‘ELSE’ (Screamfest 2024) A visually consuming wonder.

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else 1

A mysterious disease that merges living beings with their physical surroundings leads to a lockdown. After a one-night stand, uptight and brilliant hypochondriac Anx and free-spirited, flighty Cassandre find themselves in forced cohabitation. This odd couple fills the hours dancing, having sex, walking down memory lane, and chatting with neighbors through the vents. When suddenly confronted by an attack inside the apartment, Anx and Cassandre’s survival mode turns into something entirely different. ELSE supplies the shivers to Screamfest 2024 audiences. Get ready for some serious weirdness.

else 2Beautiful camera work has an immersive feel. Eccentric production design initially mirrors Anx’s graphic artist occupation, eventually morphing to match the ever-evolving circumstances of the disease. There is a Tim Burton/JimHenson-esque quality to the creature fx. A grotesque whimsy that makes it difficult to look away.

Matthieu Sampeur and Edith Proust give us magnificent performances. The script possesses a dark inevitably the longer they are together. Director Thibault Emin, alongside co-writers Alice Butaud and Emma Sandona, delivers a surprising link to childhood trauma in Anx. The existential aspect creeps up on you and burrows under your skin. The psychosexual element is bonkers. ELSE is a genre-obliterating love story.

Premiere Type: LA Premiere
 
Film Category: Feature
 
Run Time: 1h 40m
 
Country: France, Belgium
 
Directed by: Thibault Emin
 
Produced By: Damien Lagogué, Benoit Roland
 
Written by: Thibault Emin, Alice Butaud, in collaboration with Emma Sandona
 
Main Cast: Matthieu Sampeur, Edith Proust, de la Comédie Française, Lika Minamoto
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‘THE HOUSE FROM’ (2024) A nostalgia-filled, pop culture delight.

smodfest 2024 selectionTHE HOUSE FROM
The House From... (2024) - www.imdb.com

Tommy Avallone‘s film delves into the positive and negative effects of being the homeowner of famous homes. Jason Lee narrates with his perfectly delicious tone and delivery. From Twilight to Home Alone, and Full House to Sex And The City, THE HOUSE FROM is every movie and television fan’s dream doc.

The House From Full HouseThe editing is clever. For example, one former owner of Jesse’s house in Breaking Bad house was a teacher, so Avallone cuts to scenes of Walter White in his chemistry classroom. She was able to buy her son his first car from the profits of filming. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the current owner of Walter White’s house aggressively hates tourists.

The House From FridayTHE HOUSE FROM counters this negative fan experience with the owner of The Goonies‘ home. Susan Preston got a bad rap. This redemptive story is authentically heartwarming. Bushnell Ave, in South Pasadena, is the ultimate film fan’s dream. From Back to the Future to Old School, it boasts several famous houses, and the owners love the fans. The Rubio House in Altadena is iconic. I lost track of the number of films and television shows listed by the owner, Liz. Ethan Embry visits the house, and his excitement and nostalgia are infectious.

The House From Home AloneThe doc also uses TikTok and other social media clips of fan visits. The behind-the-scenes footage from Home Alone takes the cake. The lovely neighbors across the street took camcorder video from their front yard during the 1990 production, and it is a coup for Gen X and Millennials.

Some locations become pilgrimages, delivering the warm fuzzies and catharsis for fans. From museums to Airbnbs, whether these locations are now for-profit venues or warm family homes, THE HOUSE FROM is a joy from start to finish. Audiences will find themselves smiling and maybe even digging up some old VHS tapes from their parent’s basements after the credits roll. Speaking of, stick around for even more fun.

The House From Trailer:


The documentary premiered at Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle Film Festival in New Jersey on October 25, 2024. It will be released on Fubo and executive producer Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort Channel on October 27, 2024, and will be available on VOD platforms the next day.

 

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‘Me, Myself & The Void’ (2024) Interview with filmmaker Tim Hautekiet about his mind-bending indie gem.

Me, Myself & The Void

me Myself & the Void poster

ME, MYSELF & THE VOID is one of the year’s most inventive films. I got to chat with filmmaker Tim Hautekiet about the entire process. You can find a few Behind-The-Scenes photos and our conversation below. Do not miss this one. You have no excuse since the film is on VOD right now!! 

Synopsis: Trapped in a mysterious void outside the bounds of time and space, a struggling stand-up comedian must investigate how his body wound up motionless on his bathroom floor and wake himself up before it’s too late.


Tim! Congratulations on such a unique, engaging, and endlessly funny film. What sparked this screenplay and where did you start? The mystery aspect is delicious. You had me think everyone was guilty at any given time. 


My co-writer Nik Oldershaw and I spent a long time trying to figure out how to crack the hook of the film. We knew we liked the idea of a film set in a void world with minimalistic props and set design portraying the locations to the audience but we didn’t have a story that tied it all together. Once we landed on the idea that it was going to be about a character who was trapped inside a void world and was going to have to investigate his own memories to identify how he wound up there, that’s when we first saw the true shape of the story. We’re so glad to hear you enjoyed the mystery aspect as that’s definitely what compelled us to write the story and figure out who Jack really was. me Myself & the Void still 22. The varying visual aspects are so cool, from the black and white to the halo effect. Those specificities keep the audience relatively grounded in Jack’s chaotic “space and time.” What did this storyboarding look like? With all the elements involved, I imagine it was a huge wall or an entire room.


We used a variety of different techniques to visualize everything. We had a very tight shot list and I got to collaborate with Conor Fitzgerald to create certain key frames from the film in order to be able to better communicate with our various department heads. For some of the more complicated sequences, I worked with a storyboard artist called Sam Vest. In particular, sequences where Jack tries to move his body in the void world and that then causes movement in the real world.

3. How many days did you shoot for, and (speaking of visuals) how long did the editing take? 


We shot for 15 days in November 2021 and then did a single pick up day the following summer. We started editing as soon as the film was wrapped and the edit took approximately a year because it was a small team of myself, Ryan Turner, and Ryan Blewett jumping in whenever we could. The process worked quite well to keep things fresh, you’d hand over the edit and then get to see it again with fresh eyes after the next editor put their spin on it.me Myself & the Void still 14. Can you tell us about casting Kelly Marie, Chris, and Jack? Their chemistry is magic. Did you let them play with dialogue during the shoot?


I’d been a fan of Chris and Jack for a long time and had enjoyed the pleasure of working with them on two different short sketch projects prior to reaching out to them about Me, Myself & The Void. They are incredibly gifted improvisers so if time allowed on set, we’d let them run with a couple of alternative takes if we already had a take that was true to the production script.

As for Kelly, I hadn’t worked with her before but she and Jack briefly shared a scene in “Sorry For Your Loss” and I remember thinking they performed so well together. She’s also got incredible comedy chops and watching her bounce off Chris and Jack in a scene was always fun to watch.

I’m so proud of the entire cast. Jack, Chris, Kelly, Akilah Hughes, James Babson, Kristin Carey, and Darren Durpree Washington… Not to forget Gio Randazzo who played Jack’s body double. We couldn’t have made this film without them.BTS 1 Me, Myself, & the Void5. The set is incredible. As a theatre nerd, it was immersive enough for the imagination to fill in the blanks and for the cast to play on. How did you decide on a unit set?


