Latest Articles
Revenge Is Best Served Brutally: A First Look at the ‘Is God Is’ Trailer
If you’re looking for a peaceful family reunion, you’ve come to the wrong movie. Is God Is is a blood-soaked, genre-defying odyssey that proves vengeance is a dish best served with a side of Southern Gothic grit and a dash of pitch-black comedy. Based on Aleshea Harris’ own award-winning play, the film marks her directorial debut—and she isn’t exactly easing into things. She’s coming out swinging with a cinematic cocktail that’s equal parts Spaghetti Western and Greek Tragedy. Hell Hath No Fury The plot follows two sisters, Anaia and Racine, who receive a letter from their long-lost mother. She’s got a horrific backstory and one simple, terrifying request: kill their father. What follows is an epic quest for revenge that moves from the deep South to the California desert. It’s a charged exploration of family trauma where the stakes aren’t just life and death—they’re biblical. An Absolute Powerhouse of a Cast You know a script is good when the call
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Review: Hangashore (Calgary Underground Film Festival)
Official Synopsis Haunted by nightmares and visions, an artist chases the ghost of her father to the remote coast of Newfoundland. Abandoning all that she knows of her life in Iceland, Vera settles in a remote Canadian fishing village looking for answers. She finds herself drawn to Jack, a seal hunter leaving town with his failing boat and superstitious crew. With a curious romance blossoming, Vera sneaks aboard his fledgling longliner destined for ice floes full of seals. The vessel is choked in a thick fog and there is no bounty on the water. Jack’s scrappy crew is led by Patrick – desperate and plagued by superstition, he blames the mysterious weather on the stowaway. Violence erupts, hurling Jack and Vera into a fit of survival. HANGASHORE is a hypnotic vision of romance glowing in frozen Newfoundland landscapes. Review Because Calgary Underground Film Festival’s official description above sets up the story so well, I’ll dive right into review specifics. Writer/director
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Review: Demonetize (Panic Fest)
Official Synopsis Out-of-work television ghost hunters discover the key to getting their jobs back — and proving ghosts are real — is by working with the last group of people anyone would expect: Social Media Stars. Review Director Alexander Boyd Watson delivers the latest in the fear-fare subgenre of influencer horror comedies with Demonetize (U.S., 2026). Horror films about social media personalities are a decidedly mixed bag, especially if viewers are already biased against their often grating personalities and when bickering relationships are part of the proceedings. Thankfully, Watson, who cowrote the screenplay with Janine Hogan, crafts one of the better recent offerings in the influencer-focused chills-and-chuckles department. One reason for Demonetize rising above the influencer horror comedy pack is that its characters, although deliberately not entirely likable, are at least more interesting than the norm. Yes, we have the expected obnoxious anything-for-clicks jerk in Paul Cory (Cherdleys AKA Chad Lebaron) and self-obsessed glamor gal in Tara Ahlquist (Lexi Collins),
Continue reading →
Our Frightening Four: A Quartet of Recommended Panic Fest Short Films
Screenland Armour and Downright Creepy present Panic Fest 2026, which kicks off March 9–13, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. With nearly 150 features, long form shorts, and short films on tap, there is plenty to choose from. I have had an early peek at the following shorts and can recommend that fright-fare aficionados put them on their need-to-see lists. Following are the official Panic Fest descriptions for the shorts. Click the links for more information, including tickets. The Scene (director Daniel Meyers) With the hope of discovering a new lead, a detective revisits the scene of his partner’s brutal murder. Yet, the longer he stays, the harrowing truth begins to reveal itself . . . Link below includes a trailer. Our featured image for this article is from The Scene. https://panicfest.eventive.org/films/69ab1fb0d0cabe43751e0592 Hell’s Half-Acre: Sojourn (director Nicholas Nicastro) Hell’s Half-Acre is a true-crime Western inspired by the haunting case of the Bloody Benders — America’s first family of serial killers. Set
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Spoiler-Free Reviews: Creature of the Pines and The Burning of Broken Beak (Panic Fest)
Creature feature devotees, we have reviews of two monsterrific films for you from Panic Fest’s virtual version: Creature of the Pines and The Burning of Broken Beak. Creature of the Pines (U.S., 2026) Official Synopsis A documentary investigation into Pine Hollow disappearances reveals a presence lurking deep within the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Review With Creature of the Pines, cowriters/codirectors Chris Ruppert and Tyler Transue craft a faux documentary/found footage hybrid that cryptozoology devotees should find quite intriguing. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that what lurks in the woods in this feature isn’t the usual hirsute, large-footed suspect, which should make this film even more tempting in the curiosity department. Talking heads interview footage is interspersed between “found” footage of hikers who disappeared in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The experts and others portrayed as interview subjects largely do a solid job of seeming natural in their portrayals, a style that is not
