Latest Articles
Dark Nights Film Fest Is Unleashed and Calls for Entries!
Bryn Tilly, who ran Australia’s A Night of Horror Film Festival for four years, has announced a new fright-fare fest for that country: Dark Nights Film Fest. The inaugural edition is scheduled for October of this year, and the call for entries is now open. Following is the official press announcement. Get ready to embrace a spine-chilling, heart-pounding experience as former director and programmer of the renowned A Night of Horror International Film Festival brings you an exhilarating new venture – Dark Nights Film Fest – set to haunt Ritz Cinemas in Sydney this coming October. With many years of festival programming experience under his belt, Dark Nights’ founder, Bryn Tilly, announces the festival’s inaugural Call for Entries and invites horror and dark genre filmmakers, screenwriters, and thrill-seekers to join this essential new journey. Tilly helmed and successfully navigated Sydney’s film festival A Night of Horror through the wilderness of a global pandemic and beyond, and promises to elevate frightful
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Film Review: “Out of Darkness”
Director Andrew Cumming’s U.K. feature Out of Darkness (originally titled The Origin) is a magnificent-looking slice of survival horror set in the Stone Age, complete with a language devised just for the film (with English subtitles provided). There’s no denying the power of the majority of the film, but its climax and aftermath will surely leave audiences divided. Adem (Chuku Modu) is the leader of a small group of prehistoric people who have been wandering in search of a safe place to live that provides abundant food. The group — which also includes Adem’s young son Heron (Luna Mwezi), Adem’s pregnant mate Ave (Iola Evans) and his brother Geirr (Kit Young), elderly Odal (Arno Luering), and stray Beyah (Safia Oakley-Green) — is near starving, and some are beginning to doubt Adem’s ability to lead. One night, a mysterious, as-yet-unseen presence grabs Heron, and Adem becomes solely focused on finding his son, though the others feel that leading them into the
Continue reading →
Check Into the Time Loop Thriller ‘Room 0’ This March
Mark your calendars for March 19th because a gripping thriller, Room 0, is set to hit both digital and on-demand platforms. Written and directed by Richard Kodai, promises a heart-pounding journey through desperation, time loops, and high-stakes chases. The film revolves around a young woman, played by Natalya V. Wood, who faces a heart-wrenching dilemma. Her younger sister is battling a rare disease, and a life-saving procedure seems like the only hope. With limited options and driven by love, she takes a desperate gamble: becoming a mule for a dangerous heist. Her target? A mysterious device shrouded in secrecy. However, fate takes a twisted turn when she accidentally activates the device, plunging her into a surreal nightmare. Trapped in a repeating time loop, she relives the same day within the confines of a seemingly ordinary motel room. But this is no ordinary time loop. Each iteration throws new challenges her way, raising the stakes and intensifying the pressure. As if
Continue reading →
“Tales From the Crypt” Label EC Comics Is Back!
