One important lesson that each and every one of us are taught at an early age, is to mind our own business. Which is a lesson that has a lot of merit, since a lot of what happens around us in the world, really has no impact upon our lives, and ignoring it and sticking to our own lives serves us quite well… since we have plenty to handle in our day to day as is. But while we know that this lesson is important and relevant, that doesn’t stop us from sticking our nose in other people’s business if the opportunity is there, since sometimes… you just have to know what’s going on. But while it is a thrill to see what’s happening outside of our purview from time to time, we tend to eventually return to our own little world, since we know deep down… that whatever is going on, is none of our business.

If anything, this particular lesson and the worldview it creates, really does beg quite the important question. In that, is it ever acceptable to step outside of our unique and comfortable bubble and involve ourselves in the affairs of others? Well, the answer to that question is an outright yes, when the person in question is in a tough situation that requires intervention to help them out. But even then, a great deal of folks will be hesitant to do just that. Since that lesson is engrained in their minds and there might be some risk in stepping into a situation where someone needs that kind of help and really, all of this is relevant to our discussion today, simply because this Thursday, Shudder is going to debut a horror film that explores all of those aforementioned elements in Stay Out of the Attic.

Now in this particular film, we meet a man named Schillinger who operates a fledging moving business that helps ex-cons get a second chance at life. And when we catch up with him here, he and his associates Imani and Carlos are preparing to try and pull off one hell of a move. For a mysterious and creepy client named Vern is hoping to have everything in his home moved within twenty-four hours. A task that Schillinger isn’t sure can be done, but thanks to a generous bonus and some words of encouragement from his cohorts, everyone pitches in to pull off the impossible. But as the night rolls along, some horrific discoveries within the home leave the crew to wonder, as to whether or not they should step in and assist in a situation that is clearly out of their purview. 

So, the first thing that you’ll notice when settling in to watch this movie, is that it is a bit of a slow burn and that might turn some viewers off. After all, when you’re eager to watch a horror feature, you’re expecting for plenty to happen to satisfy your need for scares and gore. But stick with this one because once those aforementioned discoveries come into play, the movie kicks into overdrive and offers up some seriously twisted moments and some genuinely unsettling scares, the kind that will undoubtedly make some viewers turn away and well, that makes this quite the delightful horror film when all is said and done. Simply because it keeps you on your toes and does a fine job of exploring the central theme of how important it is to not mind our business when someone is in dire straits.   

But what truly makes this particular film so worth the audience’s time, is the sheer fact that it has more to offer than mere scares and splatter. For this is a horror flick that is also quite relevant to the times, since it has some terrifying and fascinating commentary to offer up in regard to systemic racism and its sudden resurgence in modern America and also how we can properly combat it. Which is quite the pleasant surprise to say the least, since you really don’t expect to find that kind of subtext and depth in a motion picture that is rightfully eager to offer up some fine homages to Wes Craven’s The People Under the Stairs, and focuses heavily on making you uncomfortable with some stellar effects from Special Effects Guru Vincent Guastini.

But that subtext is indeed present, and it is both fascinating and reviling and well, how exactly that comes to the surface of this story, is something that we are simply not going to spoil here in the slightest. Because Stay Out of the Attic is one of those horror films that you need to outright experience, since it truly is a visceral and intense story. One that genuinely knows how to get under your skin at every turn and that makes this one a must-see for certain, since it really does have something for every horror fan out there. So, if you’re looking for a wonderful scary story that offers up a bevy of fun moments, some quality commentary and nauseating buckets of gore, then give this one a look when it hits Shudder on Thursday, March 11, 2021.

Trying to feed off of someone’s fears is something that should never be done, yet it is done all of the time. As people have found out over the years, there are plenty of people that are afraid of clowns, but not what they stand for. I am still unsure why there is such a fear of clowns in today’s society, as since when you go to the circus to see them, they are all about having fun and bringing joy to all. But the fear is still there, it might be because of the painted faces, the red noses or just not knowing who the person is under the paint and what their true intentions are, either way, I still have a little fear of clowns in the back of my head.

Heading to a country concert, Mike decides to pull over and ask for the quickest route to the fairgrounds. Talking with his buddy Brad in the bathroom, Mike is shocked to hear that his best friend is getting ready to propose on the trip. Even though he has the highest regards for Sarah, Mike does not want this to take place on their trip, mainly because he will not be doing the same thing with Jill. Clearing their consciences, the two make their way back out to the dining room floor to catch up with what has been going on.

Asking the waitress for directions, the group is interrupted by a local who has a good idea of how to get where they are going. Getting another opinion from the town sheriff, the group gets their directions and are ready to head off and have the time of their lives. While driving, Mike notices that they need to stop and get some gas and Jill finds out that she left her phone in the diner. Giving it a call, Sarah speaks with a man who will have the phone for them in the next town, they just need to meet him. Following his directions, the group winds up in the small town of Clinton but have no idea what is waiting for them there.

Getting out of the car and trying to find the man who has the phone, the group finds out that there is no cell service in the area. Walking around they try to find someone, since the town appears to be deserted, with the exception of one person that Mike saw in the distance. Deciding to move on, the group heads back to the car to find that the starter cables to the engine have been cut. Needing to find a way to get out of the town, the group starts down the street when Jill stumbles upon a horrifying sight...a clown holding a machete. As a truck swerves to miss her in the middle of the street, the group witnesses what has been happening in the town for longer than they would ever know, as clowns come out of the darkness and kill the truck’s driver. Running for their lives, the group will be in for a rude awakening about the town and their chances of making it to safety.

