Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of episode six of Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, which arrives on AMC+ and Sundance Now on 2/1/24! 

Episode 6 – Premieres Thursday, February 1 on AMC+ and Sundance Now  
Abigail seeks to clear Dan’s name by whipping up anti-witch feeling amidst a mystery virus and evidence of dark magic.

Truly, February is a month that carries with a very specific mantra. In that, we are to do nothing but celebrate the wonder of love. After all, this is the month that is home to Valentine’s Day, so all of our plans and all of our celebrations should revolve around our partner, and how we plan best to show them we love them. Which is… not a terrible mantra to have, but it is one that not everyone feels the need to subscribe to. After all, not everyone has a partner or someone they are dating. So, celebrating such events are silly to them.
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Not to mention, Valentine’s Day is indeed a corporate holiday. Because if it takes someone this holiday to remind them to tell that special person in their life how they feel about them, that’s a problem. But while not everyone celebrates this holiday, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate love in our own way during February. After all, there are thing we love in this life we can put on a pedestal. Hobbies, songs, and films… such as horror films. Because spooky movies just do it for a lot of people and well, why not celebrate a month revolving around the wonder of the heart… by seeing one get ripped out by zombies?

But what matters more, is that the world’s premier horror streaming service, Shudder, understands that this month means a lot to horror fans, since they will indeed celebrate that which they love and that is why Shudder is planning for to offer up a love letter to horror next month. One filled to the brim with amazing programs and celebrations and well, to prepare you for the bloody road ahead, here is that heart-pounding lineup, courtesy of Shudder.

Directed by Simone Scafidi
View The Trailer Here
 
Streaming On Shudder February 2
Available in US, CA, UKI, ANZ
 
Synopsis
In the secluded ambiance of hotel rooms, Dario Argento crafted his greatest cinematic creations, seeking solace from the outside world to delve into his nightmares. Now, he finds himself in a hotel room to return to the very setting that ignited his creative fervor to conclude his latest script and participate in an intimate interview, all while being followed by a film crew documenting his life for a movie about his illustrious career.

Directed by Asif Akbar
 
Streaming On Shudder February 9
Available in US and CA

Synopsis
Haunted by a malevolent spirit since childhood, a desperate mother allows herself to become possessed in order to save the life of her terminally ill daughter. Starring Terrence Howard (Iron Man) and Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire)

Directed by Bo Mirhosseni
 
Streaming On Shudder February 23
Available in US, CA, UKI, ANZ

​Synopsis
In the near future, war and corruption have plagued America and turned it into a theocratic police state. Against the oppression, ordinary citizens have formed a group called The Resistance. One such member, Alegre Dyer, breaks out of political prison and reunites with her husband Ron and daughter Daria. On the run from the militia, the family takes shelter in a remote safe house. But their journey is far from over, as the house’s dark past begins to eat away at Ron, and his earnest desire to keep his family safe is overtaken by something much more sinister

Shudder Original Special
 
LIVE on Shudder February 9; Streaming on Shudder February 11
Available in US and CA
 
Synopsis
Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mailgirl honor the lusty sting of Cupid's arrow with a kinky double-feature featuring blood, sex, and the dark side of love.

February 1
 
Videodrome
A programmer at a TV station that specializes in adult entertainment searches for the producers of a dangerous and bizarre broadcast.
 
Sorority House Massacre
College student Beth and her sorority sisters are stalked by an escaped psychopathic killer who shares a strange telepathic link with her.
 
Piranha (1978)
When flesh-eating piranhas are accidentally released into a summer resort’s rivers, the hotel guests become their next meal.
 
Slumber Party Massacre (1982)
A female high school student’s slumber party turns into a bloodbath, as a newly escaped psychotic serial killer wielding a power drill prowls her neighborhood.
 
Slumber Party Massacre 2
Courtney Bates, the younger sister of Valerie, and her friends go to a condo for a weekend getaway, but Courtney can’t get rid of the haunting feeling that a supernatural rockabilly driller killer is coming to murder them all. 
 
Chopping Mall
A group of young shopping mall employees stay behind for a late night party in one of the stores. When the mall goes on lock-down before they can get out, the robot security system malfunctions and goes on a killing spree. 
 
Hell Night
Four college pledges are forced to spend the night in a deserted old mansion, where they are stalked by the monstrous survivor of a family massacre years earlier. 
 
