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

Screamfest 2020 banner logoELSE

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

Screamfest 2020 banner logoBA

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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‘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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‘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.


Teacup 02 Still 1 - NBCUniversal MediaVillage - www.nbcumv.com
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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‘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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‘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

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

Beyond_Fest_2024_1920x1080-H-202BAAL

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

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‘PÁRVULOS’ (Fantastic Fest 2024) An exquisite wow and one of the year’s best films.

FantasticFest_2024_Poster (PÁRVULOS 

US Premiere

Parvulos poster

Filmmaker Isaac Ezban brings Fantastic Fest 2024 PÁRVULOS, the story of three siblings surviving in the woods by scavenging in a virus-ravaged world. The dangerous secret they harbor in the basement may be their undoing.

The cinematography is something to behold. The sepia-toned lens locks you into a compelling plot. It creates this magical, borderline eerie feeling. The production design team is aces with children’s drawings and makeshift inventions. The post-apocalyptic aspects are relatively subtle but incredibly effective. The end credits are outstanding. The original song “Our People Need Our Help” is a certified banger.

PÁRVULOS_StillTwo surprising performances will blow you away, but I won’t spoil that with specifics. I will only say that Norma Flores and Horacio Lazo give us everything they’ve got. Our three young brothers are magnificent. Mateo Ortega Casillas gives Benny the right amount of innocence and rebellion. Leonardo Cervantes delivers vulnerability and compassion as Oliver. Farid Escalante Correa gives Salvador a perfect mix of resentment and raging hormones. Together, they warm and break your heart.

The film’s tone takes an unexpectedly amusing twist once Benny learns the secret that Oliver and Salvador keep in the basement. Benny convinces his brothers that normalcy can return if they try hard enough. Their unrelenting determination hits a snag when a young woman crashes their holiday plans. The film takes another turn during its nearly two-hour run. A wildly dark finale holds you captive.

PÁRVULOS has enough meat on the bone for a series. Visually striking, beautifully acted, and ceaselessly compelling. Is it not only a highlight of Fantastic Fest, but one of the year’s best films, period.


Fantastic Fest Website:

https://fantasticfest24.eventive.org/films/66bd75c881b0b4003a7b9cc1

Synopsis: In the aftermath of the Omega Pandemic, a devastating global catastrophe, teenage Salvador has assumed the role of caretaker for his younger siblings, Oliver and Benjamin. Equipped with a host of survivalist skills, Salvador harvests resources from the forest nearby and hunts small game for their table while trying to instill a sense of normalcy through routine, games, storytelling, and holiday celebrations.

Director: Isaac Ezban

Cast: Carla Adell, Leonardo Cervantes, Felix Farid Escalante, Norma Flores, Noe Hernandez, Horacio Lazo, Mateo Ortega

FantasticFest_2024_BannerMAIN_LOGO

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‘HAYRIDE TO HELL’ (2024) Hallmark meets horror and becomes my new annual Halloween comfort film.

BreakingGlassFilmsLogoHAYRIDE TO HELL

Hayride to Hell poster

As someone who has participated in an annual haunted hayride as both a viewer and a performer, Dan Lantz‘s HAYRIDE TO HELL opens in the perfect, immersive fashion. The plot begins as a classic story of a beloved farmer on the verge of bankruptcy and the curmudgeonly and corrupt small-town authority figures who want to take him down. Farmer Sam makes them a bet; if he can scare them on his new and improved hayride, they leave him in peace. 

Hayride to Hell (2022) - Bill MoselyThe cast delivers solid Hallmark energy, and that is a total compliment. The dialogue is laugh-out-loud hilarious the entire run. The script solidly shifts into the horror realm halfway through, and you easily root for our band of heroes turned vengeful villains.

A special shout-out to Peter Patrikios for his pristine character work. Kane Hodder plays villainous Sheriff Jubel like a pro. You 110% want to punch him in his racist, power-hungry face. Graham Wolfe does a fantastic job as Deputy Nixler, a dopey MF you’ll love watching go down. 

Hayride to Hell (2022) Kane HodderBill Moseley gives Sam an equal parts sweet and sarcastic edge. The more agitated he becomes, the funnier he gets. Moseley is a legend, and he must be protected at all costs. 

