It really is quite amazing how much amazing content Shudder sends our way year-round. Because every single month we are treated to terrifying tales of terror that genuinely unsettle us and wow us or make us smile and laugh if the story is a horror comedy. Not to mention, there’s usually something original and refreshing for us to enjoy and well, it would seem that Shudder is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to its quest to provide us with the best of the best in horror, month in and month out.
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For recently, Shudder released its programming lineup for May 2024, and it packed to the brim with horrifying delights. Such as a powerhouse sequel to a classic and beloved horror film, an inventive and emotionally charged horror feature and of course… more Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl. Because you can never go wrong with that duo, and they will join the usual amazing additions to the Shudder library and well, to properly pay this lineup the respect it deserves, here is everything coming to your favorite horror streamer in May 2024, courtesy of Shudder.  

Directed by Ole Bornedal
Streaming On Shudder May 17
Available in US, CA, UKI, AU,NZ

Synopsis
In the sequel to the Danish horror classic, Martin’s daughter, Emma takes up a night watch job to find out what happened to her parents almost 30 years ago. A meeting with Wörmer in his cell pulls the serial killer out of his coma and sets in motion a chain of fateful events. Starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Kim Bodnia.
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*Streaming film premiere of Nightwatch (1994), the Danish original film from director Ole Bornedal, also debuts on Friday, May 17

Directed by Robert Morgan
Streaming On Shudder May 31
Available in US, CA, UKI, AU,NZ

Synopsis
Ella Blake is a stop-motion animator who is struggling to control her demons after the loss of her overbearing mother. Suddenly alone in the world, she embarks upon the creation of a macabre new puppet film, which soon becomes the battleground for her sanity. As Ella's mind starts to fracture, the characters in her animated film take on a terrifying life of their own, and the unleashed power of her imagination threatens to destroy her. Starring Aisling Franciosi, Tom York and Jaz Hutchins. **Winner for Best Director at Fantastic Fest. 

Shudder Original Series
 
Season 6 Episodes Continue Biweekly LIVE Premieres on Shudder TV
Friday, May 10; Debuts on-demand Sunday, May 12
Friday, May 24; Debuts on-demand Sunday, May 26
Available in US and CA 

Synopsis
The supersized sixth season continues with all-new episodes debuting biweekly.

May 1
 
The Jester
A malevolent being known as The Jester terrorizes the inhabitants of a small town on Halloween night, including two estranged sister who must come together to find a way to defeat this evil entity.
 
Blood and Black Lace
A masked, shadowy killer brutally murders the models of a scandalous fashion house in Rome.
 
YellowBrickRoad
1940: the entire population of Friar, New Hampshire walked up a winding mountain trail, leaving everything behind. 2008: the first official expedition into the wilderness attempts to solve the mystery of the lost citizens of Friar.
 
Mean Spirited
A failed YouTuber’s weekend in the Poconos turns into a nightmare when a demon joins the party.
 
The Toxic Avenger
Tromaville has a monstrous new hero. The Toxic Avenger is born when meek mop boy Melvin falls into a vat of toxic waste. Now evildoers will have a lot to lose.
 
The Toxic Avenger Part II
The Toxic Avenger is tricked into traveling to Tokyo to search for his estranged father, leaving Tromaville open to complete domination by an evil corporation.
 
The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie
Toxie finds he has nothing to do as a superhero, as he has ridden his city of evil. He decides to go to work for a major corporation, which he discovers may be the evilest of all his adversaries.
 
TA4 – Citizen Toxic: The Toxi Avenger IV
The Toxic Avenger must defend his friends from his own evil alternate universe doppelgänger, The Noxious Offender.
 
May 6
 
Mother, May I?
When Anya starts behaving like her fiancée’s recently deceased mother, Emmet must confront his deepest traumas to free his fiancée from this bewildering possession.
 
Herd
When a woman trying to outrun her past ends up trapped between a zombie outbreak and warring militia groups, she must fight to find her way back home.
 
Gorgo
Greedy sailors capture a giant lizard off the coast of Ireland and sell it to a London circus, inciting the wrath of the creature’s mother.
 
The Giant Gila Monster
A giant lizard terrorizes a rural Texas community, and a heroic teenager attempts to destroy the creature.
 
The Stone Tape
A research team from an electronics company moves into an old Victorian house to start work on finding a new recording medium. When team member Jill Greeley witnesses a ghost, team director Peter Brock decides not only to analyze the apparition, which he believes is a psychic impression trapped in a stone wall (dubbed a "stone tape"), but also to exorcise it--with terrifying results.
 
May 8
 
Mother’s Day (1980)
Three young women are tormented by an insane matriarch and her depraved sons.
*The Last Drive-In: Mother’s Day episode also available.
 
 
May 13
 
Landlocked
Summoned to his soon-to-be demolished childhood home, Mason discovers a video camera that can see into the past, driving him to record as many memories as possible before the doomed house is destroyed.
 
