​It wasn't that long ago, that the zombie genre was more or less a niche market, one that only a handful of fans knew about and celebrated. Most of these features were only available on VHS or DVD and if anyone who loved these stories even muttered the name, George Romero, they were met with a raised eyebrow and a frustrating ‘who?’ But we all know how this story ends. Somewhere along the way the living dead became the hottest thing on the planet and now they're everywhere when it comes to pop culture as a whole.

However, there is a price to pay for having these walking corpses reach the peak of their popularity, eventually, they will reach their saturation point and the ideas will dry up and they will be forced to return to their proverbial graves and already we're seeing some of that now. There's a film featuring romance for the undead out there, and a sitcom featuring them as well. So, in order to stay fresh and vibrant, what's a rotting corpse to do? Simple, let the idea float about the globe and let another mind in another land give the genre a fresh take, as is the case with the thrilling South Korean zombie film, Train to Busan. 

Now the plot for this particular film is simple enough. A father, Seok-woo and his daughter, Soo-an; board a train to the city of Busan so that Soo-an can see her estranged mother. But this routine trip will turn out to be anything but. Something is happening behind the scenes, the dead are returning to life and attacking the living by way of a strange infection, and unfortunately for Seok-woo and every other passenger riding this train on this fateful day, one of the infected has boarded and everyone will be forced to figure out how to survive the onslaught of the living dead as they hope and pray that their train will make it safely to their destination.

This is a film that quite frankly, I have been scrambling to see for some time, something about it seemed unique when I saw the trailer and thanks to Shudder, I finally had the chance to settle in... and completely and utterly enjoy the hell out of this motion picture. For starters, it does a phenomenal job of setting up the apocalypse by giving us quality time with our lead characters before plunging us into mystery and chaos, and by giving us that face time with the characters, unlike many modern zombie flicks, we actually care about Seok-woo and his daughter and a good majority of the people on this train because they are truly trapped in an out of the blue disaster and considering how fast the dead, spread, terrify and dominate in this film, you're hoping for these people to find a break from what seems to be impending doom.

But the wonder of this motion picture doesn't end with rich characters and quality scares, it's the sheer fact that this movie manages to twist the genre on its heels and inject new ideas into old and tired tropes. It seems as though every single zombie movie out there as of late features ‘The Jerk’, the guy or gal who causes more harm than good but eventually gets their just desserts, and while this film appears to feature it at first... how that storyline plays out will surprise and stun you and well... that seems to happen at every single turn in this film. Just when you think it's going to go a certain way, the story snaps back and utterly surprises you in the process. 

Which means that hands down, Train to Busan is a must-see zombie movie. Not only does it give you everything we love about the genre, it reinvents it as best it can to make this a unique experience and I appreciate the fact that someone decided to try something new with the genre because the end result of the hard work of Writer/Director Sang-ho Yeon is a story that had me glued to the screen and anxious to know what was surprises were just around the corner and that's no easy task to do when your story is basically zombies on a train. So, if you have a little free time, love zombie flicks and have a Shudder account, hop online and check this one out. It's truly a refreshing entry in the genre and one that certainly entertains.

When you’re on a trip to anywhere, if you want to know more about the area, your tour guide can make or break your trip. Needing to have all of the answers to your questions about the area, they must also be a strong people person, or the message that they are delivering may fall short on many of their guests. They also hold the keys to your safe passage, and while that does not seem to matter when traveling in the states, when you go overseas, it is very important as borders are monitored more frequently. Your tour guide has your life in their hands, so hopefully, they are looking to only deliver the good and not looking to take advantage of you and your downfalls. 
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Being figured out that she is not who she said she is, Jennifer is trying to find a way to stay ahead of the police on her trip out of Amsterdam. Seeing a tour bus that will be hitting up some of the famous landmarks in Holland, it might be best that she is able to get on it and keep a low profile. While she does not have a ticket, the tour guide gets her one and she is ready for a very memorable trip. With a hodgepodge of passengers from all over the world on the bus, she knows that not one of them will be looking for her for any reason whatsoever. 

Waking up from a nap where she dreams about her past once again, she looks out the front window of the bus and yells at the driver to stop. Seeing a man in the middle of the road, Jennifer is afraid that they hit him, but not being able to find a body anywhere around the bus, she appears to be going crazy. Not having any more of her pills, Jennifer will have to fight her demons on her own for the trip and the battle starts early as since the bus is not able to start back up. With bad weather moving in, the group will need to stay on the bus to avoid it, but someone will need to try and get some help so that they are not stuck in the middle of nowhere all night.

