Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Servant’. To revisit the show’s penultimate episode, click here. This article also contains discussions revolving around self-harm and suicide. Which may be triggering to some individuals.
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Four years ago… we were introduced to quite the set of mysteries and quite the philosophical topic, courtesy of the Apple TV+ series, Servant. For this is a show that immediately informed us that it would examine the journey that revolves around the trauma of losing a loved one and it if course left us wondering… what Leanne Grayson was all about. Was she a healer of sorts? Or some kind of being from beyond? Not to mention… was she a savior? Or a fallen angel? One that could doom all of humanity. And of course… we were also left wondering, how this fascinating story was going to end, since Leanne’s power only grew, as did the resistance to her agenda and charm.
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Well, it just so happens that those questions were finally answered via the show’s series finale, and ‘Fallen’ wasted little time in first… bringing Dorothy’s painful journey to an end. For she finally took a moment to decide if she wanted to hide within Leanne’s traumatic lie or seize the day, and her life and her future, and cope with the awful mistake she made on that fateful day. And wouldn’t you know it? After four years of suffering and lying to herself, Dorothy decided to embrace tomorrow and heal and see what the future would bring and well, without the power of Jericho hanging over the family anymore, Leanne was distraught and broken. For she truly had nothing left to live for or accomplish in her mind, and that put her in a very dark place. 

One that more or less spoke to the reality that yes, she came back from the dead, and yes… she harbored a great power to resurrect and heal and use that per the will of the ‘Lord’ that saw fit to bestow her this gift. But by using it for selfish reasons, such as to have the family she was denied in life, she was in fact… that fallen angel. One broken by all of the seven deadly sins since she indulged in them with impunity while living with the Turner family and that put her at a crossroads. In that, she could come with the Turner family and let her sins persist or face them at last and pay penance to the honcho above. A decision that would require an ultimate sacrifice, one that would in fact… save all of humanity since she was able to offer penance for that which makes humanity falter and, in the end, Leanne chose to find purpose and accomplishment through salvation.

Which motivated her to follow the Church’s creed and bathe herself in fire and use the knife as outlined by the Church. That brought forth… a harrowing and horrifying sequence, one that saw Leanne perish badly and painfully as the house burned down around her, but in doing so… the storms raging over Philadelphia lifted and the danger indeed passed. Giving rise to a fresh start for the Turner family. One that Sean and Dorothy were eager to embrace since they had finally dealt with their pain, and a new start was also in front of Julian. Since he learned, that rescue from death by a member of the Church… came with quite the price. One that involved servitude to the Lord above and initiated him into a unique club of others that have walked in the space between spaces, and his fate… was perhaps far more unsettling. 

But that is… where this story ends, and it is… a brilliant ending to this tale. Since it keeps the possibility open to revisit this universe through those that have come back from the dead. But more importantly, it was… a wonderful way to close out this four-year journey. Since it did indeed offer genuine and healthy growth for the Turner family, something they’ve been struggling to find since this series started, and we did get our answers about Leanne. Whether they will please everyone has yet to be seen, but they are the answers none the less and well… that’s everything there is to say about this fascinating and eerie saga. One that had a lot of commentary to offer regarding religion and life, and the complexities of trauma and well, all we can do in the end is thank M. Night Shyamalan and the production team of this show, and its talented cast… for taking us on one hell of a spooky and eerie… and thoughtful ride.  

​When trying to get a fresh start, some people believe that it only takes moving to a new house, but it involves much more than that. Needing to leave all of your baggage behind is the key to moving on and while you may have some sentimental attachment to some things, they will only remind you of what you are running from. If you really need to start over, you need to start from scratch and let the past be the past. While you may never forget what you are running from, you may find yourself thinking of it less since everything that brings those memories front and center is behind you.
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Sitting on the dock at her new home, Mallory holds onto her late son’s mitten as it is the only thing, she still has that keeps his spirit alive. Tossing it in the lake, she sees what she has done and is forced to jump into the water to retrieve it. Looking back at the house, Mallory sees that she has visitors, the couple that is renting the cottage to her and her husband. Bidding them a nice day and heading back inside, Mallory is forced once again to face the reality that she and Frank are living in.

Looking out the back door at the greatness that is the lake, Frank lights up another smoke and cannot get his mind right. Asking his wife if she is ready to leave him and move on with her life, he hears that she still loves him, but there is something still hidden between the couple. After leaving their old house in a rush and Mallory causing a crash that put Frank in a wheelchair, he is starting to show his resentment to the situation once again. Promising that she will not move on is a little comforting to the crippled man, but there is still more that he wants to say on the situation, but it is still not the right time.