Bad Moon
After being bitten by a werewolf in the jungle, Ted looks for a cure. His lawyer sister, with a son and a dog, invites him to park his camper by her house in the woods and live out of her fridge. 
 
Humanoids from the Deep
Humanoid sea creatures start killing a fishing town’s residents and raping their women. It’s up to the townsfolk and a visiting biologist to fight back and fend them off. 
 
The Velvet Vampire
Lee and his wife Susan accept the invitation of mysterious Diane to visit her secluded desert estate. Tensions arise when the couple, unaware that Diane is a vampire, realize that they are both the objects of the pale temptress’s seductions.
 
Body Bags
Three short stories in the horror genre: the first about a serial killer, the second about a hair transplant gone wrong, and the third about a baseball player. 
 
Werewolves Within
Feature adaptation of the video game where werewolves attack a small town.
 
Knives and Skin
A mystical teen noir that follows a young girl’s disappearance in the rural Midwest and its effect on teens and parents.
 
Spiral (1998)
A young pathologist seeks answers to the mysterious death of a friend and soon comes into contact with the same cursed videotape that caused the death of the friend’s wife and son, which is haunted by the curse of Sadako, a relentless spirit.
 
Kindred
Plagues by mysterious hallucinations, a pregnant woman suspects that the family of her deceased boyfriend has intentions for her unborn child.
 
February 2
 
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage
An American expatriate in Rome attempts to unmask a serial killer he witnessed in the act of an attempted murder – and is now hunting him and his girlfriend.
 
Inferno (1980)
An American college student in Rome and his sister in New York investigate a series of killings in both locations where their resident addresses are the domain of two covens of witches. 
 
Two Evil Eyes
A duo of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations about a greedy wife’s attempt to embezzle her dying husband’s fortune, and a sleazy reporter’s adoption of a strange black cat.  

Argento’s Dracula
Asia Argento stars in horror legend Dario Argento’s sexy spin on the classic tale about the sharp-toothed count who craves human blood.
 
February 12
 
The Psychic (1977)
A clairvoyant woman discovers a skeleton in a wall in her husband’s house, and seeks to find the truth about what happened to the victim.
 
Cemetery Man AKA Dellamorte Dellamore
A cemetery man must kill the dead a second time when they become zombies.
 
Bad Girl Boogey
Halloween blood is shed by the wearer of a parasitic mask cursed with black magic and bigotry. After Angel’s friend is killed by a person wearing the mask, Angel must fight, fear and find the killer before he slaughters everyone. 
 
Vamp
Two fraternity pledges travel to a sleazy bar in search of a stripper for their college friends, unaware it is occupied by vampires.
 
February 15
 
The Others
In 1945, immediately following the end of Second World War, a woman who lives with her two photosensitive children on her darkened old family estate in the Channel Islands becomes convinced that the home is haunted. 
 
Ils (Them) 
Lucas and Clementine live peacefully in their isolated country house, but one night they wake up to a strange noise. They're not alone, and a group of hooded assailants begin to terrorize them throughout the night.
 
Dogs (1979)
After several inhabitants of a new city were bitten by dogs, a young doctor tries to stop the climb of violence.
 
February 19
 
Megalomaniac
Megalomaniac questions the invisible line between victim and executioner and how it is crossed. A film about the weight of patriarchy and the illusion of Manichaeism. 
 
Deathstalker
A lone warrior nicknamed Deathstalker is sent by a witch on a quest to find a sword, a chalice and an amulet, two of which are held by the wicked king and sorcerer, Munkar. 
 
Deathstalker 2
In this parody of the sword and sorcery films, a princess is deposed by an evil sorcerer. She enlists the aid of Deathstalker to battle the forces of evil, including a clone of the princess, and win back her kingdom. 
 
February 26
 
Moon Garden
A comatose five-year-old girl journeys through an industrial wonderland to find her way back to the consciousness.

About Shudder
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and Original Content is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Over the last few years, Shudder has introduced audiences to groundbreaking and critically acclaimed films including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Coralie Fargeat’s REVENGE, Joko Anwar’s SATAN’S SLAVES, Josh Ruben’s SCARE ME, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna‘s WHEN EVIL LURKS, and the latest in the V/H/S film anthology franchise, as well as the fan favorite TV series THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, and THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS.

