​One of the things that I like to do when I am feeling down is to pop in a classic horror movie to show me that things could be worse. While there are plenty of good movies coming out these days, sometimes they are lacking something that the classics never did, relatable characters. While it might be difficult for some people to relate to a generation that is many decades older than them, I have always been an old soul and love putting myself in their shoes. Sometimes you just need to sit back and see how things used to be to see what you should not be doing going forward, because you never know, it might help you in the long run.
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Heading across the state to show her boyfriend Jerry, friends Kirk and Pam, along with her brother Franklin the old homestead, Sally wants to make a quick stop at the local cemetery to check on her grandparent’s remains. With reports of grave robbing in the area and a monument built out of several different bodies, it would put her at peace to know that her family’s bodies were not involved in such matters. Reporting back to the van with the good news that nothing has disturbed the graves, the group heads back out onto the road when they come across a smell that they cannot explain. Passing the slaughterhouse, Franklin is happy to tell everyone everything he knows about how the cows are put down and while it is vile for most everyone, Franklin will never forget that his uncle works the lines to bring the world fresh beef.

Seeing a hitchhiker on the side of the road, the group tries to decide if they should pick him up. Looking a little different, they stop the van and let him come aboard. With very few words being said between the group and their new friend, Franklin is curious about if he works at the slaughterhouse. With plenty of stories about how the new bolt gun does not work and the sledgehammer is the best method of killing the cows, the hitchhiker shows off the pictures of some of the cows he has killed in the past. As the pictures circulate around the van and everyone is sickened by them, the hitchhiker pulls out his camera and takes a picture of Franklin and asks for money in return. Not wanting to pay him for the crappy photo, Franklin stands his ground, but gets cut across the arm in return. Kicking the psycho hitchhiker out of the van, the group has no idea who or what they will soon be dealing with.

Stopping at the gas station to fill up, Jerry is shocked to hear the owner say that they don’t have any gas currently. Getting a quick set of directions to the old homestead, the group moves on in their travels and are able to locate the old house. As everyone from the group makes their way up and into the house, Franklin is outside by the van looking at the blood mark that the hitchhiker left on it. Wondering if it means anything, he shoots down the idea of them possibly being followed since it seems like a long shot. Not being able to get his sister or friends to come and help him into the house, Franklin is starting to feel alone once again and is wondering why he even came along on the trip. But he is helpful when Pam and Kirk want to get directions to the swimming hole.

​Heading down the path as Franklin directed them to, Kirk hears a generator in the distance and knows that whoever lives there might have some gas. Wanting to make a trade with the owners for some, the couple make their way up to what seems to be a normal house, but quickly find out that there are plenty of secrets inside the walls. With the door opening when he knocks on it, Kirk enters and is quickly pulled into a dungeon by a larger individual. Not being able to find her man, Pam enters the house and sees that it is full of dead animals and that not being her thing, she tries to leave, but is stopped by the same larger person who is wearing a leather mask on his face. 
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While the night is moving in, Jerry is starting to worry about his friends being lost in the dark and decides to head out and look for them. Wanting to go with her man, Sally is begged to stick back with Franklin since he cannot be abandoned. Rolling up in the house, Jerry takes a look around and when seeing the beach towel sitting on the patio, he knows that the two are there. Hearing a strange knocking in the basement, Jerry moves in to find someone locked in the freezer. Not getting the chance to escape and tell anyone about his find, he becomes just another number in the greatest massacre in Texas. Needing to locate her friends and boyfriend, Sally and Franklin join the search, but it becomes very short lived as they find out that they are the hunted and need to run for their lives as Leatherface gets out of the house and is looking for meat.