While sitting outside and pondering what to do next, Frank is taken on a walk with his wife who is loving their new life away from the craziness that they have been able to flee from. While on the path in the woods however they come across a sight that will change their feelings about their new home. Seeing their landlord’s boy lying lifeless on the side of the path, their cottage reawakens once again and the torments of the night start all over again. Not wanting to leave the cottage, Frank has a plan to try and put an end to their torment by employing a former ghost hunter. But bringing Eleanor into the mix does not help the couple get back to normal, in fact it puts their truths front and center as they try to get to the bottom of their paranormal activity.

Kind of a slow-moving build up for something that will leave Frank and Mallory changed forever. Both characters are dealing with the loss of their son in different ways, while Mallory is able to adjust to the countryside living and takes runs every day, Frank is left in the house and is visibly upset about what has happened in the past. When finding the child’s body in the woods however, they are forced to come together to put up some sort of front against the unseen apparition that will stop at nothing to make their lives a living hell. I liked the addition of Eleanor into the story overall, as she really brought a spark to the storyline and got to the bottom of what really caused the incidents inside and outside of the cottage. With a car crash, a powerful haunting, a demon possessed boy, dead bodies, a lake, an apparition, and a ghost hunter you cannot lie to, you really feel like you are in the character’s shoes as the events are happening. While I have never heard of a spirit being afraid of water before, it might be a good idea to find a place with a non-haunted lake to stick by, especially if you are running away from one. Stay Scared.

​In this day and age, it seems like it is impossible for someone to go missing, but it still continues to happen all of the time. While some of the times the person can be found on reality television or returning from a long weekend camping trip, there are still people getting lost and/or abducted and their cell phones are of no use for them. This is a frightening thought when you really get into it and while I am not a fan of putting a tracking chip in a child, it could prove helpful if they ever go missing, even for adults. While the world continues to get smaller every day, there are still places that cannot be located for one reason or another and these are the places where we are led to assume the missing wind up.
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Waking up in a cold sweat after having a nightmare about her uncle, Tricia is having a hard time figuring out why he has not called her. Having asked him to give her away at her wedding, Tricia wants the fun older man to make his way back to the real world. While nobody else in the family has heard much from him since his trip to Lost Lake, Jeff is willing to give up a day and try to make his fiancé’s dream come true. Loading up the car for a day trip, the two make their way into the desert to find Uncle Vern in one of the strangest ghost towns they have ever encountered.

Stopping at a local gas station before making it to Lost Lake, the young couple is given a warning about the old town, in that they shouldn’t stay there for too long, because it does not have any facilities and also because, it is haunted. Taking this advice with a grain of salt, the couple pushes on to the ghost town to see how bad it really looks. Not knowing the real history of the town, much less when it was vacated by the residents, the couple drives through not being able to find any signs of life. Stopping outside of a house that looks to be in better shape, the couple heads inside to check it out and while it seems to have been lived in recently, they are still not able to find anyone to talk to. With strange sounds coming from outside, the couple checks it out and while Jeff moves deeper into the town, Tricia keeps a lookout in the house and sees an old woman following them. Not seeing the old woman that Tricia spotted, Jeff chalks it up to her imagination playing tricks on her and the two retreat to the car for further investigation.

Driving deeper into the new ghost town, Tricia spots a truck that appears to be her uncle’s. Getting out and trying to find where the old man could be hiding, the couple spots what appears to be a murder scene, but before Jeff is able to figure out what they are seeing, Uncle Vern appears out of the woodwork. Taking his niece and her fiancé up to his house for a bite to eat, Vern is very excited to see Tricia and wants her to stay in the town to try and get the definitive footage that the old ghost hunter needs to prove that there really is life after death. Agreeing to stay for a couple hours, the couple has no idea what they are in for when they break protocol and decide to leave during the one time a year that a ghost walks the streets of Lost Lake.