We’ve got great news boils and ghouls! Eighty years after they started sending shivers down spines with iconic horror comics like “Tales from the Crypt” and “The Vault of Horror,“ EC Comics is making a chilling comeback! Partnering with Oni Press, known for hits like “Scott Pilgrim,” the legendary brand is set to resurrect in 2024. It will be unleashing a horde of all-new stories crafted by A-list creations. From Crypt Keeper to Modern Masters: Oni Press publisher Hunter Gorinson expresses his reverence for EC’s legacy. “EC Comics is one of the most artistically important and culturally significant publishers of all time.” He emphasizes that the new iteration will “uphold and escalate” the tradition of “radically confrontational storytelling” that once shocked and enthralled readers, THR reports. Gorinson assures fans that the new EC Comics won’t simply be nostalgia trips. He promises an “evolution” of the brand’s “relentless energy and fearless sensibilities,” tailoring them to the anxieties and complexities of the
Continue reading →
New Details Land for NEON’s Bird-Inspired Horror ‘Cuckoo’
NEON and director Tilman Singer (Luz) are gearing up to unleash a chilling new horror film, Cuckoo, which will arrive in theaters this May. While details have been scarce, a recent Variety interview with Singer and star Hunter Schafer (“Euphoria”) has shed some light on the film’s bizarre and unsettling premise. “It’s really a freaky thing that that’s just in nature, and birds are just out here being complete dicks to other birds and giving them their own babies to raise,” Schafer told Variety. “Are you kidding? That’s psycho!” Schafer states. A Vacation Gone Wrong: In the film, 17-year-old Gretchen reluctantly joins her father and his new family at a seemingly idyllic resort in the German Alps. But tranquility quickly unravels as she encounters Mr. König, her father’s boss, with an unsettling interest in her mute half-sister Alma. Strange noises and disturbing visions plague Gretchen, hinting at a dark secret lurking beneath the resort’s pristine facade. Variety went on to
Continue reading →
Dive into the Gothic Embrace of Horror Novel “My Darling Dreadful Thing”
Prepare to be enthralled by a chilling blend of romance and the supernatural in Johanna van Veen’s highly anticipated debut horror novel, My Darling Dreadful Thing, arriving in May 2024 from Poisoned Pen Press. Where the veil between worlds thins: Roos sees what others cannot: the spectral form of Ruth. Ruth is a spirit companion who has walked the earth for centuries. Their bond is deep and unwavering. But their world is about to shift dramatically. When Agnes Knoop, a wealthy widow drawn to the supernatural, enters their lives, an undeniable connection sparks between her and Roos. Determined to escape the oppressive atmosphere of her own life, Roos accepts Agnes’ invitation to reside in her sprawling yet decaying estate. Within the opulent yet crumbling walls of the estate, unspeakable horrors lurk. As the attraction between Roos and Agnes intensifies, Ruth’s jealousy grows. Soon, she is willing to take desperate measures to keep Roos close. The lines between love, obsession, and
Continue reading →
New Game ‘Shines Over: The Damned’ Will Take You into the Darkness
Firenut Games plunges players into a terrifying new world with the announcement of Shines Over: The Damned, a chilling horror adventure exclusive to PlayStation 5. Brace yourself for a unique odyssey where every sense will be challenged and the fabric of reality unravels. Shines Over: The Damned throws you into a mysterious and unsettling realm devoid of your name, weapons, and even companions. Your only solace is a loyal canine companion who guides you through the chilling landscapes. But don’t let the companionship fool you – danger lurks everywhere, and terrifying apparitions are ready to test your nerves. Prepare for: Haunting Environments: Megascans technology paints a stunning yet disturbing backdrop for the grim narrative. Heart-Pounding Exploration: Unravel the world’s chilling secrets while bracing for jump scares around every corner. Immersive First-Person Gameplay: Navigate this treacherous world with fluid first-person movement and platforming elements to reach new areas. Mind-bending Puzzles: Decipher challenging environmental puzzles, each unlocking a piece of the horrifying
Continue reading →
Caleb Landry Jones to Bare His Fangs in Upcoming Dracula Film
Dracula, the iconic bloodsucker, is ready to rise again in a fresh origin story. This time, Caleb Landry Jones (Antiviral) sinks his fangs into the lead role as the iconic bloodsucker in renowned filmmaker Luc Besson‘s (The Fifth Element) new vampiric vision. While countless Dracula portrayals have graced the screen, this film promises a unique perspective, from Bela Lugosi’s classic to Nicolas Cage’s flamboyant rendition and 2003’s Last Voyage of the Demeter. Ditching the Transylvanian castle cliché, Besson’s vision aims to delve into the “beginning of Dracula’s life and his relationship with wife,” according to THR. It’s bold, offering a glimpse into the man before the monster. Landry Jones is known for his intense and unsettling performances in films like Antiviral, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Dead Don’t Die, and Finch. He seems perfectly suited to portray the complexity of Dracula’s transformation. Whispers about Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) joining the cast further elevate the project’s potential. With a strong