This is one of those movies that is a must own in any horror fan’s film collection as the word classic does not do it justice. It was an independent film that was able to put horror movies back on the big screens for fans to love and rejoice. While you don’t have the big-name actors of the generation, much less a giant budget for effects, this movie keeps you guessing as all of the missing gore on the screen is seen in your mind. That is really the genius of this movie, as you only get to see one person getting hit with the chainsaw at the end, but what you think you see is so much worse. With some no name actors, plenty of screams, a sledgehammer, a chainsaw, a psycho family and a killer who does what dad tells him to do, it is regarded as a classic for the ages. What I will tell you is that this movie has inspired so many minds in the movie industry and I know it will continue to live on for many more generations as one of the greatest films to ever grace the horror genre. Stay Scared.

​Perhaps the true beauty of the horror genre, is the sheer fact that it is able to evolve its message and design in order to continue on from generation to generation. It knows exactly how to prey upon our modern fears and how to properly reflect the zeitgeist of the time and that allows for horror to bring forth new ideas and concepts to terrorize us with. But, despite the constant evolution of this dynamic genre, there are a handful of stories and franchises that have managed to endure the test of time without any alterations to their design.
 
One such franchise that falls into that category, is Tales from the Crypt. Because this storied saga, which began in comics in the 1950’s, has seen all sorts of different iterations through the years. It’s been a wildly popular television show on HBO. It brought forth a modern classic in cinema by way of Demon Knight, which in turn spawned a few sequels of its own, and it was even adapted for British cinema in 1972 and that particular film is what we are going to talk about today, because it is living proof of how this storied saga has managed to endure by preying upon our most primal fears. 
 
Case in point, the opening story in this film, ‘…And All Through the House’. A tale in which a disenchanted wife murders her husband before being terrorized by a blood thirsty murderer dressed as Santa Claus, and while it’s hard to like the main character, Joanne, in this tale since she’s offing her husband for a lovely insurance payment, the core of this story is undeniable. This is a tale about isolation and fear, where help isn’t coming, and that makes for a supremely tense tale that leaves your heart racing and reminds us all that sometimes our own imagination has dreamed up scenarios similar to this from time to time. 

But the relatable fear doesn’t end there. There are plenty other stories in this saga that prey upon our guilty consciences and our greediness and most importantly, the cruelty of man. In fact, ‘Poetic Justice’ and ‘Blind Alleys’ do the finest job of getting that point across since they feature awful human beings who do indeed get their just desserts, but force us to watch their evil machinations before they do and these tales serve as the finest reminder that man is and will forever be the most vile of monsters when it comes to the horror genre.
 
However, as is often the case in horror, great acting is what truly sells the scares and thankfully that’s present in this film as well since it features a pair of screen legends in Joan Collins and Peter Cushing and they just, for lack of a better phrase, kill it in this film. Joan gives us a wide range of emotions as Joanne in the opening story and her fear when the killer comes around feels genuine and Peter, who plays Arthur Grimsdyke, delivers when it comes to his portrayal of a broken man, courtesy of his neighbor’s grizzly actions.
 
Yet, while we only focused on a handful of the tales present in this film, please bear in mind that all of them are disturbing and delightful and filled with plenty of gore and guts in that classic 70’s style and that really makes this motion picture a must see. It’s simply horror at its finest, especially when one considers that the TV series adapted several of these stories for the small screen and those respective episodes were still able to produce the same emotions present in this movie and if by chance you haven’t seen it, seek this one out as soon as you can, you’ll be glad you did. 

One particular aspect of our health that we tend to neglect in times of crisis, is our mental health and understandably so. After all, there’s chaos surrounding us and we have to stay firmly in the moment to handle our business, so we don’t think about taking care of our mental health, nor are we that concerned about the mental health of others during this period of time either. For it really is survival mode in that moment and that is unfortunately, problematic. Because that kind of neglect leads to more strife and more problems and while there is some part of us that knows we need to heal and help others do the same, that really is easier said than done when our world is falling to pieces around us.