Staring off all nice and cheery and then taking a turn towards the darkness of the soul, wow, I must admit that I was blown away by the total 180 spin Uncle Vern took when he realized that his niece was going to leave him during the ghost hunt. The fun relationship between Tricia and Jeff was really put to the test, especially after they found out that Uncle Vern was not willing to let them leave. I really wish that they went more into the town’s history and what really led to the demise of the area, but you are given a ghostly story about what happened way back when, so that could explain some of it. With a search for a relative, a Lost Lake, a sinister past, a pissed off sister, a snake, a shovel, some missing spark plugs and the need to never be alone, not a bad little movie to keep you wondering what is happening in the desert. Stay Scared. ​

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘The Last of Us’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Are we worth saving? That is the central question that has hung heavy over the HBO series, The Last of Us, and rightfully so. Because in the real world, we see ourselves at something of a crossroads. After all, there is political unrest everywhere to be found, courtesy of a battle over ideology vs. decency and war has returned. One that has dredged up Cold War/World War III fears and of course… the pandemic was a moment in our history where ideology and a personal need to be in the right, trumped science, and outright human decency. Leaving all of us to wonder if we can make it as a species and of course if we are indeed worth saving. 
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A question that the show itself… has explored in a fascinating manner. For it has taken the time to point out… that we have a right to be concerned about our worth. By putting the darker side of us on display in several episodes, such as the horrors we were privy to when Joel and Ellie made their way to Kansas City. Since they were witness to a revenge plot for the ages, one motivated by one person’s inability to let go of their anger at a time when it needed to be buried, and that feels all too familiar. Plus, we’ve explored the true darkness we harbor and the cruelty we are capable of through David’s storyline, a darkness that just seems to be growing as the days roll on.

But at the same time… the show has also explored the other side of the coin. Since we’ve seen the love, we are capable of, and how that love heals and lifts people up, courtesy of the wondrous story of Bill and Frank, and how their love got through them the darkest hour this alternate world has ever known. Not to mention that was wonderfully bookended by Ellie’s exploration of what her heart desires courtesy of her time with Riley, and their storyline also explored the majesty of our modern world and how we create beautiful little moments that are uplifting and powerful and can drive a person forward during tough times. Which indeed speaks to good reasons as to why we should push ahead and survive and thrive, since we are capable of real beauty.

But in our minds… those little rays of light, aren’t enough to truly convince anyone that we should fight to save all that we’ve built in these troubling times. Which is why this saga saved, the final word on the matter for the season one finale. To bring all those examinations together to point out… that we are indeed worth fighting for and worth saving, and it brought forth that answer… by getting Ellie and Joel to Salt Lake City in ‘Look for the Light’. Where a bevy of wonderful moments came into play. For instance, this leg of the journey featured an opportunity for Ellie to really experience the actual majesty of Mother Nature, and not just her cruelty. Since they were able to feed giraffes that found a new home in the city center, and… to a magnificent moment involving Joel.   
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For when he and Ellie had a little downtime, Joel finally spoke to his journey, and how he wasn’t sure he wanted to continue along after losing Sarah. But that he was glad he did because he finally found a way to heal through Ellie. Which brought a long and winding, and powerful arc for Joel, to its end. But of course… while it was wonderful to remind us of how we are capable of appreciating beauty and how we bounce back from dark times stronger… that’s still not enough to convince us that we are worth fighting for, and that’s why… a horrible and controversial twist had to come into play in this story. One that would truly hammer home the point of this tale.

Because eventually in their travels, they encountered the Fireflies, and after a case of mistaken identity, they were taken to the hospital they were looking for and Joel learned… some unsettling facts about what was to come. For the doctors in this place, decided that the only way to get a cure from Ellie’s unique immunity involved removing her entire brain. A move that in the eyes of the Fireflies would be a necessary sacrifice for the betterment of mankind. But Joel vehemently disagreed, and believed this was a horrible use of resources and a waste of a young life. And that revelation, combined with Joel’s newfound fire and desire to protect young Ellie, motivated him to go to extremes to protect her.

To the point where anyone that worked to stop his quest to save Ellie, died terribly. Simply because… it was obvious that Joel felt the Fireflies lied and were motivated by panic over logic and science, and the thought of this world robbing another young life of a chance at something better… such as the life Tommy found in Jackson, was too much to bear. And through a brutal sequence of storytelling, Joel did indeed save Ellie, and offered up some lies to smooth over the chaos and devastation he created, on their way back to Jackson, to begin to live a new chapter in their lives, one with far less worry and terror in their hearts. 
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Which is an ending that doesn’t seem entirely noble or perhaps worthy of salvation since the chance to cure Cordyceps appears to be gone and cruelty and outright cold-blooded murder had to come into play to save Ellie. Ergo, a controversial finale that is mired in blood. But at the same time… there were no guarantees that a cure would have come from this experiment, and it was in many ways… cruel. For to cut open a child to try and save everything is indeed reckless and worrisome, and had it failed… what was the point of sacrificing a life? Which is why what matters more… are the reasons regarding why Joel did what he did here. Because that… and the opening of this tale, are what offer up the answer in question.