Continue reading →
Dennis Quaid to Portray Killer in True Crime Series “Happy Face”
Award-winning actor Dennis Quaid, known for his iconic roles in films like Innerspace, Frequency, and The Day After Tomorrow, as well as the new “Yellowstone” spin-off series “Lawman Bass Reeves,” will next play a real-life killer. Quaid has signed on to star in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face,” based on the harrowing true story of Melissa Moore and her serial killer father. From Father to Foe: Quaid portrays the dual nature of Keith Jesperson, known infamously as the “Happy Face” killer. He got his moniker due to the smiley faces he left etched on crime scenes. The series explores the fractured relationship between Melissa (played by Annaleigh Ashford) and her incarcerated father. After decades of silence, he resurfaced to torment her with his crimes. Melissa confronts a terrifying reality: an innocent man might be executed for a murder committed by her father. Time is of the essence as she uncovers the truth, grappling with the devastating impact Jesperson’s actions
Continue reading →
Terror Awaits: “Observer” Haunts Screens This March
Prepare for a chills-down-your-spine experience as writer-director Stephen Sander, making his feature debut, unleashes his chilling indie horror film Observer in partnership with Terror Films, promising a terrifying journey that transcends the physical realm. Observer tells the harrowing tale of a young woman and her younger brother who find themselves thrust into a nightmare beyond their wildest fears, which plays out against a stunning backdrop. Kidnapped by human traffickers and imprisoned in a secluded mansion, their fight for survival takes a supernatural turn, blurring the lines between reality and the unknown. Jennifer Chalamov and A.J. Popoff (Markings of Murder) lead the cast as the siblings and are joined by Marika Gosick and Kenzie Rigel. Sander, who also serves as producer, reflects on the long journey of bringing his vision to life: “I started writing Observer way back in 2015 and it’s hard to believe that 9 years later, it’s being released. I used to think of story ideas on long
Continue reading →More latest articles
Dark Nights Film Fest Is Unleashed and Calls for Entries!
Bryn Tilly, who ran Australia’s A Night of Horror Film Festival for four years, has announced a new fright-fare fest for that country: Dark Nights Film Fest. The inaugural edition is scheduled for October of this year, and the call for entries is now open. Following is the official press announcement. Get ready to embrace a spine-chilling, heart-pounding experience as former director and programmer of the renowned A Night of Horror International Film Festival brings you an exhilarating new venture – Dark Nights Film Fest – set to haunt Ritz Cinemas in Sydney this coming October. With many years of festival programming experience under his belt, Dark Nights’ founder, Bryn Tilly, announces the festival’s inaugural Call for Entries and invites horror and dark genre filmmakers, screenwriters, and thrill-seekers to join this essential new journey. Tilly helmed and successfully navigated Sydney’s film festival A Night of Horror through the wilderness of a global pandemic and beyond, and promises to elevate frightful
Continue reading →
Spoiler-Free Film Review: “Out of Darkness”
Director Andrew Cumming’s U.K. feature Out of Darkness (originally titled The Origin) is a magnificent-looking slice of survival horror set in the Stone Age, complete with a language devised just for the film (with English subtitles provided). There’s no denying the power of the majority of the film, but its climax and aftermath will surely leave audiences divided. Adem (Chuku Modu) is the leader of a small group of prehistoric people who have been wandering in search of a safe place to live that provides abundant food. The group — which also includes Adem’s young son Heron (Luna Mwezi), Adem’s pregnant mate Ave (Iola Evans) and his brother Geirr (Kit Young), elderly Odal (Arno Luering), and stray Beyah (Safia Oakley-Green) — is near starving, and some are beginning to doubt Adem’s ability to lead. One night, a mysterious, as-yet-unseen presence grabs Heron, and Adem becomes solely focused on finding his son, though the others feel that leading them into the
Continue reading →
Check Into the Time Loop Thriller ‘Room 0’ This March
Mark your calendars for March 19th because a gripping thriller, Room 0, is set to hit both digital and on-demand platforms. Written and directed by Richard Kodai, promises a heart-pounding journey through desperation, time loops, and high-stakes chases. The film revolves around a young woman, played by Natalya V. Wood, who faces a heart-wrenching dilemma. Her younger sister is battling a rare disease, and a life-saving procedure seems like the only hope. With limited options and driven by love, she takes a desperate gamble: becoming a mule for a dangerous heist. Her target? A mysterious device shrouded in secrecy. However, fate takes a twisted turn when she accidentally activates the device, plunging her into a surreal nightmare. Trapped in a repeating time loop, she relives the same day within the confines of a seemingly ordinary motel room. But this is no ordinary time loop. Each iteration throws new challenges her way, raising the stakes and intensifying the pressure. As if
Continue reading →
“Tales From the Crypt” Label EC Comics Is Back!
