In All The Lost Ones, director Mackenzie Donaldson delivers a lo-fi dystopian thriller that’s as much about survival as it is about the slow erosion of trust in a fractured America. Set in a near-future where climate change has catalyzed a government crackdown and subsequent civil war, the film explores the lives of a small group of resisters trying to outrun a brutal militia force. At the center of the story are Nia, her sister Penny, and her boyfriend Ethan, who find themselves hiding in a remote cabin—until their sanctuary is disrupted by a militia leader named Conrad.
Read MorePocket Princess (2024)
Growing up with a deep love for stop-motion animation, I’ve always considered it a gift anytime a new project in the medium lands in my queue for review. Olivia Loccisano’s Pocket Princess is no exception—this beautifully unsettling short film is a dark little gem that reminds us just how powerful animation can be when paired with weighty, real-world themes. The visual style is instantly nostalgic, calling to mind the charming simplicity of vintage bumpers from Pee-wee’s Playhouse or the surreal elasticity of Gumby.
Read MoreThe Killgrin (2024)
Killgrin, written and directed by Joanna Tsanis, delivers a unique blend of horror and psychological drama, but its uneven pacing and somewhat predictable execution may leave some viewers longing for more. The story centers on Miranda, a woman grappling with personal tragedy, who turns to unconventional self-help methods after a spiritual healer informs her that her aura is infected by a malevolent force known as a "Killgrin." This dark entity, which feeds off her misery, begins to have a horrifying effect on those around her.
Read MoreThe Ugly Stepsister (2025)
From the very first frame of Emilie Blichfeldt’s feature directorial debut, The Ugly Stepsister, it’s clear that we’re in for something far removed from the polished perfection of Disney’s animated fairy tales—or the chaos of whatever’s happening in The Twisted Childhood Universe. What Blichfeldt delivers instead is a brutal, beautifully crafted, and unsettling reimagining of Cinderella filtered through a lens of body horror, biting satire, and feminist fury. Set in a lush, live-action world that mimics the meticulous detail of a Disney production, The Ugly Stepsister feels like it’s been plucked from a dream—or a nightmare.
Read MoreRuby's Multiverse (2023)
Ruby’s Multiverse, directed and written by Kelly Helen Thompson, is a thrilling and imaginative dive into a cinematic universe like no other. At just 1 hour and 7 minutes, this sci-fi fantasy film is another captivating entry in Kelly’s unique body of work. Whether you’re familiar with her previous films or a newcomer, Ruby’s Multiverse brings everything together in an interconnected web that showcases Kelly’s creative brilliance.
Read MoreDead Mail (2024)
Dead Mail, directed by Joe DeBoer and Kyle McConaghy, is a gripping and unique addition to the horror-thriller genre, weaving together elements of suspense, dark comedy, and a hefty dose of '80s nostalgia. Premiering exclusively on Shudder as part of their Halfway to Halloween celebration, the film brings a chilling, analog-inspired atmosphere that immediately draws the viewer into its unsettling world. The plot begins with a blood-stained cry for help that makes its way to Jasper, a seasoned 'dead letter' investigator at a post office in rural 1980s America.
Read MoreTinker Man (2023)
Tinker Man is a unique and engaging 46-minute journey that blends the fantastical with the deeply personal, taking viewers on a wild ride through body-switching chaos and relationship woes. Directed and written by the talented Kelly Helen Thompson, this film reimagines the classic Freaky Friday body-swap plot with a fresh, mature twist, offering a quirky yet compelling look at love, self-discovery, and the struggles that come with being in a troubled relationship. At the heart of Tinker Man is the story of Beth and Ned, a couple on the brink of collapse.
Read MoreSacramento (2024)
There’s a delicate magic to road trip films when they’re done right—a blend of personal introspection, unexpected humor, and the unspoken beauty of landscapes rolling by just outside the window. Sacramento, the sophomore directorial effort from Michael Angarano, taps into this magic with sincerity and warmth, delivering what might just be one of the most genuine road trip movies in recent memory. Michael Angarano stars as Rickey, a high-energy, free-spirited man still clinging to his carefree past.
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