For instance, the prologue involving Ellie’s mother Anna, reinforces the show’s observations on the transformative nature of love and Joel’s actions here… speak to the reality that what makes us worth salvation and worth more chances in this life… is because we can change. Because this is a man that went from caring little about anyone or anything, to valuing life again and if Joel, a man utterly broken, can come back from that… so can we. Which were a beautiful set of messages to find in this harrowing story of a harrowing world. One that we aren’t done exploring yet, thanks to the fact that season two is coming, and truly… it will be interesting to see what comes next… now that a broken father and a lost soul have been granted a second chance. Until next year.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 409 of ‘Servant’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Early in its four-season run, the Apple TV+ series, Servant, focused heavily on a grand question for the Turner family. In that… would they ever face the horrible trauma that they endured on that fateful day when Jericho died? For if they were to do that, their lives would have taken a vastly different course, one grounded in honesty and authentic emotion and of course… it would have been a life free of Leanne. But alas, their deep and winding pain from that trauma, combined with the gift that Leanne gave them, and the power she exerted over them… allowed for that question to go the wayside. But now, after four years of this family avoiding the big question… the time finally arrived for them to answer it in this week’s episode.
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For ‘Awake’ is a story that informed us, yes, the Turner family was indeed going to face that trauma head on and deal with the consequences of it, and all it took to reach that point, was to come to understand that the nanny was genuine trouble, and that their lives were now in danger for not handling their trauma. Which served as a powerful metaphor regarding the power of trauma and loss and how it can indeed swallow a soul and a life, and that was but the first of many powerful metaphors and examinations regarding that topic, and in order to get to all of them, a powerful miracle had to come into play. In that, Dorothy had to get to the car just outside the house, where Sean and Julian were waiting, and that was no easy task.

Because Leanne truly believed she had her family now, and everything she wanted. A mother, a brother, and the sole role of caretaker for all… allowing for her to carefully watch over Dorothy and control every movement and moment. But of course, when one knows their nemesis well, they know how to beat them, and Leanne fell into a well-laid trap from Dorothy. One that allowed for her to drag herself to the car… where the truth was finally bestowed upon her. And in that moment, waves of pain and emotion came washing over her and they broke her, which was no surprise. For this was to remind us, that facing our trauma is an ugly and difficult but necessary process if we ever want to grow, and even then… when we do, we have quite the choice to make regarding our pain.

One that Dorothy faced in a literal manner in this tale. For while she was at her lowest and hurting in every way imaginable, Sean and Julian brought her into the house where Leanne presented her with the Devil’s temptation if you will. Live in reality and endure the pain of making a terrible mistake that will haunt you forever or… hold Jericho and the live the lie. A choice that wasn’t made in this tale but wow, was that a powerful moment. One that truly spoke to how we must choose to live with our pain and grow from it or bury ourselves in the sorrow. All of which made this the show’s most moving and powerful episode to date, one that finally gave the fans what they’ve wanted.

Because we have indeed been eager to know if Dorothy and her family will ever confront that pain and now… they have, and what comes next is anyone’s guess since it is indeed Dorothy’s choice to make, regardless of whether Sean, Julian, or Leanne like it. But what matters most here, is that the series is doing everything we hoped for and more. In that… it is clearly preparing to bring every hanging plot thread to a close, so that we the fans… get to enjoy a satisfying end to the story regardless of whether it ends happy or not, and that is all you can ask for and that will in fact, make the wait for the final chapter in this harrowing saga quite difficult. Since we simply must know, how this story is going to end. Until next time.

For the most part, slasher movies and slasher shows, follow a fairly standard formula. One that involves some kind of powerful monster/killer terrorizing innocent souls and ripping them to shreds while those involved in the madness, work to figure out how to bring their newfound nemesis down. Which eventually they do, in an epic and costly, and bloody manner, and of course… the evil they faced cannot die… so it tends to return at a later time. Which happens to be, an impactful formula. One that truly entertains the audience but is oft devoid of anything deeper, and that’s okay, because sometimes…  you just want to lose yourself in a bloody horror show.
 
But sometimes… you also want depth and more from the scary story in front of you and that’s why the Shudder series, Slasher, is of note. For this series is that rare slasher story that makes a point to add depth to its gory storytelling, courtesy of phenomenal commentary on our world and the human condition and it does such an incredible job of this, that we’ve all been eagerly awaiting the new season of this series. To get more of that commentary and the unique stories this series offers and well, the good news is… the wait is almost over.
 
For April 6, 2023, will see the debut of Slasher: Ripper on Shudder, and in anticipation of the big day drawing near, earlier today, Shudder released key art for the show… and the long-awaited trailer. To properly build excitement for what is shaping up to be one refreshing and original season, and well, since you’re curious to see, what Ripper is going to look like, here are those gory goodies and some details on the new season to tide you over, courtesy of Shudder.