Just freaking yikes, yeah, that is all I have to say about that. I must admit with my small fear of clowns, I will probably have nightmares about them for the foreseeable future because of this movie. The group dynamic is really the only thing that keeps the story rolling as some of the early dialogue in the movie will throw many people off. However, I really did like how the story kicked into high gear once the clowns appeared and were in kill mode. Even when meeting with a town elder who knows what is up, the group is more focused on trying to find a missing friend than finding out who is hunting them and why. With clowns, some splatter, a crazy town elder, clowns, a fight to the death (and did I mention clowns?), this movie might keep you awake at nights if you are afraid of clowns, because these ones are looking for only one thing… blood. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1018 of ‘The Walking Dead’. 

Stories that revolve around the long road back from trauma and loss, tend to simplify the journey their character goes upon and it is understandable as to why. After all, the recovery process from something so incredibly profound, is supremely messy and chaotic. For there is no real timetable when it comes to recovery nor is there is a specific way in which to heal and rather than subject an audience to chaos, the wise thing to do is to give the ailing hero a simple path to recovery. One that features a flawless support network of loved ones who refuse to give up on said hero, so that they eventually find the happiness and peace they so desperately crave. 
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But every once in a while, you run into a story that is eager to actually examine the process as it stands in the raw, and that usually leads to a bevy of powerful moments. The kind that are relatable and uncomfortable and downright moving and oddly enough, since The Walking Dead took the time to delve into this subject matter in a fascinating and dynamic manner, during last week's tale, the writers’ room opted to use the next episode in this storied franchise, to explore this matter in incredible detail. For ‘Find Me’ took the time to show us what Daryl Dixon was up to during his many years away from Alexandria and well… he was definitely hurting for certain. 

For while he claimed to Carol and others that he was out searching for Rick’s body and searching for closure in the matter, what he was actually doing in reality, was trying to process the fact that his brother was gone. Which was no easy blow to process, since Rick always believed in Daryl and did everything, he could, to keep Mister Dixon on the high road. But the fact that they fought in an ugly manner and barely made peace before Rick 'died', clearly haunted him and sadly, despite his best efforts to deal with this quickly or find the peace that he was looking for, Daryl spent most of his days pondering upon the past and the pain in his soul. 

Yet while that alone could have carried this episode for the entire hour, there was more for the show to explore outside of that more visceral aspect of grieving and dealing with trauma and loss. Because it also took the time to point out that when we are really in the thick of it all, it is helpful for us to surround ourselves with someone that has some understanding of what we are going through. Because they can help us to potentially face our pain and believe it or not, Daryl was able to do just that in the middle of the woods. Simply because out there in the middle of nowhere was a woman named Leah, who also suffered great trauma and loss, and once they dropped their walls, something quite powerful happened.

For the two of them embarked on a passionate love affair, one that was actually healing in nature since it kept the both of them from giving into the darkness and it also allowed for them to begin to process their pain in a healthy manner. A process that quite frankly took years, lending credence to the frustrating reality that we all heal differently and that it takes time. But while that makes it seem as though this story ends in a happy manner, the fact that we knew nothing of Leah until now… speaks volumes to the fact that something went terribly wrong in this relationship, and that unfortunate epiphany is what brought about the final tough lesson of the night on trauma and loss. Specifically, how it can motivate us to indulge in self-sabotage. 

Because sadly, the pain we feel is strong and it motivates us to do whatever we can to never feel it again, and that pushes us to push those we love away in an effort to make that happen. Something that we know deep down is unhealthy, but we do it none the less because of the power negative thoughts and feelings can have over us and sadly… Daryl indulged in this as well. Which means that eventually his love affair came to a close when he pushed Leah away in every sense imaginable. Since she even vacated the shack she was living in, and left Dog behind to be with Daryl, and that made for a sobering end to Daryl’s journey in the woods. Since clearly, losing Leah as a result of his decision to let that pain take control, taught him a valuable lesson. In that, we have to cherish who and what we have when we lose someone we love... or more will fade from our lives. 

However, while it is nice that Daryl learned that lesson, sadly it would seem, that more hard times are ahead for him as well. Since he and Carol are not on good terms at all, despite there being hints that they might finally be putting their biffleship back together. But clearly, the fighting and accusations and frustrations that they expressed between one another in this tale, speaks volumes to how far they have to go to repairing their special kinship and well, one does have to wonder if that is possible at this point. For Daryl was genuinely angry when we leave him in this tale, to the point where he emotionally wounded a dear friend, and it will be interesting to see what this fight will mean for this dynamic duo in the days to come. But while we wait for that particular resolution, we can take a little time to celebrate one incredible story.

Because this really was quite the powerful tale, one that held little back in regard to its exploration of grief and trauma and loss and it deserves serious applause for presenting such matters in the raw, since so many other shows shy away from it. Plus, it also features some stunning performances. For Norman Reedus is at his best here and was able to express all kinds of pain with a single look and Melissa McBride is as solid as ever in this tale and Lynn Collins, who plays Leah, is simply electric on screen. To the point where you’re dying to know more about her and whether or not there is emotional redemption for her in the cards. But she may in fact be gone for good and while that is unfortunate, it is uplifting to know that she helped Daryl back into the light by reminding him that there are things to live for, and that makes this a genuinely beautiful story for certain. Something that you don’t expect to find in a universe where the dead walk the earth. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘A Discovery of Witches’.
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It is definitely safe to say that A Discovery of Witches, is one of the most dynamic television shows out there. Because this is a series that can shift gears on a moment’s notice and can go from being a creepy and eerie horror show, to a beautiful drama, one where our heartstrings are tugged upon or it can straight up become an intense ride where big moments happen left and right. But while it accomplishes a great deal week in and week out, what truly allows for this series to stand tall and above other shows, is its ability to grow its characters in a healthy and consistent manner. Because they are truly why we have fallen in love with this series, since they are so layered and flawed and relatable and watching them grow simply sends our spirits soaring.

