One particular franchise that is getting a refresh on AMC that has Anne Rice fans abuzz, is Interview with the Vampire. Because the chance to have this story expanded over multiple weeks on television, should allow for a proper and powerful adaptation to come to life. One that will give the fans everything they’ve ever wanted from a visual representation of Anne’s iconic story and the casting news for this show, that’s been steadily heading our way, is only contributing to the excitement surrounding this series.
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Because AMC has selected some talented actors to help to bring this story back to life and earlier today, the network announced that another incredible name is joining the cast. For Eric Bogosian will be joining the already impressive roster that this show boasts and well… here are all the details on Eric’s role in the series, which premieres later this year on AMC.

‘Eric Bogosian (“Talk Radio”) has been cast in the upcoming series Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire in the role of “Daniel Molloy,” an investigative journalist nearing the end of his career who’s given a second chance at the interview of a lifetime.  Based on Anne Rice’s iconic and bestselling novel, the series follows Louis de Pointe, Lestat De Lioncourt and Claudia’s epic story of love, blood and the perils of immortality.
 
Executive produced by award-winning producer Mark Johnson (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Halt and Catch Fire, Rectify), creator and showrunner Rolin Jones (Perry Mason, Friday Night Lights), along withChristopher Rice and the late Anne Rice, the series’ first season consists of seven episodes premiering later this year on AMC and AMC+.  Acclaimed director Alan Taylor directs the first two episodes and executive produces.
 
“In 1988, I hit my mom up for money three times to see Talk Radio in the movie theaters. I count Eric Bogosian as one of the half dozen artists who made me want to do this for a career.  He is, for me, the dented car fender of the American Soul and I can think of no better actor/writer alive to play this role.  I’m in total frothing geek mode about his casting,” said Jones. 
 
Bogosian joins previously announced cast Sam Reid (“Lestat”), Jacob Anderson (“Louis”), Bailey Bass (“Claudia”) and Assad Zaman (“Rashid”).  
 
Bogosian is best known as a playwright, novelist and actor. He wrote and starred in the play “Talk Radio” (NY Shakespeare Festival, 1987; on Broadway starring Liev Schreiber, 2007), for which he was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award.  For his film adaptation of the play, Bogosian received the Berlin Film Festival “Silver Bear.” His six solo performances Off-Broadway between 1980 and 2000 (including “Drinking in America”, “Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll” and “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee”) received three Obie awards and the Drama Desk Award.  In addition to “Talk Radio,” Bogosian has written a number of full-length plays including “subUrbia” (LCT, Second Stage, also adapted to film), “Griller” (Goodman), “Red Angel” (Williamstown Theater Festival), “Humpty Dumpty” (The McCarter), 1+1 (New York Stage and Film).  He is also the author of three novels, “Mall,” “Wasted Beauty” and “Perforated Heart” and a novella “Notes from Underground.” In April 2015, Little, Brown published “Operation Nemesis” Bogosian’s non-fiction account of the conspiracy that targeted and assassinated Turkish leaders responsible for the Armenian genocide.
  
Bogosian adapted the Theater Communications Group publication of the full collection of his monologues, titled “100 (monologues)” into the website 100monologues.com, where viewers can see reinterpretations of his stage monologues performed by a wide range of top actors from stage, film and television.  The list includes Jay O. Sanders, Richard Kind, Aasif Mandvi, Josh Hamilton, Marg Helgenberger, Dylan Baker, Josh Charles, Michael Shannon, Sam Rockwell, Jessica Hecht, Winona Ryder, Alison Wright, Bill Irwin, Ethan Hawke, Natasha Lyonne, Billy Crudup, Marin Ireland, and Michael Stuhlbarg. 
 
As an actor, Bogosian has appeared in numerous films and television programs, most recently starring in the Safdie brothers film, Uncut Gems as well as featured roles in the HBO series Succession and Showtime’sBillions.  He starred in Robert Altman’s The Caine Mutiny Court Martial, Oliver Stone’s Talk Radio, as Travis Dane in Under Siege II, as Eddie Nash in Wonderland and as Captain Danny Ross in sixty episodes of Law & Order: CI. In 2010, he appeared on Broadway opposite Laura Linney, Brian Darcy James and Alicia Silverstone/Christina Ricci in “Time Stands Still.”
 
Bogosian is a recipient of Guggenheim and NEA fellowships. He lives in New York with his wife, director Jo Bonney. Go to 100monologues.com for more.’

April really is a wonderful time of year. For spring is in full swing, everyone is getting back outside, especially this year after being cooped up for so long. Plus, there’s a sense of unity this time of year courtesy of Easter, since so many people come together with their families to celebrate faith and life and just being in one another’s presence. But for horror fans… well, April holds an extra special meaning. Because it means that Halloween season is a mere six months away, and planning can begin for the elaborate decorations that will leave the neighborhood in awe.
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But most important of all, this is now a time of year where the buzz surrounding Halloween is pumped up to the Nth degree courtesy of Shudder. Because the network knows that horror fans are starving to feel the wonder of the Holiday and well… that’s why their ‘Halfway to Halloween’ lineup has become something of a new tradition. So, we can get our fix and be reminded of how close we are to the season and well, that’s precisely why Shudder released its ‘Halfway to Halloween’ lineup earlier today, and without further ado… here are all the details of what to expect from our favorite horror streamer in April, courtesy of Shudder.