‘Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, released today the official trailer and artwork for Slasher: Ripper, the latest installment in the Slasher franchise. Starring Eric McCormack (Will & Grace), the all-new season debuts with a two-episode premiere on Thursday, April 6 on Shudder and AMC+ with new episodes rolling out weekly on Thursdays.
 
Slasher: Ripper takes the franchise back in time to the late 19th century and follows Basil Garvey (McCormack), a charismatic tycoon whose success is only rivaled by his ruthlessness, as he oversees a city on the cusp of a new century, and a social upheaval that will see its streets run red with blood. There’s a killer stalking the mean streets, but instead of targeting the poor and downtrodden like Jack the Ripper, The Widow is meting out justice against the rich and powerful. The only person standing in the way of this killer is the newly promoted detective, Kenneth Rijkers, whose ironclad belief in justice may wind up being yet another victim of The Widow. 
 
Slasher franchise alumni Paula Brancati, Gabriel Darku, Salvatore Antonio, Lisa Berry and Sabrina Grdevich join McCormack for the all-new installment, with Clare McConnell (Star Trek: Discovery), Thom Allison (Killjoys), Daniel Kash (Aliens) and Sadie Laflamme-Snow (The Way Home) rounding out the cast.
 
Developed and produced by Shaftesbury and created by Aaron Martin, the 8-episode series is executive produced by Martin, Showrunner Ian Carpenter, Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie, Thomas P. Vitale, and Director Adam MacDonald, with Producers Paige Haight and Erin Berry. Slasher is produced in association with Shudder and Hollywood Suite.’

About Shudder 
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com.  
 
About AMC+  
AMC+ is the company’s new premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, and Boyhood. The service features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, with iconic series from the AMC Networks portfolio including Mad Men, Halt & Catch Fire, Hell on Wheels, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Rectify, Portlandia, and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, This is Going to Hurt, Dark Winds, and the first two series in a new Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. With new movies released every Friday, AMC+ is the newest destination for exclusive film premieres direct from theaters all year long. AMC+ is available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Korea, and Spain and is available in the U.S. through AMCPlus.com, the AMC+ app, and a number of digital and cable partners. 
 
About Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content for television, film, and digital, established in 1987 by Christina Jennings, Chairman and President. Shaftesbury's current primetime slate includes 16 seasons of the international hit series Murdoch Mysteries for CBC, ITV Studios and UKTV, and five seasons of Hudson & Rex for Citytv, both are available in over 120 countries worldwide. Other projects include: the acclaimed horror anthology series Slasher on Shudder and Hollywood Suite, with Emmy® Award-winner Eric McCormack starring in the upcoming fifth season; three seasons of the acclaimed six-part event series Departure for Global starring Emmy® Award-winner Archie Panjabi and the late Academy® Award-winner Christopher Plummer; and SisterS, a new Irish Canadian co-production by and starring Sarah Goldberg (Barry) and Susan Stanley, for Crave, RTÉ and IFC
www.shaftesbury.ca

​With all of the best laid plans, there is always something that winds up changing. While you never really know why this happens, the way you react is very telling about yourself. If whatever is thrown at you does not dissuade you from your final goal, you are very goal oriented and that is a good trait to have. But if you get pushed off of your path and wind up taking a new one, there is little bad that can be said about it, it just makes you more of a rolling with the punches type. While either of these characteristics is good, you must not roll over and accept defeat and while some people are able to make a living out of doing this, most of us are forced to look the defeat straight in the eye and tell it we will not be held down.
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Having car trouble on the way to pick up her little sister from school, Liz sees that her band friends have returned from their latest tour. Passing on a flyer about a party that will be going on later that night, Liz is shocked to see that it will be happening at her house. Arriving home and picking up her boyfriend Otto to get some car repairs done, Liz is trying to keep the house as normal as possible for the night. Knowing what the couple will need to do, they have little idea what will happen in the house in the middle of nowhere when they stay up past their bedtime.

While their friends start making their way to the party, Liz is trying to keep them cool and contained while inside the house, for fear of waking her little sister Holly up, but that goes by the wayside. Seeing a strange ghost girl in her room, Holly tries to keep quiet, but when the ghost girl is spotted by Otto in the back yard, all hell breaks loose. Going out back and trying to locate the little girl, the party gets put on hold since she should not be there and might be in trouble. Searching the woods behind the house, the group is coming up with nothing, but they are not the only ones looking for the little girl as her reanimated parents are looking to punish anyone that does not follow the rules.