We’ve got great news boils and ghouls! Eighty years after they started sending shivers down spines with iconic horror comics like “Tales from the Crypt” and “The Vault of Horror,“ EC Comics is making a chilling comeback! Partnering with Oni Press, known for hits like “Scott Pilgrim,” the legendary brand is set to resurrect in 2024. It will be unleashing a horde of all-new stories crafted by A-list creations. From Crypt Keeper to Modern Masters: Oni Press publisher Hunter Gorinson expresses his reverence for EC’s legacy. “EC Comics is one of the most artistically important and culturally significant publishers of all time.” He emphasizes that the new iteration will “uphold and escalate” the tradition of “radically confrontational storytelling” that once shocked and enthralled readers, THR reports. Gorinson assures fans that the new EC Comics won’t simply be nostalgia trips. He promises an “evolution” of the brand’s “relentless energy and fearless sensibilities,” tailoring them to the anxieties and complexities of the
Continue reading →
New Details Land for NEON’s Bird-Inspired Horror ‘Cuckoo’
NEON and director Tilman Singer (Luz) are gearing up to unleash a chilling new horror film, Cuckoo, which will arrive in theaters this May. While details have been scarce, a recent Variety interview with Singer and star Hunter Schafer (“Euphoria”) has shed some light on the film’s bizarre and unsettling premise. “It’s really a freaky thing that that’s just in nature, and birds are just out here being complete dicks to other birds and giving them their own babies to raise,” Schafer told Variety. “Are you kidding? That’s psycho!” Schafer states. A Vacation Gone Wrong: In the film, 17-year-old Gretchen reluctantly joins her father and his new family at a seemingly idyllic resort in the German Alps. But tranquility quickly unravels as she encounters Mr. König, her father’s boss, with an unsettling interest in her mute half-sister Alma. Strange noises and disturbing visions plague Gretchen, hinting at a dark secret lurking beneath the resort’s pristine facade. Variety went on to
Continue reading →
Dive into the Gothic Embrace of Horror Novel “My Darling Dreadful Thing”
Prepare to be enthralled by a chilling blend of romance and the supernatural in Johanna van Veen’s highly anticipated debut horror novel, My Darling Dreadful Thing, arriving in May 2024 from Poisoned Pen Press. Where the veil between worlds thins: Roos sees what others cannot: the spectral form of Ruth. Ruth is a spirit companion who has walked the earth for centuries. Their bond is deep and unwavering. But their world is about to shift dramatically. When Agnes Knoop, a wealthy widow drawn to the supernatural, enters their lives, an undeniable connection sparks between her and Roos. Determined to escape the oppressive atmosphere of her own life, Roos accepts Agnes’ invitation to reside in her sprawling yet decaying estate. Within the opulent yet crumbling walls of the estate, unspeakable horrors lurk. As the attraction between Roos and Agnes intensifies, Ruth’s jealousy grows. Soon, she is willing to take desperate measures to keep Roos close. The lines between love, obsession, and
Continue reading →
New Game ‘Shines Over: The Damned’ Will Take You into the Darkness
Firenut Games plunges players into a terrifying new world with the announcement of Shines Over: The Damned, a chilling horror adventure exclusive to PlayStation 5. Brace yourself for a unique odyssey where every sense will be challenged and the fabric of reality unravels. Shines Over: The Damned throws you into a mysterious and unsettling realm devoid of your name, weapons, and even companions. Your only solace is a loyal canine companion who guides you through the chilling landscapes. But don’t let the companionship fool you – danger lurks everywhere, and terrifying apparitions are ready to test your nerves. Prepare for: Haunting Environments: Megascans technology paints a stunning yet disturbing backdrop for the grim narrative. Heart-Pounding Exploration: Unravel the world’s chilling secrets while bracing for jump scares around every corner. Immersive First-Person Gameplay: Navigate this treacherous world with fluid first-person movement and platforming elements to reach new areas. Mind-bending Puzzles: Decipher challenging environmental puzzles, each unlocking a piece of the horrifying