Continue reading →
A Hippo Goes on a Rampage in the New Trailer for ‘Hungry’
Move over, Jaws. Step aside, Shazza. There’s a new apex predator in town, and it has a much higher BMI and a significantly worse attitude. The first trailer and poster for Hungry have officially surfaced, reminding you that the “Big Easy” is about to get a lot harder. A “Not-So-Board” Game Despite the title, this is definitely not a live-action adaptation of that Hasbro game we all played as kids (you know the one). Instead, we follow a group of thrill-seeking tourists on a riverboat tour through the Louisiana swamplands. Lured by the promise of an “exclusive adventure”—which is movie-speak for “certain death”—the group ends up off the map and on the menu. They soon find themselves being hunted by a creature that Hollywood has criminally overlooked: the Hippo. The Cast & Creative Muscle Director James Nunn (One Shot trilogy) is at the helm, and he’s brought along some serious talent to get chewed on. The cast fighting to survive
Continue reading →
Movie Review: Night Patrol Has a Racism Problem
If you walked into Night Patrol (now out on Shudder) expecting a standard creature feature, you likely walked out feeling like you’d been through a sociopolitical meat grinder. While the film sells itself on a “cops vs. vampires” hook, the real horror isn’t the fangs—it’s the relentless, ugly reality of systemic racism that makes “enjoyment” a very complicated word to use here. Predatory Policing Literalized Directed by Ryan Prows (Lowlife), the story follows Xavier (Jermaine Fowler), a Black LAPD officer who left his gang past behind to patrol his old neighborhood. His world fractures when his brother Wazi (RJ Cyler) witnesses a clandestine unit—the titular Night Patrol—murdering a civilian. The “twist” is that this task force isn’t just corrupt; they are vampires. But they aren’t the sexy, gothic kind. These are “vampire-colonizers” (referred to as the Obayifo in West African mysticism) who specifically target Black and impoverished residents, treating the housing projects like a private pantry. The “Racism” Problem The
Continue reading →
An Interview with Scream Queen Sadie Katz
One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to meet amazing people. One of those is Scream Queen Sadie Katz. I first interviewed her back in 2017. Now, ‘ve had the pleasure of catching up with the talented star, who is also an amazing person – kind, funny, and badass. I sat down with Sadie not only to catch up on what she’s been up to, but also to discuss her two most recent films, Night Carnage and Clutch. In N ht Carnage, directed by Thomas J. Churchill, Katz and Mike Ferguson play members of the mysterious Knight Society, an ancient organization. Together, they take on the epic task of training none other than the great-grandson of the Legendary Van Helsing! The movie features both vampires and werewolves, so get ready for bloodshed! Night Carnage promises to be a treat for genre fans who miss the days when movies were mean, messy, and too loud to ignore. With
Continue reading →
Family Ties That Bind (And Stab): The Step Daddy Finally Arrives Featuring Horror Legends
If you thought your childhood household was tense, wait until you meet Tim. Move over, Terry O’Quinn—there’s a new paternal nightmare in town. Originally produced in 2020, the serial-killer thriller The Step Daddy has spent a few years in the basement, but it’s finally being released. Lionsgate is set to release the film on Digital platforms this month. Father Doesn’t Know Best On the surface, Tim is your standard-issue, mild-mannered family man. He’s thoughtful, he’s charming, and he’s probably great at grilling. But Tim has a hobby that isn’t listed on his LinkedIn: an insatiable urge to murder his entire family. The fuse is lit when Tim suddenly trades the “World’s Greatest Dad” mug for a kitchen knife, stabbing his wife and stepson and kicking off a gruesome spree. As the body count climbs, his new family begins to realize that the “evil” he possesses isn’t just a midlife crisis—it’s a full-blown sociopathic meltdown. The race is on to stop
Continue reading →
The New ‘Leviticus’ Trailer is Here to Remind You to Trust No One
If you thought your teenage dating life was a horror show, Leviticus is here to make your awkward prom photos look like a walk in the park. After causing a massive stir at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival—and walking away with a prestigious distribution deal from NEON—this queer supernatural thriller is officially set to set theaters ablaze this summer. Forget the slow-burn dread of the Arctic; this is a visceral, “mercilessly upsetting” descent into religious fanaticism in backcountry Australia. Double the Trouble Set in an isolated Australian town where the local pastime seems to be “repressive religious zealotry,” the film follows two star-crossed teens, Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen). When their budding romance is discovered, a botched attempt at conversion therapy (masquerading as a ritual) accidentally unleashes a demonic entity. The twist? This isn’t your average jump-scare monster. The entity takes the form of the person you desire most. Ryan’s chilling warning to Naim—“If you see anything that