Thank you so much! Our production designer Katie Theel, art director Bethany Struble, and their entire team really outdid themselves. They had to build the full apartment set first and then slowly strip it away as we entered the void. We thought it could present an interesting opportunity to make various set design elements crucial to the story. What pieces need to remain in order for the audience to still grasp the shape of where our characters are in the void.


BTS 2 Me, Myself, & the Void6. Would you and Nik consider a franchise with new characters? I would be the first person watching the interactions of other people’s minds swirling with what-ifs!


Haha! I’ll confess we conceived of this project as a one-off but never say never. We loved making this film and if the opportunity to do another psychological “void” deep dive into a character presented itself, we’d certainly consider it.


Thank you so much for chatting about Me, Myself, & the Void. It’s a total gem, that took me off guard in all the best ways, so all my applause to you!

Me, Myself, & The Void Trailer:

You can check out Me, Myself & The Void on VOD now!!

 

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‘THE COMPLEX FORMS’ (Screamfest 2024) An exquisitely crafted nightmare.

Screamfest 2020 banner logoTHE COMPLEX FORMS

The Complex Forms poster

Filmmaker Fabio D’Orta‘s THE COMPLEX FORMS plays Screamfest 2024. The film follows a group of men who sell their bodies for temporary possession by an unknown entity that emerges from the woods. In an ancient Italian villa, our characters work until chosen. Upon seeing the horrors that await them, the roommates decide to run.

The Complex Forms 3A sweeping opening shot accompanied by Riccardo Amorese‘s booming cinematic score immediately grabs your attention. The location is exquisite, with sprawling grounds and old-world villa architecture. THE COMPLEX FORMS is visually spectacular at every turn. Our mysterious entities remind me of the darkest Jim Henson creatures and Moana’s villainous crab, Tamatoa.

The Complex Forms 2David Richard White gives leading man Christian an intriguing mix of fear and determination. Aided by D’Orta’s sharp cinematography, White compels you to root for him.

THE COMPLEX FORMS gives audiences much to chew on in 74 minutes. The double-entendre title is particularly clever. The film boasts a finale you will never see coming. Fabio D’Orta is an undeniable visionary.

The Complex Forms Trailer:

SYDNEY SCIENCE FICTION FILM FESTIVAL – Wins BEST DIRECTOR NOT FILM FEST – SPECIAL MENTION KANAZAWA FILM FEST – Wins BEST VFX FILM AWARD XXIII MACABRO FILM FESTIVAL – Wins BEST DIRECTOR PORTLAND HORROR FILM FESTIVAL – Wins FOR BEST CREATURE FEATURE AWARD MAMMOTH LAKES FILM FESTIVAL – Wins JURY AWARD BEST INT’L NARRATIVE FEATURE MAMMOTH LAKES FILM FESTIVAL – Wins AUDIENCE AWARD BEST INT’L NARRATIVE FEATURE 44th FANTASPORTO FILM FESTIVAL 2024 – SPECIAL JURY AWARD SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2024 – HONORABLE MENTION 41TORINO FILM FESTIVAL – SPECIAL MENTION

  • Director:
    Fabio D’Orta
  • Screenwriter:
    Fabio D’Orta
  • Producer:
    Fabio D’Orta
  • Executive Producer:
    Fabio D’Orta, Mariangela Bombardieri, Mariacristina Bombardieri
  • Cast:
    David Richard White, Michele Venni, Cesare Bonomelli, Enzo Solazzi
  • Production Design:
    Fabio D’Orta, Mariangela Bombardieri
  • Music:
    Riccardo Amorese
  • Year:
    2024
  • Runtime:
    01:14:00
  • Language:
    Italian
  • Country:
    Italy
  • Premiere:
    LA Premiere
  • Rating:
    Unrated

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‘BA’ (Screamfest 2024) A deal with the devil and desperation.

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BA - 2024 Screamfest Horror Film Festival - screamfest2024.eventive.orgYou’re damned if you do, and you’re damned if you don’t. In Benjamin Wong‘s Screamfest 2024 film BA, a father in dire straights makes a supernatural bargain with hideous consequences. On a mission to provide a better life for his young daughter, Daniel must reap souls until he settles his debt. His appearance is a decaying skeleton, names carved into his skin, and physical touch kills any living thing. But, if he breaks the otherwordly agreement, it could be deadly.

ba still 1Daniel’s challenges are plenty. Besides the Faustian bargain, he must keep his features hidden from his daughter. If she comes in contact with her, she will perish. He makes extra cash by working nights for a near-blind convenience store owner. He walks in the daylight draped in clothing to conceal his literal Death mask. With Collette missing school, Daniel must also dodge child services.

Ba still 2The FX makeup is sleek and scary, and the team matches Daniel’s reflection moments. Kai Cech delivers a lovely performance as Collette, giving her natural innocence and an appropriate fear of abandonment. Lawrence Kao gives a relatable turn, making impossible decisions that any parent would replicate in his position. It is a nuanced role, and Kao brings us along on his emotional rollercoaster with gentle hands.

The film is an intriguing mix of desperate times call for desperate measures, and a unique canon. There is enough meat on the bone to expand the film into a series. It’s not gruesome and nails the fantasy aspect. BA is a PG-13 graphic novel foray into the genre.

BA Trailer:

  • Director:
    Benjamin Wong
  • Screenwriter:
    Benjamin Wong
  • Producer:
    Elizabeth Ai
  • Cast:
    Lawrence Kao, Kai Cech, Brian Thompson, Michael Paul Chan, Shelli Boone, Jonathan Medina
  • Sound Design:
    Sung Rok Choi
  • Year:
    2024
  • Runtime:
    1:19:00
  • Language:
    English
  • Country:
    United States
  • Premiere:
    LA Premiere
  • Rating:
    Unrated
  • Genre:
    Fantasy, Horror, Drama, Supernatural, Thriller, Genre-Bending, Asian American, Magical Realism, Dark Fantasy

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‘GHOST GAME’ (2024) Scary scenarios combine for one entertaining spooky season watch. On VOD today!

dread logoGHOST GAME

ghost game poster

Jill Gevargizian (Aka Jill Sixx) brings us her sophomore feature, GHOST GAME. A group of internet thrill seekers bounces from house to house, playing pranks on the owners, all while stealthily spending as many nights there as possible. Laura convinces her new boyfriend to join her at the notorious Halton House, a place with a horrific past.

The mixed visual approach engages us with reenactments, surveillance footage, Travel Channel-esque ghost story TV spots, and DP Justin Brooks’s immersive real-time cinematography. The FX team does an excellent job.

Ghost Game Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes - www.rottentomatoes.comI have mad love for The Stylist, so it’s no surprise that GHOST GAME entertained the hell out of me. I’ve been following the film since its inception since I’m “internet friends” with Jill and cast member Emily Bennett (Alone With You). As broad as the horror community is, it’s also incredibly small, in the best way. Ps-in case you already didn’t know, they both rule. Genre filmmaking from a femme-centric lens hits differently.