‘Shudder’s popular “Halfway to Halloween Hotline” of personalized horror movie recommendations returns this April as part of the streamer’s annual “Halfway to Halloween” celebration, which also features a killer lineup of new original series and films and genre-defining additions to Shudder’s unbeatable movie library of timeless horror classics.  The premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural will debut new seasons of Original Series Cursed Films and The Last  Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, Original Films Night’s End (on March 31), The Cellar, starring Elisha Cuthbert, and Gustavo Hernández's Virus 32, and Exlusive Film See for Me, along with library titles  The Boulet Brothers' Dragula, 1992’s Candyman and The Devils, among others.
 
Said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager: “We’re curating a slate of the best in horror all year round, but April and October give us a unique opportunity to connect with and hear from our members directly about the movies they’re craving and what they love most about the genre. And we’re pairing that with an impressive lineup of new, fan-favorite titles, as we continue to go deep on the genre like only Shudder can.”’

Every Friday in April from 3pm – 4pm ET, members are invited to call Samuel Zimmerman, Shudder’s VP of programming, to for customized horror viewing recommendations from Shudder’s expansive film collection – from his  favorite genre films of all time to highly anticipated releases this year. A new hotline phone number will be announced each Friday on Shudder’s social media platforms. 
 
Please note: 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.

In Night’s End, an anxious shut-in unwittingly moves into a haunted apartment and hires a mysterious stranger to perform an exorcism which takes a horrific turn. Starring Geno Walker, Felonious Munk, Kate Arrington, and Michael Shannon. Written by Brett Neveu and directed by Jennifer Reeder (Knives and Skin, V/H/S/94). View Trailer HERE.

Shudder’s acclaimed documentary series is back to explore the facts and myths surrounding a new batch of famous films some consider cursed. The new season will feature The Wizard of Oz, Rosemary’s Baby, Stalker, The Serpent and the Rainbow, and Cannibal Holocaust. Featuring new interviews with FX expert and former Mythbusters host Adam Savage, Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins, actor Bill Pullman, and director Ruggero Deodato, among many others. 

A blind young woman caught in the crossfire of a home invasion scheme must rely on an Army veteran via an app to survive in this shocking cat-and-mouse thriller. Starring Skyler Davenport, Laura Vandervoort, Kim Coates, and Jessica Parker Kennedy. View Trailer HERE.

Filmed on location in Roscommon, Ireland, The Cellar tells the story of Keira Woods (Elisha Cuthbert), whose daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house in the country. Keira soon discovers there is an ancient and powerful entity controlling their home that she will have to face or risk losing her family’s souls forever. Official Selection, SXSW 2022. Also, out in theaters on April 15 from RLJ Films. View Trailer HERE.

A virus breaks out and a chilling massacre rages through the streets. The sick become hunters, and only calm their fever by unscrupulously killing all those not yet infected. Unaware of this, Iris and her daughter spend the day in the sports club where Iris works as a security guard. When night falls, their fight for survival beings. Their only hope of salvation arrives when they discover that after each attack, the infected seem to stop for 32 seconds of calm before attacking again.​

April 1
 
Candyman  
​Student Helen Lyle learns of the terrifying local legend of The Candyman – a hooked serial killer who appears when you say his name in a mirror, five times.
 
The Evil Dead
In 1979, a group of college students who, during a weekend getaway, find a Sumerian Book of the Dead in an old wilderness cabin they’ve rented. When they unwittingly unleash evil spirits and demons while reading incantations from the book, that’s when the real havoc begins.
 
Evil Dead II 
Ashley J. Williams returns to the same cabin in the woods and again unleashes the forces of the dead in Sam Raimi’s classic sequel to/retooling of The Evil Dead. Considerably upping the ante from the raw, meaner indie that put the director on the map, Evil Dead II is spooky, splattered blast of pure cinema. Raimi’s virtuoso vision twirls his love of cinema, terror, and slapstick into simply one of the greatest horror movies of all time.
 
The Fog 
The ghosts of shipwrecked sailors return to get revenge on a seaside village on the 100-year anniversary of their deaths at the hands of the town’s founders. Since six were murdered, six residents of Antonio Bay are destined to die. Who will it be? Radio host Adrienne Barbeau? Hitchhiker Jamie Lee Curtis? Party planner Janet Leigh? Priest Hal Holbrook? Or maybe they’ll all be pulled into the fog…
 
Near Dark 
Country boy Caleb Colton whittles away the quiet rural nights hunting local girls – but when he falls prey to the mysterious and beautiful Mae, Caleb unknowingly becomes the hunted. From master director Kathryn Bigelow, Near Dark is simply an essential of vampire cinema.
 
