Cast: Mary Woodvine, Edward Rowe, Flo Crowe, John Woodvine, Joe Gray
Set in 1973 on an uninhabited island off the Cornish coast, a wildlife volunteer’s daily observations of a rare flower turn into a metaphysical journey that forces her as well as the viewer to question what is real and what is a nightmare.
This is a film More about the filmmaking and mood than anything. Truly plot driven it’s definitely full of atmosphere.
It seems mundane at first and then slowly tightens Its grip. As Like the character it gets more maddening offering glimpses but never quite spelling out how they’ll fit or what they exactly might mean if anything
The film feels trippy and experimental at times but slowly leads you to figure out It’s pieces.
Though ultimately you will have to come to your own conclusions. It shows the main character who has no name descent into madness while isolated
Where like her you begin to wonder what is real and what is made up in her head or some kind of fantasy or nightmare she is living through
Strength of filmmaking only wish it was a bit of a stronger story.
It’s A challenging film for some audiences whether you are on Its wavelength ultimately or not. It is a folk horror tale that is in turns also psychological
It is quite a ride that isn’t exciting at first but the more you fit into it the more you will get out of it.
It is a film that demands your attention or you will find yourself easily lost. Which you might find yourself even when paying attention
Directed By: Fabrice Du Welz Written By: Fabrice Du Welz and Roman Protat Cinematography: Benoit Debie Editor: Sabine Hubeaux
Cast: Laurent Lucas, Philippe Nahon, Brigitte Lehaie, Jean-Luc Couchard, Jackie Berroyer, Jo Priesta
Marc, a traveling entertainer, is on his way home for Christmas when his van breaks down in the middle of a jerkwater town with some strange inhabitants.
This seems to be a film that expands on the scariest most memorable scenes of the Film, DELIVERANCE
The film illustrates how loneliness and the absence of a partner, particularly a woman, drives a small town mad. Is it a small town or are there different representations of one man?
Though against the other’s will. it does at times, feel like the mechanic is a romantic in his own way.
The film comes off as eager to disturb and unsettled its audience
While the film shocks, it’s slow as it takes its time to reveal and get to know the characters. Who you can tell he is quite disturbed by the appearance of the young man looking for his dog.
The main character seems to attract or cause desire, and those around him. Usually, it’s for his job as an entertainer so it seems to take a personal interest and his audience.
By the end, it almost seems like karma has led him into this nightmare scenario, even though he hasn’t done anything to be hourly cruel.
This is why it sometimes feels like an extended TALES FROM THE CRYPT episode only cruel and with little to no humor, as well as no actual score with a mean-spirited comeuppance
Some sequences are just bizarre that seem to come out of nowhere like the dancing at the bar that is strangely choreographed. Or the pig sequence in the barn, which is just downright nightmarish, but also hints of what might come.
There are hints of bestiality abound as a given replacement for the absence of females in physical Ways, but also companionship whether that is meant to be symbolic or not that is how it comes off. It’s insulting, but also shows the growing nature of relationships with pets to take the place of what is absent in the person’s life
The film shows a disturbing and bloody nature that could be used to categorize the film as French extreme, one of the earliest examples of the genre.
Oh, the film is dirty in all the more disturbing as it feels realistic and not like a slasher or meet-up horror scenario.
It takes place in a town that apparently only had one woman once, and wisely escaped if she had to go through half of what the leaders
In the end, the film is a story of a man fighting for survival and Just unsettling, but in a familiar Milieu.
This definitely seems made to appeal for a specialty cult audience
Directed By: William Brent Bell Written By: David Coggeshall Story By: David Leslie Johnson-McColdrick Based on characters created By: Alex Mace Cinematography: Karim Hussain Editor: Josh Ethier
Cast: Isabelle Fuhrman, Julia Stiles, Rossif Sutherland, Hiro Kanagawa, Matthew Finlan, Samantha Walles
After orchestrating a brilliant escape from an Estonian psychiatric facility, Esther travels to America by impersonating the missing daughter of a wealthy family.