For we all want to see them fulfill their respective destinies and find the peace and happiness they so crave and really, this is top of mind today, simply because character growth was the focus of this week’s episode of the show. For both Diana and Matthew continued to build upon everything they’ve learned this season and applied it to tough situations that tested their growth and that made for some powerful and satisfying moments. Such as when Matthew took everything he learned at Sept-Tours to heart and channeled the truth to get he and Diana out a sticky situation. One that would have led to their deaths, had he not told Queen Elizabeth the truth about who he is and where he is from, regardless of the risk and that really is some genuine growth for certain. Since he came into 1590 thinking that secrecy in all things was the way to go and it was wonderful to see him cast that thought aside and see his decision pay off in spades.

As for Diana, well she too flipped the script from where she was at the start of this season, by embracing her power and using it whenever necessary. Something that she was hesitant to do early on in season two, since she didn’t understand it or feel comfortable with it all that well. But learning that she’s a Weaver and coming closer to tying the ten knots gave her newfound confidence and abilities. To the point where she now has her familiar at her side and knows how to use it. Something that came in quite handy when Matthew’s sister and Kit opted to try and remove her from the equation. For she was quick to unleash her familiar and her abilities upon them to hammer home the point that she is not to be trifled with and really, it was quite satisfying to see Diana be this confident and bold in fighting back, since it served as a fine reminder of how far she’s come in this journey.

Plus, this episode also took the time to explore how couples grow in a healthy manner. Because sadly, seeing Diana under duress at the hands of a family member and a valued friend, brought about his blood rage and motivated him to nearly tear them both limb from limb. But once again Diana, stepped in to keep him from going over the edge and once again… she did so without judgment. Which is paramount to helping a partner that struggles with their emotional well-being from time to time (in a non-abusive manner of course), since the afflicted partner will no longer feel as though they are misunderstood or broken or isolated. But while that was wonderful for certain, where this plot thread truly shined, is when it took the time to explore how communication and understanding is key to making a relationship rock solid, and one way we achieve that is by genuinely taking the time to learn what makes our partner tick and all the good and bad things that made them who they are today.
 
Something that the duo achieved in a lightning-fast manner of course, but it happened none the less and it was beautiful for certain and well, all of these elements made this one delightful and satisfying tale. One that was filled to the brim with satisfying character growth and incredible tests for our heroes, the kind that they passed with flying colors and well, you couldn’t ask for a better time for them to figure out how handle difficult tasks in an ingenious manner. Because there’s big trouble brewing back home, and it won’t be long before they return to save the day and that is going to make the wait for next week’s season two finale, a difficult one indeed. Simply because we are all dying to know, if next Saturday is the day, that we will see a pair of bold and confident heroes return home to bring order to chaos. Until next time.   
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‘A Discovery of Witches’ is streaming now on Sundance Now and Shudder.

Everybody loves a little escape and one of the most entertaining things to do with your kids is to go to the circus. With all of the animals and crazy cool showmanship that is on display, it is a shame for anyone that has not yet experienced it. I still remember going to the circus with my folks when I was little and I loved most of the attractions that were going on, but also developed a fear of something that never should have been put in front of me in the first place. Yeah, that’s right, klowns. I was deadly afraid of klowns for most of my adult life. Even though they are supposed to bring joy and happiness to the masses, they brought nightmares and torment to me and I know that I am not the only one.
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Up on the Top of the World (make out point central), all of the young adults are having a great time before being interrupted by the Terenzi brothers, who are looking to make some extra dough by selling ice cream. When nobody wants any and their dates in the truck want to go home, their night is ruined, but it is really just beginning. Watching as a meteor flashes by in the sky, Mike and Debbie are intrigued and want to take a look.

Rolling up on what appears to be a circus tent, the couple enter it and find that it is unlike any circus tent they have ever seen before. Moving throughout and opening a strange door, the couple figures that they must be in some sort of spaceship, but when they see a couple of bodies covered in cotton candy, and flying popcorn is headed their way, they need to let someone know about it and fast. Getting to the police station and giving their report to Officer Dave, it is apparent that no one is taking them seriously.  But when a report comes in about dead bodies, Dave is forced to head out and take a look. Taking Debbie home and keeping Mike with him in the police cruiser, they are shocked to find that there is nothing left where Mike claims the spaceship was. Putting his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend in custody, Dave is ready to make an example out of him.