The Serpent and the Rainbow 
Wes Craven directs this frightening excursion into the supernatural as one man goes to Haiti to retrieve a powder that has the power to bring humans back from the dead.
 
Session 9
In this now celebrated creeper, an asbestos abatement crew wins the bid for an abandoned insane asylum. What should be a straightforward job, is complicated by the discovery of audio tapes from a former patient with multiple personalities. Slowly, the team succumb to whatever darkness lies inside the Danvers State Mental Hospital.
 
The Funhouse 
From horror master Tobe Hooper, four teenagers visit a local carnival for a night of innocent amusement but instead find terror when they are trapped inside the funhouse maze with a monster that stalks them one by one
 
The Devils
In 17th century France, hunchbacked nun Sister Jeanne (Vanessa Redgrave) lusts after the town’s priest Father Grandier (Oliver Reed), a sinful but ultimately just man. But when the priest marries, jealous Jeanne accuses Grandier of using witchcraft on her convent, and the other nuns play along, behaving as obscenely as possible. Ken Russell’s savage portrait of religious hypocrisy earned the film the top spot on the list of most controversial horror films ever made. Rarely streaming in the US, The Devils is essential viewing.
 
Trick ‘r Treat
On the night when demons and tortured souls are free to walk the earth alongside mortal revelers, four tales of terror–of a staid high school principal who is a Halloween serial killer, a college-age virgin seeking that special guy, a woman who hates dressing up for Halloween and whose husband is obsession with the holiday and a group of young teens who pull a cruel prank–will make you laugh even while scaring you.
 
April 4
 
Ritual
During a vacation in the woods, a man tries to find his family while being hunted by a sadistic killer. From Joko Anwar, director of Satan’s Slaves and Impetigore.
 
Summer of 84
It’s the summer of 1984, the perfect time to be 15 years old and free. But when neighborhood conspiracy theorist Davey Armstrong begins to suspect his police officer neighbor might be the serial killer all over the local news, he and his three best friends begin an investigation that soon turns dangerous.
 
April 11
 
Rocktober Blood
An executed rock star comes back to haunt a rock star who betrayed him, or so she thinks.
 
Puppet Master
Assailed by nightmarish visions, Alex Whitaker and his fellow psychics descend on the Bodega Bay Inn. There, they discover that their compatriot Neil has apparently committed suicide. But, as the gruesome visions continue, they sense that there's still something sinister afoot. When they find themselves hunted by a band of homicidal marionettes created by twisted puppeteer Andre Toulon, they discover they're right.
 
Puppet Master 2
The malicious marionettes are back to resurrect their dead master and evict parapsychologists from the family estate.
 
Puppet Master 3
Gestapo agents face killer dolls when they murder puppeteer Toulon's wife in this prequel to Puppet
 
April 12
 
Subspecies
Michelle and Lillian are two American students who have joined their friend Mara in Romania for their studies of the ancient myths and legends of Transylvania. But Myth turns into reality when the women become the object of desire of the powerful and grotesque Radu, an evil vampire obsessed with making them his consorts.
 
The Pit and the Pendulum
In the quest to save souls, the Spanish Inquisition will stop at nothing and knows no boundaries for its evil. Maria must find the power to save her husband from the ultimate machine of torture: the razor-sharp pendulum poised over the pit of hell under the direction of Torquemada the Grand Inquisitor of Spain
 
Intruder
The overnight crew of a supermarket find themselves pursued by a mysterious maniac in this fun late-80s slasher from regular Sam Raimi mainstay Scott Spiegel, who co-wrote EVIL DEAD 2 and appeared in many of Raimi's films.
 
April 18
 
The Boulet Brothers' Dragula Seasons 1-3
After its biggest-ever hit fourth season and its first as a Shudder Original, past seasons of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula are coming to Shudder, making the streamer the exclusive home for all four seasons plus 2020’s Resurrection special. The beloved reality series is a competition created and hosted by The Boulet Brothers to find the world’s next Dragula Supermonster. Each season, a new group of drag artist vie for the title and crown through a series of challenges to demonstrate their mastery of the four pillars of Dragula: drag, horror, filth, and glamour.
 
April 25

Etheria season 5
11 episodes featuring savage serial killers, desperate robot husbands, ghostly visitors, gory body horror, demented sibling rivalry, ruinous secrets from the past, witchcraft and witches of several kinds, mermaids, campfire legends, and a hilarious cult indoctrination.