The film also continues the trope of casting full-grown men as teenagers, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The graphic novel transition swipe is reminiscent of Tales From The Crypt goodness. A quick reference to Stephen King‘s Christine is a fun Easter Egg. The hayride ingenuity makes my Halloween heart so happy. It’s probably the best I’ve ever seen.

Hayride to Hell (2022) - www.imdb.comHAYRIDE TO HELL is homegrown horror at its finest. Featuring some of the genre’s greats doing what they do best, fans cannot help but be enchanted by the Halloween fun and clever kills. It’s a beautiful marriage of everything that makes the season fun. HAYRIDE TO HELL is the perfect film to watch on a chilly Autumn afternoon with some homemade cider and popcorn in hand.


Official Trailer: https://youtu.be/KX3I4AfqOvE



Breaking Glass Pictures is proud to announce the upcoming digital release of HAYRIDE TO HELL starring KANE HODDER and BILL MOSELEY

Official Synopsis

Set on the Coxe Family Farm in rural Willis County, Farmer Sam (Bill Moseley) exacts his bloody revenge on unscrupulous local town-folk, including Sheriff Jubel (Kane Hodder) , who menace him and attempt to steal the farm that has been in his family for 200 years.


Director: Dan Lantz
Writer: Kristina Chadwick, Robert Lange


Cast: Graham Wolfe, Mario Mosley, Allyson Malandra, Denise Parella McDonald, Jared Michael Delaney, Shelby Hightower, Melanie Martyn, Brooke Stacy Mills, Aaron Dalla Villa, and Cedric “Budge” Casimiro

ABOUT BREAKING GLASS PICTURES

Founded in 2009, Breaking Glass Pictures is a film distribution and media company that focuses on releasing unique and visionary independent films, inclusive of all genres, from around the world. In addition to theatrical, DVD, digital, and Video-on-Demand releases in North America, Breaking Glass functions as an international sales agent in all film markets, as well as a production company dedicated to creating compelling independent cinema. Breaking Glass also facilitates festival, theatrical, and special event bookings, and offers a full-service marketing team (marketing strategy, artwork and trailer creation, PR, social media) to independent filmmakers.

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‘BONE LAKE’ (Fantastic Fest 2024) Diabolical and sexy cat-and-mouse game.

FantasticFest_2024_Poster (BONE LAKE

World Premiere

Bone Lake poster

Fantastic Fest alum Mercedes Bryce Morgan brings her latest in BONE LAKE, a psychosexual game of sex, lies, and videotape. Two very different couples find themselves double booked at a palatial lakeside Airbnb. Sage and Diego are in a relationship rut, while Cin and Will are hot and heavy. Awkwardness turns into friendship. When the four unlock three mysterious rooms, each has a theme that spurs trouble and begins a game of cat-and-mouse that turns the tables on everyone. BONE LAKE is here to titillate and transfix even the hardest-to-please genre fan.

Performances are fantastic across the board. Marco Pigossi and Maddie Hasson have an organic chemistry that draws you in. Their relatable personalities and quiet conflicts are perfect foils for Will and Cin. Andra Nechita and Alex Roe are master manipulators playing Will and Cin. They tap into Diego’s insecurities and Sage’s emotional/sexual frustration. Writer Joshua Friedlander gives them a divide-and-conquer playbook that will infuriate audiences, which is a compliment. This diabolical dynamic is juicy.

Clever camera work connected to the locks acts as a subconscious double entendre. The editing is a triumph. The FX team deserves a standing ovation. Genre fans might think they’ve caught on halfway through the film, but the reveal is clever, and it won’t be the last. BONE LAKE is a solid erotic thriller that pushes all the boundaries and buttons. Fantastic Fest 2024 is ready.


Fantastic Fest Website:
 
Remaining Screenings:
 
Logline: When two young couples are mistakenly double-booked into the same vacation rental their romantic weekend becomes a twisted maze of sex, lies, and survival.

Director: Mercedes Bryce Morgan
Written by: Joshua Friedlander
Cast: Alex Roe, Marco Pigossi, Maddie Hasson, Andra Nechita
 
FantasticFest_2024_BannerMAIN_LOGOFor all things Fantastic Fest 2024, click here!

