Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Glorious’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we are living in some trying and anxious times. For the world is in turmoil, our own country is widely divided, and we just got through a global pandemic that left us wondering if we’d make it to tomorrow, since the odds were fifty/fifty that an individual would be okay if they came down with the virus. Not to mention, it just seems as though the bad guys keep winning in our everyday world. Since bad people are either clawing their way to power or are currently maintaining it… and flexing their muscles as hard as they can in the hopes of keeping it within their grasp, and well… all of this chaos and concern really does leave some grand questions hanging over all of our heads.
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In that, are things ever going to get better? Will there be peace in our time? Will evil be conquered and will the power hungry be stripped of their clammy hold upon our world? Which are important questions to ask, the kind that we honestly don’t have the answers to at the moment, and that lack of answers definitely robs us of hope at times and keeps us up late at night. But the fact of the matter is, the old saying is indeed right. It is always darkest before the dawn and the universe always seems to find a way to create balance when there is nothing but imbalance surrounding us and believe it or not… there is a new horror film on Shudder that explores the nature of balance, in the most unique way imaginable of course, in Glorious.

Now in this particular film, we are introduced to a man named Wes who is… going through it. For an important relationship for him has just ended and he’s on the road and desperate to find shelter and peace and isolation, and for a little while at least, he appears to find it at the Route 37 Rest Stop. Since this place is out in the middle of nowhere and free from people or distractions. But when the night is over and the power of booze has removed that peace, Wes quickly comes to discover that he isn’t alone within the walls of this out of the way sanctuary. For an ancient being known as Ghatanothoa is comfortably resting within a stall, and this age-old creature requires quite the sacrifice from Wes. One that will determine the fate of humanity.

Which at first glance is a plot that doesn’t seem all that grounded in balance. In fact, it seems to lean hard into our worries and concerns about the current state of the world. Since this Lovecraftian creature is both violent and benevolent, like the worst elements of our current world, and desperate as well. A move that allows for the horror aspects of this story to shine, since it treats us to horrific visions of creatures from beyond and features all kinds of splatter and guts when Wes invites a poor soul into this nightmare in a desperate attempt to escape Ghat’s grasp and request. But as the story continues along, and we learn a great deal more about Wes… we come to see that this story is about balance after all.
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Simply because we come to learn that Wes, is no hero. In fact, there’s a lot to be concerned about when it comes to this man. To the point where he seems like the last person that should have the fate of the universe in his hands. Because he clearly cares little about people and life, and the thought of having that kind of person save all of humanity is chilling for certain. But instead, his journey really does speak to balance. Because Wes eventually does acquiesce and give Ghat what he wants, and in doing so… suffers greatly for his crimes and pays the right price for them. Reminding us that the universe does find a way to punish the wicked and restore order and balance… making this quite the uplifting horror film in the end, one that genuinely surprises us.

Because that’s not a message we expect to find in a Lovecraftian style tale. But it is there, and its presence makes for one satisfying experience. Just because, sometimes we need to see balance restored and see bad people get their just desserts, seeing that happen here, gives us a little bit of much needed hope right now as we wait for our own Ghat to restore order to the chaos. But while this movie does indeed offer some delightful concepts and splatter and gore, we’d be foolish to not point out that the acting in this story is sublime as well. For Ryan Kwanten is utterly brilliant as Wes and sells the surprise in a flawless manner and J.K. Simmons, who voices Ghat, is a revelation in this movie with his incredible performance as this strange being from beyond and well… all of these elements make this motion picture a must see, and thankfully, you can check it out right now. For Glorious is streaming on Shudder and we here at NTG hope you give this refreshing and creative horror film a look when you get a chance

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Beast’.
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One particular question that has plagued mankind for some time now… is why exactly we are unable to completely dominate mother nature, and it makes sense as to why that bothers us. After all, we have in many ways, made ourselves the masters of this planet. For we are at the top of the food chain, and we control the fate of just about every species of wildlife out there. Not to mention, we own the planet’s skies and soar through it, next to and above birds, and we’ve conquered space since humans work and live above us in a space station. Plus, we are even able to harness the natural forces of this world to benefit our needs. Since wind and sunlight can produce power, as do the mighty rivers that flow through our great nations.
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But despite being able to achieve those wonders and enjoy pure dominance, we simply cannot get the planet to completely yield to our bidding. Because despite our prowess, natural disasters surprise us at every single turn and sometimes the planet just unleashes horrors untold, as evidenced by how the past couple of years went. Not to mention, the animal kingdom… will sometimes humble us when it so feels the need, reminding all of us that we aren’t always the masters of this domain and that it can turn on us on a moment’s notice and sometimes… there are reasons for that. Because now and again we have a tendency to promote trouble and well… the power of nature and why we cannot tame it is top of mind today, simply because those concepts serve as the focus of the brand-new motion picture, Beast.

