Latest Articles
New Book Release: The Sinful Maternal: Motherhood in Possession Films
Delve into the unsettling intersection of motherhood and possession with the thought-provoking new book, The Sinful Maternal: Motherhood in Possession Films. This critical analysis, penned by Lauren Rocha, sheds light on the complex portrayal of mothers and motherhood within the horror genre. Beyond the Physical: A Mother’s Body Redefined Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery are often depicted as solely physical experiences. Rocha challenges this notion, exploring how these transformative stages impact a woman’s mental and emotional well-being in profound ways. She argues that a mother’s body becomes a “public body,” subject to scrutiny and control from society, family, and even herself. This vulnerability, Rocha posits, creates a fertile ground for the horrors of possession. A Decade-by-Decade Exploration of Genre Films The Sinful Maternal dissects ten chilling possession films. That including classics like Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist, and The Babadook and modern entries like Hereditary. By meticulously analyzing these films in chronological order, Rocha reveals how sociocultural expectations of motherhood have
Continue reading →
‘Ship of the Damned’ Sets Sail This Spring
Prepare for a terrifying voyage this Spring with the upcoming Ship of the Damned. A quaint coastal town is disrupted by the sudden appearance of a mysterious ghost ship aged over 500 years. Elena, a driven historian, teams up with the local coastguard to investigate the anomaly. Their curiosity takes a dark turn as they discover the derelict vessel is far from abandoned. A crew bound by a malevolent curse lurks within, and they have no intention of letting their new visitors leave. As Elena and the coastguard delve deeper into the ship’s dark secrets, they become unwitting pawns in a deadly game. The cursed crew sets their sights on the newcomers, forcing them into a desperate struggle for survival. They must confront the horrors that haunt the vessel and find a way to break the curse before it claims them all. Meet the Cast Hannaj Bang Bendz plays Elena, the curious historian drawn into the mystery of the ghost
Continue reading →
Hair-Raising Doc ‘The Skinwalkers: American Werewolves 2’ Bares Its Teeth
Small Town Monsters, behind captivating documentaries like Werewolves Unearthed and On the Trail of Bigfoot, is back with The Skinwalkers: American Werewolves 2. A Deeper Look at a Haunting Legend This documentary delves deeper into the enduring legend of the “Skinwalker” – a shapeshifting creature whispered about within Indigenous communities for generations. True to their signature style, filmmaker Seth Breedlove and his team take a first-person approach, interviewing individuals who claim to have encountered this enigmatic entity. Personal Accounts Fuel the Mystery Through these firsthand narratives, viewers get a glimpse into the unique perspectives and chilling experiences surrounding the Skinwalker phenomenon. The documentary allows viewers to form their own conclusions about this complex and fascinating legend. Is the Skinwalker a terrifying myth, or is there a basis in reality for these centuries-old stories? Beyond Legends and Lore The merging of various canid legends and lore from different cultures has always fascinated me,” says Seth Breedlove. “This time, we delve into
Continue reading →
Dive Into ‘Night Swim’ On Peacock
Among the plethora of premieres, movies, and series coming to Peacock this April is Blumhouse’s Night Swim. It’s a horror movie you need to check out. Want to whet your appetite? Get a taste of the horrors to come? You can watch the first six minutes of the film here. The film stars Wyatt Russell (“Monarch”) as Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement. He moves into a new home with his wife (Oscar® nominee Kerry Condon), daughter Izzy (Amélie Hoeferle), and son Elliot (Gavin Warren). Hoping to return to pro ball, Ray persuades Eve that the new home’s backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for him. Not knowing, a dark secret lurks just below the surface, unleashing an evil force that will drag the family into the depths of inescapable terror. Bryce McGuire (who is also behind the upcoming horror film Baghead) wrote and directed the movie.