Jamie Marks is Dead (2014)
Fifteen-year-old Adam McCormick's life hasn't been the same since classmate Gracie Highsmith found Jamie Marks’s dead body at the edge of the river. Adam becomes fixated on Jamie's death and gradually a deep bond develops between the living teenager and the dead boy's ghost. But the more attached Adam becomes to Jamie's ghost, the weaker his ties to reality become.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘Locke & Key’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times in horror stories, the end of the journey is quite the violent and bloody affair. Wherein good lives are lost in a final battle with evil, and the whole fight is so emotionally taxing that the story more or less fades to black once the monster has come to its end, and our heroes realize they’ve made it to see another day and well… it makes sense as to why this formula is so prominent within the genre. For it does offer up some serious value since the reader or the audience is taken on quite the emotional rollercoaster. One that gives them exactly what they want… so why bother dragging the story out beyond triumph and resolution? But while that does indeed provide everyone with a finale that satisfies, let’s be honest… this isn’t realistic in the slightest, and it does rob the fans of true denouement.
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But as the genre and storytelling continue to evolve and people demand a touch more realism in their entertainment, horror is starting to respond to that by offering up tales of terror that give us a little more than just a fade to black. They’re starting to look at the emotional impact that would come with loss after such a brutal battle, and they’re even taking the time to explore what the impact would be upon the survivors of that battle and for proof that this is the case… then look no for further than the season two finale of Locke & Key on Netflix. For ‘Cliffhanger’ offered up that deeper ending, one that explored the impact of an incredible final fight with the monster that is Dodge/Gabe. Something that quite frankly, came about unexpectedly.

Simply because Tyler and Kinsey and Duncan, were concerned more with leveling the playing field by stealing the Demon Key from Gabe. A move that should have bought them time to properly figure out how to conquer this evil army and well, despite being able to distract Gabe long enough for Tyler and Duncan, and Scot to sneak in and complete the steal, they were spotted, and chaos ensued and eventually… that final showdown came to fruition. One where Duncan was able to get the army of demons to turn on Dodge when her original form returned, since he learned that he who creates the key… commands its creations and by getting the army to turn on their master, they were able to get the key and eventually… defeat Dodge courtesy of the Alpha Key. Which allowed for her evil reign to come to an end and for the happy stuff to come into play.

For the family got most of the keys back and Lucas got his life back and well… once the reality settled in that Dodge was gone at last, is when the story took the time to expand upon the positive and negative fallout of this final battle. For we were able to watch a family reunite the wake of this battle, since Ellie was able to get her face back and make her way to her son, which was beautiful to see play out, and Bode took the time to help his mother remember Rendell properly, even going so far as to make use of the Mind and Memory Keys to aid her. As for the darker stuff, well that came about by way of Tyler. Since he decided he needed to escape this part of the world for a while to heal from the loss of Jackie and well, going this route was brilliant. Because it added depth and gravity to everything that happened and added a real human element to the story as well… one that undoubtedly is going to come into play in season three of this series.

Because this episode also revealed Eden’s tragic fate, and her end in this tale came about because she used the Echo Key to summon Captain Gideon from the beyond, who quickly killed her because he takes orders from no one, and thanks to her… he has the Anywhere Key and now… a new enemy with a new agenda awaits the family and considering how much they went through emotionally here… are they up to the task? Because having to plunge themselves back into that world will be no easy task. But while we wait to see what comes out of Gideon’s return and how the family responds, we can bask in the majesty of a quality season finale. One that really did shake up the tropes that horror usually uses for its endings to give us a story that felt complete and was realistic and moving for that matter as well, and now that Dodge/Gabe’s evil reign has come to an end… all we can do now is sit and wait for season three of this fascinating series. Until next year.  

Something that has come up multiple times now in regard to The Walking Dead Universe, is what a strange and exciting time this is for the franchise right now, and it keeps coming up… because this saga keeps taking us through a cycle of sorrow and hope. For while we continue to prepare ourselves for the emotional mess that the series finale of The Walking Dead is going to put us through, we still have so much to look forward to. Such as the newly announced Isle of the Dead, and of course… more adventures through a nuclear hell-scape by way of Fear the Walking Dead.

For the back half of season seven of the first spin-off in the saga draws near and we are in fact, so close to its arrival on April 17, 2022… that AMC took the time to today to give us a solid taste of what to expect when the show returns, by way of a synopsis, key art and a brand-new trailer. One that features quite the treat for fans of this series and well, without further ado, here are those delightful gifts, courtesy of AMC.

Synopsis: In the second half of Season 7, months have passed after the nuclear blast and the only one thriving is Victor Strand (Colman Domingo). Having built a fiefdom, he callously selects who will have a chance at life. The other members of the group have suffered immensely, but out of that, has come a fierce determination to live, even if it means taking Strand’s Tower by force and continuing the search for Padre, a mythical place no one is sure really exists.

Fear the Walking Dead is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Showrunners Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Greg Nicotero and David Alpert and is produced by AMC Studios.