Seeing a mill in the distance, Jennifer volunteers to take the trek in the dark to try and get someone to help. Being accompanied by a military man, Jackson, the two make their way through the wooded area, but find out that they are not alone. Seeing Jackson get killed by a burned giant, Jennifer runs back to the bus and to her chagrin, the killer follows her. As the bus gets knocked into a ditch, the group of tourists are forced off and decide to make their way to the mill as well, at least to stay warm until help arrives. Little do they know however that all of their past sins will be put front and center as the legend of the Hendrik Miller comes to light and he is hungry for their souls.

A little bit of a different story than what I originally expected, when I thought that this would be a straight-out slasher movie, it actually does a good job of informing us that the sympathy we should feel these people is not necessary and they deserved what was coming to them. With everyone running from their own pasts, there are only two innocents on the bus that will pose a problem for the demon miller, but he has his earthly helper to get rid of them. With all of the flashbacks, you get to see each person face their sins and their respective punishment one at a time, so you are left to decide if they got what was coming to them or not. With plenty of flashbacks, a demon miller, an abandoned windmill and plenty of sinner’s blood, it is a good storyline that will keep you glued to the screen as you get to see all of the sinners pay for what they have done. Stay Scared.

If there is one word that people commonly associate with the horror genre, it would have to be: terror. For this particular genre of storytelling has done such a phenomenal job of haunting our dreams on a consistent basis, that scares are all we really associate with it. To the point where there is a tinge of anxiety in the pit of our gut when we settle in to enjoy a scary story. But in reality, that’s not the proper word to use to describe this genre. Because horror is actually about as diverse as genre as it gets. For not only can it terrify us on a moment's notice, but it can move us to tears with powerful moments and believe it or not, it can also put a smile on our faces.
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For there are horror/comedies out there, that manage to genuinely leave us in stitches with the quality jokes and concepts they send our way. But oddly enough, we don't see that type of hybrid horror story in theaters or on home video all that often. Because blending together those two genres is no simple task, for if it isn't perfectly balanced, things go terribly wrong and the movie can be deemed a failure, making this a sub-genre that definitely gives a filmmaker pause before they proceed with it. But if by chance, the concept is solid and everyone involved in the project figures out how to get it right, wonderful things can be achieved and recently, this reviewer had the opportunity to enjoy a horror/comedy that manages to stick the landing in Witness Infection.

Now in this particular tale we are transported to an idyllic California town, where a man named Carlo Serrelli is at quite the crossroads in his life. Because despite having built a successful dog grooming business and a life of his own, Carlo simply cannot escape the meddling drama his family brings to the table and sadly… as important as his dad is, just cutting ties isn’t possible. Because dear old dad is a former mob boss, one that was relocated to this town with his family, alongside another crime family, the Miolas and sadly… war is about to break out if Carlo doesn’t marry Mister Miola’s annoying daughter. But just when it seems as though Carlo is going to be stuck in a life he doesn’t want in the slightest, a strange twist of fate drops into his lap. In that, his town has just been overrun by sausage fueled zombies and if he can survive the night, there’s a chance he can forge his own path at last.

Which is a plot that quite frankly, appears as though it might not offer up quality laughs for the audience to enjoy. After all, those are a lot of elements to inject into a horror/comedy, so many that the story could collapse under its own weight and offer the viewer nothing but disaster. But the good news is, Director Andy Palmer does a phenomenal job of balancing everything in this particular tale, and he uses the mob storyline to make the viewer comfortable and as the foundation for the comedy in the film. Since Carlo’s family is a goofy bunch and they leave the viewer in tears with their ridiculous antics. Which in turn allows for the impending horror that is building behind the scenes to simply explode upon the screen and that’s really where this movie shines.

Because the zombie elements are a true delight, since they offer up just enough gore and splatter to keep any horror fan happy and what truly makes this aspect of the story worth the viewer’s while, is the sheer fact that the comedy elements continue along as the carnage unfolds. Which in turn allows for some wonderfully hilarious and epic sequences to take place, especially the one involving the town's local bar. Since every actor in this scene, gets a chance to unleash their acting and comedic chops while battling wave after wave of the living dead. Plus, we also get some quality homages in this sequence, since there are hints of Sugar Hill to be found during this part of the story, and they are rounded out with a wonderful shoutout to the Godfather of the Dead himself, Mister George A. Romero.