One of the best aspects of the horror genre, is the sheer fact that it offers stories to us… that don’t always require all that much thought. Because sometimes, we just want to be scared and want to take part in an experience and the creative minds in the genre know that and sometimes, are eager to tell scary stories that accomplish just that. The kind free from commentary and free from complex origins to give us forces of nature, stories that explore our deepest fears and it just so happens that the next episode of Tales from the Darkside, accomplishes all of that no problem. Courtesy of a gift.
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For ‘Ursa Minor’ drops us into an all-American household on a very special day. For young Susie is celebrating her birthday and she is quite happy with her present. A giant Teddy Bear that is soft and squishy and is oddly, bringing about suspicion from her mother Joan. For she has a bad feeling its innocence is prompting Susie to act out and do belligerent things. Such as push items off of counters and make general messes around the house. But it doesn’t take long for Joan to have greater concerns about the bear. Courtesy of what sounds like a growl when she attempts to discipline Susie for her actions, and Susie’s claims that the bear did all of these things. Giving rise to some hard curiosity about the bear and its origins. To the point where Joan brings in a specialist.

A man who harbors knowledge of strange items and strange occurrences, and he offers Joan quite the lesson and quite the warning. In that, there is a fair chance that the teddy bear in the home, is the product of years of magical neglect. A pent-up nightmare of spirits and other beings that will no longer be ignored, and that she best remove it from the home before it decides to unleash its fury. Advice that Joan takes to heart… only to learn that she might be too late. For on the night Teddy is sent packing, it seems that he has fully awakened, and his cries have brought friends, big friends that might do real damage to the physical health of an innocent mother, caught in the crossfire of elements she and few others… understand.

Which really is the perfect way to explore all of those elements. After all, learning that Teddy is in essence, a magical being fueled by a lack of respect, is pretty much a force of nature that we don’t understand, nor do we get an answer to how he came to be. He’s just there, he’s dangerous and that leads to some fascinating tension in this tale, the kind that truly comes to a boil in an epic way. Which offers up real terror through and through, the kind that also does indeed prey upon some primal fears. After all, Joan and her daughter are the only ones in the house when the chaos that Teddy inspires, begins. Giving rise to a real sense of isolation and helplessness, something we all hope to avoid, and the wonder of this tale doesn’t end with those elements.
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Because this story also takes the time to really showcase a touch of karma if you will. As though the negative energy put out in this tale is what brought Teddy’s wrath to bear (pun intended). For in many ways, Susie lives in a toxic environment. After all, her father, Richard, is a drunk and aloof and his inability to be present in the moment puts undue pressure upon Joan. Who in turn lashes out, and Richard of course, undercuts her… as was tradition in the 1980s… and all of that clearly exposes the ugliness of this family. The kind that an evil or an entity in need of attention would be happy to seek out and consume in some form or fashion, as old legends go, adding fascinating depth and realism to this story.

One that is quite frankly, a hidden gem in season two of this series. Simply because this really does go further than expected. For a simple, evil teddy bear story would have been forgettable. But adding a mythos here that offers no answers, alongside a genuine human element creates a supremely powerful tale. One that really is grounded in the best aspects of horror and is genuinely creepy and ends in quite the ugly manner. Courtesy of some smart writing, the kind that just lets loose and tells a scary tale and truly… it will be interesting to see, just how many more raw tales of terror await us as we continue our journey through the Darkside and all the incredible stories it has to offer. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Suitable Flesh’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that horror is at its absolute peak right now. After all, the genre is dominating every type of entertainment out there. For there are horror movies galore in theaters making audiences happy, it’s a staple on television and has multiple horror franchises entertaining audiences at home. Not to mention, there’s plenty of horror to read, and even horror video games are all the rage. Because the genre has finally reached its tipping point, and by becoming one of the most popular genres out there, it also now offers up some amazing storytelling. The kind that gives the viewer so much to think about.

Simply because, horror has perfected the art of integrating social commentary into its overall structure, and it is trying things with stories that few other genres are. Giving rise to some supremely intelligent and powerful stories about things that go bump in the night. But alas, popularity does have its drawbacks. For when audiences demand so much top tier intelligent horror, some of the other stories that it provides go the wayside. Such as the zanier, more twisted and outright in your face horror stories that were once featured often in the genre. But thankfully, there are so many disciplines of the classics in this genre from a creative standpoint, that some are making sure to keep those more classic tales alive, as evidenced by Joe Lynch’s latest feature, which is now available on Shudder, Suitable Flesh.

