margo Martindale, and Isabel Gravitt. Creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan return as executive producers, with Brennan continuing his role as showrunner. Crystle Roberson Dorsey directs and executive produces alongside a large team of industry veterans, including Watts, Eric Newman, Bryan Unkeless, and directing duo Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. A Long Journey Back to Screen The production announcement comes nearly four years after the show first captivated audiences in October 2022. Initially developed as a standalone limited series, Netflix quickly renewed it after its breakout success, ordering a second chapter. However, the wait for a new installment found itself
Continue reading →
ClipsMoviesNewsTrailersTrue Story
Anticipation for Fantastic Fest continues to build as major announcements and sneak peeks roll out ahead of the world-renowned genre gathering. The latest wave of horror news brings an exclusive first-look clip for What Happened to Doris? The upcoming supernatural horror feature is based on one of the most terrifying, highly documented paranormal cases in American history. Set to make its official World Premiere on September 20th, the film pulls back the curtain on the real-life horror that inspired the classic 1982 film and book The Entity. The Devastating Reality Behind the Culver City Haunting Set in 1974, the narrative follows Doris Bither. She’s a single mother living in Culver City. However, her story is far from normal. She reported suffering violent, inexplicable assaults by an unseen force inside her own home. As the inexplicable attacks intensified in frequency and severity, a team of paranormal researchers and investigators from UCLA stepped in to document the phenomenon. They captured a series
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
Three decades after revolutionizing independent cinema with shaky handheld cameras and stick figures, The Blair Witch Project co-creator Eduardo Sánchez and producer Gregg Hale are officially returning to the subgenre that made them legends. Swapping the haunted Maryland woods for the high-stakes world of social media, the duo has teamed up for The Influencer Project. This found-footage nightmare turns the modern obsession with digital fame into pure, unadulterated terror. Tickets are officially on sale now ahead of its theatrical debut this October. When “Going Live” Transforms into a Fight for Survival Inspired by real events and drawing on authentic experiences, the film stars fashion and beauty creator Chiara King. She is making her feature debut as a fictionalized version of herself. The plot follows King as she travels to Copenhagen alongside a documentary crew. They are tasked with pulling back the curtain on her glamorous online brand. However, broadcasting every move to millions of devoted followers comes with a deadly
Continue reading →
BooksHistoryProductReviewsTrue Story
With Robert Eggers’ film Werwulf quickly approaching its release, there’s no better time than you prime the pumps with some interesting reading about the subject, and Simon & Schuster has you covered by releasing the reprint of The Book of Were-Wolves! I want to thank Rebecca and Simon & Schuster for this reviewing opportunity and […]
Continue reading →
IndieMoviesNewsThrillerTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
Dark Star Pictures is releasing the 70s-inspired horror slasher Wineville from director Brande Roderick in select theaters this September. The official trailer offers a glimpse into a mysterious world shrouded in secrets and inspired by a true crime. Set in the 70s, after escaping her abusive father as a teen, a woman is forced to return to the family vineyard when he dies. She discovers that the dark secrets left behind have only grown more sinister over the decades, leading to violence and death. The cast includes Carolyn Hennesy ( Cougar Town), Texas Battle (Coach Carter), Casey King (Star Trek: Pickard), and Keaton Roderick Cadrez. Wineville was written by Richard Schenkman, who also produced alongside Roderick, Robin DeMartino, and Todd Slater. Shot at the historic Galleano Winery, a true crime inspires Wineville, the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders. The murders are one of California’s most infamous true crime cases. The crimes ultimately led to the renaming of Wineville to Mira Loma.
