It wasn’t that long ago, that we talked a little bit about how The Walking Dead Universe is ending at a supremely unique time in pop culture’s history. For this is one of the first franchises that is going to live well beyond its series finale, thanks to the fans and their demands for spin-offs and every possible digital way to keep the show alive. Which includes everything from games to something quite unique and new, courtesy of today’s announcement from AMC Networks and Canva.

For earlier, this duo informed the world that AMC is licensing out official TWD graphics via Canva, that fans can customize to further celebrate their favorite horror series. Which is quite the awesome announcement, since it gives the fans some delightful official imagery with which to create their endless and amazing tributes to the show. As an added bonus, since TWD is well-known for celebrating the fans and the art they put together, there is going to be a contest to determine who is the true master of this collaboration… later this year, and well… with that in mind, here are the details on the contest and this amazing collaboration, courtesy of AMC Networks and Canva.  

‘AMC Networks Content Room and Canva, the global visual communications platform, announced today a new multifaceted partnership focused around the ever-expanding The Walking Dead Universe. The collaboration will bring together one of television’s most loyal and passionate fanbases and the creative power of Canva to drive fan engagement with visual, sharable content across social media platforms.
 
The collaboration, “Designing Dead,” kicks off with a TWD x Canva Collection of limited-edition filters, frames and graphics that tap into the unique style of The Walking Dead Universe. The Collection was announced via socials yesterday by Talking Dead host Chris Hardwick (https://www.instagram.com/p/CgZqOwOltqz/). 
 
For TWD x Canva Collection images: Canva.me/twd  
 
Later this summer, as part of this partnership, AMC Networks’ Content Room and Canva will launch a TWD x Canva Designing Dead Fan Art Contest, which kicks off timed to the August 14 premiere of TWDU’s new episodic anthology series Tales of the Walking Dead. The contest will allow fans to use the TWD x Canva Collection items to build their own fan art masterpieces for a chance to win a trip to the recently announced The Walking Dead Finale Event in Los Angeles this November, at which the winning fan artwork will be showcased.
 
For details on TWD x Canva Designing Dead Fan Art Contest: DesigningDeadwithCanva.com
 
Said Mike DiGiacomo, SVP of AMC Networks’ Content Room: “At Content Room, our goal is to build stories from the ground up with our advertising partners – with the promise to deliver to our fans a unique, curated experience they could not find anywhere else. Now when it comes to fandom, it’s hard to find a more passionate one than that of The Walking Dead. So when Canva joined Content Room to create a one of a kind graphics collection and a fan art contest to celebrate the final season of this epic franchise, we could not have been more excited. Thank you Canva for giving back to our dedicated fans in such a meaningful way.”
 
“Canva’s mission from the very start has been to empower the world to design and help everyone unlock their creativity. That creativity goes next level when combined with the passion of fans. We’re thrilled to partner with AMC Networks and inspire their fans to tap into the show’s iconic style and create their own The Walking Dead-themed social templates and posters to celebrate the series finale,” said Jonathan Harley, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Canva.

About AMC Networks Inc.
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically-acclaimed content. Its brands include targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, and the newest addition to its targeted streaming portfolio, the anime-focused HIDIVE streaming service, in addition to AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv and IFC Films. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind some of the biggest titles and brands known to a global audience, including The Walking Dead, the Anne Rice catalog and the Agatha Christie library.  The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and 25/7 Media, its production services business.
 
About Content Room
Content Room is AMC Networks’ award-winning branded entertainment studio that collaborates with advertising partners to build brand stories and create bespoke experiences across an expanding range of digital, social, and linear platforms. Content Room enables brands to fully tap into the company’s premium programming, distinct IP, deep talent roster and filmmaking roots through an array of creative partnership opportunities— from premium branded content and integrations— to franchise and gaming extensions.
 
Content Room is also home to the award-winning digital content studio which produces dozens of original series annually, which expands popular AMC Networks scripted programming for both fans and advertising partners by leveraging the built-in massive series and talent fandoms.
 
About Canva
Launched in 2013, Canva is a free online visual communications and collaboration platform with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design. Featuring a simple drag-and-drop user interface and a vast range of templates ranging from presentations, social media graphics, posters, apparel to videos, plus a huge library of fonts, stock photography, illustrations, video footage, and audio clips, anyone can take an idea and create something beautiful. Canva is available on desktop, web, iOS, and Android. Please visit www.canva.com.’