For this is a story that introduces us to a doctor named Elizabeth Derby, who is in quite a bit of trouble when we meet her. For she has been accused of murdering one of her patients, a man named Asa White, and the only person who will listen to her harrowing story is her good friend Dr. Daniella Upton. Who comes to learn that Elizabeth firmly believes she has touched something evil through Asa. For she explains to Daniella how Asa has never quite been the man she initially met and is instead a powerful agent of monsters we know nothing about and harbors the spirit of a dark entity that can jump bodies and inhabit the flesh and the mind of its victims. Allowing for it to cause trouble and do as it pleases, and Elizabeth is indeed its next host unless Daniella can help her before it is too late.

Which is a plot, that is mostly devoid of commentary and social discussions, and instead features… some classic elements from the genre. Ones that were featured often in the 1980s. Since there are echoes of Cthulhu here and other Lovecraftian delights, right down to the use of Miskatonic and Arkham and everything in between. Which brings forth a real delight since Lovecraft related films in the 1980s, especially the works of Stuart Gordon, were off the wall and grounded in pure elements of horror and well, Joe Lynch keeps that alive in this throwback feature. Since Asa’s horrible gift, creates uncomfortable and twisted moments, the kind where inhibitions are lifted and that brings about some quality horror.
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The kind that harbors some serious gore and some seriously twisted visuals. Ones that are straight out of our nightmares and worst fears and to make matters more unsettling, the story makes sure to harbor some erotic horror elements, to further speak to the weakness of our flesh, our animalistic nature and all of that comes together to bring forth, nothing short of one wild rollercoaster ride. One where you simply haven’t a clue what kind of ugliness that ancient monster will bring to life, and that truly draws you into this story, and prompts you to finish the journey. But while those elements make this film an engaging and delightful watch, what truly allows for it to shine, is the acting.

For this movie features a pair of acting icons, Barbara Crampton (Daniella) and Heather Graham (Elizabeth), and they turn in amazing performances here. Which sell the confusion and concern that would come about from what this monster enjoys and allows for believable transformations to take place. Especially since Graham becomes unrecognizable the instant the evil takes hold and well… that makes this a must-see movie for certain. Because this really is a perfect horror feature, since it features the unknown, a terrifying darkness, and moments that feel believable through and through. Thanks to the incredible acting here, and thanks to the fact that this movie showcases the worst parts of us and truly… there is nothing more frightening in this life… than seeing the darkness we all harbor take control and unleash its fury.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There is a brief moment before everything goes to hell in a precarious situation… where the madness can be stopped. Where people can come back from the brink of their twisted line of thinking and peace can be made. Courtesy of a touch of logic, of some hard truth about what’s really causing unrest and with some hard pushing from people with level heads and open hearts. But sadly… we rarely get to see that come to fruition. Because it is shockingly difficult to stop a mob mentality, and it is even harder to stop someone who is hellbent on creating chaos. But that doesn’t stop people from trying to keep a bad situation from tipping over beyond the breaking point, as evidenced by the next episode of Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale on AMC+ and Sundance Now.

For the next chapter in this saga, saw Sanctuary on the brink. Largely because of two key reasons. The first related to some relieving news. In that, Harper was fine physically after nearly being drowned by her classmates, and well… the joy that came out of that did not last. For she was in fact, furious that Beatrice in essence inspired mob violence against her for no good reason other than to be small minded and spiteful. Which in turn prompted her to inform DCI Knight that she wanted charges pressed and since Knight is a straight shooter, she obliged. Giving rise to more anti-witch sentiment and a belief that the everyday person was being persecuted instead of witches and well, thanks to Abi, things only got worse from there.

Mainly because, the truth about Daniel was presented to Abi at last, and it was not a truth she wanted to face. Specifically, that her son was an outright monster and crossed the worst line possible. And having that truth expressed to all, would indeed change the narrative, and so she doubled down on the lie, and once again used the pain she carried to lash out at her once and dear friend instead of just being honest. Which led to more lies, more fear, and more panic from the citizens of this town. To the point where physical altercations took place and where Abi asked her weasel of a husband to cross whatever line was necessary to make someone pay for her son’s passing and tarnishing of an image, she helped create.