Fatal Games
A mad javelin thrower kills teenagers in the school. All promising athletes are executed in the most brutal way.
 
 
May 15
 
Combat Shock
A dangerously disturbed Vietnam veteran struggles with life 15 years after his return home, and slowly falls into insanity from his gritty urban lifestyle.
 
 
May 20
 
Down
When the elevators in New York’s 102-story Millennium Building start to malfunction, mechanic Mark Newman is sent to find the cause. After a series of gruesome and deadly “accidents” occur, Mark joins forces with spunky reporter Jennifer.
 
The Lift
A lift technician finds himself drawn into a web of mystery and peril as he investigates the perplexing deadly accidents occurring in the elevators of a new office building.
 
 
May 22
 
The Strangler
An overweight lab technician with low self-esteem, brought on by his dominant mother, becomes a serial killer of nurses.
 
 
May 24
 
Deathdream
A young soldier killed in the Vietnam War inexplicably shows up at his family home on the night of his death.
 
 
May 27
 
Graduation Day (1981)
A masked killer begins murdering students on the school track team after a track runner dies upon completion of a 30-second 200-meter race.

One truth about the horror genre that fans of it and fans of cinema can all agree upon, is that horror stories truly do an amazing job of exploring our deepest and darkest fears. For there are so many horror stories that explore our deep-rooted fears of the dark, and that which goes bump in the night. Not to mention… the genre also goes far deeper than one might expect regarding our fears. Since it has also deeply pondered upon our fears of death, of how we are terrified of transforming into monsters ourselves, and in more recent years, it has even taken the time to think upon the impact that trauma and loss has upon the human psyche… since there are horrors to be found there.
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Not to mention… this is also a genre that knows how to hold up a mirror to modern society and explore our flaws and our concerns. But what’s amazing, is that despite being able to explore so much, and showcase terrors untold and introduce us to all kinds of unique monsters along the way, the genre is by no means perfect… and sometimes neglects opportunities to shock us and scare us through the simplest means or fears possible. Take for instance, our fear of bugs and creepy crawlies, or spiders… to be more specific. For the genre simply has not made great efforts to explore those fears and why we harbor them. Granted, there are exceptions to the rule, but for every Arachnophobia released, there’s plenty of parody stories and/or films a la Kingdom of the Spiders to be found.

But with the demand for new stories at an all time, and with so many creatives eager to explore corners of our fears that have been neglected, it would seem the tide is turning regarding the genre and its need to bring us to new and scary places, as evidenced by the latest release on Shudder. For Infested is a story that offers chills and thrills and preys upon our deep-rooted fear of the spider, and it accomplishes this feat by way of a simple yet impactful storyline. One where we are introduced to a young man named Kaleb who has sadly, made a poor choice. For he picked up a strange spider from a dealer of the random, one unlike any other mankind has ever seen. For this little monster, has a massive appetite and can breed quickly, and grow and adapt based upon the needs of its environment and it, has escaped into Kaleb’s apartment building and now he and his friends must fight to survive a rapidly growing nightmare that is relentless and starving.

Which is… the perfect way to offer up a scary spider story. One that truly plucks at our fears of them. Because the creative team here has given life to a force of nature, one that plays by its own rules and will stop at nothing to survive. That brings forth a bevy of unique spiders and unique scenarios that aren’t familiar or cliché in the slightest. Instead, the audience is treated to new scares and creative moments involving these mysterious spiders, the kind that truly get under your skin and build anxiety and at times, make you wonder if your skin is crawling because something is there or because your mind is playing tricks on you and that leads… to one terrifying feature. One that makes you feel uncomfortable because the unknown yet familiar is on display and you simply have no idea what kinds of horrors this new species of spider will impart upon the residents of this complex.
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But what’s amazing is that the refreshing and unique scares aren’t the only reason this movie reaches us on a fundamental level. For we’d be remiss to not point out that the writing is top notch and clever and it offers up scenarios that feel real and harbor echoes of our own ugly encounters with the eight-legged monsters we fear. Not to mention, the characters are also incredibly relatable and incredibly real. Which allows for us to genuinely care about them, and their fight for survival as they battle these awful little monsters through and through and of course… there are echoes of commentary to be found here as well to make sure this movie appeals to all. Since it does feature moments that feel familiar from the last few years and speak to our newfound fears of mother nature’s wrath following the madness of Covid-19.

However, while those elements are indeed fascinating and welcome, since they help to offer up a well-rounded story, make no mistake about it… this is a movie where the spider is king and where it is designed to terrify us, and this movie accomplishes that mission. For the spiders are truly scary here, on a level that they have not been since Arachnophobia came out all those years ago. All courtesy of a story that reminds us why we are terrified of them. Since they are so alien and unpredictable in nature and all of these elements give rise to a must-see horror feature. Simply because this really is a scary feature through and through, one that will absolutely prompt you to double check those dark corners for an arachnid, and your shoes… since it reawakens an old fear in our minds or in the case of some… amplifies a fear that never seems to fade.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘Chucky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular moment that pops up now and again in film and television, and even in print, that is oddly frustrating, is when a character dies and crosses over to the great beyond. Because those moments are just so incredibly vague in nature. For the character (who is always a hero), really experiences nothing in that moment. They see something beautiful, reflect upon their life or they are sent back to handle unfinished business after getting a taste of the heavens. Granted, once in a great while, they might speak to someone resembling God or some higher power to learn more important lessons that we tend to let slip the wayside, but that’s as complex as it gets, and that is frustrating because this is a chance to explore the unknown and offer up something that ignites the imagination. 