It is definitely safe to say, that each and every one of us out there… are big fans of something. It could be a particular sports team or a movie franchise. Or for that matter it could be a beloved television franchise or a book series. But no matter what your particularly nerdy poison is, what matters more is that you love it… and that your love of it, has pushed you to be closer to it in some form or fashion. Either by following folks behind your love on social media or owning everything related to it that you can get your hands on, to express your love, and for the most part… this is something that is extremely healthy in nature. Since we all need vices and escapes, and our fandom provides us with that.
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But as if oft the case in our world, there are those out there… who take their particular passion in a far more negative direction, in a manner that makes everyone uncomfortable, courtesy of some oddly aggressive behaviors. For this is the person that is hyper critical of their favorite sports franchise or rips their favorite entertainment franchise to shreds because it doesn’t meet their needs or ridiculous expectations. In fact, we are seeing more of the latter as time goes on with the advent of social media, since these so-called fans are happy to take to the cloud to express their disdain for anything that they feel doesn’t go the way they envisioned in their mind, creating quite the toxic environment when it comes to fandoms right now. One that doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. 

Which does leave one to wonder… what it would take for a toxic ‘superfan’ to finally back off and perhaps find joy in something else and oddly enough… that’s something that the next episode of Tales from the Darkside explores in a supremely bleak manner. A feat that ‘Levitation’ accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of magic aficionados named Frank and Ernie, and they have traveled a great distance to see the world-famous magician, The Great Kharma. Who disappeared from public sight after trying out some incredibly risky magic tricks that some say went wrong and others say went right and their hope is to see those incredible tricks in action. But when Frank notices that Kharma just resorts to parlor tricks that any novice can do, he expresses his frustration and disappointment in the most negative way possible, in the hopes of getting Kharma to do his bidding, and well… that is a toxic decision that Frank will come to regret when Kharma decides to perform the trick on Frank, to teach him a lesson in humility.

If anything, that is the perfect plot to explore the central theme to this tale. Since Frank is, the Star Wars fan boy that believes things should go his way and he exhibits all the toxic behaviors that we deride in this modern world of fandom. Since he is both abusive and aggressive with Kharma, to the point where even his good friend is wildly uncomfortable with his actions and this of course… leads to the horror in question in this tale. Because his pressing not only manages to kill The Great Kharma, since his genuine levitation of Frank takes every ounce of his failing health… but it likely kills Frank as well. After all, he never stops floating, and he cannot break the spell, subjecting him to the horror of either running into a plane or continuing on to the stratosphere where he would suffocate slowly, and that’s a dark ending to this tale for certain.
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One that does press the question… how does one put an end to the toxic nature of superfans? Because let’s be honest, that’s not exactly an ending that offers up an answer, just an ugly fate for an ugly man. But oddly enough, potential answers are present in this tale, most of which comes from an exchange between Kharma and Frank. Wherein this broken magician speaks to the fact that they’re just tricks. Illusions that surprise and captivate and most important of all, entertain, and he also points out that Frank is putting too much personal stock into that… and therein is the answer. In that, we have to find a way to express to these folks… that they don’t own these stories. They own the emotions they receive from them, and the memories, but they don’t control the story and they don’t control the people that make it. Their job is just to enjoy the ride, find the personal meaning it provides them with and move on.

Because they still have a life to live, one they do own and control and that’s where their energies either good or bad should be focused. However, getting them to that point is no easy task since entertainment is so easily consumed now and so accessible, as is a place to vent their odd and toxic concerns. Which might not be a perfect answer, but it is one none the less and it definitely gives the audience something to ponder upon. Which makes this, another fascinating tale from a genuinely fascinating season of storytelling, one that is again prophetic in nature. Since this is something that wasn’t as widespread as it is now, and it is just fascinating to see how ahead of its time this show was and how deep it's thinking is in its inaugural season. Because that kind of depth is rare and well… we’re not done with depth yet. Because the next adventure through the Darkside, focuses heavily on race relations in America and the power of white privilege. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.

It is interesting how we handle trauma. We expect that once it comes to an end it is just that... the end. Life will go on with minimal fuss and we are able to live our lives exactly as they were before, and those bad memories are just another story to tell.  