But thankfully, stories are there to help us to understand the importance of taking care of one’s mind and the minds of others, when crisis arrives, and it just so happens that The Walking Dead takes the time to explore such matters in its next episode in the most horrifying way imaginable. For ‘The Grove’ showcases what happens when mental health isn't properly nurtured and it accomplishes that feat… by fooling us, at first. For when we catch up with Tyreese and Carol, and Mika and Lizzie, and young Judith… they’ve found sanctuary on the road to Terminus. By way of a beautiful cottage that has a big yard and only one walker to clear, truly making it appear as though… they can finally catch their breath and ponder upon a better tomorrow for the kids.

But it doesn’t take long for Lizzie… to make things weird. Because for a fair chunk of this episode, she expressed her beliefs regarding the walking dead and how she genuinely saw them as flawed human beings, and being able to breathe and talk and reflect, motivated Carol to see if by chance… she could move that silly thought out of her head and help her to understand that the dead are an outright danger. But sadly… those words fell upon decidedly ignorant ears and well… that brought forth some dark moments. The kind where Lizzie killed Mika to prove a point and that decision forced Carol’s hand. Since she realized that Lizzie was now a murderer, one that was unstable and broken, and didn’t understand right from wrong and never would and that in turn… led to one of the ugliest moments in TWD history. Wherein Carol was forced to put Lizzie down to protect herself and Tyreese, and young Judith.

Which is a moment that is still as devastating as it was when it originally aired and well, at first glance… that doesn’t seem to really speak to the importance of internal and external mental health care. But when you take a moment and really reflect upon Lizzie’s journey, the commentary and messaging is there. Because had her parents, really taken the time to talk with Lizzie and teach her more about the horrors of this world and why the dead were ‘evil’ if you will, alongside taking the time to nurture her fragile emotions and provide her with time to heal and process and decompress… then perhaps things would have gone differently. Because clearly, fear and the lack of information surrounding this crisis, piled all kinds of stress and anxiety into Lizzie’s young heart and outright broke her in the end.

A reality that makes her story nothing short of a grand tragedy. One that definitely came to its end in a devastating and uncomfortable manner, to hammer home the importance of taking care our ourselves and others and that makes this a poignant tale for certain, one that still holds up well after all these years and features some stunning performances across the board. With special recognition to Melissa McBride and Brighton Sharbino. Because without their acting chops, that final… heartbreaking moment would not be as legendary as it is and well, now that we’ve come to the end of the line for Lizzie, the time has come to turn our attention to another end, that of season four. For only two episodes remain in this wild journey... toward the mysterious place known only as Terminus. Until next time.

​Accepting a loss on any level can be devastating to people and there is nothing to be ashamed about when you take it harder than somebody else. After losing several family members of my own when I was just a youngin’, I was forced to see mortality at work when my mind was just starting to grow. This has helped me through the years as I have lost many more of my aging family members and while I do not seem to have remorse, I just show it in a different way and would rather celebrate their lives instead of focusing on their deaths. To each their own, and I am a firm believer that having a smile on my face when another loss comes will help everyone else remember the good times and not the sorrow at hand.
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Riding into town after a Confederate pay wagon has just pulled in, William and his men are looking to make a stop at the bank. After being told that they will have to wait, even though they are Confederate troops themselves, William’s men are ready to take what is rightfully theirs. Disposing of the opposing force, William has his plan in place of where to hide out for the night, but as the sun continues to shine down on the robbers, the group is starting to question if the house William told them about is real or just a fairy tale. Rolling up to a cornfield, the group sees an old plantation house in the distance and are ready to rest up before their trip to Mexico in the morning.

Moving through the field and seeing a scarecrow that looks more like a man than anyone has ever seen before, the group is rushed by some sort of creature, and no one has any idea what it is. Putting down the creature, the group moves on to the house and gets ready to hold up for the night. Searching the house, Clyde and Joseph start talking about what they should be getting paid for this job and start to think that they can take out the rest of their band of robbers and just split the profits between each other. After being shot during the caper, Sam is getting tended to by Annabelle while William along with Todd are checking out the downstairs and discover that there is a door that will not open even though it is unlocked.