Which is why last night’s episode of Chucky on SYFY and USA Network, was so supremely surprising. Because it took a horror story, to accomplish such a feat. For ‘There Will Be Blood’ opened up within the confines of an ethereal White House. Wherein Charles Lee ‘Chucky’ Ray appeared in the corporeal form he exhibited before jumping into a Good Guys doll and explored a place where old presidents and new haunts meandered about and it also brought forth… a meeting with the one and only, Damballa. Who took the form of Chucky the doll and this led… to an amazing bit of storytelling. Wherein at long last, Don Mancini explored what a conversation with someone’s maker or beloved deity might be like. Which in this case, was as pedantic as possible. Since Damballa only saw Charles’ mistakes and ignored him after the whole exorcism incident.

That in turn, prompted Charles to exert fury and frustration, and eventually meekness… to garner one more chance to be in Damballa’s good graces. Which led to a deal where ol’ Chucky had to murder from beyond the grave. But before we dig into that plan, this sequence needs a measure of applause. For it not only brought forth a bold moment for horror and storytelling in general, but it offered up a lot of satire regarding humanity’s dedication to religion and how we are likely getting a lot of what the good books tell us, wrong, and this sequence pondered upon how… it might not be as cool as one might think to meet a Deity. Since they might have their ethereal minds directed elsewhere or may just be petty a la Damballa. But none the less, Charles was indeed tasked with more murder to be in Damballa’s good graces again and holy hell, did Chucky deliver.

In fact, what followed, was some of the finest moments put forth in this series. For several reasons. Because Chucky’s actions lived up to the title of the episode since we were treated to an elevator’s weight in blood. The kind that would make Stanley Kubrick proud and Chucky brought forth a titanic body count. One that saw a presidential imposter, the new President of the United States and a member of a psychic team designed to clean the White House of evil, die horribly and violently in the name of Damballa. Plus, it also let Brad Dourif shine as Chucky in his human form once again and well, Brad simply let loose here with a performance for the ages, and he easily reminded us why we love him in this franchise so and why we adore him as an actor. 

But all blood and guts aside, this episode also deserves our awe, because it set up one amazing cliffhanger. One where Jake was ready to head into the afterlife in a desperate attempt to use his connection to Chucky to end this once and for all, which is a huge deal since so much risk hangs over this plan and not to mention, there’s a real possibility a problem awaits Jake in the afterlife. After all, he wasn’t the only one who died in this sequence since Tiffany was finally put to death for her crimes, and her love of Chucky may draw her to him in the spirit world. All of which sets the stage for an epic season finale, one that will have to top… this episode. For this one was simply sublime and the best of season three to date and well… now all we can do is wait and see how this incredible story and battle, wraps up come next week. Until then.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Late Night with the Devil’.
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One particular question that we’ve either answered or asked to others, is just how far someone is willing to go, to have the dreams they desire. And what’s amazing is that everyone has answered or will answer this question in the exact same manner. In that, they would/will do whatever it takes to get that dream in hand. Because we firmly believe that is what must happen to bring forth our dreams and the happiness, we are eager to enjoy in this life, so we say that and ponder deeply upon what that entails and that is when… that question takes on new life for us. Because we also come to understand, that answer isn’t the right one at all.

Because anything means ANYTHING, and that might not be the way to handle this. Because anything will cause strife, or worse. If anything, that particular question and the potential fallout from following that answer to a tee is top of mind today, simply because it is explored in the most unique manner possible in the new Shudder feature, Late Night with the Devil. A grandiose and powerhouse horror story that opts to inject supernatural elements into that question, the kind where perhaps… someone pondered upon the possibility that anything could include, speaking with dark forces to have what one desires.

A feat that this film accomplishes by taking us back to Halloween, 1977, where Jack Delroy, the host of Night Owls with Jack Delroy, is in the midst of a desperate gambit. For despite carving out a niche market as late night’s number two host, Jack’s ratings have been suffering and his show appears to be in decline. In part because, Jack recently lost his wife to cancer and hasn’t been himself since her passing, but also, because his blurred vision has allowed for others to muck up the soul of his show. But on this night, Jack plans to execute quite the show to save his career. For Jack plans to host an occult themed Halloween episode, one complete with elements that have never been seen in the mainstream, but there is just one problem with this plan. In that, one of his guests is actually host to an ancient and dark being, and it is eager to be seen by the masses and will go all-out to showcase its power and its ties to folks within the studio.