A movie where It’s surprising success got a sequel or prequel trying to open it up into a franchise that is not needed or truly asked for.
So while it could easily be written off there is an attempt here that makes it not necessarily feel cheapened but an attempt to Make Something worthwhile.
While not great at least it tries not to be as surprising as the original but still manages to keep up the suspense and thrills. Now we are more in on the surprise to see how she works to stay ahead of those who suspect her and keep manipulating those around her.
The second half of the film or truly the last third offer up a twist that is unexpected like the original, but enlivens the movie so that it doesn’t feel like more of the same. It makes the film worthwhile, adding a dimension you’re not expecting.
It has Villains underestimating each other until a confrontation is needed to show dominance. Where the film tries to make us have sympathy for a sociopath to a degree. Which began with showing how vicious she can be.
While the movie is certainly brutal to show the viciousness and evil it never feels unnecessary.
Julia Stiles in yet another horror extension, but at least she is very good in this one and can understand why she choose this role. Reminds you of how good she can still be when given the right role
As always in these movies the black character already suspects something is up And can see through the facade.
The film makes every scene look hazy most of the time. Almost wish that this was a Brian DePalma movie.
How do you do that by having a psychopath go against people who are much worse?
A Little cheesy but worthwhile as it stays entertaining for the most part even if at times it feels trashy with a delectable shiny sheen and gloss Also shows how she knows she will never be accepted.
Maybe this sequel feels so good and refreshing as most likely going in you aren’t actually expecting as much especially when it comes to quality.
A prequel origin story where we learn the details of the fate of the characters we vaguely hear about in the first film.
Directed By: Alain Robak Written By: Alain Robak and Serge Cukier Cinematography: Bernard Dechet Editor: Elizabeth Moulinier
Cast: Emmanuelle Escourrou, Christian Sinniger, Jean-Francois Gallotte, Roselyne Geslot, Francois Frapier, Thierry Le Portier
When a strange creature crawls into a woman’s uterus she becomes a killer in order to feed the tiny terror growing within her.
This is one of those movies that came from nowhere for fame. I had never previously heard of this film and decided to take a chance at it. While scrolling through Shudder.
This Is definitely a film made for horror fans. The theme of this film seems to be literally at first men’s horniness will be the death of them. Most don’t come off well throughout the film.
As the lead female played with total commitment and energy by Emmanuelle Escourrou. who gets infected by this parasite at first is reluctant to go through with what the parasite is forcing her to do. Working her way as a seductress to entice more victims. As she already had men all over her, even when not trying, though she was in an abusive relationship and the one man she wanted to have no interest.
The parasite in her uterus wants her to kill but not for blood or the remains. The film never seems to answer the reasons why. Just the act sets this film apart from similarly themed films in its wake like GRACE or PREVENGE.
As the parasite grows into a baby after sex and while psychically communicating and controls her more through pain and threats. So it’s almost like she is in an abusive relationship again.
The film presents the killings not from a need, not from a maternal instinct of trying to help her child survive. As it says it wants blood but we rarely see her take it.
The first half of the film is presented episodically like short stories of her next kill. While still on the run.
The film offers plenty of nudity and some sex, but it’s never quite erotic, exotic, or sexy. The filmmakers do have some artistic tendencies in the film, but it seems like with a Troma Studios-type budget. That ends up having the movie feel slightly exploitative.
The film at times feels quite silly, but it never lets loose to have fun with its wacky premise.
The film never goes where you expect. As once you believe you have it figured out. It goes another way.
Directed By: Jessica M. Thompson Written By: Blair Butler Cinematography: Autumn Eakin Editor: Tom Elkins
Cast: Nathalie Emmanuel, Thomas Doherty, Sean Pertwee, Hugh Skinner, Carol Ann Crawford, Alana Boden, Stephanie Corneliussen, Courtney Taylor
After the death of her mother and having no other known relatives, Evie takes a DNA test…and discovers a long-lost cousin she never knew she had. Invited by her newfound family to a lavish wedding in the English countryside, she’s at first seduced by the sexy aristocrat host but is soon thrust into a nightmare of survival as she uncovers twisted secrets in her family’s history and the unsettling intentions behind their sinful generosity.