But the fact is, trauma will often echo in our minds. There are places we go, things we see that remind us in some form or fashion of those disturbing days and we often push ahead to keep that sense of normalcy. But from time to time the echoes of our past will come back to haunt us and sometimes, the terrors in our lives can strike twice... as was the case in Jaws 2. 

It has been years since a great white shark terrorized the resort community of Amity Island, and since then the town has thankfully managed to recover from the disaster and life seems to have returned back to normal. But a series of strange accidents seem all too familiar to Chief Brody and he quickly believes a new great white has made its way to Amity, but his observations are seen only as fear mongering and Brody is relieved of his duties. But when the attacks become apparent that he is indeed correct, Brody will have to once again face this terror of the ocean. 

​Let's get the toughest part of this review out of the way by pointing out that well...Jaws 2 is nothing like its predecessor. The original film was truly a masterpiece, yet oddly enough, this sequel is not a complete and utter disaster, just...missing some of the original components. There are certainly some tense and terrifying moments, especially later in the film when Brody's son and his friends are lost at sea and being hunted by the shark.  Yet something feels completely different about this sequel, and oddly enough where it goes...works.  

What keeps me coming back to Jaws 2 is the fact that at its core, it is a super dark film about what trauma does to us. Martin Brody is clearly haunted by his experiences in the first film. You see the panic in his eyes when it comes to having to face the nightmare once again, and that overall fear is something that never quite leaves Brody, even when he springs into action to save his boys.  

That is perhaps why I believe this film was not as well received as the first film in the franchise, because of the fact that this one is more about the horrors of the human mind rather than the terror that lives in the sea but to me, that far more philosophical exploration, and the fact that Jaws freaking ate a helicopter, are solid reasons as to why Jaws 2 is the best sequel in the franchise. ​

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary film, ‘This Is Gwar’.
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Ask anyone out there what they think about the band, Gwar, and you’ll get back a bevy of different answers. Some will immediately inform you of the fact that they love the band and follow them closely because of what they have to offer. While others will be happy to tell you how much they cannot stand the band, and how they firmly believe that everything Gwar stands for is immoral, and so on. But outside of that, you’ll hear a lot of folks tell you how they know of the band… but really don’t have an opinion of them. Or they’ve heard about how they have amazing shows but past that, they know nothing. Which are answers that would cause concern for any other band since recognition is key, but for Gwar, this isn’t a bad thing by any means.
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Because the fact of the matter is, people are aware of Gwar in some form or capacity, regardless of whether they own their albums or have been to their shows and that’s huge. Because there are respected and popular bands out there that no one has heard of. So, to be universally known in some way is a huge accomplishment. But there is a good reason as to why we’ve heard about them in some form. Because this band is a huge part of the pop culture landscape and have touched lives accordingly through that and well… after spending years being mired in mystery and curiosity, Shudder is now host to a documentary about the band that takes the time to explore Gwar, their lasting power, and their influence upon pop culture in great detail in This Is Gwar.

A feat that this documentary accomplishes, by exploring every facet of the band’s existence. From their humble and unexpected beginnings in the 1980s when progressive punk rocker Dave Brockie and art student Hunter Jackson joined forces in Richmond, Virginia to form Gwar out of the possibility that the band could tell all kinds of stories and satisfy artistic needs. But it didn’t take long for the band to not only find a voice as a metal band, but to impress audiences with their on-stage antics, the kind that included guts and gore and the most sexual cuttlefish in history. But even then, they weren’t that well known and didn’t really impact the pop culture scene until the 1990s came along. For a long form video netted them a Grammy nomination, and showing up in costume to the Grammys, put the band on everyone’s radar and just like that… they were simply everywhere.

They were in commercials for Circuit City, they were popping up in mainstream movies and television shows such as Empire Records and Beavis and Butt-Head and this was happening… because they were something special. Because this band and their wild antics and desire to just put on a show and see where it went, led to everyone having interest in them and it allowed for them to quickly cement themselves as pop-culture icons. Where the band became larger than life, to the point where band members from the original crew could exit and new ones could arrive, and the band simply would not miss a beat. In fact, even the passing of Cory Smoot and Dave Brockie, whilst painful to fans and band members alike, didn’t stop Gwar from hitting the stage and entertaining, since they continue to tour and record and release albums.
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But while this made for a fascinating and powerful documentary, one that held nothing back regarding the ups and downs that the band has experienced over the years and still deal with to this day, what truly makes this documentary so unique and special… is that it outright answers what has given Gwar its lasting power and iconic status. Which as it turns out… relates to the fact that this band has been from day one… grounded in art and nothing more. Sure, they could have sold out as so many bands do, and they could have easily found a way to make fat cash through endless merchandising. To the point where Gwar lunchboxes could have been a thing. But instead, they just wanted to create. They wanted to make great art and kickass music through and through… and they accomplished that goal and continue to do so by never losing sight and staying true to themselves. Which is something that we all can learn a great deal from.