Being confident that the house is empty, the group settles in and takes a load off. Knowing that a storm is coming, Joseph heads out to get the horses and puts them into the barn. Needing to get the horses some water, he stops by the well and hears a child crying out for help. Not being able to see into the depths of the well, Joseph is taken by the child, never to be seen again. As the night rolls on and the group notices that one of their own is gone, they start exploring the grounds and while being left alone upstairs, Annabelle sees that the house is not empty as a scary child has jumped out at her. Not knowing the secrets that this house has hidden inside the walls will soon become William and his group’s undoing, as the demons that inhabit this house are ready to come out and play.

It seemed like from the get-go of this movie, I was going to be hooked, mainly because it started out with a great action sequence. But this did not continue throughout the film as it slowed down pretty much after that, and we are left to see the group start to battle with their own pasts. While you don’t get to know everything about everyone, you did get to learn a little bit as the house started to come to life. I liked the backstory of what happened in the house however, it was very dark and disturbing and worth the wait. With a gun battle, a battle for riches, a locked door, a sick man and demon children running the show, this is just a fun western/horror movie that will open your eyes to what could happen if you are willing to make a deal for someone’s life. Stay Scared.

One thing that we can agree upon, is that humans are extremely social creatures. For we crave the comfort of company, so much in fact… that even when we wish to be alone, we sometimes immerse ourselves in places that boast a great deal of people. But why exactly are we so social? Well, it undoubtedly relates back to the fact that our passed down primal instincts, from other humans from ages ago, compel us to be together out of the understanding that there is strength and safety to be found in groups of our fellow man. It just so happens that we’ve figured out how to develop that feeling further, in new and healthy ways. Because these days, we’re not foraging for food or running for our lives from predators that roam the countryside. 

But our deep rooted and unspoken dependence upon one another, does leave one to wonder what would become of modern man if by chance our social structure was upended and/or… outright destroyed and while that seems to be a morbid thought, it has merit. Simply because our lives are based around interactions with other human beings, and well… this is a question that is pertinent enough that The Walking Dead took the time to explore such matters in its next episode, 'Alone'. And what this particular tale uncovered about what isolation stemming from a collapse of modern society could do to a person mentally, was fascinating to say the least. Because it postulated the possibility that we would do whatever it takes to reclaim that sense of collective comfort that others can provide.

A feat this story accomplished, by having us spend a great deal of time with Maggie, and Bob, and Sasha. For they were on the road and trying to figure out their next move and in Maggie’s mind, that involved finding Glenn by way of Terminus. For it promised community and it promised a chance at safety and everything that people need in a time of crisis and after some debate, the kind that was negative on Sasha’s end… Maggie decided to forge ahead without them, regardless of the cost and that led to a fascinating exploration of how much we need one another and why Maggie’s way was the right way after all. Since her push to bring people together in this instance brought about honesty and romantic unity between Sasha and Bob, and it was just wonderful to see the show explore the power and importance of community, and how quickly we might seek it out in a disaster scenario, in such an uplifting and compelling manner.

But while it was fascinating to see that trio explore the finer points of unity and community, this is a series that is always thinking ahead and setting the stage for something larger and that was handled by way of Daryl and Beth’s journey. For they found solid shelter at last, the kind complete with food and a clean place to sleep, and despite their new digs being a funeral home… they found comfort and calm at last… until the dead came knocking. Since a small group of them forced the duo to go on the run and well, that led to some painful moments for Daryl, the kind that set up a great deal for the future. Because Beth was kidnapped by someone in a car in a white cross, whose purpose and identity wouldn’t be revealed until well into season five. Plus, this breakdown of safety, brought Daryl to the Claimers. A move that set the stage for some brutal moments down the line.