If anything, this is just a fun film through and through. One that is definitely worth your time. Because it knows what it is about, and never takes itself too seriously and that’s a good thing. Plus, it also features some solid performances, and a couple of awesome cameos as well, since Maurice LaMarche (Futurama) and Tara Strong (The Powerpuff Girls) pop up in a couple of important sequences. So, if you’re in the mood for a fun flick that provides you with a wonderfully diverse viewing experience, then do give Witness Infection a look when you have a little time. Simply because you cannot go wrong with a horror/comedy flick that takes the time to throw intestines around, whilst making jokes about Italian sausage.

It seems like everyone is always trying to find the easiest way to get out of a bad situation. But when you think about it and what else you can do; the alternatives may be better than what you initially think. If there is an opportunity that presents itself to you and you continue to not take it, you may be too afraid to move on. Give yourself every chance to move on, within reason of course, or you will be stuck in the situation that you want to run away from and just remember that an opportunity passed on is one you may never get back.
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With her home life in shambles, Rocky wants to take her little sister out of her mother’s house and give her the life that she deserves. Being a small-time thief, Rocky, her boyfriend Money and friend Alex have a line on a perfect score if they are able to do things right. Reading about a blind war veteran that got a massive payout following the death of his daughter, the group believes that the money has to be somewhere in the house and should be easy pickings. But what they don’t know what is waiting in the house for them when they finally arrive.

Staking out the old man for a few days, Money and his friends take note that the neighborhood is abandoned with the exception of their target. As everything is starting to fall into place, the group gain access to the house easily and try to gas the blind man to keep him sleeping while they fulfill their nasty need of getting the cash. As Money has brought a gun on this robbery attempt, he makes sure to use it to gain access to the downstairs, but before he is able to get through the door, the blind man wakes up and is able to stop the intruder dead in his tracks. Not being able to pick up on how many people may be in his house, the blind man starts to work on disposing of the freshly killed body while Alex and Rocky make their way to the cash.

Getting in to the safe and finding that there is much more money than expected, the two are ready to make a break for it, but the blind man catches on that there are more people in his house and is ready to make them pay. Locking all of the doors, Rocky and Alex are trapped in the house and while they can just lie in wait, they decide to try and find another way out as quickly as possible. Heading down to the cellar, the two stumble upon a woman locked up in restraints and find out that the blind man is not only rich and dangerous, but trying to give his own sort of justice to those that cross his path.

This movie kind of sits in the middle of the road for me, it had so much going for it before you found out the twist about the blind man and then things just started getting strange. I really did like the premise of the movie, as you are trying to root for Rocky and her friends to accomplish their goal, but until I found out what the blind man was doing in his basement, I was going for him, because he is a bad ass. Overall, the movie played very well, even though you may not know who to root for while things spiral out of control for Rocky, Alex and Money. I will say that I am not a huge fan of the ending of the movie, because you should never set up a sequel that way, but I am sure that the studio had a hand in that. With darkness, a locked down house, lack of police, a veteran bad ass and a lack of common sense, this movie will amaze and confuse you at the same time while the robbers find out that they have bitten off more than they can chew. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1021 of ‘The Walking Dead’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that The Walking Dead has managed to outright surprise all of us as of late. Simply because these extended season ten episodes have managed to show all of us that this series is capable of so much more than merely offering up a fascinating adaptation of the comic it hails from. For now, we know that this show can provide us with some intimate character studies, that speak to our world and some of the interpersonal and psychological problems that plague us and that’s brought about some incredible storytelling for certain. The kind that has moved us emotionally as we watch proud heroes deal with some genuinely relatable problems.
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But while it has indeed been fascinating to explore the power of trauma and the nature of faith over the past few weeks, the landscape of the horror industry is changing, and fans expect a little more from scary stories that offer up observations and commentary. In that, part of the expectation now; is that tales of terror provide the viewer with some kind of resolution/advice on the matter in question. All so that fans that are going through whatever the story is exploring… can enjoy some kind of guidance and direction, and thankfully this particular series understands the importance of that. Since the next episode in this storied franchise, takes the time to offer up some friendly advice in regard to everything the series has explored over the past few weeks.