Continue reading →
A Purchase Unleashes Terror In Award-Winning Horror ‘The Coffee Table’
Cinephobia Releasing is bringing chills with the release of The Coffee Table, a haunting horror film by director Caye Casas, who set out to make a brutal film audiences won’t soon forget. A Simple Purchase, Unforeseen Terror The film follows a struggling couple, Jesus and Maria, who have recently become parents. Hoping for a fresh start and needing some furniture, they decide to buy a new coffee table – a seemingly ordinary piece. The purchase soon takes a nightmarish turn. Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition Critics have described The Coffee Table as “not for the weak” and an “unforgettable film.” It has garnered acclaim on the festival circuit, winning “Best Film” in the “Rebels with a Cause” section at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and screened at prestigious festivals like Fantastic Fest, Fantaspoa, and Grimmfest. Real Terror Without Monsters Director Casas promises a unique brand of horror: “We wanted to make a film that explores terror without relying on
Continue reading →
Music Supervisor Ed Gerrard Reflects on His Career, Scream, and More in Our Interview
Without music, TV and movies would not be the same. Scores and songs affect everything from viewers’ emotions, add nostalgia, and set the scene. Scream, one of the most beloved horror films ever made, still holds influence, even after nearly three decades. Thanks to Grammy and Peabody award-winning Music Supervisor Ed Gerrard, its soundtrack still evokes chills. After serving as Alice Cooper’s manager in the 80s, Gerrard turned to the film industry. His first film as a Music Supervisor was the cult classic Shocker. Gerrard has since worked with directors such as Wes Craven, whom he teamed up with on over ten films, including the iconic Scream franchise and Craven’s New Nightmare. He also worked on H2O, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, and The Last House on the Left (2009). The list goes on; he has left a significant impact on both music and film. I sat down with Ed Gerrard for an interview. He takes us through his
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Short Film Reviews: “Homebody,” “Extreme Gravity,” “Kelly,” “Beholder,” “Red Leather, Yellow Leather,” “Turtle?”, “What I Remember” (Unnamed Footage Festival)
Following is a roundup of seven of the short films that screened at San Francisco’s Unnamed Footage Festival 2024, shot mostly in found footage or verité styles. Homebody Home surveillance cameras provide the footage for writer/director Andrew J. Paulsen’s Homebody, in which Hannah (McKenzie Jo Frazer) lives in fear of a hooded man who stands outside her house. The proceedings are a bit predictable, but the execution of the plot is well done. Extreme Gravity (Extrema gravedad) Writer/director Lorenzo Ayuso’s darkly comic Spanish short Extreme Gravity focuses on a suicidal man whose recording of his farewell video is interrupted by a naked stranger who appears on his windowsill. Irreverent humor is the order of the day with this one, with Álvaro Márquez giving a fine performance as the suicidal individual and David Blanka providing fine voice acting support. Kelly Brazilian short Kelly finds a man (writer/director Luiz Lapin) building a new plastic-bag–headed companion. This short shocker is a true creepfest,
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Film Reviews: “The Becomers” and “Omen” (Boston Underground Film Festival 2024)
The Becomers (2024) Writer/director Zach Clark’s science-fiction comedy The Becomers is one of the more unique offerings in the subgenre of alien-body-snatchers cinema. It follows the travails of two genderless extraterrestrial lovers who have left their home planet for hopefully better lives on Earth. They must inhabit human bodies, with plenty of reasons to change them, as they try to grasp the language, mannerisms, and mindsets of Americans. The film touches on a variety of current social issues in the post-pandemic United States while avoiding becoming overly didactic, and the cast members — led by Molly Plunk, Mike Lopez, and Keith Kelly — give earnest performances that give the proceedings a grounded yet humorous feel. Bonus points from me for the fact that the film is narrated by Russell Mael, vocalist for one of my all-time favorite rock bands, Sparks. Omen (Augure; Belgium/The Democratic Republic of Congo/Netherlands/Germany/France/South Africa, 2023) Omen deals in magical realism and African mysticism, with horror-adjacent elements