However, while we wait to revisit those all-important sequences, we can bask in the wonder of a surprisingly uplifting tale. One that really did hammer home the importance of having people that matter around us and what those people can do for us on a fundamental level. Since the prospect of seeing Glenn again gave Maggie incredible drive, and just knowing he was surrounded by good people gave Bob a level of hope he seemingly hadn’t enjoyed in years and well, once again, the show knows how to time the good vibes. Because now that we’ve reached the end of this uplifting journey, some genuinely dark times are ahead. In fact, what comes next is widely regarded as one of if not THE, darkest episode that TWD ever aired and well, consider that a warning to steel your nerves. Because a moment involving a long look at the flowers... awaits us. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Locke & Key’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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​When we come to discover that someone important in our lives is not at all what they seem, we are put in quite the difficult place. Wherein we have to make some supremely tough choices. Such as whether or not to confront this person with the truth and whether or not we should keep them in our lives, and while a vast majority of people would advise us to flash that truth and toss them to the curb, because that makes the most sense… the reason we ponder upon this choice, is because it isn’t always that simple. Because sometimes we have years of history with these people that cannot be ignored or… confrontation and expulsion would bring about great harm to our lives and really, that difficult scenario and those choices are top of mind today, because they served as the central themes of the next episode of Locke & Key on Netflix.
 
For ‘The Maze’ saw the Locke family besides themselves and rightfully so. Because now they knew without a doubt, that Dodge wasn’t cast back into the other dimension that lie behind the door in the caves and that she was instead… alive and well and disguised as Gabe and eager to cause incredible trouble for the family and the world. And after politely chasing him off and coming to realize that he had a major interest in the now mentally sound Duncan because of his ability to produce keys, they were faced with those difficult decisions mentioned a moment ago and they came to the realization that tossing him aside would indeed bring about great trouble. So instead, they opted to just go with the flow and see if they could get more intelligence on Gabe/Dodge’s plans and hope to get one step ahead that way.
 
Which in turn led to some fascinating moments for certain, especially for Kinsey. Because she had to play nice and pretend as though nothing was amiss between her and Gabe and that was no easy task. For he kept pressing her about Duncan’s mental standing and pondering upon ways for the family to potentially bring back his memory and the sheer frustration that brought about for Kinsey was palatable for the audience, as was her fear in these situations. Because one slip up, one wrong step on her part, could have brought about great harm if Gabe realized she knew what was going on and sadly, despite her best efforts to keep Duncan out of the equation… he found a way to inject himself into the situation and escalate this ongoing war between evil and the Lockes. But not out of malice, mind you. No instead, Duncan’s involvement here was out of kindness. So, that he could keep Erin, safe.
 
Because while Kinsey was playing nice and trying to keep Gabe from catching on regarding what she knew, Erin was making plans to put him down for good. For a newly discovered key that Duncan knew little about purpose wise, motivated her to swing by the winter fair to confront Gabe. Because she knew what this key could do, in that… it could secure Gabe at last and get him back down into the well where evil belonged and for a time, it seemed as though this grand fight between good and evil was going to end with a victory for the right side, since she did secure him. But an assist from Eden allowed for Gabe to get the upper hand and end Erin’s life. Putting an end to her second chance and forcing the Locke family to take action far sooner than they would like, setting the stage for a grand showdown with a monster they are far too familiar with.
 
If anything, this really was quite the amazing episode when all is said and done. Simply because it completely shifted the tone of the second season away from deeper commentary and character development and went full bore right into horror and that’s not a bad thing by any means. Because it was only a matter of time before Gabe’s cover was blown and confrontation came into play, and by having it happen now, the show can offer up a quality fight between man and monster. One that ups the stakes and has gravity and meaning and it will be quite interesting to see, what the Locke family has planned for Gabe and how they will expose his true identity and quite frankly… stop him. Because this being is more determined than ever to succeed at its evil machinations and is ready to risk everything to achieve them… and truly, there is nothing more terrifying than a man, or a monster… with nothing to lose. Until next time.