Speaking of Emily, her performance as a protective mother is drastically different from her previous roles. Meg is life-weary as they arrive at the new house. Watching Bennett navigate Meg’s arc is oh-so-satisfying. She is securing her spot as a Scream Queen.

ghost game atticAs an Autism Parent, Vienna Maas does a lovely job portraying Sam, a child on the spectrum. Writer Adam Cesare handles it with such care. I genuinely appreciated both the delicate touch and the representation, so cheers.

Sam Lukowski is Laura’s hyper-aggressive Ghost Game partner, Adrian. Lukowski’s toxic masculinity seeps from his pores. His demise is welcome. Zaen Haidar is her boyfriend, Vin. His performance improves as the plot thickens and the character grows a pair.

ghost game camera footageAidan Hughes is hands down one of the best players in this ensemble. His chameleon shifting is bone-chilling. Kia Dorsey gives Laura a fearless passion. She begs your attention in the morally grey area she exists in. She effortlessly leads this large cast, and I look forward to whatever comes next. Casting directors, get your eyes on her ASAP.

GHOST GAME combines three separate storylines to create an increasingly tense buildup. To be clear, this is not a found footage film, it’s a screen life clout film told from a way more intriguing angle. It’s a solid watch for Spooky Season.

GHOST GAME Trailer:

Epic Pictures’ specialty horror label DREAD presents GHOST GAME, following a couple’s internet challenge that turns fatal as they trespass into a haunted house, facing sinister evils lurking within its walls. GHOST GAME will have a limited theatrical run beginning October 18, and on October 22 the film will be available to rent or purchase on video-on-demand (VOD). The film will be available on Blu-ray beginning December 10.

GHOST GAME is the second directorial feature from Jill Gevargizian, best known for her feature debut THE STYLIST, which developed from an award-winning short film of the same title and debuted in 2020 from Arrow Video. GHOST GAME premiered at Panic Fest 2024 where Gevargizian won the audience award for Best Director.

Epic Pictures CEO Patrick Ewald says, “Jill’s debut film THE STYLIST was nothing short of transformative, a truly one-of-a-kind experience. So, I knew she’d infuse GHOST GAME with her signature spine-tingling brilliance. Her vision is as daring as it is haunting, and we can’t wait for audiences to be utterly captivated by this electrifying DREAD original.”

“It was a dream to tackle two iconic horror sub-genres at once: a home invasion thriller mixed with a classic haunted house film.” says director Jill Gevargizian. “GHOST GAME is the kind of film that keeps you on your toes, peeling back layer after layer until the very last frame.”

The official synopsis for the film reads: As part of an internet challenge to live undetected in a stranger’s home, a daring couple target an infamous haunted house and endure a series of chilling incidents as they witness a family descending into madness.

GHOST GAME is directed by Jill Gevargizian (The Stylist) and written by Adam Cesare (Last Night at Terrace Lanes). Starring Kia Dorsey (The Man in the Guesthouse, Secrets in the Building, A Date with Deception), Zaen Haidar, Michael C. Williams (The Blair Witch Project), Emily Bennett (Shelby Oaks, Alone With You), Sam Lukowski (Satanic Hispanics), and Vienna Maas (The Stylist). Produced by Eduardo Sanchez (The Jester, Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows, Queen of the South), Carlo Glorioso (Satanic Hispanics, V/H/S/2, The Jester), Corey Okouchi (The Jester, Butterfly Kisses, Ninjas vs. Monsters) and Jamie Nash (V/H/S/2, Satanic Hispanics).

About Epic Pictures Group
Founded in 2007, Epic Pictures is an independent content studio with the mission of delivering the best-in-class genre entertainment “for fans, by fans.” Epic Pictures produces, finances, and distributes approximately twenty-thirty independent genre films a year. In 2013, the company established Epic Pictures Releasing which is its US focused distribution division. In 2017, Epic Pictures acquired the world’s most popular horror website, Dread Central, and launched its unique horror label, Dread, followed by its AVOD channel, DreadTV. In 2019, Epic Pictures started the horror gaming site, DreadXP, with a focus on editorial, reviews, podcasts, and original streaming content. In 2020, DreadXP began a video game production and publishing division in collaboration with some of the most innovative developers in the independent gaming space.

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‘LA COCINA’ (2024) As complex as Shakespeare and an ode to those behind the scenes.

Willa logoLa Cocina

La Cocina poster(2024) - www.imdb.comBased on the 1957 stage play The Kitchen by Arnold Wesker, filmmaker Alonso Ruizpalacios brings LA COCINA to the big screen. This exquisite drama follows the staff at a restaurant in Times Square and the coordinated (and uncoordinated) chaos behind the scenes. It is a beautiful character study that will punch you in the gut.

The black and white cinematography from Juan Pablo Ramirez screams stage play in all the best ways. Mixed with intimate closeups and follow shots, it is an intricately choreographed dance boasting framing that will linger long after the credits roll. 

The opening monologue sets the scene for the city’s chaotic reality. The dialogue is funny, authentic, and brutal. Performances are top-notch across the board. The delicious ensemble cast nails every beat. 

Motell Foster plays dessert chef, Nonzo. His philosophical kindness makes him something like the Gandolf of the kitchen. Foster is magnificent. Oded Fehr plays The Grill’s owner with an overbearing swagger that slowly spoils as the plot thickens. Fehr delivers the irony of the American Dream. 

La Cocina still

Laura Gómez lives in her role as a waitress on her first day. Gómez’s intensity is transformative. Anna Diaz gives Estela the wide-eyed, tentative nature that represents the inner voice of the entire staff. 

Rooney Mara plays Julia with a fiery sass and life-weathered exhaustion. Raúl Briones delivers humor and depth as Pedro. His cheeky personality is a facade for unresolved trauma. Mara and Briones have a fierce chemistry akin to Beatrice and Benedick in Shakespeare‘s Much Ado About Nothing. But it is Raúl Briones who owns the heart of this brilliant film. This performance is nothing short of award-worthy.

LA COCINA confronts racism and socioeconomic privilege head-on. The script challenges cultural boundaries. The characters are a melting pot that perfectly captures the true essence of the city and, quite frankly, America. Any real New Yorker will tell you that at any given moment, LA COCINA is happening in real time. It’s an unforgettable emotional rollercoaster

A Film by Alonso Ruizpalacios 

Starring Rooney Mara and Raúl Briones 

  October 25 / Angelika, NY
November 1 / Laemmle Monica, LA
followed by a national theatrical release

La Cocina Logo 7T095119.060SYNOPSIS: It’s the lunch rush at The Grill in Manhattan, and money has gone missing from the till. All the undocumented cooks are being investigated, and Pedro (Briones) is the prime suspect. He’s a dreamer and a troublemaker, and in love with Julia (Mara), an American waitress who cannot commit to a relationship. Rashid, The Grill´s owner, has promised to help Pedro with his papers so he can “become legal”. But a shocking revelation about Julia compels Pedro to spiral into an act that will stop the production line of one of the city’s busiest kitchens once and for all.