Which really is… the perfect way to explore that central theme. Because Jack is, indeed, number two behind Johnny Carson and his iconic The Tonight Show, despite being a host that people love and adore, and he wants that number one slot so badly… he did in fact toy with evil and made asks of darkness to have what he wants. All of which makes this a cautionary tale that expresses how doing whatever it takes to be number one is a terrible idea. One that will hurt those we love, ostracize them, and push them away. Or in the case of this story, bring forth bloodshed and loss, and outright terror and suffering. All of which is unnecessary in this instance, since Jack has found success and has a fan base that loves him dearly and had he pondered upon that, perhaps he could have embraced his role as a solid alternative and enjoyed those spoils instead. Making this a tragedy of sorts as well.
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But make no mistake about it, while there are a lot of lessons present here, this is still at its core a horror story and this movie outright delivers on such matters. In fact, what makes this movie so impressive is the sheer fact that it uses Jack’s good nature and hopefulness to suck you into what becomes a waking nightmare. One whose downward spiral is unsettling and well, that brings forth some stunning horror to say the least. The kind that features jump scares and visuals that nauseate and terrify, and the movie harbors an ending that is incredibly wild and horrifying and well, all of these elements make this, an outright brilliant feature through and through. In large part, because of solid scares and incredible gore that are used in an impactful and meaningful manner. The kind that truly gets under your skin and leaves you deeply disturbed.

But also, because it features a human story. One that we can relate to and one that satirizes the perfection that we pursue but can never achieve, and how that is just as damaging as the expectations that surround success and, in many ways, it speaks to how…we don’t know how to define success really. All of which is expressed through some amazing performances, with David Dastmalchian leading the way as Jack Delroy. Since he brings a real nuance to the tortured nature of Jack, the kind that we both pity and revile and well, perhaps calling this feature brilliant doesn’t do it justice. For it is also, a perfect horror film. One that features all the best tenets of the genre. For it is smart, engaging, and downright terrifying from beginning to end and it is a horror feature that you absolutely must-see the first chance you get. Because this one, really is that rare scary story, that truly has it all.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Chucky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many reasons that the Child’s Play/Chucky franchise continues to thrive after all these years. Such as the horror elements present here, since this saga keeps finding new ways to make a killer doll and his family as creepy and as scary as possible, through creative and devastating kills no less. Not to mention, this is a smart and progressive franchise as well, one that understands the importance of representation and diversity, and of course… offers amazing commentary on our world and the human condition. Plus, this is a series that keeps finding new ways to surprise us from a storytelling standpoint, something that is genuinely difficult in this day and age, but this series continues to find ways to do so, and for proof… well then look no further than last night’s stunning episode of the show on SYFY.

A feat that ‘Panic Room’ accomplished by offering deception from the start by appearing to be a transitional tale. One designed to set the stage for conflict between our heroes and Chucky, by making use of the president’s death to infuriate Chucky. Since Pryce took the time to bring in a dead ringer, named Randall Jenkins, for the now deceased President Collins. Which was a brilliant stroke of storytelling, since it found a way to get Devon Sawa back into the fold and let him make use of his acting chops by playing an entirely different character. But that aside, the imposter’s presence here was designed to bring a peaceful and logical end to President Collins’ time in the White House so the public would never know the truth, something that definitely looked like a setup for a long game. Since Chucky would want to take the credit for killing a president before setting the world on fire at this stage in his life.

Not to mention, Jake, Devon, and Lexy were playing their own long game. Since they returned to the White house to hang out with Grant to enjoy a movie night. A decision they made to help Lexy find peace. Because while Lexy was content to also let Chucky just die and fade into nothing, she wanted to see him one last time and get some answers about her sister. So, everyone minded their P’s and Q’s and did their best to ease their way into Grant’s circle of trust to get at Chucky and get some answers and well… that too seemed to be a long con setup for the final two episodes of the season. But that… is when this franchise opted instead to outright surprise us and shock us in ways we didn’t see coming in the slightest. Largely thanks to the fact, that Chucky saw an opportunity here and went for it.

Because an imposter president would allow for him to make his move and launch the nukes if he acted swiftly and decisively, so he went for it, and took Henry and Jenkins hostage and dragged them to the Situation Room beneath the White House. Wherein he pushed Jenkins to use the codes and the president’s likeness to start World War III. Giving rise to the real possibility that Chucky was finally going to win the day. But thankfully, some truth from Lexy, allowed for a contingent of good to descend upon the Situation Room and prevent the end of everything and bring forth… the end of Chucky, with more surprises in play. Because Lexy tried to save Chucky to get answers and also because… the strange paranormal energy present in this episode and the last… has allowed for something horrible to happen. 