Having overprotective parents can be annoying for many kids growing up, but they do mean well. Not wanting you to make the same mistakes they did, they only want to see you live a long and happy life. While we know this as we get older and have children of our own, we also know that we did not do everything that they wanted us to which was always intended to help us know the consequences of our actions. It is funny to think that we can control our children’s lives after they grow into adults, but many parents constantly attempt to make that happen.
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After getting off of the phone with her father, Sara is ready to meet up with her friends and head to a Cold Play concert. Seeing her best friend Mel, Mel’s boyfriend Sal and her brother Cory arriving at the airport, Sara is planning to fly them to Canada to avoid the traffic. When her boyfriend Bruce shows up, he is a little shaken about getting on the plane with the group, but he will do almost anything for Sara, even wanting to surprise her in the long run when she moves away. With everything stowed away and the plane ready to take off, the group is in for a trip of a lifetime, but little do they know how it will change them.

After flying a while, Sara wants to get Bruce more comfortable with the plane and hands over the controls. Hitting a small patch of turbulence, the plane starts a nosedive and the group is very worried.  Trying to get Bruce to pull up, everyone sees that he is not made out for flying and Sara is forced to take over once again. With some pretty bad feelings towards Bruce, Sal is not afraid to tell him what he thinks and starts to destroy a comic book Sara gave him. Not liking what he is seeing, Bruce is not willing to get in a fight on the plane, but that is the last of his worries when a storm is spotted ahead.

Calling into the tower and getting clearance to fly above the storm, the plane has a malfunction and Sara is not able to level off when she meets her altitude. Continuing to climb higher and higher, the group enters another storm, but there is something hiding in the clouds that nobody has seen before. Freaking out, Sal starts to take his drunken rage out on anyone that will hear him and while he is able to get calmed down, Bruce becomes a problem and is tied down until the group can figure out what they are up against. With the wings starting to ice up and the fear of not having enough oxygen becoming a factor, Cory decides to take matters into his own hands and tries to help in fixing the plane, but that is only the start of a trip plagued with problems.

While I am not a huge fan of flying anymore, mainly because I do not control what is done by the pilot, this movie takes things a step further. While I liked the characters and was disappointed to see a couple go, the twist at the end made me smile. The group’s interaction was mostly fun and the separation that is caused by a monster in the clouds forces decisions to be made that nobody should have to think about. With a malfunctioning plane, a fear of flying, beer, mountain climbing gear, the fear of dying, a monster that is the thing of nightmares, and an interesting little twist when it comes to parenting, this is really a different sort of movie than I expected. While some people love taking up small planes for short trips, I don’t think you will find me in one again, especially if there is a storm. Stay Scared.

There are a great many benefits to re-watching our favorite shows. For instance, it allows for us to enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane, wherein we can experience emotions we thought were long gone once again or at the very least be reminded of them. Plus, a second viewing allows for us to pick up on moments and surprises that we might have missed the first time around and it could give us new perspective on the story, courtesy of big moments that happened after a particular episode or because of how the show ended. And in some cases, going back through and watching a beloved show once again, allows for us to find a newfound appreciation for episodes that quite frankly, we didn’t care for the first time around.

It is that latter element that is the focus of today’s Retro Recap because we’ve come to an episode in our re-watch of The Walking Dead, that this writer wasn’t fond of initially. Because, at the time… it really did seem to be a waste of an episode. Mainly because it initially seemed out of place for ‘Still’ to revolve around what appeared to be a downright foolish and dangerous quest. Because when we catch up with Beth and Daryl in this particular tale, they’re lost and drifting without the group and while they’re trying to survive and see another day… Beth declares she is in need of something that takes one off guard. In that, she’s eager for her first alcoholic beverage and at first glance, that does seem quite silly.

After all, this is the end of the freakin’ world and going out and risking life and limb for a drink just seemed immature at the time. But time and perspective and overall life experiences, allow for one to go back and see what this episode was really trying to accomplish and a second viewing, genuinely allows for one to truly appreciate the messages here and the depth of the story. Because at its core, this is a story about the past and how it haunts us, and how hard it is to reconcile it when we’re mired in chaos and pain, with an exploration on living life to the fullest thrown in, and that core message definitely leads to some powerful moments for certain. For instance, Daryl’s admission about the hurt in his heart over ‘letting down’ his friends in a time of need, not only breaks our hearts… but shows us a side of Daryl we’ve never seen before, one that is expanded upon as the episode rolls along.