La Cocina is a tragic and comic tribute to the invisible people who keep our restaurants running and our stomachs full, whilst chasing a perhaps unreachable version of the American dream.

WRITER & DIRECTOR: Alonso Ruizpalacios, based on the play “The Kitchen”, by Arnold Wesker
PRODUCERS: Ramiro Ruiz, Gerardo Gatica, Alonso Ruizpalacios, Lauren Mann, Ivan Orlic
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Juan Pablo Ramírez
CAST: Raúl Briones, Rooney Mara, Anna Diaz, Motell Foster, Oded Fehr, Eduardo Olmos
U.S. Distributor: Willa
Mexico, U.S. / English and Spanish / 139min


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‘IN THE NAME OF GOD’ (Screamfest 2024) A twisted tale of fanaticism and the supernatural.

Screamfest 2020 banner logoIN THE NAME OF GOD


in the name of God posterin the name of God posterIn filmmaker Ludvig Gür’s IN THE NAME OF GOD, a young priest struggling to inspire his congregation rekindles a relationship with his long-lost mentor. Jonas’ Old Testament-style promises of a higher calling come with a caveat. The Lord grants him special healing powers only when Theodor sacrifices bad people.

The first half challenges your moral compass. Once investigative journalist Erik enters the scene, the plot shifts to an even darker realm. Theodor’s actions are now directly tied to the life of his wife. The consequences of his failure lead us to another twist.

in the name of godPerformances are solid across the board. Thomas Hanzon gives Jonas a self-assuredness that simultaneously comforts and terrifies. It is an effortlessly unsettling turn. Vilhelm Blomgren is journalist Erik. Blomgren represents the audience in an emotionally turbulent performance.

Our leading man, Linus Wahlgren, tackles the role of Theo with equal parts fear and passion. What begins with the best of intentions quickly turns into trapped desperation. Wahlgren delivers palpable horror.

The script offers a slick balance of religious fanaticism, cult leanings, and the supernatural. Visually, Old Testament drawings serve as subtle omens. There is no traditional gore. The investigatory angle serves a dual and undeniably clever purpose. IN THE NAME OF GOD boasts a final third that completely blindsided me. Its nail-biting, endless twists captivated me.

The final shit is so bold you will both scream at the screen and slow clap. IN THE NAME OF GOD earns high praise as an exceptional addition to Screamfest 2024.


IN THE NAME OF GOD Trailer:

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‘THE LINE’ (2024) Frat boy shenanigans, danger, and loyalty. Alex Wolff leads a slick drama that will infuriate you.

utopia logoTHE LINE

The Line poster

Director Ethan Berger’s Tribeca 2023 film THE LINE hits theaters this week. The film follows Tom, a scholarship student desperately seeking the approval of his fraternity brothers and the perks that encircle them. After starting a relationship with classmate Annabelle, a girl his peers find unsuitable, Tom finds himself trapped between tradition and danger.

the line 1The script never shies away from the cringiest of frat behavior. Don’t feel bad for your repeated eye rolls. The soundtrack is perfect for 2014.

the line 2Austin Abrams gives pledge O’Brien a much-needed vulnerability within the hyper-toxic masculinity but also counters with his own brand of hideous aggression. Much like Tom’s, his facade is more nuanced than at first glance. Abrams is great as he challenges the system. Bo Mitchell plays Tom’s roommate Mitch Miller with an infectious exuberance. He’s a hurt kid who overcompensates for not fitting in. Mitchell is spectacular.

The-LineAlex Wolff instantly became a legend in Hereditary. As Tom, he plays both sides of the card. Tom is a genuinely good person and a weak sheep, and Wolff pulls it off effortlessly by digging into Tom’s unresolved trauma. He delivers an emotional rollercoaster for the audience.

the line Alex wolffTHE LINE has an authenticity that is infuriating, which is a compliment. It touches on privilege in a marvelously slick manner. The film boasts a finale that is nothing short of perfect. THE LINE is a film that every parent should watch and something every frat brother should acknowledge.

The Line Trailer:

Opens in select theaters on October 18th,
expands on October 23rd

Synopsis

The Line is a campus thriller that plunges into the dangerous world of college fraternities and blind adherence to tradition.



Alex Wolff stars as Tom, a scholarship student desperate to break free from his working-class background who is charmed by the prestigious KNA fraternity’s promises of high social status and alumni connections that open doors. But upon beginning a romance with Annabelle (Halle Bailey), a classmate outside of his social circle, and the manipulative schemes of his fraternity president (Lewis Pullman) unfolding during the hazing of new members, Tom finds himself ensnared in a perilous game of ambition and loyalty.



About the Director



Ethan Berger was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has his B.A. in Film Studies from Wesleyan University. He started his career as an editor before transitioning to writing and directing commercials. He’s made nationally televised spots for brands like Jordan Brand and Stella Artois and web spots for Nike and Intel. He was a writer and a producer on the 8-part mini-series “More Than an Athlete” for ESPN, chronicling the rise of LeBron James, Mav Carter, Rich Paul, and Randy Mims. His debut narrative The Line, which he wrote and directed, premiered at Tribeca Festival in the summer of 2023.


Director: Ethan Berger

Screenwriters: Ethan Berger, Alex Russek

Producers: Alexandre Dauman, Jack Parker, Adam Paulsen, Lije Sarki

Executive Producers: Taylor Grant, Zack Purdo, Ramanan Sivalingam, Dustin Zhang, Magnus Rausing, Ryan Alexander, Stacey Grant, Jay Van Hoy, Marc Porterfield

Cast: Alex Wolff, Lewis Pullman, Halle Bailey, Austin Abrams, Angus Cloud, Bo Mitchell, Cheri Oteri, Scoot McNairy, Denise Richards, John Malkovich

Cinematographer: Stefan Weinberger

Production Designer: Francesca Palombo

Costume Designer: Akua Murray-Adoboe

Editor: Ted Feldman

Composer: Daniel Rossen

Casting Director: Chris Freihofer

Country: United States

Language: English

Runtime: 100 minutes

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‘STOLEN TIME’ (2024) A shocking and urgent call for justice.

STOLEN TIME
stolen time poster

Canadian lawyer Melissa Miller is a hero. She is fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. Helene Klodawsky’s STOLEN TIME uncovers the gross negligence surrounding long-term care nursing homes and the people hellbent on making the corporations behind them pay.

Stolen Time, Melissa Miller, lawyer specializing in elder law. Photo credit_ Image from the film - Courtesy of National Film Board of Canada.Stories from staff, families, and residents tell tales of daily transgressions that build over time, ranging from laundry, food choice, incontinence care, medication changes, falls, and worker burnout due to understaffing. The film utilizes beautiful, childlike drawings as transitions and storytelling devices. Cell phone videos of neglect will break your heart. Photos of resulting abuse may take your breath away.