​It seems like these days; everyone is able to get their fifteen minutes of fame and it can happen more than once in a lifetime. While the internet has changed the way of how people become famous, some people still believe that it is not for them. Getting likes on your pages and videos is one thing, but how far are you willing to go to keep those numbers going up? Most people would like a taste of it, just to see how it feels, but those who want more, well, they have to up their game and are willing to do more outrageous things than others have done before them.
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As the popularity of their YouTube channel keeps going up, Devon and Jamal have really found their niche when it comes to monster videos, but Devon believes that there could be more to what they are doing. Wanting to find real monsters that walk among us, Devon puts out a casting call for anyone that really believes that they are a monster. Getting many responses, Devon works his hardest to weed out the fake ones and only focus on the ones that could be legit. Getting a small list together of three, Devon arranges to meet with them all before they join the group for the first ever full moon episode of The Monster Project.

Working as hard as ever to keep himself clean, Bryan records a daily diary for his parents to make sure he is not back on the hard stuff. Showing that he is still clean with the help of his best friend Murielle and roommate Jamal, Bryan encounters someone that he never thought he would meet, Devon. Knowing that Devon basically threw Murielle to the curb years ago and now has a little crush on his best friend, Bryan wants to make sure that she does not get hurt again. As it is obvious that the two will not be friends, Devon comes to Bryan’s birthday party with a truce in mind and offers his new two best friends to join himself and Jamal on their first episode of the show that will change their lives forever.

As the group has joined forces, they make their way out to a house that has a little bit of history attached to it, that will add to the spookiness of the show. After getting the tour, they work on setting up for the interviews and their guests slowly start to arrive with Shiori showing up first and giving the group a little bit of a scare. Steven and Shayla arrive next and now it is time to put them all in their dressing rooms in the house, giving them a Demon, Skinwalker and Vampire under one roof during a lunar eclipse. As the interviews commence, it is obvious that the three have a convincing story to tell, but as the moon starts to get covered, it is apparent that the show was not that good of an idea to begin with.

Absolutely loved the premise of this movie, getting three of the things we are supposed to fear the most under one roof. I actually think that they pulled it off pretty darn good as well, as you get to see each of these villains from nightmares come to life in their own special way. Along with that, you have what is going on with the group behind the scenes that includes a massive blow up when it is found out that Bryan is not being true to his word. I loved how the group tries to pull together when the spit hits the fan, and their spooky house turns into a house of death when the things that go bump in the night come to life. With a demon, a vampire, a skinwalker, drinking, a secret crush, a possible love triangle, plenty of cameras and a night where only the freaks come out to play, it is a fun joining of some of our favorite monsters who are just looking for some love in the blood if you catch my drift. I will admit that this movie will make me think twice about going out during a full moon, especially if there is a lunar eclipse, because damn, these real-life monsters do not mess around at all. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Shining Vale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss STARZ’s fascinating new horror comedy series, Shining Vale, we were left with one big question hanging over this tale. Specifically, whether or not Patricia ‘Pat’ Phelps was having a full-on mental breakdown because of the stress of moving to a new place, and because of the fact that she had an affair with another man and nearly ruined her marriage because of it. Or if by chance there was indeed a ghost roaming about the family’s new home at night, one that remains eager to cause mischief in a manner that would be revealed to the audience later on. Which is a grand mystery that should by virtue, be answered quickly, so the true plot and direction, and meaning of the story can be revealed, keeping the audience free of any concern that the show might be taking them for the wrong kind of ride.
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But as last night’s episode of the show taught us, this is a series that is as unconventional as it gets, and it will keep the smoke and mirrors going for as long as possible for reasons we don’t quite understand just yet. Because ‘Chapter Three – The Yellow Wallpaper’ is a story that truly kept the mystery going, by focusing on the show’s characters and their struggles. Take for instance what Pat’s doctor did this tale. Because by doubling down on the medications to absolutely rule out some kind of major break, we were able to really get to know Pat’s character like never before and come to understand just how much stress she’s under and how much baggage she’s carrying.

Because the drugs basically removed all inhibition surrounding her, and her memory of her actions when it kicked in, allowing for her to put together some quality writing at last. In fact, she churned out thirteen pages of pure romantic gold, the kind that shocked her through and through and not to mention… she also found the inspiration to cook for the first time in forever. Making it clear that the things that she’s done and the guilt and remorse she carries over them, really are weighing her down… as is some of the resentment she has toward her husband and his inability to leave his job behind long enough to really work on their marriage and their connection. And that deep seated frustration, led to perhaps the funniest moment/sequence in this series to date. 