Since he completely and utterly opens up to Beth and the audience once they get properly sauced, and it was quite incredible to learn how much pain he carries and how much he wants to do good in a world full of ugly and how much his past haunts him. Not to mention, there was beauty to be found in hearing Beth talk about a hopeful future for her and her friends and family and well, it turns out that a quest for a drink wasn’t some stupid foolhardy search. It was to hammer home message number two, by way a genuine attempt to just live a little and enjoy life in the midst of a world ruled by living death and really, all of those elements added newfound perspective and wonder for this viewer… as did the ending of this particular tale. Because having them both confront their pain and resolve it and move on, is an incredible way to engender hope during such a dark period in the show’s history.

If anything, this really was quite the magnificent story when all is said and done, because it made the characters and their development the focus and that’s always a delightful way to tell a story. Plus, the depth present here and the powerful message present within the framework of this journey, is true to what this series stands for. Since the human condition and its glow and its horrors have always permeated the fabric of The Walking Dead, and it is wonderful to finally see that on display and it only adds to the rich tapestry of terror and wonder that is the back half of season four and well, now that this writer has obtained a newfound appreciation for this episode, the time has come to step away from positive messages, and return to the horrors of the land of the dead. Until next time.

When we think of the word ‘hustle’, we immediately ponder upon a hard-working individual. One that is beyond motivated to get ahead in life and achieve their goals at any cost. Because that is the word that has now been associated with go-getters and overachievers in the workplace, and it is a title we hope to have applied to us as well, since it denotes success in its own special way. But what’s funny about that word, is that we only associate with a singular person. As though multiple people cannot all engage in the hustle and that’s the wrong way to look at that word.

Because if you get enough motivated individuals within the framework of a major company, you get an organization that knows how to hustle and for proof, look no further than the horror streaming service Shudder. Because every decision they make and every announcement that accompanies that, speaks to a team that is beyond eager to maintain their standing as the finest horror streamer out there and well, once again… this company has hammered home its ability to hustle. For earlier today, Shudder announced that it has acquired the rights to the horror romance film, Attachment, from TrustNordisk and well… here are all the details on the latest addition to the Shudder library, courtesy of the network.

‘Shudder, AMC Network’s premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has acquired the horror romance ATTACHMENT by Gabriel Bier Gislason.  The film will stream exclusively on Shudder in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
 
ATTACHMENT is a horror romance about love at first sight, steeped in Jewish folklore. Maja, a Danish has-been actress falls in love with Leah, a young, Jewish academic from London. But when Leah suffers a mysterious seizure, leading to a debilitating injury, Maja fears their whirlwind romance might be cut short – and decides to follow Leah back to her home in the Hasidic area of Stamford Hill, London. There, she meets her new downstairs neighbor: Leah’s mother, Chana. An overbearing and secretive woman, Chana seems resistant to all of Maja’s attempts to win her over. And as Maja begins to notice strange occurrences in the building, she begins to suspect that Chana’s secrets could be much darker that first anticipated – and that the woman she loves might be carrying the biggest secret of all.
 
The deal was negotiated by Susan Wendt, Managing Director of TrustNordisk on behalf of the filmmakers, and Emily Gotto, VP, Global Acquisitions & Co-Productions on behalf of Shudder.
 
Wendt commented: “Gabriel Bier Gislason is a really talented debut director which clearly shows in his thrilling new feature ATTACHMENT, and we are excited to see that the Shudder team feels exactly the same.”
 
“We’re delighted that Shudder will be home to Gabriel’s feature debut,” said Gotto. “We were immediately drawn to this brilliantly crafted story of love, family and tradition told through the lens of horror and brought to life through powerful performances from this film’s stellar cast.”  
 