All of which brought forth tensions that Sarah could outright feel and experienced, since she was part of those altercations, and well, she knew… now was the time to act. For to wait, to let the anger fester, would send this town into a downward spiral. So, she decided the best way to handle this… was with magic. To cast a massive spell that would descend upon the entire city, so that clear heads would prevail, and discussions could take place that didn’t involve anger and pain. But alas, getting that spell going was no easy task. For her coven was ready to lay low to not deal with the ire of the moment and even Pierre had no interest in this attempt. In fact, being asked brought about anger from him. So… Sarah risked everything, including her own safety and life to see if by chance… she could pull this spell off herself, and sadly… we won’t know if it worked until next week.

For this episode ended on another juicy cliffhanger. But before we ponder upon whether or not Sarah’s attempt saved the day, we can revel in the majesty of another intelligent tale. One that wonderfully showcased how the downward spiral begins in our world when things unravel. So perhaps… we can step in and make a difference when people are just plain being dumb. Because that’s what we need more of right now, clearer heads, level heads and logic, since so many are retreating behind lies and religion to find comfort that doesn’t exist without truth. And this show deserves a round of applause for offering up more powerful commentary about our modern world, since this all needs to be said, and well, now that we’ve garnered some fascinating insight, all we can do is wait and hope… that the spell worked, and this madness can end quickly. Until next time.

Thirty days. That’s how long fans of The Walking Dead Universe must wait, to reunite with a pair of characters from this universe that means the world to them. Specifically, Rick Grimes and Michonne. For February 25, 2024 is when The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live will debut on AMC, allowing for us to learn at last what happened to Rick after Jadis took him to the Civil Republic Military, and of course… what became of Michonne in her quest to find her love, and well… since anticipation for this series is at an all-time high, and since we are a month away… AMC thought it would be worthwhile today, to offer the fans a gift.
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Courtesy of some gorgeous Key Art for the show and a brand-new trailer. One that further informs us that this series is going to be out of this world epic. But of course, you don’t just have to take us at our word, for AMC was kind enough to share that trailer, that art, and updated details on the show with us… so we can share them with all of you. So, you can properly continue to count down the days to Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira’s triumphant return to The Walking Dead Universe.

‘AMC Networks today unveiled the key art and second new trailer for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, premiering Sunday, February 25, 2024 on AMC and AMC+. Stars Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira return as the beloved TWD characters “Rick Grimes” and “Michonne” in the highly anticipated next series in the Walking Dead Universe.
 
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead... And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they've ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive -- or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?
 
The series also stars Pollyanna McIntosh, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Terry O’Quinn, Matthew August Jeffers, Craig Tate and Andrew Bachelor, among others.
 
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is executive produced by Showrunner Scott M. Gimple, Lincoln, Gurira, Denise Huth, Brian Bockrath and Greg Nicotero.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe that dark times and times of crisis, come about because of a cascading failure that takes time to reach critical mass, and we think that way, because we are curious creatures that like to explore the cause and effect of everything that happens in our lives. And in doing so, we come to see a bigger picture, where multiple failures and mistakes led to others and that in turn brought about the problem in question, and we hope to use that knowledge to prevent such problems ever again. But while that does have merit, it isn’t the whole picture as to how ugliness comes into our world and finds sustainability. 

Because in reality, what truly leads to complete and utter disaster, is indeed a singular moment. A choice for some, an inspiration for others and that is what we should look for and recognize in this world if we want to stop real trouble. For the warning signs are there, and action can quickly quell problems and well, that singular moment and that inspiration is top of mind today, simply because it was all put on display in the next episode of Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale on Sundance Now and AMC+. For the fourth chapter in this journey, saw DCI Maggie Knight continue to work to bring someone to justice for the death of Dan, with minimal results. For every lead continued to go nowhere and that inspired her to try and smoke out some truth by putting a little heat underneath folks and that… led to the disaster in question.

Because one of her hopes for a genuine lead, was that the séance that took place the night that Daniel died, might have been cover for Sarah being the culprit, as payback for what Daniel did to Harper. Not knowing that such truth was revealed to Sarah later. Which of course, brought about another dead end. But she of course, made mention of that possibility to Abigail in passing, and since Abigail was still filled to the brim with an aching and unresolved pain, and a deep rooted fear of who took the time to hurt her son, she ran with this immediately and firmly believed that Sarah caused this harm and was trying to do more post Daniel’s death, and well… that was it. That was both the singular moment and inspiration for a change of course in this once idyllic town. One that was very dark in nature. Because Abigail’s husband decided it was time to pay tribute to his son via a rally, and Abi saw that… as a platform.