Since we are often taught to compromise to find success. When in fact, Gwar informs us that we don’t necessarily have to do that. We can stick to our guns; and we can still find success in doing so. And of course, this documentary also teaches us… that hard work and incredible dedication to our craft and our dreams, will go a long way and for proof… then look no further than the fact that Gwar has been a fixture in our world since the 1980s and is showing no signs of slowing down, and well… all of these elements make this… a must-see documentary. For it leaves no stone unturned, and it is moving and raw and honest from the get-go and most important of all, it is objective and inspiring, and this really is the definitive look at one of the biggest bands on the planet. One that hardcore fans will adore, haters will pour over and the uninitiated will be fascinated by, to the point where multiple viewings will likely take place for anyone that wants to learn more about them, and the good news is, you can start that process right now. Since This Is Gwar is available to stream onShudder.  

In our short time on this planet, mankind has managed some incredible discoveries. We have mastered the power of the atom. We have ventured into the reaches of outer space and we continue to cure disease after disease. We are truly a species that has managed to command much of its own fate.

Yet despite all of our discoveries and our ability to control so much, there are still ways for nature to keep us in check and discoveries to be made. For example, there is still so much to be learned about our oceans and there are predators that swim in the sea that have no qualms hungering for a taste of man. Granted, the chances of these creatures destroying our way of life is slim to none, but it is the fear of the unknown of what swims in the deep, that fires up the imagination and in 1975 one of the most terrifying films about the ocean and the horrors within hit the big screen with... Jaws. 

Amity Island is a beautiful place to visit. With incredible views and plenty to see and do, it is truly a wonderful vacation destination. But off the coast waits the stuff of nightmares, a great white shark larger than most of its brethren, and it has discovered a new food source, man. As the good people of the island become food for this powerful fish, it will be up to Police Chief Brody, a marine biologist and a ruthless fisherman to find this beast and kill it...but that task may prove more difficult than they could ever imagine.  

​Ah, the film that launched Steven Spielberg's career, and what a way to spring onto the scene with a horror film for the ages. I call it that because well... Jaws is absolutely a terrifying masterpiece. It paid full respect to all the monster movies that came before it by rarely letting us see the creature that lied in wait, and while that may have been by accident since the mechanical shark malfunctioned often on set, the mistake paid off since the big reveal made for a monster straight out of our nightmares. 

Yet what I love most about this film, is the sneaky way that it builds tension and terror minute by minute. Sure, the first kill arrives quickly but it is so sudden and jarring that you are left uncomfortable and from that point on, you're left wondering what will come next, leading to a powerhouse finale that leaves your heart thumping. It's masterful direction by Mister Spielberg and makes Jaws one of his finest films.  

If you haven't seen this one, well I'd be shocked. This is truly a modern classic and one that must be experience since, it was one of the earliest films to earn the status of 'summer blockbuster' and let's be honest it made all of us think twice about dipping our toes in the ocean.

It is definitely safe to say that horror fans and fans of Anne Rice’s wonderful universe of storytelling, have all been anxiously awaiting any news they can get their hands on regarding AMC’s upcoming new series, Interview with the Vampire. For AMC is well known for crafting quality horror shows and their obtaining the rights to this property means that we are all about to enjoy an incredible adaptation of a timeless and iconic story. But alas, news has only been trickling out about the show thus far and there has apparently been good reason for that.
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Because it turns out, that AMC has been saving all the goodies for San Diego Comic-Con. Since earlier today the network held a panel about the show. One that provided us with a trailer for the show and some lovely key art and new images, and some important information as well. Such as the fact that Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire will debut Sunday, October 2 at 10pm ET/9c immediately following The Walking Dead, with the series’ first two episodes available on AMC+ that same night. 

Which is just some wonderful news and the trailer, and the images are equally as amazing as learning about when we can finally see this magnificent show. But of course, you’re here for the good stuff, so without further ado… here is the key art, those new images and the trailer for the series, courtesy of AMC Networks.