This film was spoiled a bit by its own studio with a trailer that pretty much told you all you needed to know. A lot of the major story points.
This film is giving an early 2000’s vibe. Especially the soundtrack. It is essentially a popcorn film and never truly tries to sell it as anything more.
The only reason I had any major interest in the film is its star Nathalie Emmanuel and this film is one of the first and only times I have seen her playing a lead role.
She looks great in every scene. Even if the film leaves her with not too much to work with, that could be seen as challenging.
As the film tries to have some meaning and ends up having no depth or reason. As it seems to know its place and is nothing more or less.
You know it will be playing on cable, television, and streaming repeatedly as filler.
The film looks good, Shining, polished, and expensive. As it feels at times almost like a harlequin English romance. Like the epitome of class even if simple and stereotypical. As it tries to be about race but seems to be more about class
Though loved the character of her best friend played by Courtney Taylor, needed more of her. Luckily the filmmakers knew that and rightfully brought her back.
The film offers African Americans in major roles in a horror film and offers a person of color in the lead.
Watching this movie it’s obviously made for younger audiences. Like it works It’s way around more mature subject matter for teens. As we never quite see too much, only the aftermath and hints or glimpses. Even if as a PG-13 movie there is only one use of the F-Word. At least it goes with a good line.
The action could be a bit more exciting. Though it tries to stay as a thriller more.
The film is fashionable but never quite stands out. As it tries to be modern Victorian at times.
The film offers characters reading into other people, particularly beautiful ones. How you want or expect them to be.
The film at times seems more race-based. As the film slightly treats her like she is a slave or an escaped one. Even with a lack of characters of color other than two actresses.
Though it does leave the audience to cheer more for her as a person of color. Many seeing representation on screen take it a little more personally.
Directed By: Steven C. Miller Written By: Chris Bayrooty, Chris Siverston and Nick Waters Cinematography: Neil Cervin Editor: Greg MacLennan
Cast: Madison Pettis, Vanessa Morgan, Jedidiah Goodacre, Phoebe Miu, Jordan Buhat, Richard Harmon, Susan Bennett, Lochlyn Munro
A group of college friends rents a smart house for a weekend of partying. Later, they start to realize that Margaux, the house’s super-advanced AI system, has sinister designs for them.
This feels like in the old days a horror film that almost feels like a quickie. It seems easily thrown together and then find photogenic good looking people that are usually teen stars or on a popular teen show at the time and cast them.
As here the cast is quite good looking and most of the female characters are never nude but half-dressed through the second half of the film in clothing that offers ample cleavage since it is mostly filmed in one location it comes across that most of the budget was spent on special effects.
It also feels like what I call a level one or introductory horror film for those scared or nervous when watching horror films. As it has a light touch there are only two truly gory scenes throughout that would disturb a younger audience. Though plenty of things that would keep this a little out of reach for a younger audience.
Though the ultimate plan seems to make no sense.
The one character they build up to be the one you might really want to see perish. Try to make them likable so much so that she. She goes it is really out of nowhere and the easiest death, but knowing her character is a crowd pleaser they manage to bring her back for bigger and better.
The movie does offer a diverse cast and most Fit into a recognizable stereotype. While the film offers some Dark humor and hilarious one-liners. As actress Vanessa Morgan in her performance and character is by far the scene stealer.
Written, Directed & Edited By: Joseph Winter & Vanessa Winter Cinematography: Jared Cook
Cast: Joseph Winter, Melanie Stone, Jason K. Wixom, Pat Bennett, Marty Collins
A disgraced internet personality attempts to win back his followers by live-streaming one night alone in a haunted house. But when he accidentally pisses off a vengeful spirit, his big comeback event becomes a real-time fight for his life.
This film was an unexpected joy. At first thought, it was going to be a straight-out horror film and it ended up being more of a horror-comedy. Though truthfully more of a comedy set in a horrific setting.