‘RED ROOMS’ (2024) Hideously twisted obsessions.

utopia logoRED ROOMS

Red Rooms title

Red Rooms Poster

Pascal Plante takes true crime obsession to the next level in RED ROOMS. The film follows Kelly-Anne, a woman who becomes obsessed with a serial killer’s trial and the elusive online video of a victim that bares her likeness. Her deep dive down the rabbit hole of the dark web is just the beginning.

Red Rooms still Kelly-AnneJuliette Gariépy initially gives Kelly-Anne a quiet ferocity. Assume nothing about the character as she slowly reveals her sleuthing skills. Gariépy morphs into a startling presence, with each consecutive scene getting under your skin. Gariépy is disturbing.

Red Rooms ChevalierThe juxtaposition of her photoshoot stills and those of security camera suspects is undeniably clever mirroring. Once the infamous video plays, the decision to focus on our protagonist and not the most gruesome acts almost makes the plot more invasive. The combination of the audio and your imagination causes you to turn away. Kelly-Anne’s skills keep her on a tightrope. One missed step, and the bottom drops out.

Red Rooms Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes - www.rottentomatoes.comThe script is far more nuanced than at first glance. Plante delves into technology, the female fascination with true crime, and the repercussions of unresolved trauma. The more Kelly-Anne shares with Clementine, the more unsettled the audience. As a parent, RED ROOMS is a visceral viewing experience. It is simultaneously rage and despair-inducing. As a mother, putting that hat aside, as difficult as that may be, the film is indisputably brilliant storytelling. The hideous twists keep coming. RED ROOMS will hold you captive, whether you like it or not.

Red Rooms Trailer:

RED ROOMS is produced by Dominique Dussault for Nemesis Films. Cinematographer Vincent Biron (THE TWENTIETH CENTURY) artfully lensed the feature, Laura Nhem (THE TWENTIETH CENTURY) was production designer, and Jonah Malak edited. 

Official Selection: Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival (Opening Night), Calgary International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, Hamptons International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, Philadelphia Film Festival, Thessaloniki International Film Festival, Fantasy Filmfest, Miami Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Monster Fest. 

Awards: Fantasia International Film Festival: Cheval Noir, Outstanding Performance (Juliette Gariépy); Cheval Noir, Best Screenplay; Cheval Noir, Best FilmSandro Forte Award, Best Motion Picture Score (Dominique Plante). Monster Fest: Best International Movie. Brooklyn Horror Film Festival: Festival Prize, Best FeatureBest Actress (Juliette Gariépy). Le Gala Quebec Cinema: Prix Iris, Revelation of the Year (Juliette Gariépy)Prix Iris, Best Supporting Actress (Laurie Babin).

Original title: Les Chambres rouges | 118 mins. | Canada
French with English subtitles | Not Rated | 2023

THEATRICAL ENGAGEMENTS:

(showtimes include September 6 openings and upcoming dates)

listings 1 Red Rooms

listings 2 Red Rooms

More to be announced.

ABOUT UTOPIA

Utopia is a New York and Los Angeles based film distribution and sales company co-founded by filmmaker Robert Schwartzman and Cole Harper. Focused on showcasing truly independent features and documentaries while supporting the next wave of filmmakers and audience discovery, recent Utopia releases include Sean Price Williams’ acclaimed debut feature The Sweet East, Eddie Alcazar and EP Steven Soderbergh’s Divinity, Kristoffer Borgli’s acclaimed dark comedy Sick of Myself, Ali Abbasi’s Oscar shortlisted and Cannes winner Holy SpiderMeet Me in the Bathroom chronicling the early days of LCD Soundsystem, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more. Other Utopia releases include the cult-BMX classic and event-theatrical hit Rad; Sundance breakout and Gotham Awards-nominated We’re All Going to the World’s Fair by Jane Schoenbrun; Gaspar Noe’s Cannes-lauded Vortex starring Dario Argento; the Indie Spirit-winner Shiva Baby by Emma Seligman and more.