In that, Chucky’s spirit is alive and well in the framework of the White House, courtesy of one epic cameo from Brad Dourif. Which means… that the fight against Charles Lee ‘Chucky’ Ray isn’t over yet and will be handled in one creative and unique manner and well, all of that came forth from one stunning tale. Because no one expected Chucky to make his move this early, no one expected him to expire and transform into a malevolent spirit and of course… no one thought Lexy would try and save him to get answers. And well, now the stage is set for two refreshing and unique episodes that will undoubtedly allow for Brad Dourif to remind us why he is one of the best in the business, as this bold and grandiose chapter in the franchise, barrels toward an ending that will undoubtedly take our breath away. Until next time.

One particular mental exercise that each and every one of us will take part in somewhere along the line… is pondering upon how great it would be to have total control over people. Where we could control their thoughts and their actions. Which is a fantasy that arises out of the fact, that people can be an outright pain in the butt to deal with, for a bevy of reasons. For instance, people can be stubborn and eager to resist suggestions that make life easier. Not to mention, they can be so rude and so cold for no reason and sometimes… they are just so much to handle from an energy and demand standpoint. So, we wonder how great it would be, to control the ones that annoy us the most.
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But of course, that fantasy eventually fades, and we get back to our everyday lives. Because there’s never going to be a day when we can get Dave from accounting to stop talking about the most asinine things ever. But alas, that irritation is simply part of the human experience and we do find ways to cope and find balance. But what if… the day actually came where we could control people with our minds? What would that look like? Would it give us the joy we hope for? Would it finally make life easier? Well as it turns out, storytelling is the best place to explore such concepts and believe it or not, one of the finest horror anthologies shows out there opted to ponder upon those questions and that possibility in its next episode.

For the Tales from the Darkside, episode, ‘Dream Girl’, takes the time to introduce us to a pair of people that well… grate upon one another’s nerves. For there’s Andrea Caldwell, a no-nonsense stage director that cannot stand her lazy stagehand Otto Schrog. Who seems to have taken a shine to her as cast members go missing at a critical time. Which brings forth a blow up between the two of them, one that reveals… that Otto has cracked the code to controlling human beings and now knows how to capture them and move them into a dream world where they are under his control and do his bidding… and Andrea is his next target, and she is soon privy to the horrors of Otto’s mental playhouse. But there is just one problem for Otto. In that, the people he’s locked away in his mind are coming to understand what’s happened… and they want Otto’s pedantic fantasies to end.

Which is a plot that quickly informs us… that being able to control others with one’s mind… would be a terrible gift to have. Simply because… it doesn’t matter how much supernatural power you have or how much control one chooses to exert… no human being wants to be put under someone’s thumb in that manner. For they have dreams, hopes, and desires in life and they will resist, and they will fight to have what they want. Yet, while that is indeed a fascinating lesson to learn, one that makes sense, it does beg a secondary question. In that, well, what if someone were to do this and be benevolent about it? Would that bring forth peace and quiet? To which the show states… no. Since a touch of kindness and a desire to level the playing field, just leads to a new jerk wanting to be the big boss, implying that this kind of power… would create a vicious cycle of sorrow.
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All of which makes, for a fascinating episode that in many ways… does not resemble the traditional horror present in this saga. But make no mistake about it… there are some creepy and unsettling elements here. For instance, there is the obvious one; Otto’s desire to exert control over people. Because it takes a twisted mind to make that happen, a real monster if you will and that’s eerie. As are the dream sequences that play out since you see normal people just fall under the spell of Otto and are helpless to resist him until he is at his weakest, and the thought of being stuck in that world, is equally as gross and scary. But above all, it’s the dream sequences that bring forth the terror here, since they are so surreal and outlandish that they truly disorient the viewer and confuse them and leave them uncomfortable, and this genre is all about that vibe.

But while there are some fascinating concepts here and some genuinely ethereal moments, let’s be honest… this is an episode that won’t appeal to all and understandably so. For this is in a way… almost gothic horror and features that slow burn style present within that subgenre that some find… boring. For lack of a better word. Not to mention, it does take a while to get to the good stuff and enjoy the messages at hand. Which makes this a slightly weaker entry in season two than some might like, but they cannot all be perfect tales of terror, and this episode does deserve some accolade. After all, it tried something new, something creepy, and effort goes a long way in this genre, but if by chance you watch this one and don’t like it… don’t feel bad in the slightest. Because while this is one is indeed ambitious, it is nowhere near perfect. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘Chucky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many aspects of the horror genre that continue to make it fascinating and important to the fabric of storytelling. After all, it holds up a mirror to our modern world and forces us to ponder deeply upon who we are as a species and a society, and of course… it is an emotional genre. One that ponders deeply upon our experiences and our traumas and one big aspect about it that doesn’t receive enough accolade, is the sheer fact that horror is one of the few genres out there that is eager to explore causality.  Because what happens in these stories is impactful and reminds us that our actions have consequences and never was the power of this more evident, than during last night’s episode of Chucky on SYFY and USA Network.