Continue reading →
Caleb Landry Jones to Bare His Fangs in Upcoming Dracula Film
Dracula, the iconic bloodsucker, is ready to rise again in a fresh origin story. This time, Caleb Landry Jones (Antiviral) sinks his fangs into the lead role as the iconic bloodsucker in renowned filmmaker Luc Besson‘s (The Fifth Element) new vampiric vision. While countless Dracula portrayals have graced the screen, this film promises a unique perspective, from Bela Lugosi’s classic to Nicolas Cage’s flamboyant rendition and 2003’s Last Voyage of the Demeter. Ditching the Transylvanian castle cliché, Besson’s vision aims to delve into the “beginning of Dracula’s life and his relationship with wife,” according to THR. It’s bold, offering a glimpse into the man before the monster. Landry Jones is known for his intense and unsettling performances in films like Antiviral, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, The Dead Don’t Die, and Finch. He seems perfectly suited to portray the complexity of Dracula’s transformation. Whispers about Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) joining the cast further elevate the project’s potential. With a strong
Continue reading →
Dennis Quaid to Portray Killer in True Crime Series “Happy Face”
Award-winning actor Dennis Quaid, known for his iconic roles in films like Innerspace, Frequency, and The Day After Tomorrow, as well as the new “Yellowstone” spin-off series “Lawman Bass Reeves,” will next play a real-life killer. Quaid has signed on to star in the upcoming Paramount+ series “Happy Face,” based on the harrowing true story of Melissa Moore and her serial killer father. From Father to Foe: Quaid portrays the dual nature of Keith Jesperson, known infamously as the “Happy Face” killer. He got his moniker due to the smiley faces he left etched on crime scenes. The series explores the fractured relationship between Melissa (played by Annaleigh Ashford) and her incarcerated father. After decades of silence, he resurfaced to torment her with his crimes. Melissa confronts a terrifying reality: an innocent man might be executed for a murder committed by her father. Time is of the essence as she uncovers the truth, grappling with the devastating impact Jesperson’s actions
Continue reading →
Terror Awaits: “Observer” Haunts Screens This March
Prepare for a chills-down-your-spine experience as writer-director Stephen Sander, making his feature debut, unleashes his chilling indie horror film Observer in partnership with Terror Films, promising a terrifying journey that transcends the physical realm. Observer tells the harrowing tale of a young woman and her younger brother who find themselves thrust into a nightmare beyond their wildest fears, which plays out against a stunning backdrop. Kidnapped by human traffickers and imprisoned in a secluded mansion, their fight for survival takes a supernatural turn, blurring the lines between reality and the unknown. Jennifer Chalamov and A.J. Popoff (Markings of Murder) lead the cast as the siblings and are joined by Marika Gosick and Kenzie Rigel. Sander, who also serves as producer, reflects on the long journey of bringing his vision to life: “I started writing Observer way back in 2015 and it’s hard to believe that 9 years later, it’s being released. I used to think of story ideas on long
Continue reading →