There are a great many things that the horror streaming service Shudder does right. For instance, their library is consistently stocked with classic horror flicks that make fans of the classics happy or help new recruits to the gory cause learn more about the history of the genre. Plus, they feature phenomenal original programming through and through, both from a series and movie standpoint and they also have some of the finest documentaries around.
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The kind that are unbiased and educational in nature and well, earlier today at San Diego Comic Con, we received some fresh news on one that we’ve been anxiously awaiting. For Shudder let it be known that the highly anticipated documentary series, Queer for Fear, will be arriving on the network on September 29, 2022, and they released an extended scene for the series as well. So, without further ado, here is that scene and an updated synopsis for the series for all of you to enjoy, courtesy of Shudder.

‘Queer for Fear is a four-part documentary series about the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the horror and thriller genres. From its literary origins with queer authors Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Oscar Wilde to the pansy craze of the 1920s that influenced Universal Monsters and Hitchcock; from the “lavender scare” alien invasion films of the mid-20th century to the AIDS obsessed bloodletting of 80s vampire films; through genre-bending horrors from a new generation of queer creators; Queer for Fear re-examines genre stories through a queer lens, seeing them not as violent, murderous narratives, but as tales of survival that resonate thematically with queer audiences everywhere.’

Over the course of its eleven-year run, the AMC series, The Walking Dead, managed to move us in some extremely sorrowful ways, by bidding farewell to critical characters in unexpected moments. Which makes sense, since this is a story about the end the world, where walking corpses eat the flesh of the living and where death can strike at any time, and where extenuating circumstances can separate people on a moment’s notice, but that hasn’t made those losses any easier. Because we latch onto these characters and their humanity and some we love dearly since they resonate with us on a fundamental level.

But of the many people that we’ve lost or seen exit the show, two of recent note genuinely hit the fan base hard. For Rick Grimes and Michonne’s exit from the series left us wanting more, since they departed under better circumstances than some of their family members, and we’ve been eager to see them return and enjoy closure now that the flagship series is nearing its end and believe it or not, we are getting our wish. For earlier today at Comic Con International, Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira surprised TWD fans on the stage by announcing that they were returning to The Walking Dead Universe with a brand-new series focused on their characters in 2023 and well… here are all the details on the return of Rick and Michonne, courtesy of AMC Networks.

‘AMC Networks today announced that Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira will reunite for a new series in the expanding universe around The Walking Dead. The series will continue the journey and love story of the Rick Grimes and Michonne characters. Lincoln and Gurira, who have been actively involved in conceiving the creative and the continuation of their characters’ story, made the surprise announcement while appearing onstage as part of the final panel for The Walking Dead at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Scott M. Gimple, Chief Content Officer of The Walking Dead Universe, will serve as showrunner on the series, which will begin with six episodes in 2023. Lincoln and Gurira are both executive producers.
 
“This is a moment fans of The Walking Dead have been waiting for since Rick disappeared in the helicopter early in season nine, and Michonne journeyed away on a quest to find him the following season,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks. “What a great surprise for the fans at this final Comic-Con for the series that launched this universe and made television history. We couldn’t be more excited for a truly epic series finale later this year and to see Andy and Danai return in a new series they helped create, one of three new series coming in 2023 that continue the stories of so many iconic and fan-favorite TWD characters.” 
 
“Rick and Michonne are two of my favorite people and Danai and Andy are two of my favorite people,” Gimple said. “Working with all of them continues to be a dream come true. The three of us, along with a terrific team of TWD all stars and incredible new voices, are crafting an insane love epic worth the long, long wait.”
 
“This has been the most extraordinary journey playing Rick Grimes for the best part of a decade. The friendships I’ve made along the way are deep and lasting, so it’s fitting that I finally get to complete the story with Danai and Scott and the rest of the TWD family. I’m so excited to be returning to the screen as Rick, reuniting with Danai as Michonne, and bringing the fans an epic love story to add to the Walking Dead Universe.”
 
Said Gurira: “Michonne and this TWD family has meant so much to me, and to continue the journey of these beloved characters, alongside Scott and Andy, both creatively and in front of the camera, and bringing The Walking Dead fans something truly special is just glorious. I can’t wait to pick up the katana again.”  