While Dave and Mike are out, the small town of Cedar Cove is being terrorized by what appears to be klowns looking to help. With ways to make people smile and laugh, the klowns are able to make their way into people's homes with little to no effort. Once the trust is established, they pull out their cotton candy guns to kill, their oversized balloons to keep their victims alive and popcorn guns to reproduce. While hearing the reports around town Officer Mooney believes that there is a prank going on, but as his town is quickly being taken away, he meets one of these klowns face to face and finds out that this is no joke.
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Heading back to town, Dave and Mike stumble upon what appears to be an abandoned Top of the World, but the cars are still there. With nobody in sight, Dave finds a jeep filled with what appears to be cotton candy and pulls out a pair of glasses that belonged to one of Mike’s now dead friends. Knowing that there is something strange going on, they rush to town, only to see one of the klowns doing his thing and taking several people away for eternity. As Dave needs to get help from the State Police, Mike is only worried about his girlfriend Debbie and rushes back to her house only to find that she has become one of their recent victims. With time running out, Mike is able to get his friends, the Terenzi brothers and Dave on the same page about what needs to be done, but where are they gonna find these terrorizing klowns?

If this was still the eighties and I was still afraid of clowns, there is no way I would be able to sit and watch this movie, I mean they are freaky as heck. Looking back however, I can why there is so much love for this movie and why the love should be growing, because it is brilliant. With your three-act storyline all laid out and some of the scariest characters you have ever seen, it has to be a horror classic at this point. I will admit that the special effects were a little strange, but come on, what else are you going to do with a ton of pies, eat them? With my fear of clowns being diminished over the years, I still am pretty frightened of them if I see them offering Free Hugs and such, but overall, I think I might be able to hold my own against one if it came down to it. With all of your favorites from the circus, cotton candy, balloons, pies, big feet, red noses and death all over the place, it is hard to find a reason not to watch this movie. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Servant’.

​When we first started our collective journey through the AppleTV+ series, Servant, it truly seemed as though this series was going to focus heavily on the power of trauma and the steps needed to recover from it. Which means we expected to see the characters confront their painful past at some point as part of that recovery plan, whilst facing some kind of sinister roadblock to making that happen and well… it certainly didn’t go that way in the slightest and that’s okay. Because instead, we were treated to a fascinating horror/thriller story, one filled to the brim with mystery and intrigue and mystical moments that have kept us engaged and guessing. 

But while that has made for a magnificent viewing experience, one that has kept us talking about the show with fellow fans for days on end, it is becoming apparent that our initial hope for this series is slowly coming to life. Because not only has the show started to provide us with some answers in regard to what exactly is going on in the Turner household, but the past is starting to be confronted by its characters. For last week’s episode saw Dorothy Turner finally face a smidgen of her past and be confronted over how she’s been ignorant to her mistake and her pain. And while that didn’t exactly engender change, it was an important first step to growing her character at last and well… it turns out that such a move was more than mere  fan service. 

For there are others outside of Dorothy that need to grow beyond their current quagmire, such as Julian, and well… it just so happens that the time for him to reflect upon his journey came about in the next episode and that made ‘Loveshack’ quite the somber affair. Because Julian took the time to hide from his family and genuinely ponder upon what happened in this household and his role in where Dorothy is today and that allowed for Julian, to really feel something for a change and own up to the horror of everything that’s brought him to this point. Plus, it also allowed for him to bond with Leanne, to the point where their relationship has become something more. But what matters most, is that at long last… someone in this household openly accepted their trauma in order to heal from it and it will be quite interesting to see where Julian’s decision to face his pain and will take us in the days to come.
 
However, while it was nice to finally see some emotional growth take place in this tale, this is still a horror/thriller and it would be nothing without some creepy and strange moments and all of those came forth courtesy of Uncle George. Because he was planning something awful in this tale, something so vile in fact… that he needed silent preparation time and that motivated him to bring Roscoe back into the mix so he could distract Dorothy and Sean whilst he went through his strange rituals. The kind that were basically psyching him up to murder Leanne in cold blood for going back on her mission. An act that he was unable to go through with, because he feared her and her strength and for his own failure, he paid quite the price. Since he was run over by a car in the closing moments of this tale, a move that once again… brings forth some important questions.

Such as whether or not Leanne’s powers extend beyond kindness and that can in fact engender great pain and suffering. Something that the show has hinted at in the past since she punished Sean for letting bad things happen to her in his house. But this really seemed to imply that there is a genuine darker side to her powers and that those who cross her will pay the ultimate price and well… that definitely puts an ominous cloud over this particular tale. Because George might have been right, and the Turners may have opened themselves up to horrors untold, and really in the end, all of these elements made for one quality tale. One that genuinely gave the audience what it wanted and featured some stunning performances to boot. Since Rupert Grint and Nell Tiger Free put on an acting clinic in this tale and well… now that this wild chapter has come to a close, it’s back to counting down the minutes until next week’s tale, so that we can see what will happen now that Leanne is beginning to tap into powers untold.

‘Servant’ is available to stream right now on AppleTV+.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Lucky’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the horror genre is one of the bravest and boldest genres in storytelling. Because there is no other genre out there, that is willing to tackle important issues facing everyday people in a manner as direct and bold as scary stories do, and its desire to do this on a consistent basis, has allowed for some incredible and powerful stories to come to life from this genre. The kind that have put the worst parts of humanity on display, and allowed for us to face our collective fears in a surprisingly safe environment. And horror’s ability to do this in such a seamless and dynamic manner, is what motivates audiences to return to its waiting and rotten arms. Simply because they know they’re going to enjoy a powerful and moving experience, one that will give them something to chew upon long after the scares have come to an end. 