With everyone on their own against the former owners, Liz sees what they are capable of doing to her friends and takes matters into her own hands. Finding her shotgun, Liz becomes privy to a story from the ghost girl about what happened at the house so many years ago. Knowing that she needs to get the group back together, as there is safety in numbers, she is finding that more and more of them are going missing. With her sister and boyfriend close by, Liz is not afraid, but she should be as there is no escaping the evil. With an attempted escape plan in place, Liz and her family slowly find out that they will not be allowed to leave the house until the deed is done, or they are all dead.

Just a fun slasher film that does not try to take itself too seriously, since nobody will ever respect bedtime in this day and age. I loved the back story that is given about the previous homeowners, along with every family that lived in the house being killed off in one way or another. I will admit that Otto and Liz really stole the show, but the brother of Liz, Ranger Charlie was a fun addition in the battle for survival against the undead. While making movie references throughout the film, the best part overall was the Harrison Ford Off contest that was never ending. With some movie references, a ghost girl, the undead coming back to punish those who do not follow the rules, axe kills, pitchfork kills, some gun fire and plenty of zombies, this is just a fun horror flick to check out. While you may be wondering why there are zombies in the movie, I just loved that it was not taken too seriously, because there is nothing better than a zombie finale in a horror movie and they need to do a sequel to this movie soon. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Ash and Bone’.
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One particular aspect of the horror genre that makes it so wondrous and engaging, is the sheer fact that horror serves as something of a time capsule. For these movies reflect the zeitgeist of the era in which they were made. For instance, the horror features of the 60s and 70s were angry and visceral in nature and properly examined and reflected the civil unrest of the era. Whereas horror flicks from the 1980s and 1990s were as bombastic as those decades and as kitschy as they were at times. And of course, the turn of the century horror films deeply reflected a society in fear, one that was reeling from devastating attacks and uncertain times. 
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Which leaves one to wonder, what kind of zeitgeist horror films from this modern era are going to capture. For these are strange times for certain, filled to the brim with a different kind of uncertainty about our world, courtesy of unique unrest and invisible evils that can quite literally infect us and kill us. Not to mention, there is a different kind of anger in our world now, one that seems directionless in nature but burns as hot as any fury from the past. But there are some foundational reasons for this kind of chaos and confusion and believe it or not… there is indeed a horror feature out there now that does a phenomenal job of not only encapsulating the turbulent times, we are living in, but works to make some sense of them in Ash and Bone.

A feat that his movie accomplishes by introducing us to a family in crisis. For the Vanderbilts have been dealing with a lot of turmoil in their lives as of late. For young Cassie loves to rebel against her father and his decision to remarry following the death of the family’s matriarch, and that prompts Lucas to drag Cassie, and his new wife, Sarah, to his hometown. To get away from the city and the trouble it brings and heal as a new family. A decision, that goes about as well as one might expect, since there is minimal interest on Cassie’s part to make nice. In fact, she’s down to make trouble and sadly… finds it easily with some new friends when she convinces them to take her to the McKinley residence. A house surrounded by disturbing urban legends… they discover to be true. Which prompts the McKinley family to act to keep their secrets safe. A decision that risks the lives of every member of the Vanderbilt family, and those newfound friends, courtesy of this newly uncovered evil.

Which is a plot that seems grounded deeper in homage of The Last House on the Left or The Texas Chain Saw Massacre over commentary on our modern world and there’s merit to that. After all, there are a great many scenes and visuals that do indeed pay proper tribute to those films, and there are moments here that embrace the sheer savagery of those stories. In fact, that savagery is what brings forth the horror elements in this tale, since the McKinley’s are indeed relentless in their hunt to have their secrets kept away from the world and when they opt to strike, they do so in a glorious and gory, and ugly manner that downright leaves you… uncomfortable and nauseous. But it is the stuff in between the carnage that manages to speak more to our modern world and puts confusing times into perspective.
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As it turns out, this is a movie that makes it clear that we are living in an era of transition for America. Where the generational divide has reached critical mass because the old guard can’t accept that the new guard will take over and change that which doesn’t work, as evidenced by the unique conflict between Cassie and Lucas. And it also speaks to the transformative nature of the country itself, where some are fighting desperately to maintain old ideals and old traditions that no longer work in an era that is ready to transition to something new. Not to mention, the story also features fascinating commentary on the sides that people are taking politically and how each side views one another, and why. Adding depth to this story and this commentary, also helps us to understand why this era in our history is so angry and it also oddly helps us to understand, this too shall pass, and that surprise message and the commentary here makes for one powerful horror film.