Because ‘Death Becomes Her’ spent a great deal of its time pondering deeply upon the power of causality and consequences. As evidenced by the fact that the president and his family, were more or less reeling with PTSD in this tale. Because the horrors that happened on Halloween hung heavy over the hallowed halls of the most powerful home in America, and that brought about either a mass psychosis within the White House, or an outright awakening of the spirits within. But one way or another, we saw everyone suffer greatly from what happened on that horrifying night, reminding us that death and destruction impacts so many and the show had more to explore regarding such matters, as evidenced by Jake and Devon’s journey.

For while they tasked Lexy with making another attempt to get back into the White House to get them access to Chucky, they dug deep into the origin of Chucky’s power and how perhaps they could use it to combat him. Which led to a road trip to visit the good doctor that gave Chucky a physical a few episodes ago. Which allowed for them to learn about Chucky’s condition and well… that revelation prompted Devon to really think differently about his relationship with Jake. Specifically, how perhaps they should just let nature take its course and let Chucky die. So, they could just live. Because they had spent so much time in the midst of the horrors of Chucky that they had yet to really enjoy life and all it has to offer, a move that spoke to the long-term impact of this nightmare, one that Jake talked Devon out of. To see this through and it is a good thing he did.

At least, it took a little while to understand that was the right call. Because initially, it seemed as though Chucky was ready to die as well. For he continued to deteriorate before our eyes, and well… the thrill of the kill was gone for him. Because despite killing a sassy maid with bleach, he could find no joy in the slaughter, and he truly thought… he would just let the kids come and take him out. A reality that spoke to Chucky pondering upon the consequences of his own actions and the path he’d taken, something you don’t see horror villains do that often. But before he truly committed to the end, Tiffany gave him inspiration since she finally took his call. In that, if this was the end, he had the chance to go out in a blaze of glory and kill as many as possible and that, gave an old dark soul grand inspiration to do the unthinkable.

Wherein Chucky hid and baited the president to attack him with renewed fervor and to rip out his eyes. To enjoy the thrill of the hunt, but also… to get his hands on the worst-case scenario. Specifically, the nuclear launch codes the President of the United States must carry at all times. So that he could burn everything to the ground before dying. A surprise that gave rise to real relief that the kids are coming, and that Jake pushed to keep the fight going, and this scary moment… also brought season three into focus. For now, we know, what Chucky’s endgame is, and this might be his biggest and baddest one to date. One grounded in consequences and legacy, and that made for one epic episode. One that was smart, quirky, and downright terrifying and it will be interesting to see how the final few episodes of season three play out, now that there’s a real sense of urgency hanging over this twisted journey. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the first half of Season 3 of ‘Chucky’.
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After carrying out a massacre in his hometown and upping the blood & carnage at a Catholic school, the Chucky TV show has made it clear that this big screen menace is just as sick and twisted in his small screen presentation. As the 2nd part of Season 3 prepares to premiere simultaneously on USA and SyFy, let’s see where the Good Guy Doll’s book of blood left us last time.

Season 2 finished things up on a number of cliffhangers as The Good Guy Trio (Jake, Devon, and Lexy played by Zackary Arthur, Bjorgvin Arnarson, & Alyvia Alyn Lind) were left in the care of their former teacher Ms. Fairchild after Chucky kills the last remaining parent (Mayor Cross), in an effort to save Glen’s life, Glen along with twin Glenda are transported back into their doll body renamed as G.G. and decide to travel England, Tiffany Valentine is framed and arrested for the murder of Mayor Cross, ultimately leaving Chucky on the run with Lexy’s younger sister Caroline. Season 2 gave us a lot more time with Tiffany, Glen & Glenda, and the various alter Chuckys. It kept the somewhat overabundant amount of storylines in season 1 to a small amount that allowed every character to shine while giving us some bloody kills and great character exposition. It also continued to shine in some of the areas that creator Don Mancini and his writing team have been terrific with in showing how these kids respond to these traumatic situations and deal with their grief, loss, and growing identity issues. Chucky at its core may be a show about a killer doll murdering dozens of people, but it hasn’t cut its heart out with all the carnage.

Season 3 was always going to be in a bit of a battle as even with some of the previous season’s cliffhangers, Chucky’s core story felt mostly complete. Sure, there are still some core characters from Chucky’s past that we hope are going to show up at some point (Detective Norris, Karen Barclay, DeSilva, the Kincaids), but in a weird comparison, Chucky feels a bit like the end of the Stephen Spielberg classic, Hook. He’s been on so many adventures that at this point, just to live is as exciting as it’s likely going to get. That doesn’t mean that Chucky needs to wrap it up anytime soon, especially as Mancini has recently said he’s working on another film in the franchise (theatrically, hopefully) and that he still has more ideas for the show, it just likely means that folks need to temper their expectations for where these stories will take our under 3ft killer in the future. Whether that means Space, versus another killer doll (Hello M3GAN), or… to the White House.