This series presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead... And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they've ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive -- or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Moloch’.
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One unhealthy habit that we tend to make use of when bad things happen to us or our family, is to blame the ugly on external factors. Sometimes that involves something as simple as speaking to the power of fate and how it sometimes puts us through the wringer to teach us a lesson, or it can be something as complex as a wild and outlandish story. One that makes us appear to be cursed or under the influence of something we don’t understand and well… what makes this so problematic, is that going this particular route ensures that we don’t address the root cause of our difficult times. Because more or often than not, there’s something far more simplistic at play here.
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In fact, our problems and strife are often self-inflicted in nature. Where one bad choice brought about one bad day or where other bad habits and toxic behaviors managed to come to a crescendo and bring trouble into our homes and lives. Or it could be related to something far deeper, something generational in nature since we mimic what we learn from our elders and create a cycle of problems in doing so. But alas, rather than recognize those realities, we just hold to those other notions and well, that is of course… something we should stop doing so we can correct the problem and enjoy true happiness and well… this particularly unhealthy behavior is top of mind today, because it is explored in great detail in the new Shudder original, Moloch.

Now in this particular film we are transported to the Netherlands to meet a family that has seen better days. For Betriek’s family has been mired in loss for as long as she can remember. From a death in her family’s home when she was but a girl, to the death of her husband/father of her child, it just seems as though death follows this family everywhere. An unfortunate reality that has motivated Betriek to become something of a recluse with her daughter, by moving back home to protect what little family she has left from the curse they all believe is hanging over them. But the arrival of an archeological team near their isolated property is going to bring Betriek back into the light, courtesy of the head of the project who has caught her eye, and unfortunately for Jonas… his desire to dig into the ground and into Betriek’s past will uncover dangerous secrets that should have remained buried. 

Which is a plot that really doesn’t seem to accomplish anything all that deep storytelling wise, and the reality that an ancient evil has been awakened in the tiny little berg that Betriek resides within… lends more credence to this being nothing more than an epic monster story. One that holds nothing back in its presentation of Moloch’s power and the fascinating legend that hangs over this town. Since it brings forth all kinds of eerie spirits and incredibly awful behavior exhibited by the innocent lives that hear the whispers of the ancient spirits that roam this land. Which makes this a scary folk horror movie in a way, since everyone is isolated in this place with this special brand of evil, and the scares and gore that come about from this part of the plot are quite impactful for certain.
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But the fact of the matter is, there is a lot of depth to be found in this tale. For this is at heart, a story about the horrors of generational trauma and how that manifests. Which makes this a poignant and powerful motion picture at the same time, one that makes it inherently clear that what allows for such a problem to persist, is our desire to not acknowledge the abuses and the ugly that we grow up with. Because that somehow makes it acceptable and palatable in our minds and since it is familiar and comfortable from being buried deep into our psyche, we are quick to resort to similar behaviors when the opportunity presents itself to bring them forth, creating that generational cycle of abuse, the kind that we are quick to attribute to something more.

When in fact, we should be acknowledging the reality that we grew up with some horribly unpleasant memories and moments and deal with the trauma that come from those. So that the cycle can in fact, be broken and we can live our lives free of such pain and well, that analysis and the terror present here, makes this a magnificent horror film when all is said and done. One that draws you in with its slow burn approach and holds onto you tightly, making for a visceral and unsettling experience that stays with you long after it has come to an end, and it is so intelligent and so full of subtext that it will undoubtedly require multiple viewings and thankfully, that can be easily accomplished. For Moloch is available to stream on Shudder, right now.  

​If you had me watch the trailer for Nope a million times and made me, take a million guesses about what exactly the movie would be, I would have never guessed it would be THAT.
 
Jordan Peele is back with another brain-teasing, genre-bending, edge-of-your-seat thriller, adding to his growing repertoire of modern horror classics. His directorial debut Get Out was a commercial and critical success, lauded for fusing together elements of psychological horror, satire, comedy, and racial and social commentary into one of the best films in recent history. He returned with his take on a home invasion horror, doppelganger, supernatural thriller with Us.
Nope is, again, in a genre of its own. Here, Peele explores cosmic horror with a premise built around extraterrestrials and UFOs, but transforms that into a combination of sci-fi, horror, adventure, action, and so much more. 
 