But what is truly fascinating about this particular genre, is that its newfound popularity is allowing for it to grow in a way that few ever expected. Because rather than get comfortable and tell stories that simply satisfy, the filmmakers that populate this genre are now eager to push the envelope and tackle topics that we struggle to discuss in our everyday lives. Which has led to horror films that now explore the nature and the power of trauma. Or they’ve begun to examine topics such as systemic racism and how it continues to permeate American life in 2021 or they are outright starting to go after taboo topics. The kind that we collectively avoid because we simply don’t want to acknowledge their existence or are terrified to acknowledge the problem, and it just so happens that Shudder is host to a brand-new horror film that takes the time to examine a very real and widely ignored issue in America, specifically, domestic violence in… Lucky.

Now in this particular film we are introduced to a woman named May who is at quite the fascinating crossroads in life her. Because her writing career is in slight jeopardy, thanks to some slowed down sales of her first book, and her marriage is in a tense place thanks to a touch of infidelity from a year ago and oh yeah, she also has to deal with the fact that a strange, masked man tries to break into her home nightly to kill her and her husband. But despite her and her husband Tim’s best efforts to kill the intruder or get him arrested… he just keeps re-appearing, night after night to try and put them both down. And the nonchalant nature in which Tim handles this wild reality, leads to a fight that leaves May alone in the home to face this monster on her own, and now she will have to rely on her creativity in a whole new way, in order to finally put an end to this horrific, living nightmare. 

Which is a plot line that really doesn’t seem as though it is going to address domestic violence in the slightest but that is all part of the plan. Because Brea Grant’s magnificent script is designed to make the audience comfortable and curious, so that the commentary in question outright surprises the viewer and it definitely accomplishes that particular goal no problem. For early on, the viewer will likely find themselves chuckling at all the right times and hooting and hollering over the gore that appears when May and Tim fight their intruder off in a violent and visceral manner. But once Tim steps away, the tone of the film immediately changes, and suddenly the gags involving incompetent cops aren’t as funny as they were a second ago and the danger becomes quite real, and just that like, you begin to realize that May is suffering from physical abuse from her husband, and that’s precisely when this tale transforms into the quite the horrifying experience. One that holds nothing back in its examination of what domestic violence actually looks like.

A feat that this story accomplishes by allowing for us to see this mess from May's perspective. For she is often in denial about what is really happening in her life and that doesn’t make her dumb or weak, but a victim that has been gaslighted and manipulated into believing that she is being punished and for her sins and deserves this. Which is a harsh reality that tends to accompany this situation since the abuser uses those elements to gain power in order to abuse again. But while that makes for some sobering and powerful moments, this movie also examines how we don't take this matter seriously enough in modern America, and that is handled by way of the uncomfortable interactions that May deals with when she is open about her problem. For everyone that hears what she has to say, really doesn’t listen to the words coming out of her mouth and is eager to brush off the importance of what’s happening by calling her ‘brave’ and ‘lucky’, when in fact what she actually needs is genuine help to escape her horrific situation before it escalates to the worst-case scenario.

Which is another unfortunate reality that accompanies this grotesque situation, since so many keep their distance from this matter, in the hopes that it will either resolve itself or because they don't believe that this is their problem and that leads us to the most powerful message that this movie has to offer up. In that, apathy and hand washing are the worst ways to approach this. Because a human being is under attack and living in fear and we need to be better about supporting one another and helping one another when we discover that someone is going through that. Because it clearly isn’t easy for someone to wake up from it and just walk away from it, and all of these elements make this a powerful and unsettling motion picture for certain. One that genuinely handles this topic in a brave and brilliant manner, and it is a film that needs to be seen, so that we can finally have some legitimate conversations on a matter that can no longer be ignored.
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‘Lucky’ is streaming now, exclusively on Shudder.    

If there is one universal truth that all horror fans can agree upon, it would have to be that now is a wonderful time to be a horror fan. Simply because, the genre is finally beloved by audiences everywhere, and the demand for it has never been stronger and that allows for the hardcore horror fans… to reap the benefits. For everywhere we look, there are new scary movies and shows for us to partake in. In fact, there is so much new spooky content out there… that someone needed to properly collect it and curate it, so that fans wouldn’t be overwhelmed by it and that revelation, gave life… to Shudder.
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A horror streaming service that truly has provided fans everywhere with only the finest horror content out there and well… in an effort to further cement its status as the premier streaming horror destination, Shudder is going to offer up its biggest slate of programming to date come next month. To the point where they are dubbing April as ‘Halfway to Halloween Month’ and well… rather than continue to rant and rave about how amazing this is going to be, let’s just dive into all the details, and the lineup, of this incredible event… courtesy of Shudder:

April showers bring a packed lineup of new horror films and series to Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, for its annual ‘Halfway to Halloween Month.’ With April marking the halfway point to Halloween, the streamer will celebrate its biggest month of programming yet with a loaded slate of Shudder original films and series, an exclusive documentary, a library of cult classic favorites and the return of ‘Halfway to Halloween Hotline.’

​“Some do Christmas in July but at Shudder we celebrate Halloween in April to mark the halfway point to the greatest holiday of the year,” said Craig Engler, general manager of Shudder. “‘Halfway to Halloween Month’ is going to be the biggest month of programming in Shudder history with new movies, series, a killer documentary and more.”

This year’s ‘Halfway to Halloween’ lineup includes two Shudder Original series, five new Shudder Original and Shudder Exclusive premieres, an exclusive documentary, the 2021 FANGORIA Chainsaw Awards and more. 