Continue reading →
AdaptationMoviesNewsStreaming TVTrue Story
Get ready to return to ancient battlegrounds! A television series adaptation of the iconic 300 franchise is reportedly in early development at Warner Bros. Television. Variety reports that Zack Snyder, the visionary director behind the 2006 film 300, one of the most epic war movies ever made, and its 2014 sequel 300: Rise of an Empire, is in talks to take the helm as director and executive producer for the series. While plot details remain under wraps, sources suggest the show will be a prequel to the 2006 film. This opens doors to a potentially expansive narrative, exploring events leading up to the legendary Battle of Thermopylae and the rise of King Leonidas. No writer or streaming platform has been attached to the project yet. However, with Snyder’s potential involvement and the enduring popularity of the 300 franchise, this series adaptation has the potential to be a major draw for fans. The original “300” comic book series is by Frank
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrue Story
Get ready for a terrifying new horror film, Don’t Turn Out the Lights (formerly titled Blue Light), inspired by disturbing real-life events experienced by the director, Andy Fickman. News has come that the film has found its home with Quiver Distribution for its North American release. Today, we’ve got the first look, including an exclusive still lit only by the fire of a lighter. Don’t Turn Out the Lights follows a group of friends on a seemingly ordinary road trip. However, their journey takes a horrifying turn when they encounter a terrifying and unexplainable entity that threatens their lives. A captivating ensemble cast brings the story to life. Bella DeLong (“The Winchesters”), Amber Janea (A Predator Returns), and Daryl Tofa (The Outsiders on Broadway) star alongside John Bucy (“Frasier” reboot) and Finley Rose Slater (“Days of Their Lives”). Andy Fickman‘s filmography includes Race to Witch Mountain, and She’s The Man. Boasting a nearly $1 billion gross at the worldwide box
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
Mel Gibson stars alongside Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Brian Van Holt in Boneyard—an indie crime-thriller based on the horrific true crimes of a serial killer. In the chilling film, the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert. Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), Police Chief Carter (Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) join a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer, known as the “Bone Collector”. Suspicion forms that someone from their own department may be involved. Asif Akbar (Skeletons in the Closet) directs from the script he penned with Hank Byrd, Vincent E. McDaniel, and Koji Steven Sakai. The film is based on the events surrounding the West Mesa Bone Collector. In February 2009, a woman walking her dog made a grim discovery: human remains. Eleven bodies in all were discovered, all women between the ages of 15 and 32. Several suspects have been pursued. However, no one
Continue reading →
More from True Story
BooksComic Books/Graphic NovelsNewsTrue CrimeTrue Story
An award-winning CNN journalist is leaving the traditional newsroom. Jake Tapper recently announced a highly anticipated new creative project. Meanwhile, the bestselling author is tackling a deeply terrifying real-life historical subject, far more disturbing than any horror movie. Tapper explores the intense hunt for a notorious war criminal. Tapper created a magnificent true-story-inspired debut graphic novel, The Butcher: The Decades-Long Hunt for Klaus Barbie, One of the World’s Most Notorious Killers. The highly anticipated project focuses on the infamous Klaus Barbie. Uncovering Dark Historical Secrets First, the compelling story deeply examines an elusive mass murderer. Barbie escaped justice and thrived for decades after WWII. However, dedicated Nazi hunters and brave journalists eventually tracked him down. The intense investigation also revealed shocking, unexpected historical truths. For instance, it exposed exactly who originally helped this killer escape. As a result, Tapper drew on his legendary investigative journalism skills. Additionally, he painstakingly researched primary sources in four languages. Namely, he studied vital documents in
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
Scatena & Rosner Films has acquired North American distribution rights for Marrow. The new horror feature comes from writer-director Mitch McLeod. It stars Jessica Dawn Willis alongside genre icons Danielle Harris and Michael Ironside. Viral Fame Turns Deadly The story draws inspiration from real police files tracking a small-town Texas stalking case. Specifically, it follows Jamie Foster, a faded vlogger desperate to revive her waning online influence. In a risky bid for views, she invites her stalker onto her channel. Consequently, she suspects he may be the serial killer targeting local influencers. Her subscriber count skyrockets almost immediately. However, the stunt quickly turns lethal as the line between hunter and hunted vanishes entirely. A Dark Exploration of True Crime Culture Zach Stampone praised the film’s sharp commentary on modern media obsession. Indeed, the narrative explores how far content creators will go for public attention. Stampone noted that the confident filmmaking pulls viewers into a deeply unsettling space. As a result,
Continue reading →
NetflixNewsStreaming TVTrue CrimeTrue Story
Fans of Netflix’s chilling mystery-horror series “The Watcher” can finally look forward to a new chapter after a nearly five-year wait. Production on the long-awaited second season is officially scheduled to begin this fall in New York, Variety reports. Returning Cast and Creative Team Original cast members will reprise their roles in the upcoming installment, including Naomi Watts, Bobby Cannavale, Margo Martindale, and Isabel Gravitt. Creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan return as executive producers, with Brennan continuing his role as showrunner. Crystle Roberson Dorsey directs and executive produces alongside a large team of industry veterans, including Watts, Eric Newman, Bryan Unkeless, and directing duo Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. A Long Journey Back to Screen The production announcement comes nearly four years after the show first captivated audiences in October 2022. Initially developed as a standalone limited series, Netflix quickly renewed it after its breakout success, ordering a second chapter. However, the wait for a new installment found itself
Continue reading →
ClipsMoviesNewsTrailersTrue Story