Stolen Times, Melissa reviews footage from a long-term care room camera. Photo credit_ Image from the film - Courtesy of National Film Board of CanadaThen COVID-19 and 2020 made things so much worse. Once their failures are exposed, the government protects nursing homes from lawsuits sighting the pandemic and loss of workers. In each case, once regulations appear, they apply only to staff and never to the corporations behind the individual homes. These workers are the essential piece of the puzzle between a new standard of care and honoring their relentless efforts to do the right thing. The film delves into racism, the reductive overview of the profession, the label “women’s work,” and how simple changes would make all the difference.

stolen time protestThe corporate lawyers use vile tactics to diminish their role, often attacking the family members with shaming language. Melissa explains this by giving her clients mock cross-examination examples to emotionally prepare them for what is coming in litigation. Another way they try to determine litigation is to delay and then drown Melissa and her team in documents. By giving her the runaround, they hope she will give up. They don’t know Melissa Miller.

StolenTime_10294900_72dpiThe personal connections between legislation and privatization will shock no one. STOLEN TIME lays it out for you. The systemic failure, profit over people, no regulatory oversight, long-term residents are unnecessarily suffering. STOLEN TIME is about accountability and justice. The goal is an overhaul of the system. When we say long-term care, the keyword should still be “Care.”


Watch the trailer HERE. 

STOLEN TIME opens in theaters today!

 

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‘TEACUP’ (Fantastic Fest 2024) Peacock’s Original Horror-Thriller Series is finally here!

peacock-logoTEACUP

Peacock Original Teacup Vertical Key Art


The First Two Episodes, “Think About the Bubbles” & “My Little Lighthouse,” Premiere Thursday, October 10, Only on Peacock

Teacup Ep 01 - NBCUniversal MediaVillage - www.nbcumv.comEp 1: Think About the Bubbles

Based on Robert R. McCammon‘s novel Stinger, Peacock’s original series TEACUP finds a tiny rural community in distress as something unknown affects the animals and the electricity. We meet veterinarian Maggie Chenoweth, her two children, and the husband whose suggested infidelity drives a wedge between them. Their young son, Arlo, wanders into the woods only to come face to face with a bloodied and disturbed woman rambling incoherently. His return finds a child changed. Some mysterious force pushes these neighbors together while simultaneously pulling them apart. The first episode is a soldier teaser for what to expect. It is evident the story comes from a book. The tone of the script plays out like novella chapters. Each character intrigues with only a bit of background. The episode ends on a truly frightening note. You are hooked.


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Ep 2: My Little Lighthouse

Our small group of stranded folks begins to connect under their strange circumstances. Yvonne Strahovski captivates as Maggie. She is a force of nature without a hint of overbearing. Her chemistry with Caleb Dolden as Arlo gives us an emotional attachment point that holds strong.

The mystery holds in this second episode. What crumbs we do get leads to more questions and fear. A genuine “Oh, F*CK” moment throws our cast into greater chaos. Your heart will be in your throat witnessing the horrendous special FX makeup. Each hour ends with a song that is also the episode’s title. It is a clever and disturbing device. James Wan is genre gold. The fact that he co-produces alongside creator Ian McCulloch should get horror fans to tune in automatically.


TEACUP Trailer:


The First Two Episodes, “Think About the Bubbles” & “My Little Lighthouse,” Premiere Thursday, October 10, Only on Peacock


Teacup Ep 01 still 2 - NBCUniversal MediaVillage - www.nbcumv.com
Ep 101: Think About The Bubbles (Streaming Oct. 10)

Written By: Ian McCulloch

Directed By: E.L. Katz

Logline: There’s something in the air at the Chenoweths’ isolated farm/clinic; the animals are acting strangely, and the humans are uneasy. Maggie is doing her best to avoid a tense conversation with her husband, James, when their son, Arlo, goes missing. The rest of the family, including grandmother Ellen and daughter Meryl, join the search, along with several neighbors…




Teacup 02- NBCUniversal MediaVillage - www.nbcumv.com
Ep 102: My Little Lighthouse (Streaming Oct. 10)


“All killer, no filler”

Stephen King, Horror Legend & Author


ABOUT Teacup: 

Premiere Date: The first two episodes premiere on Thursday, October 10, 2024 followed by two episodes weekly through Halloween.

Synopsis: TEACUP follows a disparate group of people in rural Georgia who must come together in the face of a mysterious threat in order to survive. Inspired by the New York Times bestselling novel Stinger by Robert McCammon.
Writer / Executive Producer: Ian McCulloch (Yellowstone, Deputy, Chicago Fire)
Director (101, 102) / Executive Producer: E.L. Katz (The Haunting of Bly Manor, Channel Zero)
Executive Producers: James Wan (The Conjuring Universe, Archive 81, M3GAN), Michael Clear (Archive 81, Swamp Thing) and Rob Hackett (Archive 81, I Know What You Did Last Summer) for Atomic Monster, Francisca X. Hu, Kevin Tancharoen
Executive Producer / Author (Stinger): Robert McCammon
Cast: Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, Chaske Spencer, Kathy Baker, Boris McGiver, Caleb Dolden, Emilie Bierre, Luciano Leroux
Studio: UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group
Genre/Format: Horror Thriller, 8 x 30 Min Episodes 


NOTE FROM IAN MCCULLOCH (SHOWRUNNER/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER)

When Atomic Monster first approached me about creating a series adaptation of Robert McCammon’s Stinger—a no-holds-barred, gargantuan spectacle of a novel along the lines of The Stand, Independence Day and Mars Attacks—to be honest, I didn’t want to throw my hat in the ring. I’m not a spectacle writer. I’m a less-is-more writer. I gravitate more toward what are known as keyhole epics. Large stories told through small lenses. Think Signs, The Thing, A Quiet Place.

But here’s the thing. I read Stinger and it stayed with me. Wouldn’t leave me alone. I just couldn’t stop thinking about its razor-sharp premise, how it unfolds over the course of a single harrowing day, and about the relatable and real family McCammon puts center stage. That’s when the flash bang-light bulb idea hit…

What if I adapted Stinger in a way that honors the book and stays true to the kinds of stories I like to tell? Keep the conceit. Keep Stinger’s most effective elements. Take away the large ensemble. Take away the giant set pieces. Even take away the book’s crowded town setting. The adaptation would be like an acoustic guitar version of, say, a Radiohead song. It won’t have the production value, electronic instruments, loops, or synthesized bells and whistles but it will still have the melody, the structure, the lyrics, the real magic at the core, all the stuff that makes a great song a great song.

All of which is to say I could suddenly see exactly what to do and how to do it. Two weeks later, Atomic Monster had the script for the first episode. Soon after that, Peacock bought it. Not so long after that, both my creative and career dreams actually started coming true as more scripts were written, hires made, actors cast, sets built, and production began…

Of course, during production the series changed and evolved. Just as it should. Even the title’s different. Stinger is now Teacup. The reasons for this are too spoilery to share but watch the first few episodes and all will be revealed. Point being, the series is now very much its own thing: a puzzle-box mystery, an edge-of-your-seat thriller, a can’t-but-must look horror story, a family drama, a science fiction epic—of the keyhole variety, of course. But as singular, strange, and surprising as I hope Teacup is, all you need to do is peel away the layers, characters, situations, and mythology and look behind the thrills, chills, hairpin turns and make-you gasp reveals. Do all that and you’ll see, at its heart, Teacup is still very much standing on the shoulders of Stinger. Just as it should.