(Also available on Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)

Based on the 1982 horror comedy classic, the anthology Creepshow returns for a second season and is still the most fun you’ll ever have being scared! A comic book comes to life in a series of vignettes, exploring terrors ranging from murder, creatures, monsters, and delusions to the supernatural and unexplainable.  You never know what will be on the next page. Executive produced by showrunner Greg Nicotero, Creepshow’s second season will feature guest stars Kevin Dillon, Iman Benson, Josh McDermitt, Keith David, Molly Ringwald, Barbara Crampton, Justin Long, and D’Arcy Carden, among others. See the Trailer... HERE.

(Also available on Shudder CA)

Four years after South Korea’s total decimation in Train to Busan, the zombie thriller that captivated audiences worldwide, acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho brings us Peninsula, the next nail-biting chapter in his post-apocalyptic world. Jung-seok, a soldier who previously escaped the diseased wasteland, relives the horror when assigned to a covert operation with two simple objectives: retrieve and survive. When his team unexpectedly stumbles upon survivors, their lives will depend on whether the best—or worst—of human nature prevails in the direst of circumstances. Upon Peninsula’s premiere, Shudder will be the only service in which viewers can watch Yeon Sang-ho's complete trilogy, including Train to Busan and Seoul Station, on a single platform. See the Trailer... HERE.

(Also available on Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)
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London, 1974. As Britain prepares for electrical blackouts to sweep across the country, trainee nurse Val (Rose Williams) arrives for her first day at the crumbling East London Royal Infirmary. With most of the patients and staff evacuated to another hospital, Val is forced to work the night shift, finding herself in a dark, near empty building. Within these walls lies a deadly secret, forcing Val to face both her own traumatic past and deepest fears in order to confront the malevolent force that’s intent on destroying everything around her.

(Also available on Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)
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From acclaimed director Chris Smith (Creep, Severance, Triangle) comes The Banishing, which tells the true story of the most haunted house in England. A young reverend and his wife and daughter move into a manor with a horrifying secret. When a vengeful spirit haunts the little girl and threatens to tear the family apart, the reverend and his wife are forced to confront their beliefs. They must turn to black magic by seeking the help of a famous Occultist...or risk losing their daughter. See the Trailer... HERE.

The hit original series returns with Briggs, the world’s foremost drive-in movie critic, presenting eclectic horror movie double features, interrupting the films to expound upon their merits, histories and significance to genre cinema. The show’s hashtag, #TheLastDriveIn, has trended in the top 10 on Twitter in the US during the premiere of every episode and special, often reaching No. 1.​

(Also available on Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)
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In April 2021, Shudder partners with FANGORIA to bring the Chainsaw Awards, hosted by actor and writer David Dastmalchian, to fans across the globe. This year’s nominated films include The Invisible Man, Freaky, Relic, Color Out of Space and Possessor as well as actors Vince Vaughn, Kathryn Newton and Elisabeth Moss. Since 1992, the Chainsaw Awards have honored top achievements in horror film and television, with past recipients including Jonathan Demme, Sam Raimi, Robert Eggers, Toni Collette and George Romero.

(Also available on Shudder CA)
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Welcome to Six Mile Hill, a sleepy Irish backwater whose only claim to fame is the somewhat dubious local legend that Bram Stoker once spent a night in the local pub. It’s home to Eugene Moffat, a young man who fills most of his days drinking pints with his friends and pranking tourists who come to visit the gravesite of Abhartach, a legendary Irish vampire some believe to have inspired ‘Dracula.’ When a personal tragedy forces Eugene to go and work for his gruff, no-nonsense father, he finds himself on the site of a controversial new road development that threatens to destroy the town’s livelihood. But strange events unfold when Eugene and the crew tear down a famous cairn believed to be the final resting place of Abhartach, and they soon come under attack from a sinister force that has infected one of their workmates. As the night closes in, The Boys must fight for survival while discovering the true horror of a myth that hits much closer to home than any of them realize.

Building on the hit 2019 superdoc that Forbes called “a scary good magnum opus,” In Search of Darkness: Part II dives deeper into the fabled practical-effects decade of iconic and eclectic ‘80s horror movies that changed the course of film history. Packed with over four hours of brand-new interviews, including such legendary horror icons as Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Nancy Allen (Dressed to Kill), Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead), and special-effects wizard Tom Savini (Friday the 13th), Part II features 15 new faces alongside 40-plus returning members of the original In Search of Darkness cast to delve into more fan-favorite titles of ‘80s horror, year-by-year, expanding its scope to cover more international releases and spotlighting horror-career retrospectives. See the Trailer... HERE.

(Also available on Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)
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An anthology of six interconnected horror short films, Deadhouse Dark is anchored by a woman who receives a ‘mystery box’ from the dark web, each item within it gradually unveiling a dark and troubling truth. A boxful of dark and chilling tales of terror inspired by frighteningly familiar modern trends including dark web mystery boxes, dash cam footage and Insta-fame hungry vloggers. Deadhouse Dark is a giant mystery box of chocolates – while there is something in there to suit a variety of different tastes, in the end chocolate is still chocolate. And who doesn’t love chocolate?

Every Friday in April from 3pm-4pm ET, members are invited to call Samuel Zimmerman, Shudder’s director of programming, to discuss all things horror: from their favorite genre films of all time to the most highly anticipated horror releases of the year.  From those conversations, Sam will then use his horror expertise to offer customized viewing recommendations from Shudder’s expansive film collection.
 
A new hotline phone number will be announced each Friday on Shudder’s social media platforms.
 