Continue reading →
‘Gateway’ to Terror: New Irish Horror Comes To Shudder This Week
Brace yourselves, horror fans! The unsettling Irish horror film Gateway is set to premiere on Shudder this April, bringing a dose of dread to viewers in the US, Canada, Ireland, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. A Gateway to Terror Written and directed by Niall Owens, Gateway unfolds within the seemingly innocuous setting of an abandoned house. A group of desperate criminals seeking refuge stumble upon this ordinary-looking dwelling, unaware of the horrors that lurk within. The official synopsis hints at a chilling discovery that turns the tables on these unwelcome guests. Have they found a safe haven, or has the house itself become a malevolent entity with its own sinister plans? A Glimpse into the Unknown The recently released trailer for Gateway offers a glimpse into the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Eerie shadows dance across dusty walls, whispers seem to emanate from unseen corners, and a sense of paranoia steadily builds. As the trailer progresses, the desperation of the characters becomes
Continue reading →
‘Boy Kills World’ Unleashes Brutal Red Band Trailer
The Red Band trailer for the film Boy Kills World has arrived, delivering a whirlwind of action, violence, and vengeance—and we’re totally here for it! Boy Kills World promises a post-apocalyptic odyssey fueled by rage and redemption. Directed by the visionary Moritz Mohr and penned by the talented duo of Tyler Burton Smith and Arend Remmers. It is produced by a powerhouse team led by Sam Raimi (of Evil Dead fame) and Roy Lee (It franchise). Ruled by Ruthlessness The film plunges us into a dystopian landscape led by a twisted dynasty headed by Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen). Bill Skarsgård takes center stage as the titular “Boy,” a young man robbed of his family and voice by this ruthless regime. Left orphaned, deaf, and voiceless, “Boy” reflects the brutality of this world. A Path to Vengeance Driven by a burning desire for retribution, “Boy” finds solace in a unique companion: a voice narrated by H. Jon Benjamin. Fueled
Continue reading →More latest articles
New Book Release: The Sinful Maternal: Motherhood in Possession Films
Delve into the unsettling intersection of motherhood and possession with the thought-provoking new book, The Sinful Maternal: Motherhood in Possession Films. This critical analysis, penned by Lauren Rocha, sheds light on the complex portrayal of mothers and motherhood within the horror genre. Beyond the Physical: A Mother’s Body Redefined Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery are often depicted as solely physical experiences. Rocha challenges this notion, exploring how these transformative stages impact a woman’s mental and emotional well-being in profound ways. She argues that a mother’s body becomes a “public body,” subject to scrutiny and control from society, family, and even herself. This vulnerability, Rocha posits, creates a fertile ground for the horrors of possession. A Decade-by-Decade Exploration of Genre Films The Sinful Maternal dissects ten chilling possession films. That including classics like Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist, and The Babadook and modern entries like Hereditary. By meticulously analyzing these films in chronological order, Rocha reveals how sociocultural expectations of motherhood have
Continue reading →
‘Ship of the Damned’ Sets Sail This Spring
Prepare for a terrifying voyage this Spring with the upcoming Ship of the Damned. A quaint coastal town is disrupted by the sudden appearance of a mysterious ghost ship aged over 500 years. Elena, a driven historian, teams up with the local coastguard to investigate the anomaly. Their curiosity takes a dark turn as they discover the derelict vessel is far from abandoned. A crew bound by a malevolent curse lurks within, and they have no intention of letting their new visitors leave. As Elena and the coastguard delve deeper into the ship’s dark secrets, they become unwitting pawns in a deadly game. The cursed crew sets their sights on the newcomers, forcing them into a desperate struggle for survival. They must confront the horrors that haunt the vessel and find a way to break the curse before it claims them all. Meet the Cast Hannaj Bang Bendz plays Elena, the curious historian drawn into the mystery of the ghost