One that really features everything that makes the genre great. Because it has quality kills and perfectly timed and impactful gore, and of course, it features stunning commentary and observations about the state of our world and the anger and chaos we are currently surrounded by. But it also is just a wild ride. One that features two utterly insane villains that make the genre proud, courtesy of their unfettered cruelty and inhuman nature, and it also harbors a magnificent ending that satisfies and well… this is simply a horror film that you should make every effort to see. Because you can never go wrong with an intelligent horror film that offers that perfect balance of commentary and carnage.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Spoonful of Sugar’.
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One particular question that has plagued mankind for ages on end, is what creates the evil that thrives in our world. And we ask that question often, simply because… we want nothing more than for evil to leave our lives so that the world can enjoy peace and wonder and the joy that we all seek. So, we work hard to try and understand evil and its origins to quell it, and thus far… we’ve not yet figured out its true source. For our belief that a rough childhood creates monsters doesn’t always add up since some people pull themselves from the proverbial ashes and rise up to be a beacon in their community. Yet there are other folks who seem to be inherently ‘normal’ and without malice who snap one day and cause great harm to others in a shocking and cruel manner. 
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Which is why we continue to ask that question, and at times… it truly seems as though we won’t ever answer it. In fact, we seem ready to accept that evil is nothing more than the yang to our yin, part of the dark side of the human experience from which there will be no escape. But perhaps we are simply looking for a complex answer that doesn’t exist. Where perhaps instead, what truly creates evil in this world is far simpler in nature and far easier to fix than we give it credit. Which sounds like an incredulous concept, since evil does incredible and horrible things that require complex thought and dedication to suffering. But it is a possibility that fiction is starting to ponder upon, as evidenced by a brand-new Shudder Original feature, and that makes Spoonful of Sugar, quite the fascinating and disturbing ride. 

One that explores that possibility, by plunging us into the broken world of a woman named Millicent. Who is working to heal the many scars she suffered in her youth by bouncing around the foster care system, and one way she believes that she can heal… is by changing the fortunes of children that are struggling in life, and she may have found the one child that can fix her. For a young boy named Johnny, who suffers badly from severe mental health and physical issues, is in need of a sitter. One that she wishes to be because she feels she can reach him and heal him, and after landing the job, for a time it appears that is the case. For he responds well to her and begins to show the world what love can do. But sadly… this blissful union is not meant to last. For there are secrets about Johnny’s family that Millicent isn’t aware of and vice versa for the family and the truth that is waiting to come to light… will bring about disaster.

Which is a plot that at first glance, seems mired more in an exploration of how we marginalize mental health issues and there are a lot of moments to back that up as well. Since Millicent is indeed doing her best to heal and is exposing herself to radical new treatments and therapies to heal her psyche and often finds herself compromised by the sheer ignorance of the world. Not to mention, Johnny’s issues with his own health only to seem to hammer that concept home early, since she is the only one who shows him love and affection instead of disdain and worry. But as this story continues along, and we learn the truth about Johnny and Millicent and what they actually want out of life, is when this story begins to explore how evil is born in this world and how its origin is far simpler than we have ever considered. 
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Simply because, this story points out in no small terms… that apathy and cruelty help to give rise to evil. For our lack of decorum and our desire to treat only our world with respect, can indeed push people already on the edge… over it… and motivate them to commit to the darkness simply because they feel they no longer matter and that getting theirs is the only path to happiness. Not to mention, that apathy, lets it persist. For so many just see evil as not their problem or that perhaps a person will snap out of it, and that is simply not the case. For once it takes hold, it does not let go, and our desire to tolerate it, leads to the horrific moments present in this story. The kind where we learn the truth about everyone in this story, and how they each embody this theme, is one big reason that this motion picture stays with you long after it has come to an end.