NOTE FROM JAMES WAN (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER)

After reading Robert McCammon’s book Stinger, the entire team at Atomic Monster felt a spark. The story had all the ingredients for a captivating series and Ian McCulloch had a vision to bring it to life in a fresh way that was both startling and darkly atmospheric, but filled with a rich sense of humanity — often lacking in edgy narratives. Add in our incredibly talented cast led by Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman and Chaske Spencer and fans are in for a true edge-of-your-seat experience.

Teacup defies easy labels. It’s a genre-bending blend of horror, mystery, and drama, with layers that unfold like a captivating puzzle. It goes beyond chills and thrills and holds up a mirror to humanity, exploring the darkness that resides within us all. We hope you enjoy this wild ride as much as we’ve loved creating it!


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‘BAD GENIUS’ (2024)A gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Several years after the college admissions scandal comes a film that will undoubtedly pique your interest. JC Lee‘s heart-pounding film BAD GENIUS follows overachiever scholarship student Lynn and her tight circle of elite private school classmates as they devise a way to cheat the biggest test in history.

BAD_GENIUS_Still 8What begins as a favor to one morphs into a financial opportunity for Lynn. Using her staggering math skills, Lynn initially creates a secret code to pass test answers to a small group of acquaintances. As the scheme grows, so does the danger. The stakes get even higher when the SATs come around. Lynn must recruit help from the only other student needing tuition funds. A borderline insane plan comes with a price tag bigger than any dollar amount.

The screenplay is fast-paced and undeniably thrilling. It constantly twists, leaving your heart in your throat. You will root for the morally ambiguous behavior, specifically in Bank and Lynn’s cases. I would love to see the storyboarding and progression of the story from its earliest conceptions. It is a skillfully crafted script by Lee and Julius Onah, working through tropes for an entirely engrossing narrative.

This cast is fantastic. Benedict Wong plays Lynn’s hardworking widower father. He is a lovely addition to the film. Performances from Jabari Banks and Callina Liang are the anchors. Banks delivers vulnerable energy that perfectly mirrors his character’s backstory. Liang effortlessly leads, giving Lynn a slick confidence from start to finish. Focusing on a whip-smart female lead is a winning strategy.

BAD_GENIUS_Still 2The script begs the broader question, “Why should three hours on a Saturday morning determine the rest of our lives?” In a system that is entirely rigged by and for the wealthy, why not beat them at their own game? Some systems deserve to break. BAD GENIUS will captivate audiences who have testing PTSD and parents who know it’s coming for their kids. It boasts a deliciously satisfying finale. Tens across the board. A must-see.

BAD GENIUS Trailer:

RELEASING THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11TH

DIRECTOR:

J.C. Lee

 

WRITER: 

J.C. Lee & Julius Onah

 

FEATURING:

Callina Liang (Tell Me Everything)

Benedict Wong (Avengers:Infinity War

Jabari Banks (Bel-Air)

Taylor Hickson (Motherland: Fort Salem)

 

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Julia Hammer
Sian McArthur
Pascal Breton
Lionel Uzan
Wesley R. Edens 
Benedict Wong 

 

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‘FALLING STARS’ (2024) Living lore and the consequences of disrespect.

XYZ logoFALLING STARS

Falling Stars poster

Witches are real in the feature debut of director/producer duo Gabriel Bienczycki and Richard Karpala‘s FALLING STARS. On the first night of Harvest, three brothers go to the desert to see a witch’s corpse.

The film exists in a world where deeply embedded folklore is canon. While our boys initially visit the site with an excited and carefree attitude, their fear becomes palpable when they accidentally desecrate the body.

Falling_Stars_03There is a reminiscent feeling in FALLING STARS, some that reminds me of 80s classics like The Gate and The Lost Boys, with the glow of red dashboard hues, flashlights, and the moon being the dominant lighting sources. The cinematography by Bienczycki has an intimacy to it. Karpala’s screenplay is just downright cool. It is genuinely refreshing to witness masculinity based on regret and an apologetic undertone.

This ensemble cast is fantastic. Diane Worman plays the boys’ mother, Danni. She delivers a magnificent arc. Rene Leech gives Adam authentic baby brother energy with a need to please and an impressionable mind.

Falling_Stars_01J. Aaron Boykin is the mainstay of this film. As radio DJ Barry, he opens the film and acts as a narrative conduit for Mike’s panic. Andrew Gabriel is Sal, the middle brother. His caring nature and fixer attitude beg your attention. Shaun Duke Jr. gives Mike a tentative bravery and a strong sense of responsibility. He is the protector, for better or for worse.

FALLING STARS is a unique revenge horror that digs into witch lore, respecting tradition and an immaculate political undertone. Boasting a jaw-dropping and cinematically stunning finale, it’s a bit of pure genre magic.


FALLING STARS Trailer:

The acclaimed folk horror film arrives on VOD and in select U.S. cinemas on Friday, October 11th!

 

FALLING STARS is the feature debut of director/producer duo Richard Karpala and Gabriel Bienczycki, featuring an original screenplay by Karpala and cinematography by Bienczycki.

Starring Rene Leech, Shaun Duke Jr., Andrew Gabriel, Diane Worman, and Greg Poppa, the film World Premiered on the Piazza Grande at the Locarno Film Festival and went on to screen at Fantastic Fest, Calgary Underground, Splat! Film Fest, and more.

 

About XYZ Films 
XYZ Films is an independent studio whose mission is to empower visionary storytellers from every corner of the planet. XYZ was founded in 2008 by Nate Bolotin, Nick Spicer, and Aram Tertzakian and has expanded in recent years into documentary, talent management, and distribution. Some of the company’s classic titles include THE RAID franchise, 2017 Sundance winner I DON’T FEEL AT HOME IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE, and Panos Cosmatos’ psychedelic revenge thriller MANDY.

 

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‘STOMACH IT’ (Screamfest 2024 short) The rot of trauma manifests in this affecting body horror

Screamfest 2020 banner logoSTOMACH IT

Stomach It Poster

Peter Klausner‘s Screamfest 2024 short film STOMACH IT highlights the impossible nature of emotionally disconnecting from your job. Jon Lee Richardson holds us captive with a viscerally pained performance as a crime scene cleaner who experiences worsening digestive issues from one job to the next. 

STOMACH IT - Press Assets - Google Drive - drive.google.comIn the first two minutes, the most skin-crawling aspect of this short is not the horrifically laid out crime scenes but the images conjured in our imagination of the people involved. Cinematographer Emily Tapanes forces you into the ick.

STOMACH IT 2 - Press Assets - Google Drive - drive.google.comSpecial FX by Michael Dinetz’s Haunted Dreams Effects Studio are gagworthy. The use of the T-Bones song, “No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach’s In),” is particularly unhinged and most certainly genius. STOMACH IT is the physical manifestation and subsequent consequences of trauma monsters. Peter Klausner has a sick mind, and as a genre fan, I’m here for it.