For Terry left his big presentation to the Archdiocese on his home computer. Which in turn motivated him to ask Pat to send it over ASAP. But there was another blackout moment when she prepared to send it and well… it turns out that in that hour long void, she made some major modifications to the presentation. The kind that seemed harmless at first until Terry read aloud the worst possible sentence you could say to men of the cloth and uh… that shocking surprise led to the firing of a co-worker, one that Terry flirts with, and a suspension for him. But what matters more here, is that the lack of inhibition and repression for Pat… brought about all kinds of breakthroughs both good and bad for a time… it really did seem as though, ghosts had nothing to do with this story and this was going to be a tale about how difficult it is to reconcile our mistakes and how they can break us.
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But the discovery of a vintage tiki bar in the basement the Phelps’ family didn’t know they had, brought forth the specter of specters once again. For late one night, the ghost that Pat has been seeing in her dreams and in a dream-like state, invited her down to the basement to introduce herself. As it turns out, her name is Rosemary, and she is eager to assist and be a pal to Pat. To the point where she’s playing muse out of the seeming kindness of her ghostly self. But the fact that she basically seduced Pat a la Lloyd in The Shining is genuine cause for concern since it speaks to total commitment to whatever this spook is selling, and that incredible sequence, alongside the strange encounter Jake had outside, and Gaynor’s odd interaction with Val and the appearance of that skull… really does seem to reinforce that something otherworldly and dangerous is going on.

Or does it? Because this could genuinely be a grand breakdown on Pat’s part and well… the fact that we are getting compelling cases for and against both possibilities in every episode of this show, is why the lack of answers doesn’t annoy in the slightest. Because we’re along for a fun and wild ride that knows how to make us laugh and is steadily digging into some fascinating commentary on the human condition and the mistakes we make, all while giving us an engaging mystery to pick apart week in and week out. And well… it will be quite interesting to see where the revelations in this tale take us next and see how long the show is going to lean into the mystery before giving us the truth about the Pat, and the home that might be gearing up to torment her. Until next time.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1112 of ‘The Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For the most part, the AMC series, The Walking Dead has shied away from contemporary commentary about current concerns in our world and with good reason. For this is at its core, a story about survival and whether or not humanity is outright worthy of salvation and a second chance at a better tomorrow and keeping those concepts as the primary storytelling focus of this epic and sweeping saga… has allowed for powerful explorations to take place surrounding those concepts. The kind that has moved to us to tears and given us hope, since the answers often tend to learn toward us deserving that second chance after all. Since our better angels are often on display when the chips are down for the hardened and brave souls that populate this harrowing universe.
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But while that has indeed made for some powerful and poignant storytelling, one does have to wonder what this series would have accomplished from a storytelling perspective, had it taken the time to tackle the burning topics of the world, a la George Romero… and well, wouldn’t you know it? This final season of this iconic series has found a way to insert contemporary commentary into the final leg of its gory journey. For the arrival of the Commonwealth and its structure and design, is now allowing for the show to dig deep into some of our current concerns and questions about modern America. Specifically, what it is that is creating the grand divide that we are currently experiencing in the United States of America, and it accomplished that feat… by way of a field trip. 

For ‘The Lucky Ones’ saw Pamela Milton and a convoy of the Commonwealth, swing by some familiar places for the audience. Since she was touring Alexandria and Oceanside, and Hilltop on this day. In order to explore the feasibility of expanding the Commonwealth’s borders to include those three communities and well, this is an adventure that didn’t quite go as well as one might have hoped. For Pamela was appalled over the fact that the Alexandria Safe Zone had been brought to its knees on more than one occasion, since that signified weakness and vulnerability, and of course, there were concerns about Oceanside as well. Mainly because, they had a protection pact with Hilltop and without Maggie Rhee’s signature on a deal, they had zero interest in trusting or helping the Commonwealth.

Which are revelations that quite frankly, made Lance look like quite the fool. Since he had promised cooperation and wonder, and a community risen from the ashes. Only to have his sales pitch dashed by backdoor deals and surprise arrivals in the living dead and well… all his hopes on making the Commonwealth bigger and stronger, hinged on a deal with Maggie Rhee. Which seemed as though it might be in the cards after all. Because a good long talk between Maggie and Pamela in the woods, and the distribution of supplies and aid to a broken and shattered Hilltop, along with the calm demeanor of some old friends… the kind that informed her that they were fed and safe… motivated Maggie to begin to lean toward joining this vast community. In fact, a final conversation with Lance, seemingly was going to seal the deal. 

But a singular moment, changed her perspective on this matter. For she watched as Daryl Dixon, a man she’s always known to be outspoken and ready to challenge authority in the name of what’s right and what’s fair, in the name of a better tomorrow… fall in line and be a good little soldier for General Mercer and the Commonwealth’s army and that spoke volumes to what this place is really about. In that, they don’t care about the individual and what they have to say, they just want compliant individuals that can speak to the vision of other people and execute that vision. Which in this instance involves restoring the glory of the old world now gone, under the guise of ‘community’ and ‘restoration’ and Maggie was going to have no part in that… and declined the offer.
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A move that saw her lose more folks from Hilltop and of course, bring about ire behind the scenes, since Lance made it clear… he wanted to rule over this segment of the Commonwealth. But on this day, there would be no deals or wins for Lance, just powerful observations on our modern world. Since the affirmation of what the Commonwealth is all about… tells us precisely why there is a divide in America right now. Since the old, and insulated, and out of touch guard is trying desperately to keep the old ways of Americana alive at a time when it no longer matters or serves the people. While the new guard is trying desperately to enact change and find a better way forward and the collision of those two worlds is creating that conflict as both sides vie to come out on top, and well… that’s a fascinating and powerful observation to make, one that is spot on and offers no answers regarding how we resolve it in this moment.