Season 3 plants us firmly at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Chucky currently masquerading as the doll “Joseph” is firmly planted with the First Family at the White House but is facing his toughest battle yet, as his god Damballa has apparently abandoned him, and after decades of moving body to body, human to doll, Chucky not only is growing old but dying. It’s honestly one of the more interesting storylines Mancini could take this, as the prior 2 seasons have already explored Chucky’s various foes facing off against him, Glen/Glenda coming & going, and more of the on again/off again relationship with Tiffany, we’ve been seeing more and more of Chucky’s power thru Damballa so getting to explore more of that seemed the most interesting path to go down. Chucky becoming more human isn’t completely a new thread though as the original 3 Child’s Play movies established the longer, he was in the doll’s body the more human he would become, so the idea that without Damballa’s power he would begin to naturally age makes a lot of sense. This storyline manages to provide one of the franchise’s best scenes ever where Chucky goes to see a doctor about his condition. We’ve seen some absolute hilarity from this franchise, but that scene is going to be hard to beat.
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Our story this season focuses on Chucky looking to carry out a string of murders that would put him back in the good graces of Damballa and hopefully stop whatever is going on with these changes. The Good Guy Trio, hot on Chucky’s trail, manage to find a way in after Lexy is able to connect with the President’s older son, but fail to stop their foe, resulting in the murder of Ms. Fairchild amongst others. It’s an interesting thread for Chucky to return to as the Good Guy Trio across the show have always had at least one adult they could fall back to, as the three all approach 18, they may have lost the guardian who could possibly look out for them. This season feels different as the Good Guy Trio seems almost as supporting characters this time around, and with Chucky’s screentime not going up too much more, there’s a bit of a weird absence in the 4 episodes we’ve gotten thus far.

Disconnected from the main thread, Tiffany Valentine (in Jennifer Tilly’s body) has been arrested and charged with the murder of Lexy’s mother, Mayor Cross. Thanks to testimony from Nica Pearce & the Good Guy Trio, Tiffany is sentenced to death but through the use of a voodoo doll may be able to escape from prison. After being so directly involved in season 1 events, and eventually brought into the carnage of season 2, it’s hard not to feel like Tiffany’s storyline just doesn’t have any connection to Chucky’s. Given how their relationship has left off most recently with the two attempting to kill each other, you would think Tiffany would obviously stay out of Chucky’s path, but I have to imagine that once she gets wind of his ailing nature that’s likely what’s going to bring her right back to her mini monster.

The various strikes from last year, definitely played a big part in the breakup of this season’s episodes, and I’m hoping that the 2nd batch really helps to fill that noticeable absence. Chucky clearly needs to do something even more outlandish than he can imagine, to find himself back in Damballa’s good graces, but it’s possible that that may not necessarily mean outlandish in terms of scope. The show so far has established that The Good Guy Trio and anyone of the previously established canon (Chucky, Tiffany, Glen/Glenda, Andy, Kyle, Nica) so far are off limits when it comes to death, anyone else can be killed off (sometimes numerous times, sometimes horrifically), but no one with too big of stakes (except Sarah Sherman, cause that one hurt me deep!) is biting the dust. Could it finally be time for Chucky to take a stab at one of its main players? They gave us a HORRIFYING fake-out with Alex Vincent’s Andy Barclay in the 3rd episode, but it’s possible that in order to properly appease Damballa, Mancini might have Chucky finally catch the number of his various foes in order to raise the stakes.
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The 2nd batch of episodes for Season 3 certainly have a lot of places they can go, with Tiffany possibly escaping from prison and Nica still out there somewhere, I have to expect that Chucky’s plot will undoubtedly bring those two back into in the fold. Chucky has to figure out something huge to save his life before time runs out, and with all the pieces moving into place, it may finally be time to play!

Lastly, I can’t leave things off without mentioning the absolute wonderful titles of Season 3’s episodes: “Murder at 1600”, “Let the Right One In”, “Jennifer’s Body”, “Dressed to Kill.” With the episodes “Death Becomes Her”, “Panic Room”, “There Will Be Blood”, and “Final Destination” remaining, it’s clear that the writer’s room is having an insane amount of fun with their stories this year!

‘Chucky’ Season 3 returns to air at 10pm EST Wednesday April 10th on USA & SyFy with new episodes available to stream the next day on Peacock.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Baghead’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that when trying times find their way into our lives, that we each respond to them in unique and fascinating ways. Some people for instance, find fury in having life get so difficult and unleash that fury in the hopes of finding a way to cope. While others, simply shut down and hide and process the events surrounding them as best they can, because that’s all they know how to do. While there are others… who acknowledge the ugly and put their head down and push through it, believing that the only way out is through and that the emotions that come from such events can be dealt with later once the dust has settled. But regardless of which path one subscribes to, they all equate to one thing: survival.

Because that’s all we are trying to do as we cope with loss, grief, difficult times or big changes that stress. We just need to survive until tomorrow, until the dawn arrives, and our problems are gone, and those paths help us do that. Thankfully though, that need to survive fades when peace arrives, so life can go back to normal. But for some folks, there’s little chance they will let those survival mechanisms go. Because the clarity it affords them, the strength it gives them… is too powerful to let go. So, they hang onto it, keep it fresh, consequences be damned, and there will be consequences for not letting it go. Since survival mode is never meant for long term use and well, the potential dangers of what could happen and who we could become in prolonged survival mode, is top of mind today… simply because it serves as the central exploration of the new Shudder horror feature, Baghead.