ISOTRE Films announces the World, Los Angeles and Chicago premieres of STOMACH IT, the new psychological body horror film starring Jon Lee Richardson (BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F), and written and directed by Peter Klausner (COASTING). The film was produced by Klauser and Torey Rubin (RWBY, Zall Good). STOMACH IT made its world premiere at the 55th annual Oscar-qualifying Nashville Film Festival last month and makes its Los Angeles premiere at Screamfest on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 9:30 PM at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres followed by a Q&A with the cast and crew.
 
In STOMACH IT, a crime scene cleaner struggles with emotionally detaching from the deceased’s personal possessions. While on a late night job, he convinces himself a monstrous presence is toying with him.
 
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‘SHADOWLAND’ (Beyond Fest 2024) A shapeshifting doc from filmmaker Otso Tiainen


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SHADOWLAND

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WORLD PREMIERE / RELEASED IN: 2024 / 98 MINUTES / DIRECTED BY: OTSO TIAINEN

Beyond Fest 2024 documentary SHADOWLAND, filmmaker Otso Tiainen sets out to the French Pyrenees to explore an area known as “The Zone,” a place famous for embracing the occult, supernatural happenings, religious experience, and the home of cult director Richard Stanley. This documentary takes a dark turn during filming when domestic abuse allegations surface for Stanley, tainting his position in the community.

Shadowland-002Shadowland’s initial 38 minutes drag with long, meandering shots, particularly of Iranon (“chaos magician) doing what I would lovingly refer to as “witchy shit.” As a self-professed spooky girl, I mean no disrespect by that term. Frankly, it’s narratively monotonous.

It only piqued my genuine interest when Stanley’s Color Out Of Space appeared. After its success, additional Lovecraftian films were greenlit until the other shoe dropped. Fifty-five minutes in, the gut punch as Stanley’s former partner recalls her terror when, in 2014, he beat her and threatened to kill her. Turns out she was not the last partner to experience such abuse. SpectreVision immediately cut ties with Stanley.

Shadowland-004Stanley’s response is to call the women hysterical and spew conspiracy theories rather than take accountability for his actions. Iranon reenters the fray to detail when he discovers Richard’s allegations and their ensuing physical confrontation. It’s damning.

Shadowland-003As a contrary view, Richard’s sycophant protege and priestess, Anaiya, believes that baptism will cleanse his past. Witnessing these women embrace him feels icky. It is challenging to know if her intentions are pure or an act. But Anaiya’s journey does not end there.

When we finally see his accuser, writer Scarlett Amaris, her insight into Richard’s present-day mythology brings everything home. As it stands, the doc feels incredibly disjointed. Understanding that the Shadowland‘s original intent was obliterated, I think a recut with explanations added earlier would greatly benefit the flow.



Directed by: Otso Tiainen
Written by: Otso Tiainen, Kalle Kinnunen
Story Contribution: Panu Hietaneva
Produced by: Kalle Kinnunen
Cinematography by: Max Smeds, Peter Flinckenberg F.S.C.
Edited by: Jussi Heikkinen, Mikko Sippola F.S.E.
Sound Design: Svante Colérus
Music: Timo Kaukolampi, Tuomo Puranen

Year: 2024
Country: Finland
TRT: 98 min
Language: English, French w/English subtitles

For more Beyond Fest 2024 coverage, click here!

‘ZERO’ (Beyond Fest 2024) A dark, pulse-pounding thriller, that excites in every second.

Beyond_Fest_2024_1920x1080-H-202ZERO

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WORLD PREMIERE / RELEASED IN: 2024 / 83 MINUTES / DIRECTED BY: JEAN-LUC HERBULOT


Jean Luc Herbulot brings Beyond Fest 2024 audiences a heartpounder in ZERO. Two Americans in Senegal wake up to discover bombs strapped to their chests and an unknown man speaking in their ear. They have ten hours to complete seemingly unrelated tasks before they explode. Can they beat a madman at his own game? This stealthy geopolitical thrill ride does not disappoint.

At first glance, our leading men appear opposites, but the script slowly reveals their motivations are the same. ZERO is a game of cat-and-mouse on an entirely new level. A surprising philosophical angle is carefully crafted into the screenplay, branding a message into the audience’s psyche.

zero 2Fast-paced editing and augmented sound effects keep you engaged from the first frame. The concept combines the adrenaline of SAW and SPEED, but it’s funnier and inevitably much darker. The soundtrack is fantastic. Gregory Turbellier‘s camerawork is immersive and sharp.

Performances are outstanding. Unmistakable icon Willem Dafoe is the mysterious voice over the phone. There is something about his tone and rhythm that hypnotizes the viewer. Gary Dourdan adds a voice of enlightenment. His calm, powerful demeanor sets a tone against the tumultuous pacing.

zero 3Leading players Hus Miller (who also co-writes) and Cam McHarg have fiery chemistry, each delivering fully flushed-out characters even if we know the most basic information about them. They make a great on-screen team. I would love to see this entire crew create more projects together.

Jean Luc Herbulot delivers a winner in ZERO. Its bold messaging and fearless choices make it one of the year’s most shocking thrillers.

DIRECTOR: Jean Luc Herbulot
WRITERS: Jean Luc Herbulot, Hus Miller
CAST: Hus Miller, Cam McHarg, Gary Dourdan, Moran Rosenblatt, Annabelle Lengronne, Jessica Lorraine, Roger Sallah

For more Beyond Fest 2024, click here!

‘ABOVE THE KNEE’ (Beyond Fest 2024) This visceral ride into madness is body horror at its finest

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ABOVE THE KNEE

WORLD PREMIERE / RELEASED IN: 2024 / 76 MINUTES / DIRECTED BY: VILJAR BØE

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Norwegian filmmaker Viljar Bøe brings his psychological thriller ABOVE THE KNEE to Beyond Fest 2024. The film follows Amir, a man who has a rare psychological disorder called BID (Body Integrity dysmorphia). It is the desire to have a sensory or physical disability or discomfort with being able-bodied.

The film is one of the most anxiety-inducing watches I’ve experienced in a long time. Amir has to hide his plans from his longtime living girlfriend, Kim. He also uses his friend, Jonas, as a cover, taking advantage of his kindness.

His accelerated timeline and subsequent countdown appear on the screen. With each passing day, Amir’s visions of the gnarly deterioration of his leg haunt us, and so does his gross manipulation of those who care for him most.

Above the knee still 1His only outlet is Rikke, a woman whose own BID diagnosis manifests as self-induced blindness. As his accomplice, she offers him emotional and physical support and lines are easily blurred.

An incredibly effective transition device is the jarring image of a bloodied saw accompanied by viscerally augmented audio of cutting. This image repeats from slightly different angles and undeniably induces a shiver each time.