 

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TIFF 2024: 9 Films we’re excited for at this year’s fest

tiff 2024bannerTIFF 2024

Kicking off festival season proper with the Toronto International Film Festival. 2024’s lineup is not only star-studded but overflowing with new talent that is here to blow you away. Here is a list of 8 films we’ll be getting in line for. 

TIFF 2024 will be held from September 05, 2024 to September 15, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.
Location: Toronto

 

For ticket information, click here!

PAYING FOR IT

Paying For it TIFF 24Sook-Yin Lee
WORLD PREMIERE
Canada | 2024 | 85m | English


In the late 90s, Chester and Sonny are a long-term, committed, romantic couple. When Sonny wants to redefine their relationship, Chester, a shy and introverted cartoonist, starts sleeping with sex workers and discovers a new kind of intimacy in the process.

https://tiff.net/events/paying-for-it


THE MOTHER AND THE BEAR

The Mother and the bearJohnny Ma
WORLD PREMIERE
Canada, Chile | 2024 | 100m | English, Korean
 
 

https://tiff.net/events/the-mother-and-the-bear


ICK

ICK_Still_01_hero_v2Joseph Kahn
WORLD PREMIERE
United States of America | 2024 | 92m | English
 
In Joseph Kahn’s breakneck sci-fi/horror satire, a high school science teacher (Brandon Routh) does battle with a parasitic alien entity, as well as the apathy of the small town it has been gradually absorbing.
 
 

SHOOK
Shook (2024)
Amar Wala
WORLD PREMIERE
Canada | 2024 | 113m | English, Hindi
 
Struggling writer Ashish is thrown for several loops when he falls for barista Claire and learns his estranged father has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, in Amar Wala’s first dramatic feature.
 
 

SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON
Superboys-of-Malegaon_01
Reema Kagti
WORLD PREMIERE
India | 2024 | 127m | Hindi
 
Helmed by Reema Kagti (Talaash: The Answer Lies Within) in her latest collaboration with producer Zoya Akhtar (Gully Boy), this uplifting story chronicles the life of Nasir Shaikh, whose no-budget, community-sourced movies turned his hometown into an unlikely dream factory.
 
 

VIKTOR
viktor
Olivier Sarbil
WORLD PREMIERE
Ukraine, United States of America | 2024 | 89m | Ukrainian, Russian
 
Fusing rigorous reportage with innovative cinematic subjectivity, this bold documentary from veteran war photographer Olivier Sarbil is a uniquely intimate portrait of a Deaf person’s experience of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
 
 

THE SWEDISH TORPEDO
Swedish-Torpedo_Still_01
Frida Kempff
WORLD PREMIERE
Sweden | 2024 | 120m | Swedish, Danish, English
 
This beautifully textured period drama from director Frida Kempff tells the story of Sally Bauer, a Swedish mother who pursues her dream of swimming the English Channel before the Second World War envelops Europe.
 
 

THE LAST REPUBLICAN
the last republican
Steve Pink
WORLD PREMIERE
United States of America | 2024 | 90m | English
 
A fan of Hot Tub Time Machine, Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger invites the left-wing Hollywood director Steve Pink to follow his efforts to hold Donald Trump accountable for the January 6 insurrection.
 
 

HERETIC
 
 
Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
WORLD PREMIERE
United States of America | 2024 | 110m | English
 

 

tiff24-banner-rogersFor more information on TIFF 2024, click here!

 

You can find out previous TIFF coverage here 🙂


 

‘BACKCOUNTRY’ (2015) will scare the shit out of you. Don’t plan on camping ever again. Liz chats with writer-director Adam MacDonald.