Continue reading →
Hair-Raising Doc ‘The Skinwalkers: American Werewolves 2’ Bares Its Teeth
Small Town Monsters, behind captivating documentaries like Werewolves Unearthed and On the Trail of Bigfoot, is back with The Skinwalkers: American Werewolves 2. A Deeper Look at a Haunting Legend This documentary delves deeper into the enduring legend of the “Skinwalker” – a shapeshifting creature whispered about within Indigenous communities for generations. True to their signature style, filmmaker Seth Breedlove and his team take a first-person approach, interviewing individuals who claim to have encountered this enigmatic entity. Personal Accounts Fuel the Mystery Through these firsthand narratives, viewers get a glimpse into the unique perspectives and chilling experiences surrounding the Skinwalker phenomenon. The documentary allows viewers to form their own conclusions about this complex and fascinating legend. Is the Skinwalker a terrifying myth, or is there a basis in reality for these centuries-old stories? Beyond Legends and Lore The merging of various canid legends and lore from different cultures has always fascinated me,” says Seth Breedlove. “This time, we delve into
Continue reading →
Dive Into ‘Night Swim’ On Peacock
Among the plethora of premieres, movies, and series coming to Peacock this April is Blumhouse’s Night Swim. It’s a horror movie you need to check out. Want to whet your appetite? Get a taste of the horrors to come? You can watch the first six minutes of the film here. The film stars Wyatt Russell (“Monarch”) as Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement. He moves into a new home with his wife (Oscar® nominee Kerry Condon), daughter Izzy (Amélie Hoeferle), and son Elliot (Gavin Warren). Hoping to return to pro ball, Ray persuades Eve that the new home’s backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for him. Not knowing, a dark secret lurks just below the surface, unleashing an evil force that will drag the family into the depths of inescapable terror. Bryce McGuire (who is also behind the upcoming horror film Baghead) wrote and directed the movie.
Continue reading →
A Purchase Unleashes Terror In Award-Winning Horror ‘The Coffee Table’
Cinephobia Releasing is bringing chills with the release of The Coffee Table, a haunting horror film by director Caye Casas, who set out to make a brutal film audiences won’t soon forget. A Simple Purchase, Unforeseen Terror The film follows a struggling couple, Jesus and Maria, who have recently become parents. Hoping for a fresh start and needing some furniture, they decide to buy a new coffee table – a seemingly ordinary piece. The purchase soon takes a nightmarish turn. Critical Acclaim and Festival Recognition Critics have described The Coffee Table as “not for the weak” and an “unforgettable film.” It has garnered acclaim on the festival circuit, winning “Best Film” in the “Rebels with a Cause” section at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and screened at prestigious festivals like Fantastic Fest, Fantaspoa, and Grimmfest. Real Terror Without Monsters Director Casas promises a unique brand of horror: “We wanted to make a film that explores terror without relying on
Continue reading →
Music Supervisor Ed Gerrard Reflects on His Career, Scream, and More in Our Interview
Without music, TV and movies would not be the same. Scores and songs affect everything from viewers’ emotions, add nostalgia, and set the scene. Scream, one of the most beloved horror films ever made, still holds influence, even after nearly three decades. Thanks to Grammy and Peabody award-winning Music Supervisor Ed Gerrard, its soundtrack still evokes chills. After serving as Alice Cooper’s manager in the 80s, Gerrard turned to the film industry. His first film as a Music Supervisor was the cult classic Shocker. Gerrard has since worked with directors such as Wes Craven, whom he teamed up with on over ten films, including the iconic Scream franchise and Craven’s New Nightmare. He also worked on H2O, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, and The Last House on the Left (2009). The list goes on; he has left a significant impact on both music and film. I sat down with Ed Gerrard for an interview. He takes us through his
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Short Film Reviews: “Homebody,” “Extreme Gravity,” “Kelly,” “Beholder,” “Red Leather, Yellow Leather,” “Turtle?”, “What I Remember” (Unnamed Footage Festival)