For ‘Diverged’ focused heavily on how we begin to heal and move forward in regard to whatever has wounded us, and it accomplished this particular goal, by putting Daryl and Carol’s already shaky biffleship in an even more precarious place. For when we catch up with them here, they’re heading back to Alexandria after the events of ‘Find Me’ and well… they’re still in a frosty place. Because there really wasn’t any resolution to the fight they had in that aforementioned tale, and rather than take the time to sit down and hash out their issues, they instead opted to go their separate ways for a little while, which seemed like quite the ominous move for certain. Since normally, not talking and not spending time together, equals the end of something wonderful.

But that is when the episode began its subtle exploration of how we move forward from our problems and in essence, their mutual decision to spend a little time apart, served as the first real lesson of the night. In that, sometimes in order to begin to heal from something that is tearing at us, we simply need a little alone time. All so that we can properly process what’s going in an objective manner and keeping busy while we’re alone, helps with that too. Since it allows for our minds to quietly work stuff out in the background and boy… did these two have plenty to do in order to hammer that lesson home. Since Daryl had to hunt for parts for his bike in a dangerous and zombie filled manner whilst Carol worked to try and find and remove a rat that was roaming through the walls in Daryl’s apartment back home. 

However, while that was a simple and impactful lesson to send the audience’s way for certain, since gathering clarity does indeed help us solve a great many of our problems, the story still had more to offer in regard to this exploration of healing. Because another important aspect of dealing with something that’s bothering us, is to outright feel our feels on the matter. For burying our emotions is unhealthy for certain and can allow for them to build up and become explosive… which in turn can lead to more issues, and this dynamic duo expressed that… by getting their feelings out in private. For Carol took the time to take out her anger over everything, on the drywall the rat was living behind, whilst Daryl more or less took his fury out on the living dead that he encountered along the way and it was quite fascinating to see the story take the time to point this out in a subtle and wonderful manner, since this is an aspect of healing that we don’t talk about enough. 
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However, while these powerful and poignant moments could have carried this episode on their own and given the audience plenty to chew upon in regard to the healing process, it still had more lessons to offer us in regard to what we need to do to heal. Such as pointing out the fact that we can’t fix everything at once. Because our problems and our pain are supremely complex in nature and cannot be resolved quickly. Which means that in order to properly heal when it comes to the pain, we carry in our hearts… we simply have to take it one day at a time and celebrate the little victories that remind us we’re on the right track and making progress. And that was expressed here by way of the little things that Carol and Daryl did to improve their situation and their mental health, and it was quite wonderful and lovely to see this episode offer up this particularly hopeful lesson. 

Yet what was truly impressive about this particular tale, is that it also took the time to inform us, as to what we should do when someone close to us has disappointed us. Because that is what was really at the core of this tale, since Daryl was indeed disappointed in Carol for her risky and reckless actions and well, what this episode offered up in regard to that was powerful for certain. Since it basically reminded us to be objective with our friendships too and weigh the pros and the cons of said friendship, so that we will come to understand if our friend's odd actions indicate a toxic change in said friendship, or if that person really did make a stupid mistake that can be forgiven and moved on from and thankfully, that quietly happened here as well. Which allowed for Carol and Daryl to realize their friendship really is a healthy thing and that time will eventually put them back in good standing with one another. 

If anything, all of these lessons made this quite the poignant and lovely tale, one filled to the brim with positive messaging about healing, and that really is the perfect way to wrap up weeks of harrowing explorations. Since all of these journeys offered the audience a complete look at the nature of trauma and how we find our way back from it. Plus, we would be remiss to not point out that this particular tale was also filled to the brim with quality performances, since both Melissa McBride and Norman Reedus were able to use their acting skills to teach us those lessons in a nuanced and beautiful manner and well, now that we’ve in essence wrapped up this fascinating journey through the human condition… we can turn our attention to quite the important story. One that will finally show us what drove Negan to become the monster we met in ‘Last Day on Earth’ and ‘The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be’ and that will make the wait for next week’s finale a difficult one. Since this is a journey we've been wanting to see, for quite some time. Until next time.  

For the most part, folks that are entrusted to market a motion picture have a fairly easy job. After all, the vast majority of movies fall into a baseline genre, allowing for marketing teams to make it clear to prospective audiences, what this movie is going to be about and why they should absolutely head out to the theaters to watch it. But sometimes you get those special films that well...  are difficult to sell. Especially when the filmmaker in question has assembled a movie where the genre and its prospective hook, aren’t easy to decipher in the slightest.