But while it was fascinating to see this series finally turn its attention to the everyday world and provide clarity on a confusing time in our lives, it still had other plot points to dig into that were a touch more traditional for the series. Specifically, Eugene’s desire to learn more about Max and why she lied and well, once he came to learn that her brother happens to be Mercer and of the dangers inherent that come with outside communication, and that she was indeed the kind soul he knew and loved from ages ago, he finally lowered his guard and made amends for not questioning the lies that ‘Stephanie’ fed him and for not working harder to reach out to her and give her the gratitude and connection she craved. And well, it would seem peace has been made between these two at last and who knows where this newly forged relationship will take them. Plus, you can’t go wrong with Ezekiel’s uplifting journey in this tale, one that saw him face the reality that he has more years ahead of him thanks to Carol.

In the end however, this was simply a brilliant tale through and through. Because not only did it inform us of the fact that this series can handle social commentary as well as any George Romero of the Dead story, but it also used that commentary to the story’s advantage. Since a desperate attempt to cling to the old world plays right into those burning questions hanging over season eleven and it won’t be long now before this examination heats up and comes to a head. For Lance is clearly ready to take charge and there are others in the Commonwealth that aren’t good with sticking to a path that failed miserably when it was genuinely tested by the death of death and it will be fascinating to see where this story goes, now that we know exactly what everyone is fighting for. Until next time.

​Sometimes it is just fun to head out to a public place and watch people. With everyone coming from different backgrounds and having very different agendas, it is just interesting to see how each person carries themselves differently. Trying to come up with a story for that person is what really makes this practice fun, mainly because you can come up with anything and not know if you are right or wrong when they leave your view. Everyone has a story to tell but most of them will not tell it to a stranger, so your story might be the only one that you will ever truly know.
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Arriving at the office to see that there is ramped up security surrounding it, Mike Milch is getting the feeling that something is up. Watching as a local employee to the Belko Company is sent away, he tries to ask the new security guards what is going on but is not able to get an answer. Getting into the office and still not being able to find out what might be happening, he decides to treat this as a normal day and stops by his girlfriend’s office to see how she is doing. Leandra is noticing the strangeness around the office as well, but with nothing that she can do about it, their day must go on, but an announcement over the intercom system has rattled the office.

Hearing an unknown voice tell the employees of Belko that they are in a game and must kill two people in the next half hour, nobody gives it much credence, but when the building seals up, they find that whatever is happening might be for real. As the clock starts to tick down on their first assignment, Mike and his boss Barry try to keep a cool head and everyone else from freaking out as this must be a prank.  But it is real as the voice is disappointed to report and four people are taken off of the office roster. Knowing now that they are in trouble, Mike tries to focus on a way to get out of the building or flag down some help while Barry is more interested in the cache of weapons locked up in the office.

Finding out that everyone who is at work has a little explosive planted in their heads, the remaining members of the Belko staff are given their next assignment, to kill thirty of their co-workers in the next two hours or sixty will be sacrificed. With a new list of rules to play by, Mike is able to convince everyone to try and signal someone outside of the office to get help, but when trying to put a flag on the side of the building, he is shot at by the new security team. Knowing that escape might not be attainable, Barry forms his own group of former military personal and is ready to execute those who are not worthy to survive their shift. With people being picked off at random by the voice, the office remains divided on what move they should make next, but their time is quickly slipping away as more people will be forced to clock out for the final time.

All I can say about this movie is wow. I loved the blood, which there was a ton of as the experiment took place. The battle for supremacy is what really made this movie stand out for me as Barry and Mike were both going in different directions. The madness that ensued when nobody knew if and when their number would be called really put everyone in survival mode. While I don’t believe that people would react this way if something so horrifying like this took place, I guess I will never know until it happens to me. With a set of rules, a locked down office building, a weapons cache, people hell bent on survival, a plan of escape, plenty of blood and only one way to play the game, this is just a good look into what the survival instinct can force people to do. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘Servant’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite fascinating how people respond to be pushed around a little harder than they should be. Simply because, the response is so incredibly polarizing. For some folks, immediately offer up some harsh push back and set their boundaries rather than endure more pressure. While others, tolerate it and internalize their concerns. Whereas the rest of us, tend to try and find middle ground with the person that’s pushing, so we can understand where they are coming from and find peace in the process. But some folks… well their response to being pushed around is nothing short of epic since their response is bitter and vengeful and taken to the highest degree until they receive an apology or something in return for their suffering.
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If anything, that latter aspect of how we respond to external pressure is of note today, because it served as the focus of the next episode of Servant on Apple TV+. For when we catch up with the Turner family in ‘Donut’, Dorothy Turner is giving everyone the business for pressuring her to keep Leanne within the household. To the point where she’s exiled Sean to the couch and where simple acts of kindness or ones that make her life just a little easier, are shoved aside in a desperate attempt to make it clear that Dorothy will have her way, or no one in this household will be happy and well, that more or less breaks Leanne’s heart. Because she wants unity and peace, and her sorrow brings about an interesting interaction.