BACKCOUNTRYBackcountry poster

In Connecticut, where I grew up, we bungee cord our trash cans closed. In truth, it does not do a damn thing when Black Bears come into the yard and rip those suckers open like they’re peeling back foil on a yogurt cup. I once had a very close encounter when I almost hit a baby bear while pulling into the driveway. And we all know what baby bears mean, right? Mama is not far behind. Although I now live in Manhattan, I have not fully left behind the days of hiking and camping in a tent. None of this fancy RV business for my family. We had a tent, built legit fires, and funded the new wing of the L.L. Bean flagship store as any respectable New Englander should. By no means do I consider myself any sort of expert on the outdoors, but damnit, I was a campfire girl. I earned badges. Watching Adam MacDonald‘s new film BACKCOUNTRY kinda ruined all those blissful memories for me. To be clear, I mean that in the best way possible. Backcountry Missy StillJenn and Alex take a few days off from their city life to go hiking in a state park where Alex had spent time as a youngster. Insistent that he knows where they are heading sans map, Jenn musters up the confidence to trust her boyfriend’s experience, although she’s no dummy. Jenn is armed with bear spray and a flare, just for comfort. Along the way, they encounter an odd fellow named Brad. Brad is a backcountry tour guide who instantly challenges Alex’s manhood. It’s not long before the audience senses the dread on Alex’s face. We know as soon as he does, they are lost. In the middle of the woods, no map, no other people anywhere is screaming distance, can these two survive long enough to make it back to civilization? Certain doom.

unnamedMissy Peregrym is a force as Jenn. Her vulnerability is only matched by her wit and strength, as she claws her way through this nightmare. Jeff Roop plays Alex.  He’s a well-meaning guy, if not a tad emasculated via circumstance. You completely buy that these two are a couple. Their chemistry is palpable and wholeheartedly relatable. You feel for them as you fear for them. Eric Balfour plays creepy man, Brad. He is great in every role. There is something just off enough about his demeanor to keep you on your toes. Balfour is that guy you never want to meet in this scenario. The uncomfortable factor hits a high note once he steps onto the screen. Massive high five to Adam MacDonald for injecting elements of truth into the script. Even if you aren’t an avid outdoors person, this film will still freak you out. Nature is not something to be trifled with. You need to respect it. you’re in its house out there. BackcountryJeffStillThe film has a fantastic sense of peril from the get-go. A cute couple, venturing off in the wilderness, unaccompanied, already equals “bad shit is most definitely going down”, all attributed to MacDonald‘s brilliant sense of realism. The sound editing is exquisite and the handheld camera work makes you feel like you’re right with Jenn and Alex, even if you wish you weren’t. With a 15-day shooting schedule, the quality of practical effects in Backcountry is huge. These guys should teach a masterclass based solely on one scene in the film. Combined with the genius use of soft focus probably saves the audience from actually vomiting while watching. (Again, a total compliment.) BackcountryBradStill

I got to have an awesome conversation with Adam. I’m pretty sure we’re friends now in some weird, fellow camper, bear scare induced, land. The following is our chat. We delve into some pretty spoilery questions about the film, talk about the subway, women in film, and pretty much everything in between. And, don’t worry, that moment of silence in there is when Adam was pulling up a picture that Missy sent him on his phone, so hang in there. It continues to be pretty great.

BackcountryBlackBear

BACKCOUNTRY will be available in theaters and on VOD on Friday, March 20th.

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‘LIZZIE LAZARUS’ (Popcorn Frights 2024) A twisty horror mystery destined for cult status.

popcorn frights 2024 logo

LIZZIE LAZARUS

LizzieLazarus

Filmmaker Aviv Rubinstien gives Popcorn Frights 2024 audiences a reason to stand up and cheer with LIZZIE LAZARUS. Set in 1990, Bethany’s sister dies in a car crash on the way to her house. Lizzie’s mental state causes Bethany to question if her death was intentional. Enlisting the assistance of Lizzie’s ex, Eli, truth is stranger than fiction.

Tommy Oceanak‘s cinematography got a vehement “Hell Yeah” from me during the first frame. Opening with a song by Megan Oesterreich, in the titular role, I thought the film was a horror musical. I was mistaken, making the moment all the more delightful. Oesterreich is so likeable as Lizzie. I would watch a franchise surrounding Lizzie and Bethany.

Omar Maskati balances genuine feelings and suspect behavior. Rubinstien does an expert job at keeping you guessing, and Maskati leans into the crumbs, dropped one at a time. Lianne O’Shea gives Bethany a smart-aleck edge that lures you in. She is quippy and self-assured. O’Shea owns the frame, daring Maskati to keep up.

The screenplay utilizes conspiracy theories, scientific studies, and their naturally sparked debate from one intellectual to another. It’s easy to see that Bethany believes Eli has something to do with Lizzie’s demise, asking pointed questions along their clandestine midnight trek. She is suspicious and relentless in her pursuit to do right by her sister. Eli does not do himself any favors with a combative attitude. Secrets and confessions spill as they try to reach their destination and begin a reanimation ritual.