A feat that this film accomplishes by introducing us to a woman named Iris Lark who… is struggling badly. Because she cannot get a break in life, and she is constantly in motion and working to survive and well, for a brief moment… it appears that peace is upon her. For a phone call from a solicitor reveals that her estranged father, Owen, has passed and he left her a massive and quaint pub for her inheritance. Which would indeed turn her fortunes around. But shortly arriving at the pub and moving into its living quarters does Iris come to learn she’s inherited a nightmare. For she is now the guardian of a horrible spirit that lurks in the basement, one that can allow for folks to communicate with the dead for two minutes before causing emotional trauma, and the being known only as Baghead is ready to move beyond parlor tricks and live in our world, and it will indeed be up to the new owner of the property to keep that from happening.

Which at first glance, seems more akin to a story grounded in notions of the sins of the father and how they haunt us, with some commentary regarding our inability to let death go, peppered in, since others are eager to speak to the dead beyond Iris. But those are merely support plot devices, designed to help bring the central exploration into play, which is showcased by way of Baghead and iris. For Iris obviously, is in survival mode in this story and pushes hard and does whatever it takes to keep going, to find her peace and if that means stepping near evil, so be it. Which brings forth some consequences, the kind that inform us that going this route does bring harm. To others and ourselves because we don’t take time to think in survival mode, we just do and when we play with the wrong concepts to find peace, disaster will strike, and people will get hurt.
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All of which properly explores the negative power of survival mode and showcases how it can be dangerous to ourselves and others when it goes on for too long. But what’s truly impressive about this horror feature, is that it takes it exploration regarding survival mode one step further. Specifically, by having Baghead personify it. For this monster is survival mode to a tee, since it provides the fear that propels people forward in this story, and teases peace before ripping it away, prompting the characters to push harder and harder to obtain it. Not to mention, it’s desire to consume and be in charge, reflects those dangers nicely, and that makes for one brilliant horror feature. One that properly showcases this concept in a manner that is both supremely fascinating and also incredibly terrifying.

After all, this is still a scary story and by virtue, it is Baghead’s spiritual nature that brings forth the scares. Since its ability to bring forth the dead to converse, and weaponize emotion leads to some genuinely horrifying scenes that feel relatable since they prey upon some of our most primal fears. Not to mention, the camera work, the setting, and the lighting and some delightful editing choices lead to some solid and impactful jump scares. The kind that genuinely make your skin crawl, and leave you worried about what’s to come and those scares, and those powerful explorations bring forth a story that is refreshing and original in nature and truly keeps you guessing from beginning to end with the mythos it creates and the broken characters it presents us with. Ones that teach us to let go of what we think keeps us strong when we have a moment to breathe, since it can poison us worse than what we left behind.

Truly, few shows in 2023 caught our attention the way that Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire did. Simply because, audiences quickly understood that this series was and remains the vampire story that fans of the genre have been waiting for. One that is dark, brooding, and terrifying in all the right ways, but is also progressive and explorative, since it features representation and concepts that the genre has long held back from pondering upon. And we love it so much, that we have poured over every detail as fans, and we are eager to consume anything relating to the upcoming second season. 
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Which is something that AMC is aware of, and it is why they are being so kind and are sending gifts our way often now. For hot off of the release of the extended season two trailer, AMC has just dropped a second, season two trailer, and some key art and updated details for the show. Which we are happy to share with all of you. Because much like us, you’re counting down the seconds to the return of this dynamic and compelling series, one that truly does continue to impress with its amazing storytelling and proper respect of this iconic tale. 

‘AMC Networks released a second riveting trailer for the new season of the critically acclaimed series Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, premiering May 12, 2024 on AMC and AMC+, during tonight’s season finale episode of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. The network also released the first of a series of key art images for the highly anticipated return of the second season. The series stars Jacob Anderson, along with Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman, Delainey Hayles and Ben Daniels.
 
The interview continues in season two. In the year 2022, the vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac (Anderson) recounts his life story to journalist Daniel Molloy (Bogosian). Picking up from the bloody events in New Orleans in 1940 when Louis and teen fledgling Claudia (Hayles) conspired to kill the Vampire Lestat de Lioncourt (Reid), Louis tells of his adventures in Europe, a quest to discover Old World Vampires and the Theatre Des Vampires in Paris, with Claudia. It is in Paris that Louis first meets the Vampire Armand (Zaman). Their courtship and love affair will prove to have devastating consequences both in the past and in the future, and Molloy will probe to get to the truths buried within the memories.
 
Season two of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire is executive produced by award-winning producer Mark Johnson, creator and showrunner Rolin Jones, Mark Taylor, along with Christopher Rice and the late Anne Rice.’