The film mixes media into the story well. Not really satirizing but putting an influencer into the typical haunted house-type film. Which allows for a P.O.V./Found footage.
At first, the jump scares are set up by the influencer but as the film goes along the film provides its own.
The film shows the characters’ vapid true colors as the movie goes along. As he makes all the classic mistakes one shouldn’t in a horror film. Yet inevitably do. Here it is more explained to provoke the action. Hence content that is creepy mixed in with a sense of unnerving and gets freakier as it goes along.
Being informed by his audience along the way for discoveries. So that it is not the one-man show that it seems like it will be at first. As the film at times, the film might remind the audience of EVIL DEAD 2. Only not as big or accomplished but a good try in their own right
The film’s star is also the director who does a good job and is believable. Because of the design of the film, it allows him to direct and film while still being in the film and In control.
The film is especially impressive for its low budget and what it does with it. As it stays inventive throughout. Keeps it interesting even when it seems like it is going to end at times earlier than it should.
It offers laughs, scares, and at times general creepiness.
It follows a three-act structure that seems to be ALONE, COMPANY, and then ALONE again.
A great come out of nowhere film that needs to find a bigger audience.
Cast: Daniyar Alshinov, Abel Kalyeva, Azamat Makienov, Yerlan Primbetov, Dulyga Almolda, Ahmet Sakatov, Rustem Zahnyamanov
Dastan can no longer stand the constant nagging of his highly pregnant wife and decides to run away for at least one day with his friends. The men go fishing, which would have gone smoothly, if not for a series of unforeseen events.
Like the Russian film, WHY DON’T YOU JUST DIE this film is violent out of nowhere but also usually in the middle of a highly ridiculous comedic scene. This is definitely a fun film that will have you laughing or at least giggling throughout.
As both films just are so over the top and pack so much in such a little concept that they go miles with it and it never feels like it is getting stretched too far
So that the film feels almost like a live-action cartoon only with real-life consequences. Though the film has so much zany energy and out-of-nowhere moments. That it is hard to dislike the film. It feeds off the fear of what’s the worst that could happen and what is out there in the unknown of nature.
As it never seems to let you rest. As soon as the road trip starts it gets worse and worse. As well as funnier and funnier.
Some jokes come across as long or expected but there is plenty all through that is unexpected. Though as fast and furious as this film is, it allows the jokes to land and spread before moving on to another one.
None of this is meant to be taken seriously and might remind the audience of the whatever can go wrong will go wrong movies of the 1980s only with a more well-known veteran comedic cast.
Here this is a foreign gun production that screams for an American remake. Which I doubt will do the justice that this film does. As part of the humor might be that it takes place on foreign soil which is foreign to the audience. Especially when it comes to actions and reactions.
Though the film is violent it’s not so much gratuitous to an unbearable degree, but one would categorize it as a splatter comedy.
The film does live up to it’s title and serves as a final line and a summation of the film.
Directed By: David R. Ellis Written & Screen story By: J. Mackye Gruber & Eric Bress Based On the Original Story & Characters Created by: Jeffrey Reddick Cinematography: Gary Capo Editor: Eric Sears
Cast: A.J. Cook, Ali Larter, Michael Landes, David Paetkau, James Kirk, Lynda Boyd, Keegan Connor Tracy, T.C. Carson, Justina Machado, Tony Todd, Sarah Carter, Jonathan Cherry, Shaun Sipos, Noel Fisher
Kimberly has a premonition of an accident killing multiple people including her and her friends. She blocks the cars behind her on the ramp and as a police trooper arrives, the accident happens. Death is stalking this group of survivors.
This film is faster, but not necessarily better. This sequel is a bit more ridiculous with a bit more humor about itself. It also feels more expensive than the previous film. Losing that kind of intimacy of a lower budget and fewer characters.
As it follows the same formula as the first film but moves faster. Leaves more survivors/victims and feels more like a product off the assembly line than an individual film. It feels like an individual entry only because here it feels a little more experimental as the stud and filmmakers are trying to set the right tone and rules for the future of this franchise.
