Broken Bird, the feature directorial debut of Joanne Mitchell, is a haunting exploration of grief and loneliness, where reality blurs with dark desires. Adapted from Mitchell's 2018 award-winning short Sybil, this film delves into the twisted psyche of Sybil Chamberlain, a character who finds solace in the dead. Rebecca Calder's portrayal of Sybil is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Read MoreWineville (2024)
Wineville marks the directorial debut of Brande Roderick, who is best known for her role as Leigh Dyer on Baywatch. Set in the 1970s, the film follows a woman forced to return to her family vineyard after the death of her abusive father, only to discover that the dark secrets she left behind have festered into something far more sinister. Despite an intriguing premise, Wineville falls short in execution, struggling to find its footing in both narrative and style.
Read MoreThe Well (2023)
Federico Zampaglione’s The Well brings a refreshing, albeit flawed, entry into the world of gothic horror. Starring the talented Lauren LaVera, best known for her final girl role in Terrifier 2 and 3, this film embraces the genre's traditions with a commitment to practical effects and visceral storytelling that will delight fans of classic horror. Set in a remote Italian village, The Well follows Lisa, an American art restorer tasked with bringing a medieval painting back to its former glory.
Read MoreThe 13th Warrior (1999) #RetroReview
The 13th Warrior doesn’t completely come together, but I nevertheless find it to be enjoyable. Direction is officially credited to John McTiernan and the story is an adaptation of Michael Crichton’s novel “Eaters of the Dead.” That too was the film’s original title, but its initial cut was received poorly by test audiences, so reshoots were ordered and a new ending was conceived, all of which were directed by an uncredited Crichton.
Read MorePsycho Ape: Part II - The Wrath of Kong (2024)
Psycho Ape: Part II - The Wrath of Kong is a sequel that surpasses expectations in the most delightful way. Directed and written by Addison Binek and Greg DeLiso, this film is intentionally bad in the best sense, and it revels in its absurdity, crafting a cinematic experience that is both hilarious and surprisingly well-executed. Set 25 years after the events of the first Psycho Ape, the film follows the quiet life of Nancy and Dr. Zoomis, who have formed an unlikely bond with the reformed simian Psycho Ape.
Read MorePale Horse (2024)
Pale Horse, the latest horror film released by BayView Entertainment LLC, is a unique addition to the genre, blending art, love, and dark magic into a chilling and surreal experience. Directed by the late Pearry Reginald Teo, Pale Horse is a film that feels like a fever dream, reminiscent of something you might stumble upon late at night on Cinemax or the USA Network in the late 90s—a peculiar, one-time viewing that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. The film follows Sabian Maynes, played by Perish Dignam, a mysterious artist who takes over an art gallery basement for his personal studio.
Read MoreStream (2024)
Stream is a wild ride that brings together an impressive roster of horror icons while delivering a gruesome, if somewhat uneven, slasher experience. Directed by Michael Leavy, the film follows the Keenan family on what is supposed to be a simple weekend getaway. However, their plans quickly unravel as they find themselves trapped in a hotel with four deranged killers competing in a sadistic game of creative murder.
Read MoreMillennium (1989) #RetroReview
Michael Anderson’s 1989 time travel thriller, Millennium, has enough going for it to outweigh its relative deficiencies. It features some unique plot elements that are only somewhat hampered by budget, and it also has compelling leads despite a miscast role. It’s good, not great, but that’s sometimes enough for a B film like this.
Read MoreHellvira's Haunted Asylum of Horror (2024)
Hellvira’s Haunted Asylum of Horror is a bawdy, raunchy take on the horror-host format that delivers exactly what it promises: irreverent, over-the-top entertainment led by the unapologetically bold Hellvira, played by Sushii Xhyvette Holder. This indie film takes us back to the days of classic horror hosts while adding its own unique, modern twist. The premise is simple and straightforward: Hellvira, a mischievous succubus clown girl, invites viewers into her haunted asylum, where she and her eccentric band of characters, including Nurse Daphne, Mister Nanners, Sanny Klaus, Stabby the Clown, and Boneripper, present a night of horror and hilarity.
Read MoreRE: Ready or Not (2019) #RetroReview
Darkly funny with nice production values and distinctive performances, filmmaking collective Radio Silence deliver a crowd-pleasing thriller with 2019’s Ready or Not. Laced with biting class satire, the film aims to entertain as well as skewer. August 21st sees the film celebrate its fifth anniversary, so let’s take a look back!
Read MoreHostile Dimensions (2023)
Hostile Dimensions, the latest sci-fi/horror film from director Graham Hughes, will hit theaters and digital/VOD platforms on August 23rd, courtesy of Dark Sky Films. This twist-filled multiverse thriller follows two documentary filmmakers investigating the mysterious disappearance of a graffiti artist. Their search leads them to an ominous freestanding door, plunging them into a dark journey through various dimensions.
Read MoreArt of a Hit (2024)
Art of a Hit, releasing on August 20th, 2024, from Giant Pictures, showcases an intriguing blend of rock culture and horror, starring a notable cast including Ryan Donowho, Charlie Saxton, and Tim Jo. This film attempts to capture the essence of the late '90s rock scene while intertwining it with a chilling narrative set in a 1000-year-old French chateau. Despite its shortcomings, Art of a Hit deserves appreciation for its originality and effort.
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