Which means that the marketing company in question, hasn’t a clue how to get people to come see this particular film in the slightest and that motivates them to pick a concept in said movie and focus on that to entice an audience. Which is a decision that leads to some interesting results. The kind that offers up trailers and commercials that really do put a particular expectation in a viewer’s mind, only for them to discover a wholly different kind of film when they sit down with popcorn in hand, and that often leads to disappointment or confusion, and that’s precisely what happened in 1997 with the film, Event Horizon.  

In the year 2040, man can celebrate the fact that it has established itself amongst the stars. With colonies on the Moon and Mars, it is time for man to reach further out into space and the experimental vessel Event Horizon is designed to do just that. But she disappears without a trace near Neptune and is considered lost... that is until 2047, when she suddenly reappears. Now it is up to the designer of the vessel, Doctor Weir, and the crew of the search and rescue vessel Lewis and Clark to find out what happened to the crew of the Event Horizon and more importantly, figure out where the ship has been for the last seven years.  

​So, as I stated before some films simply don't have a specific genre that defines them, and Event Horizon is one of those films. When advertised many years ago the trailers and commercials remained as ambiguous as possible. Granted it looked cool from the get-go, and the ‘Infinite Terror’ line in the trailer combined with the mystery, made me instantly assume that perhaps the ship had been in contact with a nasty species out there and what they sent back was designed to test us and terrify us. But lo and behold, when my family stepped into the theater to see it, we were all treated to a terrifying twist. In that, this was indeed a horror film set in outer space and that unexpected surprise was enough to scare my little sister right out of the theater.    

But that surprise aside, my sister eventually watched this movie and loved it, and so do I. Simply because this quality twist sucks you into the story before the movie shocks you completely and I do mean that it shocks you. Because there are some incredibly disturbing scenes in this film that stay with you long after the story has ended. In fact, the scene where the crew of the Lewis and Clark finally find out exactly where the ship has been and are able to see the ship's log of what happened to the crew still makes me cringe to this day. Yet, for every perfect scene like that one, there are plenty that are cliché, and that's unfortunate. Because this truly had the potential to be an incredibly dark and genuinely disturbing horror film. But this flick is worth a look, if only for those perfect horror moments.  

However, what truly breaks my heart about Event Horizon is the sheer fact that Paramount Pictures demanded that the movie tone down its most shocking scenes. Because it is a well-known fact now that Director Paul W.S. Anderson went all out with the gore and the terror and that a great deal of the stuff that unsettles us in the finished product, is but a sampling of what he envisioned. And while edits are commonplace, what’s heartbreaking is that we will likely never see what he had planned for us. Because the original negatives to Event Horizon have been lost to the ravages of time and sadly that will forever keep this movie from realizing its potential. But that is what it is and we can instead celebrate what turned out to be a solid little horror film, one that still managed to shock and surprise audiences to the point, where we still celebrate this film, twenty-four years after its release.

​I am a firm believer that some rules are laid out with the intent of keeping you safe. With that said, there are other rules that have been made to keep you from doing something that somebody does not want to deal with. These are the rules that everyone likes to bend as much as possible, because there is little to no recourse for doing so. When you get caught doing one of these things, you get a slap on the wrist and go along with your day, but what if the punishment was more severe? If every offense you were caught for cost you a finger or a toe, would you still try to do it? I would hope not, but there are some thrill seekers out there that will stop at nothing to get their rush taken care of.
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Packing up the bus with young inmates, Officer Williams continues to show his battle scars from a day he will never forget. Being called in on a domestic disturbance call four years ago, he witnessed something that nobody had ever survived before. Being able to save the life of a young girl with her eyes removed, Williams shot the killer in the head, but was relieved of his right arm in the process. Being relocated to the corrections office, Williams has a cush job, but his next assignment may be one he will never forget.

Arriving at the Blackwell Hotel, Williams gets his boys off of the bus and the other corrections officer, Hannah, gets her girls. Being greeted by Margaret at the front door, the groups are given a brief history of the hotel that had its own problems in the past, mainly a fire on the eighth and ninth floor that have been deemed off limits. With the assignment of getting the old hotel cleaned up so it can be used as a homeless shelter, the inmates are far from impressed with what they need to do. Knowing that this is the closest she will ever get to being able to escape, Kira is dying to get away from her ex, Michael, who has been brought alone on the ride, but the hotel is on full lockdown while they are inside, along with someone else living in the walls.