Where she could take the psyche of a very fragile town and prey upon it and inspire fear and anger and fury. To make witches look to be the enemy and have her grief be solved by turning others against the innocent and this was… shocking to watch. Mainly because, it felt as though it was ripped from the very headlines of our own world. For we’ve seen hatemongers speak with glee over how they believe people should treat others and it was in some ways, eerily reminiscent of what transpired on January 6, 2021, in America. Where a giant idiot inspired an attempted coup d’état of the American government because big boy didn’t like losing. And well… a similar outcome arrived here. For so many agreed, so many gave into the hate and the fear, and just like that, life changed in Sanctuary and lives are in danger. Since Harper was quickly singled out and beaten and tossed into water where she might not be okay, and we won’t know, until next week arrives.

Which was a hell of a cliffhanger to a hell of an episode. One that truly hammered home, how one moment changes so much. Because that decision on Abigail’s part, to fire up the town to instill hate and fury, and fear… really did alter the vibe in the town. Where down the line, people could look at the whole situation and see multiple failures. But the biggest failure here, was not having an adult in the room, tell Abigail, to stop it. To back off and back down. Instead, she was enabled, and trouble came forth because of how broken she is, and that too is a grand failure. For she has no real support for her grief and now… things are going to get ugly in this town. For people are getting hurt, fear is rampant everywhere and there is nothing to stop this situation from devolving into utter chaos. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Five Finale of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite fascinating how reality shows grounded in competition, tend to end their seasons in such vastly different ways. For there are so many that just go hard into the finale and give us an hour-long rollercoaster where no one can process anything. It’s just a race to the finish line plain and simple. While there are others, that really handle things messily, and struggle to find balance between wrapping up the journey and giving us a finale that we can process and are satisfied with. And of course, there are shows that teeter between those two extremes. Leaving all of us to wonder just how many shows out there can properly find balance and gravity and leave us with a truly satisfying finale that you walk away from feeling good about.

If anything, this reporter can only come up with one, and it just so happens to be The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula on Shudder. Because every year, ‘The Grand Finale’ of this show not only gives us time with the contestants, where we can learn about their journey and see how much it meant to them and what motivated them to seek out a premier competition on television. But it also gives us an intense finale that truly lets the competitors shine and truly showcases their talents in all the right way, and we are absolutely treated to an ending that is definitive and satisfying, and this year’s finale was no exception to that rule. In fact, this might have been hands down the best Grand Finale to date, mainly because Drac and Swan took the time to really set some powerhouse boundaries for how the final looks needed to go in this tale. 

For they really wanted to see what each of them could do by properly focusing upon and representing the Filth, Glamour and Horror tenets of Dragula, and that meant, three looks, three floors shows and a lip sync performance to solidify who would go home with the crown and the title and well… that’s when we were able to really learn about the contestants and their journeys and that made for some moving television. Since we came to properly understand the importance of this show, of representation and the opportunity it affords, and of course… how this show did so much for them as an artist, as a creative mind, and these moments made it very hard to choose a favorite. Because this segment left all of us wanting each of them to win and win big and well… that conflict only got worse as the hour wore on, because the floor shows were fire.

Because each and every one of these fierce contestants, poured themselves into their costumes, and that gave life to some icky Filth outfits. Where everyone did their best to make the audience at home and Drac and Swan as nauseous as possible. Plus, the Horror segment was downright chilling, thanks to some hauntingly hideous creations through and through and of course… the Glamour portion was also amazing. Since these four went from being icky and sticky to downright stunning in a matter of minutes really, and even the lip-syncing was spot on and the performances were divine and well, that meant Drac and Swan had to straight up nitpick the littlest things to find flaws and even that was no easy task. Because the work spoke for itself. But alas, there must be a winner, there must be a Dragula and after much deliberation, one was decided upon.