LIZZIE LAZARUS is a feminist-driven narrative that reels you in at every turn. Reveal after reveal keeps you on the hook. The finale is beyond satisfying for genre fans, anyone with sisters, and spooky girls alike.

YEAR: 2024

COUNTRY: USA

RUNTIME: 91 min

DIRECTOR: Aviv Rubinstien

WRITER: Aviv Rubinstien

STARRING: Omar Maskati, Lianne O’Shea, Megan Oesterreich

For more Popcorn Frights reviews, click here!

‘BIRTHRITE’ (Popcorn Frights 2024) A seriously twisted, small-town tale that terrifies.

popcorn frights 2024 logoBIRTHRITE

Birthrite

Director Ross Partridge brings a dark and nuanced story to Popcorn Frights 2024 audiences. When a pregnant woman inherits a country home, she and her girlfriend move in with happy expectations. But something from the town’s past looms over everyone.

Medical gaslighting, similar to Kindred, details authentic feelings of pregnant individuals, loss or not. But, BIRTHRITE‘s sinister underpinnings weave small-town history and their occult connections. The script from Patch Darragh and Erin Gann is seriously twisted. Reveal after reveal keeps you in a constant state of confusion and intrigue.

The cast is spectacular. Michael Chernus (Werewolves Within) and Owen Campbell (My Heart Can’t Beat Unless You Tell It To)provide outstanding performances. Jennifer Lafleur gives Rosalie this eerie balance of loving care and dark self-interest. She steals every scene.

Juani Feliz plays Maya with a grounded love for Alice. She 100% holds her own in the everchanging emotional atmosphere. Alice Kremelberg gives Wren desperation and fear only a mother knows. It is an intense turn brimming with surprise after surprise.

Fall On Your Sword delivers a classic haunted house of dread style score. It reminded me of the opening theme song for the Nickelodeon show Are You Afraid of the Dark? BIRTHRITE mixes the chaos of pregnancy and delves into witchcraft with such complexity it makes your head spin. The film is so layered you cannot help but be captivated. This one will stick with you long after the screen goes black.

YEAR: 2024

COUNTRY: USA

RUNTIME: 100 min

DIRECTOR: Ross Partridge

WRITER: Patch Darragh, Erin Gann

STARRING: Alice Kremelberg, Juani Feliz, Michael Chernus, Jennifer Lafleur

 
For more Popcorn Frights reviews, click here!

‘THE THAW’ (HollyShorts 2024) A stunning horror folklore begging for a feature

HollyShorts 2024 logo

THE THAW

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Filmmakers Sarah Wisner and Sean Temple‘s striking horror folktale has been killing it on the festival circuit, and rightly so. THE THAW tells the story of a family running low on food for the winter months, tasking their daughter to prepare a sleeping tea that would put them into a deep hibernation state. It does not go well.

Amanda Bowman‘s sound mixing plays a vital role in the film’s creeping intensity. Demi Waldron‘s black and white cinematography is a breathtaking choice combined with Abby Swindler‘s string-heavy score.

TheThaw_Still_.01_10_02_22.Still158I’m not just saying all these nice things because the film happens to feature two of my favorite genre people (and internet friends), Emily Bennett and Toby Poser. Wisner and Temple earn each moment.

Jeffrey Grover is Timothy. His aggressive masculinity is utterly terrifying. His physical performance is shocking. Toby is an opinionated but protective mother. Her gentle vocal tone as Alma is spot on. The matriarch of the Adams Family, her presence is notable to genre junkies.

TheThaw_Still_.01_06_37_17.Still102Emily plays Ruth with a fearful innocence and tenacity. Bennett has that inarguable “it” factor in transforming for each new role. From The King Of Knives to Alone With You, her talent should make her a household name.

A gorgeously detailed production design ties it all together. Would I watch an expanded version of this universe? Absolutely. THE THAW is a real treat for Popcorn Frights 2024 and beyond.

THE THAW – Teaser from Sean Temple on Vimeo.