​Christine, Zoe, Melissa and Kira, along with Tye, Michael, Richie and Russell are in for a life changing experience in helping the under privileged, but they have more on their minds than just that. Doing his research on the old hotel, Richie knows about a treasure that is hidden inside and wants to find it before anyone else. Michael is looking to try and reunite with Kira to satisfy his urges, and if that does not happen, then at least he can release some of his aggression on the hotel itself. Christine on the other hand wants to get her job done and get one step closer to being released since she is the most even keeled inmate. 
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After the first day of work is done, the groups adjourn to their rooms, but Mike has a little something extra that he brought along to have some fun. While getting high on the upper floors, Richie and Tye head out, searching for the treasure of a lifetime. But stumbling upon a face that is rarely seen, Richie is taken by force, leaving Tye to try and tell the story to anyone he can find. While the night is just beginning in the Blackwell Hotel, the blood starts flowing very quickly. Picking off his victims one by one with blunt force, the killer in the walls knows all of the ins and outs of the building and takes his trophies a pair at a time as he collects the eyes of the dead.

You know, there is nothing wrong with wanting a slasher movie with a twist. I loved how the group moved throughout the maze of a hotel to try and find their freedom and for the most part met their ends instead. The brute force the killer, Jacob, uses throughout the movie is very impressive and there is next to nothing that can stop him. Getting to know the killer a little better, you hear the voices in his head, and he has a thing for religious symbols on a woman’s body, so if you have a cross, you might not lose your life, at least not right away. Usually, the group dynamic is what keeps me intrigued in a movie like this, when they have to band together to survive, but I was more about the kills than anything else, call me petty. With an old hotel, hidden passageways, hot sinners, tattoos, an axe, a hook and a pipe, this is just a bloody good time as you find out who is calling the shots for a massive killer that seems to have a moral code of his own. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Violation’. Which could trigger individuals that are sensitive to subject matter revolving around sexual assault.
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Over the course of our short time upon this planet, mankind has managed to accomplish all kinds of wonders. For not only have we been able to come together and create grand cities with plenty of resources for its citizens, but we’ve also been able to invent technologies that have made our lives better. To the point where we are now beginning to cure diseases that have plagued humanity for ages on end and of course, our technological prowess has allowed for us to reach the stars and communicate with anyone around the world on a moment’s notice. But while we have indeed accomplished some incredible feats, our push for comfort and innovation has allowed for other long-standing issues to persist, for far too long. For we still judge people based upon their social standing or gender identity or the color of their skin, despite the fact that science has proven that we are all the same species and bleed the same blood.
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Plus, we still use religion as motivation to commit heinous acts and worst of all, we still harm one another in an incalculably cruel manner, and it is that cruelty that is relevant and important to our discussion today. Simply because this is one of the few outstanding issues in our world, that we are actually taking the time to focus upon from a scientific standpoint in order to end it, and what we’ve discovered thus far about it, is fascinating to say the least. For now, we know that environment and marginalization and abuse, help to motivate people to commit awful acts upon one another, which are revelations that have brought forth new methods to try and stop negative and harmful behaviors from being formed. But even then, that doesn’t fully solve the problem, since cruelty still occurs on a consistent basis in everyday life, for various reasons. Leaving one to wonder, what exactly will it take to finally bring it to an end?

Oddly enough, that’s the kind of question that the horror genre is working to answer by way of terrifying stories that show us man’s cruelty in great detail, in the hopes of getting us to listen to some oddly simple solutions and one such film that accomplishes this in a harrowing and unsettling manner, is the brand-new Shudder feature Violation. Now in this particular tale, we are introduced to a woman named Miriam who is at a crossroads in her life. For her marriage is on the rocks and her sister Greta has become distant after marrying a man named Dylan. Leaving Miriam frustrated and eager to open up to anyone that will listen to her troubles, and one fateful night, while she and her hubby are at a cabin with Greta and Dylan, she finally gets the chance to be open with Dylan. An act that he sees as an invitation to more, something he is incorrect about. But his decision to press ahead with his belief, leads to an awful moment between he and Miriam. One that is further compounded by her sister’s rejection of what happened, leaving Miriam with little choice but to handle the resolution of this nightmare on her own, in the most vengeful and terrifying way imaginable.