**While recommendations are provided for free, please note that normal phone and long-distance charges may apply. Call volume is expected to be high, so please keep trying if a busy signal is received. There are no guarantees that every call will be answered, but Sam will get through as many as he can within the hour.**

April 1

Night of the Lepus (1972)
Coming to Shudder just in time for Easter, in this cult classic, an Arizona rancher dealing with massive rabbit overpopulation calls on a local college president, Elgin Clark, to help him. In order to humanely resolve the matter, Elgin brings in researchers who inject the rabbits with chemicals. However, they fail to anticipate the consequences of their actions.
 
The Haunting of Julia (1977)
After her daughter's death, wealthy American homemaker Julia Lofting moves to London to restart her life. All seems well until she is haunted by the ghosts of other children while mourning for her own.
 
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
(Also available on Shudder CA)
Chainsaw-wielding maniac Leatherface is up to his cannibalistic ways once again, along with the rest of his twisted clan. This time, the masked killer has set his sights on a pretty disc jockey, who teams up with a Texas lawman to battle the psychopath and his family deep within their lair, a macabre abandoned amusement park.
 
April 2

The Val Lewton Collection
Seven classic films from the influential writer and producer behind a series of atmospheric, psychologically rich horror classics: Cat People (1942), I Walked With A Zombie (1943), The Leopard Man (1943), The Seventh Victim (1943), Curse of the Cat People (1944), The Body Snatcher (1945) and Isle of the Dead (1945)
 
April 5

Don’t Panic (1988)
(Also available on Shudder CA)
Best known as Mexico’s homage to A Nightmare on Elm Street, in this film, Michael is gifted a Ouija board from his best friend, Tony, on his seventeenth birthday. Tony unwittingly unlocks the evil forces of the board, unleashing a wave of violent killings, and the chief suspect appears to be Michael.
 
Zombie for Sale (2019)
(Also available on Shudder CA and Shudder UKI)
When the illegal human experiments of a Korean pharmaceutical company go wrong, one of its undead test subjects escapes and ends up in a gas station owned by the Park family. When the Park family uncovers the undead visitor, they hatch a plan to exploit this unexpected fountain of youth.
 
April 12

The McPherson Tape (1989)
(Also available on Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)
Known for being a pioneer in the found footage genre, this film centers on a typical fall evening in 1983 when a young man videotapes his niece's 5th birthday party. As the night's strange occurrences take place, he keeps his video camera running, recording the entire event.
 
Alex de la Iglesia Double Feature
(Also available on Shudder CA)
Two cult favorites from the acclaimed Spanish master of horror who most recently directed and co-wrote HBO Max’s 30 Coins: The Day of the Beast (1995), in which a priest, TV psychic and Death Metal record store clerk team up to beat Satan and prevent the Apocalypse, and Dance with the Devil (a.k.a. Perdita Durango, 1997) starring Rosie Perez and Javier Bardem as a sadistic couple involved with human sacrifices, kidnapping, murder and fetus trafficking.
 
April 19

The Stepfather (1987)
(Also available on Shudder CA)
Jerry Blake is a family man, but he happens to have a series of families, with each one on the receiving end of his murderous ways. When Jerry sets his sights on a lovely widow named Susan and her headstrong daughter, Stephanie, it appears that his brutal pattern of killings will continue. However, Stephanie begins to suspect that there's something wrong with the seemingly well-adjusted Jerry, and a violent confrontation is inevitable.
 
Thale (2012)
Leo and Elvis are cleaning up a particularly messy crime scene when Elvis accidentally finds a secret passage that leads to a subterranean living space. He encounters Thale, a beautiful young woman who sings but does not speak. The two are ill-prepared when others tracking Thale finally catch up to her.
 
The Conspiracy (2012)
(Also available on Shudder CA)
A documentary about conspiracy theories takes a horrific turn after the filmmakers uncover an ancient and dangerous secret society.
 
Housebound (2014)
(Also available on Shudder CA)
A young woman is forced to return to her childhood home after being placed under house arrest, where she suspects that something evil may be lurking.
 
April 26

The Similiars (2015)
(Also available on Shudder CA)
Eight people experience a strange phenomenon while waiting for a bus at a remote station on a rainy October night.
 
The Diabolical (2015)
A single mother and her children are awoken nightly by an intense presence. She asks her scientist boyfriend to destroy the violent spirit that paranormal experts are too frightened to take on.
 
Attack of the Demons (2019)
(Also available on Shudder CA)
For centuries, a demonic cult has been plotting the destruction of mankind. When a small Colorado town is overrun by a legion of mutating demons, three non-demon hunter friends must use every skill their minds can fathom to stave off the demon apocalypse.
 
April 29

Horror Express (1972)
(Also available on Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)
While travelling on the Trans-Siberian Express, an anthropologist and his rival must contain the threat posed by the former's cargo: a prehistoric ape which is the host for a lifeform that is absorbing the minds of the passengers and crew.

So, as you can see, Shudder is once again planning to wow us with a lineup that has something for every horror fan out there and truly, we cannot wait for April to arrive, so we can dive right in and enjoy all of the incredibly terrifying wonders that Shudder is going to send our way. 

​It seems like everyone is trying to try and find a way to make the world a better place, and why not? There is so much that can be done on our part to help the environment, but instead of doing something about it, we sit back and talk about what to do instead of taking action. The talking is great, but when it leads to not doing anything, well, it is kind of pointless and so many people, including myself are guilty of doing this. Talking about what you are going to do to help and actually following up may be the hardest thing to do, but when you do it, you know that you have actually made a difference in the world, at least for a day.
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Starting her new job in a marine biologist lab, Maggie is shocked to see everything that is going on around her. Being led through the lab with a group of students, Maggie gets to see firsthand what happens to the wildlife when being exposed to pollution. With a massive trash island outside of the complex, one in every five creatures pulled out of the water have a mutation and it is mind blowing to her and her fellow explorers. But there is something lurking outside of the lab that nobody knew about and it thrives on the garbage and is looking for a new meal.