Continue reading →More latest articles
Revenge Is Best Served Brutally: A First Look at the ‘Is God Is’ Trailer
If you’re looking for a peaceful family reunion, you’ve come to the wrong movie. Is God Is is a blood-soaked, genre-defying odyssey that proves vengeance is a dish best served with a side of Southern Gothic grit and a dash of pitch-black comedy. Based on Aleshea Harris’ own award-winning play, the film marks her directorial debut—and she isn’t exactly easing into things. She’s coming out swinging with a cinematic cocktail that’s equal parts Spaghetti Western and Greek Tragedy. Hell Hath No Fury The plot follows two sisters, Anaia and Racine, who receive a letter from their long-lost mother. She’s got a horrific backstory and one simple, terrifying request: kill their father. What follows is an epic quest for revenge that moves from the deep South to the California desert. It’s a charged exploration of family trauma where the stakes aren’t just life and death—they’re biblical. An Absolute Powerhouse of a Cast You know a script is good when the call
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Review: Hangashore (Calgary Underground Film Festival)
Official Synopsis Haunted by nightmares and visions, an artist chases the ghost of her father to the remote coast of Newfoundland. Abandoning all that she knows of her life in Iceland, Vera settles in a remote Canadian fishing village looking for answers. She finds herself drawn to Jack, a seal hunter leaving town with his failing boat and superstitious crew. With a curious romance blossoming, Vera sneaks aboard his fledgling longliner destined for ice floes full of seals. The vessel is choked in a thick fog and there is no bounty on the water. Jack’s scrappy crew is led by Patrick – desperate and plagued by superstition, he blames the mysterious weather on the stowaway. Violence erupts, hurling Jack and Vera into a fit of survival. HANGASHORE is a hypnotic vision of romance glowing in frozen Newfoundland landscapes. Review Because Calgary Underground Film Festival’s official description above sets up the story so well, I’ll dive right into review specifics. Writer/director
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Review: Demonetize (Panic Fest)
Official Synopsis Out-of-work television ghost hunters discover the key to getting their jobs back — and proving ghosts are real — is by working with the last group of people anyone would expect: Social Media Stars. Review Director Alexander Boyd Watson delivers the latest in the fear-fare subgenre of influencer horror comedies with Demonetize (U.S., 2026). Horror films about social media personalities are a decidedly mixed bag, especially if viewers are already biased against their often grating personalities and when bickering relationships are part of the proceedings. Thankfully, Watson, who cowrote the screenplay with Janine Hogan, crafts one of the better recent offerings in the influencer-focused chills-and-chuckles department. One reason for Demonetize rising above the influencer horror comedy pack is that its characters, although deliberately not entirely likable, are at least more interesting than the norm. Yes, we have the expected obnoxious anything-for-clicks jerk in Paul Cory (Cherdleys AKA Chad Lebaron) and self-obsessed glamor gal in Tara Ahlquist (Lexi Collins),
Continue reading →
Our Frightening Four: A Quartet of Recommended Panic Fest Short Films
Screenland Armour and Downright Creepy present Panic Fest 2026, which kicks off March 9–13, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. With nearly 150 features, long form shorts, and short films on tap, there is plenty to choose from. I have had an early peek at the following shorts and can recommend that fright-fare aficionados put them on their need-to-see lists. Following are the official Panic Fest descriptions for the shorts. Click the links for more information, including tickets. The Scene (director Daniel Meyers) With the hope of discovering a new lead, a detective revisits the scene of his partner’s brutal murder. Yet, the longer he stays, the harrowing truth begins to reveal itself . . . Link below includes a trailer. Our featured image for this article is from The Scene. https://panicfest.eventive.org/films/69ab1fb0d0cabe43751e0592 Hell’s Half-Acre: Sojourn (director Nicholas Nicastro) Hell’s Half-Acre is a true-crime Western inspired by the haunting case of the Bloody Benders — America’s first family of serial killers. Set
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Reviews: Creature of the Pines and The Burning of Broken Beak (Panic Fest)
Creature feature devotees, we have reviews of two monsterrific films for you from Panic Fest’s virtual version: Creature of the Pines and The Burning of Broken Beak. Creature of the Pines (U.S., 2026) Official Synopsis A documentary investigation into Pine Hollow disappearances reveals a presence lurking deep within the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Review With Creature of the Pines, cowriters/codirectors Chris Ruppert and Tyler Transue craft a faux documentary/found footage hybrid that cryptozoology devotees should find quite intriguing. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that what lurks in the woods in this feature isn’t the usual hirsute, large-footed suspect, which should make this film even more tempting in the curiosity department. Talking heads interview footage is interspersed between “found” footage of hikers who disappeared in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The experts and others portrayed as interview subjects largely do a solid job of seeming natural in their portrayals, a style that is not