The mixed genres and big twists within both Get Out and Us lent themselves to buzz and fan theories for Nope. With those first two movies, you found yourself looking back to see all of the clues you missed in the trailer or during your first watch. Audiences went into this newest adventure playing detective and trying to get ahead of the story, but Nope doesn’t allow much room for that and is all the better for it. 
 
Some movies are best to go into knowing as little about them as possible and Nope takes that philosophy to heart. The lead-up to the movie contributed strongly to that: the teaser trailer was truly just a teaser; the full-length trailer started to reveal the plot but in no way gives away any of the twists or special moments; only a very limited synopsis has been put out in advance of the movie’s release; and the cast and crew have been especially tight-lipped in interviews and promotions. 
 
All of those efforts pay off with an end result that’s puzzling at first, travels in an unexpected direction, and ties together neatly, while still leaving room to reflect and piece things together. It’s the least linear of Peele’s movies, broken down into chapters and flashbacks that intertwine to reveal each of the film’s secrets. It is a slow burn in the most hauntingly strategic way. 
 
The movie begins with a bible quote that is especially eerie when shrouded by the unknown mystery of the movie: "I will cast abominable filth at you, make you vile, and make you a spectacle.” Early on, we get a snippet from a flashback scene that is threaded throughout the rest of the film. Then, we join brother and sister OJ (Daniel Kaluuya) and Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer), as they work to keep their father’s ranch and business afloat after his death. The family provides horses for movies and TV shows, while neighboring an Old West amusement attraction run by former child star Ricky Park (Steven Yeun). When the neighboring ranches become the site of bizarre UFO sightings, the Haywoods look to capture the extraterrestrial object on film, ultimately joined by local tech store expert Angel Torres (Brandon Perea) and filmmaker Antlers Holst (Michael Wincott). 

​The story is brought to life by the small but outstanding core cast, with Kaluuya, Palmer, and Perea centered in most of the on-screen action. Kaluuya, back from Peele’s Get Out, plays a tough and reserved hero with a lot of unspoken emotion. Palmer is dynamic and adventurous, Yeun is mysterious and empathetic, and Perea is eccentric and eager to help. The various combinations of these actors all work very well, carrying the story through the tonal shifts of the film. Peele has become a master of balancing horror and comedy, creating tension while sprinkling in levity at just the right moments. This cast excels in turning on a dime for that back and forth, as well. 
 
Much like the sights and settings within the movie, Nope is meant to be a spectacle. Its cinematography is beautiful, loaded with stunning upward shots of the sky and sweeping visuals of the wide-open spaces on the ranch. Opposite of that, the horror moments feel very dark and claustrophobic. Again, it’s not quite a horror movie the whole way through, but it has plenty of jump scares and unsettling moments, including a truly haunting scene that is one of the creepiest I’ve seen in a while (thanks to its point of view framing and its unexpected source). 
 
It is less social-commentary forward and more of a blockbuster than its predecessors, but that’s not to say it’s without meaning. On the contrary, it’s about quite a lot. Peele often presents a story that leaves things up to the viewer to interpret its many layers. Nope provided commentary on family dynamics and legacy, on recovering from (or doubling down on) past trauma, on a nostalgia for film and fame (writing a love letter to Hollywood, while still damning its more malicious aspects), about race and overlooked history, and about unexpected external forces that can change your life in an instant. Ultimately, people will be able to unearth even more meaning behind it, as Peele has a knack for making movies that grow clearer yet more complex with each rewatch and every new realization.
 
One of the best marks of Nope is that it’s evident it is a culmination of Jordan Peele’s vision. In an interview with Today, Peele shared that he felt much of his career’s ascent to becoming a Black director in Hollywood was “marred with this internalized sense that… no one would ever trust [him] with money… enough money to do [his] vision the way they would trust other people.” With Nope, we see Peele and his Monkeypaw Productions studio continue to thrive alongside Universal Studios and the freedom to make distinctive and unique horror movies.

While we are in an era full of reboots, remakes, and humongous franchises, we’ve also been lucky to get plenty of unique and refreshing movies this year, too. Movies like Everything Everywhere All at Once have subverted our expectations and created engrossing experiences that are less formulaic. Nope joins those ranks with a fresh merger of styles and thoughts. It may end up being Peele’s most polarizing, as it is more ambitious and widespread than his first two films, but it certainly cements Peele as a fantastic director and writer who makes movies that not only draw you into the theater, but leave you thinking about and discussing them for days on end.