Following is a roundup of seven of the short films that screened at San Francisco’s Unnamed Footage Festival 2024, shot mostly in found footage or verité styles. Homebody Home surveillance cameras provide the footage for writer/director Andrew J. Paulsen’s Homebody, in which Hannah (McKenzie Jo Frazer) lives in fear of a hooded man who stands outside her house. The proceedings are a bit predictable, but the execution of the plot is well done. Extreme Gravity (Extrema gravedad) Writer/director Lorenzo Ayuso’s darkly comic Spanish short Extreme Gravity focuses on a suicidal man whose recording of his farewell video is interrupted by a naked stranger who appears on his windowsill. Irreverent humor is the order of the day with this one, with Álvaro Márquez giving a fine performance as the suicidal individual and David Blanka providing fine voice acting support. Kelly Brazilian short Kelly finds a man (writer/director Luiz Lapin) building a new plastic-bag–headed companion. This short shocker is a true creepfest,
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Film Reviews: “The Becomers” and “Omen” (Boston Underground Film Festival 2024)
The Becomers (2024) Writer/director Zach Clark’s science-fiction comedy The Becomers is one of the more unique offerings in the subgenre of alien-body-snatchers cinema. It follows the travails of two genderless extraterrestrial lovers who have left their home planet for hopefully better lives on Earth. They must inhabit human bodies, with plenty of reasons to change them, as they try to grasp the language, mannerisms, and mindsets of Americans. The film touches on a variety of current social issues in the post-pandemic United States while avoiding becoming overly didactic, and the cast members — led by Molly Plunk, Mike Lopez, and Keith Kelly — give earnest performances that give the proceedings a grounded yet humorous feel. Bonus points from me for the fact that the film is narrated by Russell Mael, vocalist for one of my all-time favorite rock bands, Sparks. Omen (Augure; Belgium/The Democratic Republic of Congo/Netherlands/Germany/France/South Africa, 2023) Omen deals in magical realism and African mysticism, with horror-adjacent elements
Continue reading →
‘Gateway’ to Terror: New Irish Horror Comes To Shudder This Week
Brace yourselves, horror fans! The unsettling Irish horror film Gateway is set to premiere on Shudder this April, bringing a dose of dread to viewers in the US, Canada, Ireland, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. A Gateway to Terror Written and directed by Niall Owens, Gateway unfolds within the seemingly innocuous setting of an abandoned house. A group of desperate criminals seeking refuge stumble upon this ordinary-looking dwelling, unaware of the horrors that lurk within. The official synopsis hints at a chilling discovery that turns the tables on these unwelcome guests. Have they found a safe haven, or has the house itself become a malevolent entity with its own sinister plans? A Glimpse into the Unknown The recently released trailer for Gateway offers a glimpse into the film’s unsettling atmosphere. Eerie shadows dance across dusty walls, whispers seem to emanate from unseen corners, and a sense of paranoia steadily builds. As the trailer progresses, the desperation of the characters becomes
Continue reading →
‘Boy Kills World’ Unleashes Brutal Red Band Trailer
The Red Band trailer for the film Boy Kills World has arrived, delivering a whirlwind of action, violence, and vengeance—and we’re totally here for it! Boy Kills World promises a post-apocalyptic odyssey fueled by rage and redemption. Directed by the visionary Moritz Mohr and penned by the talented duo of Tyler Burton Smith and Arend Remmers. It is produced by a powerhouse team led by Sam Raimi (of Evil Dead fame) and Roy Lee (It franchise). Ruled by Ruthlessness The film plunges us into a dystopian landscape led by a twisted dynasty headed by Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen). Bill Skarsgård takes center stage as the titular “Boy,” a young man robbed of his family and voice by this ruthless regime. Left orphaned, deaf, and voiceless, “Boy” reflects the brutality of this world. A Path to Vengeance Driven by a burning desire for retribution, “Boy” finds solace in a unique companion: a voice narrated by H. Jon Benjamin. Fueled
Continue reading →