The English and Danish-language film features Josephine Park (SHORTA, 2020; THE RAIN, 2019) and Ellie Kendrick (GAME OF THRONES, 2013-17; AN EDUCATION, 2009)  accompanied by internationally acknowledged Danish actress Sofie Gråbøl (THE UNDOING, 2020; THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT, 2018; THE KILLING, 2007-12) and award-winning actor David Dencik (NO TIME TO DIE, 2021; CHERNOBYL, 2019).

ATTACHMENT is written and directed by Gabriel Bier Gislason and produced by Thomas Heinesen for Nordisk Film Production A/S. The film is supported by New Danish Screen / Mette Damgaard in collaboration with Yousee and DR.’

It’s been a little while since we’ve talked about a jam-packed episode of the The Walking Dead on AMC. You know, the kind that features a zombie’s herd worth of plot-lines and it makes sense as to why. Because there was just so much going on in the first half of season four, and it featured so many powerful moments, that putting together an episode with a bevy of plot-lines would have done such incredible storytelling some grave injustices, wherein we would have been annoyed instead of moved. But now that the Governor has been dealt with at last, the time has come for the show to return to its ambitious storytelling roots. For the next episode in this magnificent saga, brought multiple plot threads back to the forefront of the series.

In fact, ‘Claimed’ offered up three different storylines for the audience to chew upon and the first one of note, involved Glenn Rhee and the newest additions to the cast. For when we catch up with Glenn here, he’s finally regained consciousness and has come to discover, that he’s miles away from the bus and Maggie. A move that motivated him to stop the truck and argue wastefully with Abraham about their mission to Washington, regardless of its potential to end this madness. All because he was desperate to go back and rescue his beloved Maggie and after some ugly mistakes on Eugene’s part, he was finally able to do so. Mainly because the truck was rendered inoperable. But all of that aside, this was just a wonderful and simple way to get to know our new characters and how tough and determined they are.

Speaking of getting to know someone, the second storyline in this tale also allowed for us to learn more about the mysterious Michonne. For up until this point, we’ve only had hints about her past and what motivated her to become so closed off to others. But a supply run with Carl, one where the both of them were able to open up about their pain, revealed to us that Michonne once had a son named Andre, whom she lost shortly after the dead took over the world and that was powerful to learn. In part because it speaks to the incredible loss she’s endured and overcome, but it was also of note because she used her experiences to help others. Since her honesty was designed to help young Carl get through the possible death of his baby sister, and that really was something quite special to behold at a time when this scattered group was at their lowest and it truly informed us of how wonderful a person Michonne truly is.

But while it was fascinating to learn about others in this tale, the third storyline was designed to terrify. Because while Glenn made his way back to the prison with new friends and while Carl bonded and healed with Michonne, a comfortable and ailing Rick had quite the literal rude awakening. Since a group of unsavory scavengers broke into the Grimes Safehouse and claimed it as their own while he slept. Forcing Rick to hide to avoid confrontation and of course… to figure out how to warn Michonne and Carl to stay away, and while he was successful in doing so, and escaped with them… wow was this intense. Because Rick ran into a few close calls in his attempts to survive and evade these mysterious men, the kind that undoubtedly motivated a few of us to hold our breath in anticipation and worry the first time we watched this.

In the end, this really was quite the engaging episode, since it had something for everyone. After all, there were quality walker kills, character development and in-depth storylines with meaning, and plenty of action and adventure as well. Plus, we simply cannot forget that this one sets the stage for the future. Because this wasn’t the last time our heroes would have a run-in with the Claimers, and of course, Eugene’s ‘knowledge’ of the zombie virus would come up again and to top it all off… more hints about Terminus pop up here and well, now that we’ve reached the end of his jam-packed journey, the time has come to turn our attention to a pair of characters that have mostly been in the shadows in the wake of the fall of the prison, Beth and Daryl. Until next time.