So, let’s just go ahead and make it clear right now; that this particular horror film holds nothing back in its examination of sexual assault and its lasting and damaging impact. Which makes for an incredibly harrowing viewing experience. One that will leave you squirming in your seat from beginning to end and well, that’s not a knock on this film in the slightest. Because sexual assault is no joke and nothing to make light of or stylize, and presenting it here in such an unfettered fashion truly allows for the viewer to get some understanding of the sheer horror of this heinous crime, one that is another form of the cruelty we impart upon one another, and one that tends to engender more cruelty. Since the stigma surrounding it motivates people to deny its existence or outright call the accuser a liar to their face, which is something that happens here. Since Miriam is mocked by her sister for speaking the truth.
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Which in turn leads to more horrific imagery, as we watch in great detail as Miriam murders and dismembers her attacker in an effort to find some kind of peace. An act that some could construe as nothing more than an eye for an eye or commentary on the cyclical nature of the cruelty that mankind seems to thrive within. But the fact of the matter is, Miriam’s idea of justice, is nothing more than a grand tragedy. One that speaks to a person that is so broken and so shattered by their experience and the pain of being called a liar and of being marginalized as an object… that they have no choice but to go this far to find peace and even then, the film strongly implies that said peace will never come. Since the root pain was never dealt with in the slightest and well, all of these stunning and disturbing elements are on display to hammer home the movie’s answer, in regard to what it is going to take to bring cruelty and nightmares such as this to an end, and surprisingly, the answer is question is supremely simple in nature.

In that, we can’t bury these kinds of situations in the back of our minds any further or ignore them because we think someone is lying or trying to ‘garner attention’. Instead, we need to treat something akin to this or this actual situation, with urgency and believe what people have to say about the situation in question. Because to do so, brings forth immediate accountability, the kind that will allow for someone in Miriam’s shoes to have some sense of closure so they can begin the healing process and most important of all, it lets folks like Dylan understand, that this is not acceptable, and to respect boundaries and respect others period and that is quite the powerful message to embed within this horror film. One that is truly devastating in every sense of the word and it is also one that deserves our attention and our time. Since it is one of the few films out there, that is brave enough to spotlight an incredibly important topic that we simply don’t talk about enough.

‘Violation’ is streaming now on Shudder.   

​Not being able to face what you have done in the past is something that many people cannot get over. Trying to relocate to move on with their lives may seem like the best idea, but unless you are able to forget completely, it will never truly help. Needing to be able to live with your mistakes is just a part of life, and there is no shame in needing help to do so. As we are all playing the same game, you have friends that are willing to help you to the next level and beyond. Don’t shy away from them in your time of need, ask and you shall receive as someone once said, and it is good to know that it can still happen.
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The Barrow family is moving away from the city to make up a new life for themselves in the country. With a massive fixer upper house, architect Dana will have her hands full and that is exactly what she needs to keep her mind off of things. With the support of her husband David and son Lucas, the three have each other to keep the demons at bay. But hopefully that will be enough for Dana who is having a hard time adjusting to her new surroundings. 

As the family is getting settled, they head into town to do a little shopping and find that the townsfolk are happy that they have moved into the old Blacker house. As it has been sitting vacant for so many years, having someone living there just feels right. Even though most everyone is surprised that Dana is the architect in the family rather than David, the couple believes that this might be the right move for them. As all old houses have their own set of problems, the Barrows have no idea what really happened inside the walls of their new home many years ago but will soon come face to face with something that was never explained to them.

Waking up in the middle of the night, Dana takes a stroll outside to get some fresh air, but when looking back at the house, she sees a light on in the attic. Heading up to investigate it, she discovers a locked door that is leading to somewhere that she has never seen before. Finding a key to the door in the morning, Dana is able to open it and step inside. Hearing the door locking behind her, Dana is trapped inside the room for hours on end and is not able to get anyone to help her. When her time is up and the visions leave her mind, Dana lays into her family for not helping her, but they had no idea that she was in any sort of trouble, much less did not hear her screams for help. Knowing that there is something strange about the room, Dana finds out it was called a Disappointments Room, where parents hid their children away from the world when they had issues. As most of the rooms were only used for a short time, they might house nasty memories as most of these children never had the chance to grow old.