  • Director: Sarah Wisner and Sean Temple
  • Screenwriter: Sarah Wisner and Sean Temple
  • Producer: Darren Bailey, Nathan Sellers, Sarah Wisner, Sean Temple
  • Cast: Emily Bennett, Jeffrey Grover, Toby Poser
  • Cinematographer: Demi Waldron
  • Editor: Sean Temple
  • Production Design: Deidra Catero
  • Sound Design: Sean Temple and Eli Cohn
HollyShorts 20th bannerFor more short film reviews, click here!

‘THE NIGHT IS YOUNG’ (Popcorn Frights 2024) Love bites, but only if you’re lucky in Patrick Rea’s newest film.

popcorn frights 2024 logoTHE NIGHT IS YOUNG

TheNightIsYoung
Director Patrick Rea’s THE NIGHT IS YOUNG comes to Popcorn Frights 2024. Jumping on the content creator subgenre, or perhaps a page out of the REC playbook, this vampire romance uses all the best tropes for a breezy homegrown horror. 

Jake Jackson wears all the hats as cinematographer, special effects makeup artist, and Nora’s brother Jake. We only see him briefly at the end of the film because he’s but a voice behind the lens for the entirety of the film. He’s fantastic. 

Rea co-writes with star Sarah McGuire. I could have watched her dating shenanigans for another hour. McGuire gives Nora a relatable vibe, owning each moment with ease. Her chemistry with Valerie Bates (Emelia) feels incredibly natural. I’m excited to see what she does next.

Utilizing security footage and Jake’s real-time video maintains a sense of urgency during the countdown to sunrise. The reveal is unsurprising, but the why is much more fun for vampire canon nerds like me. THE NIGHT IS YOUNG is the definition of indie filmmaking. Taking a look at the credits, everyone had multiple roles. It’s a perfect runtime for the story. There is a solid set-up for a franchise, so color me intrigued.

DATE: Saturday, August 10
TIME: Video On Demand
VENUE: Digital Screening Room

YEAR: 2024

COUNTRY: USA

RUNTIME: 76 min

DIRECTOR: Patrick Rea

WRITER: Sarah McGuire, Patrick Rea

STARRING: Valeri Bates, Sarah McGuire, Jake Jackson

For more Popcorn Frights reviews, click here!
 

 

‘BOOGER’ (Popcorn Frights 2024) Body horror meets grief in Mary Dauterman’s festival favorite

popcorn frights 2024 logoBOOGER

BoogerIn filmmaker Mary Dauterman‘s Popcorn Frights film, BOOGER, Anna spirals following the sudden death of her roommate. Holding tight to Izzy’s phone and their adopted stray cat. When Booger bites her and escapes out the window, Anna’s grief journey is derailed by unusual symptoms from her injury.

Heather Matarazzo‘s initial appearance is one of the best scenes in the film. When she calls Anna 9/11, it’s one of the funniest moments. It’s shockingly hysterical and not offensive, speaking as someone in the city that day.

Videos saved on Izzy’s phone heighten our emotional investment in Anna’s loss. Even as a deceased character, Sofia Dobrushin is equally present as any other actor. Endlessly charming, you want her to be your best friend and deeply understand Anna’s loss. 

Grace Glowicki gives Anna a relatability, especially for anyone who has lost someone close. Her transformation throughout the film is fantastic. It is half self-destructive and the other half monstrous mutation. Glowicki is deliciously unhinged and inarguably perfect. 

It is easy to see why BOOGER has been killing it on the festival circuit. FX are spectacular. The subtle but gag-worthy progression is noteworthy. Speaking of gagging, if your reflex is at all weak, you may not make it to the end. I ingest A LOT of horror, and I almost lost it. BOOGER is a one-of-a-kind body horror comedy.  This unique examination of grief is like nothing else you’ll see this year.

DATE: Saturday, August 10
TIME: Video On Demand
VENUE: Digital Screening Room

YEAR: 2023

COUNTRY: USA

RUNTIME: 78 min

DIRECTOR: Mary Dauterman

WRITER: Mary Dauterman

STARRING: Grace Glowicki, Garrick Bernard, Heather Matarazzo

For more Popcorn Frights coverage, click here!