For Isabelle spots a distraught Leanne in the park one fine day and quickly empathizes with her over what is obviously fallout from a Dorothy-wrath related moment and their bonding over such matters leads to the genesis of a shockingly dangerous friendship. Since it quickly becomes clear that Isabelle isn’t just in this to be nice, she wants dirt on Dorothy and wants to know exactly what happened on that fateful August day. In part to capture the truth but also to teach the always ‘holier-than-thou’ Dorothy a lesson and well, when she gets what she wants, specifically proof that Jericho died… and reveals to Leanne that she is ready to expose this to the world… that pushes an unstable nanny into a corner as well, and that leads to quite the powerful twist in this particular tale.

Because Sean’s biggest attempt to reconcile with Dorothy, by inviting her father and his lady over, and Julian as well… to enjoy a fine dinner and watch the newest episode of his show, leads to some incredible revelations. Such as the fact that Dorothy is horribly jealous of Sean’s success since she had no problem changing the channel to check in on a story, she believed had some control over, since it went to Isabelle, but that Leanne may have control over who lives and who dies in this world. For hard focus from Leanne, while watching Isabelle report upon an active shooter situation… led to Isabelle’s death. Making it clear that Leanne’s power is vast and that if pushed too hard as well… especially when it comes to the possibility of losing her precious family environment, she’ll go as far as she needs to in order to protect her interests and desires.

Which is a revelation and twist that ups the ante in this story like never before. Because just like that, Leanne is someone to be feared since she can decide upon a person’s fate. Leaving us to wonder what could happen to Dorothy if she continues to press and of course, it also bears some questions regarding what Leanne really is… since this is the kind of power that the Grim Reaper would harbor. But before we dive too deep into speculation, we really need to offer up a round of applause for one fascinating tale. One that really informed us how rotten and unlikable and spoiled Dorothy is and can be and of course, for showing us what pushing the wrong people can bring forth and well… this sets the stage for a different kind of showdown now. One that the Turners are ill prepared to take part in since they are going to be battling a being that can end them without giving it a second thought. Until next time.

The other day, we talked a little bit about how the team over at Shudder, could potentially be the hardest working streaming team out there. Since the network and its talented associates continue to scoop up quality horror film after quality horror film to keep its subscribers happy and well… it’s amazing that the network is taking the time to reinforce that line of thinking today.

Because just days after Shudder obtained ‘Deadstream’ at SXSW for future broadcast on the streamer, Shudder made it known earlier today that their incredible and tireless team has acquired the rights to another quality horror film at SXSW, Sissy, and well, here are all the details on this latest addition to Shudder’s already impressive library.

‘Shudder has acquired rights to ​Arcadia / DEMS Entertainment / Freedom Films’ SXSW Midnighter SISSY, from writers-directors Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes, ahead of its anticipated world premiere at the Festival. The premium streamer for horror, thriller and the supernatural will be the exclusive streaming home to the Australian horror comedy in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
 
Said Craig Engler, Shudder’s general manager: “Directors Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes’ script crafted something special,  a stylish and thoroughly modern horror comedy with bite, led fearlessly by Aisha Dee. We can’t wait for audiences to meet SISSY.”
 
“Shudder is the perfect home for SISSY and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them. The team at Shudder are the best at bringing elevated horror to engaged audiences across major territories. As filmmakers, to know SISSY will be celebrated by a genre-loving audience like Shudder's is a dream come true,” said Lisa Shaunessy from Arcadia. 
 
SISSY stars Aisha Dee and Barlow as Cecilia and Emma, who had been tween-age BFFs who were never going to let anything come between them — until Alex (Emily De Margheriti) arrived on the scene. Twelve years later, Cecilia is a successful social media influencer living the dream of an independent, modern millennial woman, until she runs into Emma for the first time in over a decade. After reconnecting, Emmy invites Cecilia on her bachelorette weekend at a remote cabin in the mountains, where Alex proceeds to make Cecilia’s weekend a living hell.
 
Daniel Monks, Yerin Ha, Lucy Barrett, Shaun Martindale, Amelia Lule, April Blasdall and Camille Cumpston also star. SISSY is produced by Lisa Shaunessy and Bec Janek for Arcadia (2067, Killing Ground), John De Margheriti for DEMS Entertainment and Freedom Films' Jason Taylor with executive producers Alexandra Burke, Vicki De Margheriti, William Day Frank, Barlow, Senes, Anna Dadic, Jacqueline Kerwick, Seth Larney, Mathieu Van De Velde and Clement Dunn.
 
The deal was negotiated by XYZ ​Films, LevelK ​and Arcadia on behalf of the filmmakers and Emily Gotto on behalf of Shudder.’