Seeing the creatures in the lab acting up, the group finds out that there is a mutated shark in the water that is looking to wreak havoc for them. Ramming the complex and bringing it down, Maggie and her new friends Dr. Nelson, Greg, Ryan, Omar, Alison and Brad are left without a safe place to stay and are forced to make a swim for it to their boat. But with the shark in the water, they do not have much time to get back to any sort of safety. Causing a diversion that costs Dr. Thomas her life, everyone gets on the boat and tries to leave the polluted area but see that the new three headed shark is right on their tail. 

Heading towards the mainland, the group sees a party boat that has gotten the shark’s attention over them. Seeing that it is making a bee line towards the boat, the group knows that the shark is drawn by the trash being tossed overboard and they try to warn the kids on deck, but it is too little too late when the shark has laid claim to its new victims. Being able to call for help, Max Burns, the heavy-duty fisherman is on his way to help with the situation, but time is of the essence and Maggie and her friends will have to try to assist until he arrives. As the shark is able to knock people off of the boat, it is also very hungry for flesh and makes its way onto the deck for some fantastic meals. Seeing that the boat is sinking, Maggie and her group are forced back into the water once again, to try and escape their new stalker, but it is a race against time since the shark is looking for anything it can get its teeth on, trash or human.

You know, there is nothing better than a good shark movie to get you in the mood for some above and below water action. As always with Asylum Films, all the rules are off of the table as the shark is able to accomplish much more than we could ever imagine. I loved the group dynamic that was thrown into play in this movie, because it was evident that it was the only way anyone might possibly survive a 3-Headed Shark Attack. I was however upset when they killed Dr. Thomas, she might have added more to the movie and possibly come up with a better way to kill the shark. But you had Max Burns to counter her loss and as any Bad Ass fisherman would do, he was able to take matters into his own hands. With plenty of pollution, a young group running for their lives, a party boat, a fisherman hell bent on killing and a ton of blood, it is just a fun movie that will open your eyes to what is really happening around the world… the pollution, not a three-headed shark, but you never know, I guess. Stay Scared.

​With almost every device including a camera these days, so many people think that they can take that million-dollar photo, but they are so wrong. There is so much that goes into taking a good picture that people do not understand. I remember taking a photography class growing up and I dealt with more black and white than color photos and learned so much about how to capture the moment. While making the composition of the photo meet my needs in the darkroom, I also had a ton of fun with double exposures and made sure that my local plant life had a story to tell, because that is really all I had to take pictures of without getting in trouble.
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As the weekend is almost upon her, teacher Selina Duboix has a special credit photo/camping trip set up for her students. With only five going on the trip to Sapphire Lake, they will be a handful for her to deal with and she is looking forward to making it out to nature to try and get them to open up with their photography. Not knowing the date of the trip, Selina’s boyfriend John Crenshaw is making plans of his own to propose to his love, and when finding out that his extravagant dinner plans will not work, he will need to come up with something on the fly while at the lake. Agreeing to go on the trip as well, John has no idea what the lake has in hold for him or the group, but one thing is for sure, it will be a trip that they will remember for a lifetime. 

Making a pit stop on the way to the lake, the group is hungry and tries to get some food before being cut off from civilization for a night. Even though the bar seems to be fine for their needs, a couple of the locals take a liking to the young girls that have invaded their territory and want to get to know them a little bit better. Seeing that the good old boys will not leave without a fight, John calls upon his Navy Seals training and takes care of the disturbance with little issue. Meeting the town sheriff after the fight, John, Selina and their group make their way up the hill to the lake and plan on staying out of trouble for the rest of their trip.

Finding a suitable place to set up camp, the group gets unpacked and receives their directions on what to do while in the great outdoors from Selina. John has a plan of his own and finds himself partially babysitting and creating a memorable event that his girlfriend will never forget. Popping the question, the two adults get engaged on the trip and Selina’s class sees how happy she is. But when leaving the camp to get more wood for the fire, John sees that the woods have come alive with a group of cannibals that are looking to put a major kink in the rest of their trip. Being able to fight off a few of the attackers, John has no idea what is in store for his fiancé and her students as the oldest family in the territory has laid claim to everyone that has ever walked in their woods.

When reading the quick description on this movie, I thought zombies would be in the mix, but I was wrong as the threat is living people that also like to eat the flesh of their victims, Cannibals! What made the storyline work for this, is the backstory that was told by one of the leaders in the camp, who is trying to evade the law and sell as much meth as he possibly can to leave the country. There is something about an inbred race of cannibals that has been exposed to radiation over the years that is pretty terrifying and keeping their blood line going by keeping the women alive for breeding purposes, well, I guess you can figure out what happens on a daily basis. I liked the addition of order to the cannibals’ camp, it added something different that you don’t usually see in a camp like this and while it did not save many lives, it did give John the motivation to fight and find the survivors of his group before they suffered too badly. With sex, drugs, meth, cannibals, camping, tongue sandwiches and plenty of splatter, it is an overall fun movie to get lost in, especially if you need a reason not to go camping with your significant other. Stay Scared.