The one hour and twelve on my minute runtime is more than enough, with Viljar Bøe carefully crafted script. The film is based on a story concept by Bøe and leading man Freddy Singh. Singh delivers an award-worthy turn, existing a in morally gray area. ABOVE THE KNEE takes us into the darkest corners of the mind, boasting a shockingly sinister finale. You won’t be the same.


WRITER/DIRECTOR: Viljar Bøe
CAST: Freddy Singh, Julie Abrahamsen, Louise Waage Anda, Viggo Solomon

For more Beyond Fest 2024 coverage, click here!

 

‘BAAL’ (Beyond Fest 2024) Nonlinear familial horror show.

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WORLD PREMIERE / RELEASED IN: 2024 / 97 MINUTES / DIRECTED BY: JOSEPH SIMS-DENNETT

BAAL - Grace 8Joseph Sims-Dennett brings BAAL to Beyond Fest 2024. Upon hearing the news of her father’s death, Grace finds her estranged brother missing from their hometown. Following a strange lead and ignoring the ominous warnings from her remaining family members, she takes a journey into the wilderness, only to be tested mentally, physically, and spiritually in the worst ways possible. 

Nonlinear storytelling keeps you in a dizzying state. Characters know more than they reveal, which ultimately becomes frustrating. BAAL is a story of haunting extremes and estrangement. Sims-Dennett slowly reveals a shocking familial wound that, considering its heaviness, should have been a larger part of the narratives. The script predominantly features Meg Clarke as Grace. She has the difficult task of guiding us through mystery-laden chaos. Clarke is undeniably captivating despite the storytelling style. 

BAAL - Mask 3BAAL explores the devastating effects of unresolved trauma and guilt. As the film ended, I found myself scratching and shaking my head. Even after the final scene, I am unsure what was real and what wasn’t. I have so many questions. Sims-Dennett combines multiple tropes but never quite makes a cohesive product.


CAST: Meg Clarke, Leighton Cardno, Gautier Pavlovic-Hobba, Tony Hughes, Diane Smith

For more Beyond Fest 2024 coverage, click here!

‘THE OUTRUN’ (2024) Stunning page to screen memoir of addiction and redemption.

THE OUTRUN

The Outrun poster

Based on journalist and author Amy Liptrot’s 2016 memoir, Nora Fingscheidt‘s THE OUTRUN stars Saoirse Ronan as a young woman who returns home to Orkney after completing an alcoholic rehabilitation program in London.

The editing by Stephan Bechinger is a triumph. The structure bounces from before, during, and after rehab, often noted by Rona’s dye-dipped locks and general demeanor. The film delves into the outside judgment of those who have never experienced addiction.

the outrunSaoirse Ronan narrates the constant temptation in scientific terms while scenes of alcoholic behavior play against her words. Rona’s work in rehab is beautifully juxtaposed with her nature work in Orkney. This narrative device becomes a repeated reprieve from her reality. It feels poetic.

The dizzying handheld camera work while Rona is intoxicated mirrors her physical state. Paired with sprawling cliffs and coastlines of Orkney, it is stunning cinematography by Yunus Roy Imer. John Gürtler and Jan Miserre‘s collaborative score is beautiful.

the outrun 2Saoirse Ronan is spectacular, delivering a raw portrait of a fractured and flawed woman. Rona is incredibly lonely, seeking genuine human connection. When drunk, she is emotionally abusive. Saoirse explores every facet of sickness and redemption. It is a nuanced turn. Give her an Oscar already.

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching part of THE OUTRUN is the study of cyclical addiction and the loss of youth. It is a magnificent portrait of interconnected self-reflection, healing, and forgiveness.

THE OUTRUN Trailer:

In Theaters October 4, 2024

Starring Saoirse Ronan, Paapa Essiedu, Stephen Dillane, Saskia Reeves
 Directed by Nora Fingscheidt
 Screenplay by Amy Liptrot & Nora Fingscheidt
Produced by Sarah Brocklehurst, Dominic Norris, Jack Lowden, Saoirse Ronan
Executive Produced by: Claudia Yusef, Kieran Hannigan, Maria Logan, Anne Sheehan, Luane Gauer, George Hamilton, James Pugh, Janina Vilsmaier


Based on the memoir by Amy Liptrot

After a decade away in London, 29-year-old Rona (Saoirse Ronan) returns home to the Orkney Islands. Sober but lonely, she tries to suppress her memory of the events which set her on this journey of recovery. Slowly the mystical land enters her inner world and – one day at a time – Rona finds hope and strength in herself among the heavy gales and the bracingly cold sea. Based on the bestselling memoir by Amy Liptrot, who co-wrote the screenplay with Fingscheidt, THE OUTRUN is an acutely honest drama about addiction and recovery.

RT: 118 Minutes

 

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‘ME, MYSELF, & THE VOID’ (2024) Comedy, mental health, and a mystery.

ME, MYSELF, & THE VOID

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Tim Hautekiet‘s Me, Myself, & the Void follows comedian Jack after one bad night on stage morphs into an out-of-body experience when he wakes up in a rudimentary version of his apartment, looking over his body on the bathroom floor, with no idea what’s going on. Alongside the manifested versions of his best friend and ex-girlfriend, Jack must navigate through his issues and fading memories to figure out how he got there before it’s too late.

me Myself & the Void still 2The film boasts visually engaging elements, including a stage production style set, black-and-white flashback moments, and a halo effect when Jack and Chris step into a memory. The editing is as fast-paced as the dialogue. Hautekiet and co-writer Nik Oldershaw never give you a minute to breathe but certainly laugh. Jack and Chris’ chemistry is dazzling. The entire film plays out like a live improv show, and it’s electric.

me Myself & the Void still 3The entire cast nails each beat. Kelly Marie Tran oozes charm as Mia. She is so watchable and gives Mia a genuine heart. Chris W. Smith delivers honest best-friend vibes. He’s got that sitcom aura in the best way possible. Jack De Sena is spectacular, running through the emotional gambit. He reminds me of Jack Black, with a loveable quality that draws you in. Discovering that Smith is De Sena’s comedy partner in their popular sketch comedy channel Chris and Jack and now the world makes more sense.

me Myself & the Void still 4The script is whip-smart. It is a ping-pong match of wits between best friends through self-doubt, anxiety, and depression. The film is a dizzying whirlwind of meta-purgatory, tackling the incredible nuance in relationships and the importance of communication. It’s about owning your shit. Me, Myself, & the Void is one of the best indie gems of the year.

ME, MYSELF, & THE VOID Trailer:

Out of Body Indie Dramedy Me Myself & The Void
Starring Jack De Sena, Chris W. Smith, & Kelly Marie Tran
Debuts October 1, 2024 from Echobend Pictures
Streaming on Major VOD Platforms Worldwide

 

Me Myself & The Void world premiered at Dances with Films and went on to screen at fests around the world. At FilmQuest, Me Myself & The Void won the award for Best Ensemble Cast and scored nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing and Best Score.

A down on his luck stand-up finds himself in a void world, hovering precariously between life and death. It is in this void that our hero, Jack, must discern how he ended up face down on his bathroom floor and find a way out before it’s too late.

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