For Niohuru X simply won the day with her unsettling take out carton of Filth, Haunting Horror outfit and majestic Octopus to reflect the wonder of Glamour and well, let’s be honest, Nio was the right choice all along. Because from day one, Nio’s costumes were simply top tier through and through, and the multiple wins Nio took part in only further reinforces why the crown belonged to her in the end and now, Niohuru will take part in all the duties bestowed upon the world’s newest Drag Supermonster and we… must patiently wait for more from this brilliant series. For while we were treated to a fitting end to the season and the right winner, the season is also over, and we always want more. More of the horror education this series provides and more of the incredible humanity and art put on display here, and it will be interesting to see what incredible moments await us, when this stunning show returns for its sixth season. Until next year.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of episode four of Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale.
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Episode 4 – Premieres Thursday, January 18 on AMC+ and Sundance Now  
Harper’s accusations put suspicion onto her and Sarah, and a memorial vigil incites ill feeling.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Destroy All Neighbors’.
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One particular piece of advice that we all receive when we’re struggling in this life, or fighting for something we want, is to keep plugging away. Because there is a belief that keeping busy when times are tough or when we’re on the cusp of something we want, will help us get through them and/or help us get to our goal, and well, there really is merit to this line of thinking. Since we do find our minds cleared when we’re plugging away and sometimes… we find ourselves far closer to our goal than expected. But there is some trouble that accompanies this particular bit of advice. Because sometimes… the struggles we encounter are more than just something we can handle via busy work and sometimes… we need an assist in getting what we need in this life and that can make keeping one’s head down quite problematic.

Because then, big problems that need handling aren’t being dealt with in the slightest. Not to mention, we’re just spinning our wheels with our goal and that can lead to complete and utter disaster. Wherein our problems could blow up, our goals turn into failures, and we are left at a crossroads. Wherein we can either pick up the pieces and start over and do it right this time and learn the balance busy work provides… or simply just let failure take over and go places we shouldn’t. The kind that we hear about on the six o’clock news and don’t quite understand. Because to us, it doesn’t make sense that someone would ever just… ‘go nuts’ because of a few setbacks. But we are delicate creatures that want more and when we deeply fail in a frustrated fashion, we are indeed compelled to lash out, and well, in order to better understand and prevent this process in our own lives… we turn to stories. For they can show us the consequences of such matters and it just so happens, that a brand-new film on Shudder does just that in Destroy All Monsters.

A feat that this film accomplishes by introducing us to a man named William Brown who… isn’t dealing with anything in this life. For he hates his job, there’s distance in his relationship and the album he’s been working on is nowhere near done. But he keeps plugging away, because that’s what we are supposed to do in that situation, that is until… life gets tougher. For a noisy new neighbor and the loss of his job, and his relationship, pushes William to be more aggressive than ever before to have just a little slice of peace, and that prompts him to confront his neighbor in a manner… that is deadly. Changing William’s life forever and putting him on a maddening path where redemption and peace seem to be nothing more than fleeting dreams.

Which is… the perfect way to explore how some people take a vastly different path when they stumble and fall in this life and see their dreams go the wayside and see their problems explode. Because we are exposed to that downward spiral in the raw.  But what matters more, is that this story takes the time to deeply explore the steps that could prevent the madness that William endures. Because if he ignored the generic advice, we are given about tough times… and dealt with his relationship, it would have been stronger. And if he handled matters with his noisy new neighbor in a bold way, he would have been fine. Making this story a grand tragedy of sorts, one that truly does play out often in this life because of how much we cherish that advice, and what’s amazing is that the wonder of this film doesn’t end there.
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Because this is also a horror comedy. Since William in essence becomes a serial killer before our eyes, one that cannot reconcile the guilt of what he’s done. Which brings about some wild hallucinations of those he’s claimed, the kind that bring about some gory and twisted moments and some genuinely funny ones too. Which makes the darkness of this film palatable and acceptable and helps us to learn the lesson at hand of dealing with our problems, and standing tall and claiming what we want in the right way. So that we find real happiness and real joy, and it’s quite satisfying that this message comes via the tenets of good horror. Yet, there’s still more to celebrate when it comes to this feature. Since it also harbors some magnificent performances.

For Jonah Ray Rodrigues truly shines as William Brown and sells his broken innocence in a manner that is earnest and tragic, and Alex Winter is simply aces as Vlad in this story, and as always, he is an outright chameleon and loses himself within the role. Plus, there are some big-time cameos in this film that delight and well, all of these elements come together to provide us, with an amazing horror comedy feature. One that has a lot to say about modern life, the struggles we face and how to properly handle them. All courtesy of some quality gore, and some hilarious moments that stay with you long after this movie has come to an end. But in a healthy manner, of course. Because no one needs Vlad screaming at you at two in the morning.