This movie is an extremely slow mover, which is a shame because it had so much potential to be so much more. You can tell that the story was altered more than once to get to the final payoff of what is really happening in the house, which leaves me wanting to see what was originally slated to happen. You can tell that Dana has a ton of demons that she is trying to fight off in her mind, but when she starts looking for comfort outside of her family, she really lost me. That being said, the performance was excellent, especially when she loses her mind at dinner with some old friends. You really have to feel for her, but as she explains, it was her own doing, and she does not want to live with it. I am still unsure if there were ghosts in the house, because it did seem extremely creepy when the mirrors came down exposing the portraits of the former homeowners. With creepy flashes, a hammer, a vicious dog, memory lapses and a possible haunted house, you will be left wondering what really set off Dana to fight with herself, along with her family.  

​Stereotyping someone just because of where they live or how they talk is plain silly. If I had done this throughout the years, I would not have the friends I have today. Judge people on their actions instead of just writing them off from the get-go, you may find yourself being surprised by what they can bring to the table. Giving everyone a fair shot is the best way to meet and interact with all types of people and while some of them may seem strange, they may turn out to be your best ally when all is said and done.
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Getting back to the Soggy Meadows Trailer Park late, Rob has a couple more dollars to add to his ‘betterment of life’ coffee tin. With his girlfriend Jolene by his side, he wants nothing more than to move out of the park and get a real house with a basement. Seeing that his nephew needs a little pick me up before running a cable, Uncle Jeff spews out some words of wisdom from the bottom of a beer cap. With the promise of a better life after hooking the community up to a power windmill in the river, things will be on the up and up for everyone.

Keeping an eye on his uncle while he works his redneck magic under the water, Rob hears an explosion on the shore and sees that the levy has been blown out. Seeing a man running from the scene, Rob recognizes his old friend Swayze who must be behind the explosion. Needing to get back to his uncle to make sure everything is all right, Rob makes another discovery as a shark has made its way into the river. Barely keeping his head, Rob witnesses what the ocean killer brings to the river and tries to end its reign before it can even get started. Getting the shark to bite on the powerline and apparently electrocuting it, Rob turns his attention back to Soggy Meadows and finding survivors from the flood of the century.

Getting word that his little plan went off without a hitch, Deconnard is surprised that Swayze has bad news to report. Being recorded on a camera running away from the site of the explosion, Swayze must atone for his mistake or face his own worst fate. With the Soggy Meadows being flooded out and no chance of any survivors in the area, Deconnard will be able to un-hatch his devious plan and make so much money with the trailer trash out of his way. But little does he know that the trailer trash is strong when it comes to surviving and a few of them are looking to find a way to make things right.

Being able to pull themselves up to the top of their trailers, Barbara, Daisy and Wyatt are at each other’s throats again as the flood has not stopped the women’s hatred for each other. While the two women go after each other, Wyatt sees that his dog is okay and floating by. Trying to retrieve his dog from the water, Wyatt gets a visit from the friendly shark who is able to release an electrical pulse to stun its prey before eating. Seeing what the shark is capable of, the small group needs to find some way to survive its wrath and get rescued before they become just another meal on the menu.
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Further down the flooded meadow, Rufus is able to save his friend Jolene from drowning in her trailer, but at the cost of losing his horse to the supercharged shark. As Cleon is able to get to the top of his trailer, the group knows that they will have to stop the shark before it finds a way to eat them as well. As Rob is able to make his way back to the park, he explains what he saw after the levy was taken out and needs to get his camera back from the shark to prove it. With a good reason to try and kill the electric shark, the group is ready to go fishing, but the shark is not the only one in the water looking for a taste of the newly homeless as they quickly find out.

Redneck ingenuity, that is really my biggest take away from this movie and that is not a bad thing when you get to see duct tape being used in abundance. Rob and his Uncle Jeff were the fixers in the park and Rob was able to take it a step further when he was willing to lay down his hard-earned money to keep everyone safe. I liked the group dynamic in this movie, mainly because of how they were able to pull themselves together and come up with a plan of attack when trying to take on an electrified shark and Deconnard’s goons. The redneck jokes were pretty fun as well and I don’t think they were too overplayed, even when they started going after one another. With an electrified dance number, redneck water skiing, an electric shark, a greedy rich man, a plan gone wrong, a plan gone awfully right and plenty of beer, this is just a fun look at how a group of rednecks can handle anything that is put in front of them. Stay Scared.