The film has a real moment that gives the film some kind of heart. Then it quickly grows uncomfortable with that and goes back to being cynical.
Though it manages to be shockingly sad and dramatic in moments. As well as building up plenty of suspense.
Especially after an older female character loses her teenage son. Then has a cruel death afterward. While she is still emotionally raw and in mourning. It’s the film’s one strong dramatic moment. It Shows this film won’t play favorites and feels like it might be picking on her checker just a little more.
The film brings back the one survivor of the original film to pass on the information and try to stop what is happening to them once and for all, but she is quickly dispatched. At least she lets us know what happened to the original protagonist who for all the inventive deaths the film has to offer seems rather simple and weak.
It feels more cynical as it stays within the formula but seems to know its audience as the kills here seem not only aggressive but more energetic and full Of adrenaline. Like an action sequence but more for the audience to cheer for. Though at least it plays with it more. Not always instant gratification, but making it more thrilling so we think we know when death will come but then escaping the last minute to end up dying in a way we never quite saw coming but was set up.
Obviously was more driven by the shock deaths of the original. Though here it ends up being a bit more playful
The highway scene is an amazing stunt extravaganza.
This is the film where you notice or the producers notice more the audience and come for the creativity of the kills. Not to mention the shock cuts they try to instill while giving you clues as to who’s next.
The little push at the end then shows the film’s Sense Of cruel humor. As these films continuously want you to care and try to play up the sorrows of the characters. While wanting you To root for their deaths or root to see the way in which they will die.
The film lacks a slasher so there is no face to the villain. It is more circumstance as we mostly see what they are cooking up to lead to the next death. Though at times try to pull a last-minute surprise on the audience.
So they feel engaged and like the film is actively playing with them.
The film does offer other brilliant scenes in which one of the survivors keeps trying to escape and survive an apartment fire that seems like a booby-trapped with each attempt. That humor comes with the over-the-top nature of ridiculous overkill attempts and ends.
Strangely for all the thrills this film gives off. The leads are some of the most forgettable parts of the movie. In fact, that has become the franchise’s major weakness. Even though the supporting characters are usually memorable. Maybe that is why they become the victims and the leads seem to make it to the end. The blander the safer, as they have a hero complex.
Directed by: Nyla Innuksuk Written By: Nyla Innuksuk & Ryan Cavan Cinematography: Guy Godfree Editor: Simone Smith
Cast: Tasiana Shirley, Nalajoss Ellsworth, Chelsea Proske, Shaun Benson, Kristian Bruun, Alexis Wolfe, Rory Anawak, Frankie Vincent Wolfe, Jackie Maniapik
When Maika and her ragtag friends discover an alien invasion in their tiny arctic hamlet, it’s up to them to save the day. Utilizing their makeshift weapons and horror movie knowledge, the aliens realize you don’t mess with girls from Pang.
This science fiction adventure film is more of a film for young teens. That has hints of horror yet never goes fully in that direction. It feels like the movie THE THING mixed with ATTACK THE BLOCK only nowhere near as violent or nihilistic as either.
Other than some violence the film barely has too much that would be objectionable. As most of all, it offers younger girls of color representation on the big screen in positive and relatable ways.
This is good for Its audience as adults will most likely find it cuter than anything. As there is nothing really revelatory or scary. It’s cuter throughout though at times a bit grizzly for young kids.
Though with the children being in constant peril. You do worry for their safety and dates a bunch of times and hope the film won’t go that far.
You might feel like you are waiting for something bigger to Happen or more to the story, but it stays clean-cut. As there is peril though not too much violence or gore. It has good practical effects for the most part
This film makes a good starting science fiction horror movie on certain terms. That it is engaging with its energy. Definitely, a fun movie that never overstays It’s Welcome. All of the horrors happen during the day which is rare in a horror film.
It almost feels like a movie made by impressive teenagers for kids.
Cut To The Chase 