Anticipation for Fantastic Fest continues to build as major announcements and sneak peeks roll out ahead of the world-renowned genre gathering. The latest wave of horror news brings an exclusive first-look clip for What Happened to Doris? The upcoming supernatural horror feature is based on one of the most terrifying, highly documented paranormal cases in American history. Set to make its official World Premiere on September 20th, the film pulls back the curtain on the real-life horror that inspired the classic 1982 film and book The Entity. The Devastating Reality Behind the Culver City Haunting Set in 1974, the narrative follows Doris Bither. She’s a single mother living in Culver City. However, her story is far from normal. She reported suffering violent, inexplicable assaults by an unseen force inside her own home. As the inexplicable attacks intensified in frequency and severity, a team of paranormal researchers and investigators from UCLA stepped in to document the phenomenon. They captured a series
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
Three decades after revolutionizing independent cinema with shaky handheld cameras and stick figures, The Blair Witch Project co-creator Eduardo Sánchez and producer Gregg Hale are officially returning to the subgenre that made them legends. Swapping the haunted Maryland woods for the high-stakes world of social media, the duo has teamed up for The Influencer Project. This found-footage nightmare turns the modern obsession with digital fame into pure, unadulterated terror. Tickets are officially on sale now ahead of its theatrical debut this October. When “Going Live” Transforms into a Fight for Survival Inspired by real events and drawing on authentic experiences, the film stars fashion and beauty creator Chiara King. She is making her feature debut as a fictionalized version of herself. The plot follows King as she travels to Copenhagen alongside a documentary crew. They are tasked with pulling back the curtain on her glamorous online brand. However, broadcasting every move to millions of devoted followers comes with a deadly
Continue reading →
BooksHistoryProductReviewsTrue Story
With Robert Eggers’ film Werwulf quickly approaching its release, there’s no better time than you prime the pumps with some interesting reading about the subject, and Simon & Schuster has you covered by releasing the reprint of The Book of Were-Wolves! I want to thank Rebecca and Simon & Schuster for this reviewing opportunity and […]
Continue reading →
IndieMoviesNewsThrillerTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
Dark Star Pictures is releasing the 70s-inspired horror slasher Wineville from director Brande Roderick in select theaters this September. The official trailer offers a glimpse into a mysterious world shrouded in secrets and inspired by a true crime. Set in the 70s, after escaping her abusive father as a teen, a woman is forced to return to the family vineyard when he dies. She discovers that the dark secrets left behind have only grown more sinister over the decades, leading to violence and death. The cast includes Carolyn Hennesy ( Cougar Town), Texas Battle (Coach Carter), Casey King (Star Trek: Pickard), and Keaton Roderick Cadrez. Wineville was written by Richard Schenkman, who also produced alongside Roderick, Robin DeMartino, and Todd Slater. Shot at the historic Galleano Winery, a true crime inspires Wineville, the Wineville Chicken Coop Murders. The murders are one of California’s most infamous true crime cases. The crimes ultimately led to the renaming of Wineville to Mira Loma.
Continue reading →
AdaptationMoviesNewsStreaming TVTrue Story
Get ready to return to ancient battlegrounds! A television series adaptation of the iconic 300 franchise is reportedly in early development at Warner Bros. Television. Variety reports that Zack Snyder, the visionary director behind the 2006 film 300, one of the most epic war movies ever made, and its 2014 sequel 300: Rise of an Empire, is in talks to take the helm as director and executive producer for the series. While plot details remain under wraps, sources suggest the show will be a prequel to the 2006 film. This opens doors to a potentially expansive narrative, exploring events leading up to the legendary Battle of Thermopylae and the rise of King Leonidas. No writer or streaming platform has been attached to the project yet. However, with Snyder’s potential involvement and the enduring popularity of the 300 franchise, this series adaptation has the potential to be a major draw for fans. The original “300” comic book series is by Frank
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrue Story
Get ready for a terrifying new horror film, Don’t Turn Out the Lights (formerly titled Blue Light), inspired by disturbing real-life events experienced by the director, Andy Fickman. News has come that the film has found its home with Quiver Distribution for its North American release. Today, we’ve got the first look, including an exclusive still lit only by the fire of a lighter. Don’t Turn Out the Lights follows a group of friends on a seemingly ordinary road trip. However, their journey takes a horrifying turn when they encounter a terrifying and unexplainable entity that threatens their lives. A captivating ensemble cast brings the story to life. Bella DeLong (“The Winchesters”), Amber Janea (A Predator Returns), and Daryl Tofa (The Outsiders on Broadway) star alongside John Bucy (“Frasier” reboot) and Finley Rose Slater (“Days of Their Lives”). Andy Fickman‘s filmography includes Race to Witch Mountain, and She’s The Man. Boasting a nearly $1 billion gross at the worldwide box
Continue reading →
MoviesNewsTrailersTrue CrimeTrue Story
Mel Gibson stars alongside Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Brian Van Holt in Boneyard—an indie crime-thriller based on the horrific true crimes of a serial killer. In the chilling film, the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls are discovered in the New Mexico desert. Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt), Police Chief Carter (Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson), and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson) join a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer, known as the “Bone Collector”. Suspicion forms that someone from their own department may be involved. Asif Akbar (Skeletons in the Closet) directs from the script he penned with Hank Byrd, Vincent E. McDaniel, and Koji Steven Sakai. The film is based on the events surrounding the West Mesa Bone Collector. In February 2009, a woman walking her dog made a grim discovery: human remains. Eleven bodies in all were discovered, all women between the ages of 15 and 32. Several suspects have been pursued. However, no one
Continue reading →