Continue reading →
A Hippo Goes on a Rampage in the New Trailer for ‘Hungry’
Move over, Jaws. Step aside, Shazza. There’s a new apex predator in town, and it has a much higher BMI and a significantly worse attitude. The first trailer and poster for Hungry have officially surfaced, reminding you that the “Big Easy” is about to get a lot harder. A “Not-So-Board” Game Despite the title, this is definitely not a live-action adaptation of that Hasbro game we all played as kids (you know the one). Instead, we follow a group of thrill-seeking tourists on a riverboat tour through the Louisiana swamplands. Lured by the promise of an “exclusive adventure”—which is movie-speak for “certain death”—the group ends up off the map and on the menu. They soon find themselves being hunted by a creature that Hollywood has criminally overlooked: the Hippo. The Cast & Creative Muscle Director James Nunn (One Shot trilogy) is at the helm, and he’s brought along some serious talent to get chewed on. The cast fighting to survive
Continue reading →
Movie Review: Night Patrol Has a Racism Problem
If you walked into Night Patrol (now out on Shudder) expecting a standard creature feature, you likely walked out feeling like you’d been through a sociopolitical meat grinder. While the film sells itself on a “cops vs. vampires” hook, the real horror isn’t the fangs—it’s the relentless, ugly reality of systemic racism that makes “enjoyment” a very complicated word to use here. Predatory Policing Literalized Directed by Ryan Prows (Lowlife), the story follows Xavier (Jermaine Fowler), a Black LAPD officer who left his gang past behind to patrol his old neighborhood. His world fractures when his brother Wazi (RJ Cyler) witnesses a clandestine unit—the titular Night Patrol—murdering a civilian. The “twist” is that this task force isn’t just corrupt; they are vampires. But they aren’t the sexy, gothic kind. These are “vampire-colonizers” (referred to as the Obayifo in West African mysticism) who specifically target Black and impoverished residents, treating the housing projects like a private pantry. The “Racism” Problem The
Continue reading →
An Interview with Scream Queen Sadie Katz
One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to meet amazing people. One of those is Scream Queen Sadie Katz. I first interviewed her back in 2017. Now, ‘ve had the pleasure of catching up with the talented star, who is also an amazing person – kind, funny, and badass. I sat down with Sadie not only to catch up on what she’s been up to, but also to discuss her two most recent films, Night Carnage and Clutch. In N ht Carnage, directed by Thomas J. Churchill, Katz and Mike Ferguson play members of the mysterious Knight Society, an ancient organization. Together, they take on the epic task of training none other than the great-grandson of the Legendary Van Helsing! The movie features both vampires and werewolves, so get ready for bloodshed! Night Carnage promises to be a treat for genre fans who miss the days when movies were mean, messy, and too loud to ignore. With
Continue reading →
Family Ties That Bind (And Stab): The Step Daddy Finally Arrives Featuring Horror Legends
If you thought your childhood household was tense, wait until you meet Tim. Move over, Terry O’Quinn—there’s a new paternal nightmare in town. Originally produced in 2020, the serial-killer thriller The Step Daddy has spent a few years in the basement, but it’s finally being released. Lionsgate is set to release the film on Digital platforms this month. Father Doesn’t Know Best On the surface, Tim is your standard-issue, mild-mannered family man. He’s thoughtful, he’s charming, and he’s probably great at grilling. But Tim has a hobby that isn’t listed on his LinkedIn: an insatiable urge to murder his entire family. The fuse is lit when Tim suddenly trades the “World’s Greatest Dad” mug for a kitchen knife, stabbing his wife and stepson and kicking off a gruesome spree. As the body count climbs, his new family begins to realize that the “evil” he possesses isn’t just a midlife crisis—it’s a full-blown sociopathic meltdown. The race is on to stop
Continue reading →
The New ‘Leviticus’ Trailer is Here to Remind You to Trust No One
If you thought your teenage dating life was a horror show, Leviticus is here to make your awkward prom photos look like a walk in the park. After causing a massive stir at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival—and walking away with a prestigious distribution deal from NEON—this queer supernatural thriller is officially set to set theaters ablaze this summer. Forget the slow-burn dread of the Arctic; this is a visceral, “mercilessly upsetting” descent into religious fanaticism in backcountry Australia. Double the Trouble Set in an isolated Australian town where the local pastime seems to be “repressive religious zealotry,” the film follows two star-crossed teens, Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen). When their budding romance is discovered, a botched attempt at conversion therapy (masquerading as a ritual) accidentally unleashes a demonic entity. The twist? This isn’t your average jump-scare monster. The entity takes the form of the person you desire most. Ryan’s chilling warning to Naim—“If you see anything that
Continue reading →