The other… relates to the sheer atmosphere of this story. Because it needs to be pointed out that this is a jarring experience from beginning to end. One that provides us with uncomfortable and awkward moments and jarring performances and non-traditional visuals to keep us off guard and leave every last one of us squirming in our seats. Which makes this, a magnificent horror film. One that focuses on the greatest monster of all, humanity, and holds nothing back in its frank examination of how we are the true masters of evil, a concept we created through ego, libido and cruelty and indifference, and how it may take us a long time to conquer evil… since we don’t seem all that ready to step beyond our own sinister shadow.  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Eight of ‘The Last of Us’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Last week when we settled in to discuss the phenomenal HBO series, The Last of Us, we talked at length about how the show took the time to once again revisit the big question that has hung heavy over its first season. Specifically… are we a species that is worth saving? A question that ‘Left Behind’ examined in a positive nature, by exploring how we lift one another up through love and the bonds we share. All of which made for a powerfully bittersweet episode, one that saw Ellie hold to that lesson by going the extra mile to save an ailing Joel, and such commentary left us wondering… exactly how the show was going to explore this concept further. Since obviously, this was now a focus for the commentary in this tale. 
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Which is why… last night’s episode was so incredibly surprising. Simply because… ‘When We Are in Need’ is a story that made it clear that it wasn’t fair to just look at one side of the equation. For while there is a great deal of reasons that we are worth saving, there are plenty of reasons as to why we might not be worthy. So why not offer up an objective look at humanity and the wonder and the horror we are capable of, in an effort to set the stage for the season finale in a unique manner. A feat that this episode accomplished, by introducing us to a new group of survivors in Silver Lake, Colorado. Who were led by an enigmatic preacher named David, and were in fact, facing an ugly crisis. 

In that food supplies were low in this town, and that meant the time had come to venture out and hunt to survive and that brought forth quite the surprise for David and one his disciples, James. For while they were out there, they heard a gunshot and eventually ran into a large deer that had taken that bullet. Which in turn, led them to an encounter with Ellie, who shot the deer and was trying to feed herself and Joel, and that led… to some fascinating revelations and outright kindness from David. Who after informing her that he knew she and Joel were responsible for the death of one of his people at the campus, he was willing to let her go with medical supplies in exchange for that deer and a chance for both of them to go their merry ways. 

A move that made it seem as though this story was going to be about the power of hope in the apocalypse and the kindness, we can continue to impart in trying times. But the reveal that David was a preacher that believed in the fire of God, over His kindness, and the fact that he and his flock came looking for Joel to enjoy justice and bring Ellie back with them… spoke to the reality more so… of the dangers of hope and how far we can fall in dark times. Because those men were beyond ready to kill Joel without giving it a second thought and Ellie’s fate… was going to be far worse. Because David wanted more from her than just having her around in a screwed-up cult. He wanted her very soul to commit to the darkness that people carry in the pits of their souls so that she could take part in a twisted vision he had for the future.

Such as rebuilding the world in a far darker image than how most would remember America before the fall, and of course… to do whatever must be done to survive and thrive. And if that meant eating the flesh of human beings to do so, then so be it. Which put Ellie in a difficult place mentally. Because that was quite the dark request to ask of someone, and quite the hopeless path to go down. For it meant surrender to this world, a surrendering of the all the fine lessons she had learned up to this point and worst of all… a surrender of the soul. Where the days ahead would result in anger and sorrow and dark acts in the name of survival and well… her high intelligence made it clear that such a choice was no way to live, and she fought back with every fiber of her being.
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Which in turn, led to a harrowing bedlam of violence in this tiny town. Where she was forced to kill both of her captors in a manner as vicious and as violent as the nightmares roaming the countryside. But she did so, because there was no other choice, for denying this preacher the penance he somehow thought she owed her, meant her own death. And just when the moment was at its darkest… she was thankfully reunited with Joel. Who healed up thanks to the antibiotics she was given in a show of false faith, and took out of some of David’s flock to find her in Silver Lake, and just like that… they could continue their journey toward Salt Like and try to heal from a dark chapter in this journey, one that very much made it clear… why at times… we don’t seem worthy of salvation at the slightest. 

Because we are… creatures of great ego, that sometimes find dark meaning and dark direction in trying times. The kind that motivates us to use fear and cruelty to function rather than deal with the trauma or pain that life has caused us. Plus, we are creatures that are eager to sometimes instill false hope and use it to control others to do our bidding in a similarly desperate attempt to gain control of our own emotions and destiny. Regardless of the pain it causes others. But above all, why we should sometimes pause in answering that question, is because we are capable of great cruelty, especially when our survival instincts come into play, and all of that was put on display through David and his twisted little commune and their dire actions. 

Yet while that was tough to watch and featured some tough lessons to learn, this episode deserves a lot of credit for exploring both sides of the coin. Because most stories that explore that question, will only touch upon our darkness, and look more at the light within us and nothing more. So, to see a show do otherwise, especially this close to the end of season one… is an impressive feat indeed and one that is likely grounded in something greater. For going this route, doesn’t answer the question… it instead sows doubt and concern, and reminds us of why we cannot find peace in our current climate. That likely means that the season finale… will offer the final word this examination, by bringing together every dark and light moment and lesson we’ve experienced this season… to offer a thoughtful and impactful answer to that powerful question. Until next time.