Now in this particular film, we are plunged into the heart of Africa during a tough time for the Samuels family. For their mother passed away from cancer recently, and Meredith and Norah’s father, Nate… has brought them here to help clear their heads and their sorrows. Because sometimes getting away from it all and immersing oneself in nature can be quite the powerful healing agent and what better way to accomplish that, than by spending time in a preserve with longtime family friend Martin… who is an anti-poacher for that same preserve. Which is a decision that initially pays off since the family is able to just get lost in the wonder of the preserve. But the discovery of a rogue lion, one that has been pushed too far by poachers, puts this peaceful journey in jeopardy. For this lion is a true man-killer, and now it will be up to Nate to figure out how to fend off a true force of nature, one that has set its sights on killing him and his family.

Which is a plot that speaks to so much. Since it serves as a fine reminder that nature is indeed unpredictable and can surprise us in an ugly manner at any given moment. Since this lion refuses to stand down and kills with impunity. Plus, this is a story that also informs us of how little control we actually have in this life over nature, since it will indeed do as it pleases, when it pleases, especially when provoked by our actions and our cruelty. But above all else, this is a story that truly takes the time to properly point out, that we cannot command the planet through and through because we were never meant to. We are instead, mere tenants on this Earth and not the landlord and we should offer respect to the various neighbors that surround us since they have their own lives and goals to pursue. 
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But while it is indeed fascinating to learn those lessons and be humbled in the process, make no mistake about it… Beast is… at its core, a horror story. One that evokes memories of Jaws and other man vs. animal stories, and it is supremely impactful when it comes to the scares For once we get into the action and the lion begins to strike, this movie becomes a high-octane nightmare. One where a powerful predator fiercely hunts its prey. Which leads to jump scares and ugly gore and an unrelenting sense of dread. Because this lion will stop at nothing to achieve its goals and the setting and the lack of safety leaves you worried for the future of this broken family and leaves you wondering if they will survive this ugly encounter or succumb to the power of nature and the bloodlust of a broken predator. 

As to whether or not they do, we won’t spoil that here. Because this is a rollercoaster ride you need to experience firsthand and hopefully you do. For this really is a fun and entertaining ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its intensity and unpredictability and genuine sense of danger. If anything, this is just a genuinely fun experience, one that you can thankfully enjoy right now. For Beast is currently in theaters and we certainly hope you give it a look, because you can never go wrong with a wildly intense horror film that takes your breath away, and leaves your heart racing, before returning you the safety of your lives with some thoughtful concepts to chew upon.

The search for myths and legends have taken thrill seekers in many different directions over the years and while some are lucky enough to find something, most are left with just stories of what they thought they witnessed. While there might not be physical evidence of a mysterious creature being real, there are many attempted photos of it that may or not be faked and it is up to the viewer to decide. Relying on someone’s statement that they have seen a creature has become a thing of the past and while there are many people that you can trust, if there is no evidence, they are only words. It is always good to have an open ear when it comes to listening to these stories, since you never know what might be real or what might come back to haunt you if you refused to have an open mind.
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It is the Sheriff’s last day and he cannot be happier, especially since he has been called out to his brother-in-law’s house once again for a strange animal sighting. Not being able to spot the animal or any tracks, Tom Mayfield heads back home to get comfy for retirement, but things are falling apart around the house since his wife left two years ago. Trying to be supportive of his daughter Hannah who just got shot down for another article in the local paper, Tom tries to remind her that the duties around the house still need to be done as well. Talking about how much they miss Lily, they spot something out in the woods and Tom heads out to take a closer look but comes back with nothing.

Getting to work on his first day of retirement, Tom works on some of his daily chores around the ranch but keeps hearing something strange off in the distance. As the disturbance has piqued his interest, he walks through the brush to find the bodies of three dead woman on his property. Calling it in and getting an upfront look at how the investigation is setting up, the fact that all of the victim’s organs were removed is very strange. Getting back to work, Tom wants to focus on his retired life and possibly try to connect a little more with his daughter, but that will be easier said than done when he finds out that he has been pegged as the primary subject in the woman’s murders.

Trying to stay out of the spotlight, Tom goes about his daily duties, but Hannah has the idea to write about what is happening around the property. Heading out to where the bodies were found, Hannah sees the beast firsthand and needs to escape its clutches. Finding out that his daughter is in trouble, Tom calls in the big guns and assembles a Bigfoot enthusiast, a crypto zoologist, his brother-in-law, and his former deputy to try and find out what is really in the woods. As the group comes up with a plan of attack, they find that they are outmatched by the beast that seems to be craving a certain blood type and are forced to retreat. Not knowing for sure if they can handle the monster if they coax it out, Tom will try anything to keep his daughter safe from the creature that may or not be of this world.

In my eyes, this movie took a bold step and it actually worked out very nicely as we get an alien and Bigfoot story wrapped up into one. I didn’t know how they were going to pull everything together, but with some good explanations, it really worked and now I wonder why Bigfoot does not hit up the blood bank looking to feed. The cast was great, as you really keep your focus on Tom and Hannah, but you also have a wonderful security expert in Akiro, along with Deputy Brian, brother-in-law Rickey, zoologist Rebecca and the hated Detective Pitney who, all put together fun performances that does not leave you wanting too much else. With a Bigfoot, a new security system, a band of experts, some conspiracy theories, a spaceship, an axe, and the hunt for a creature that only wants your blood, it’s just a fun overall movie. I will admit that I loved the ending, because sometimes the crazies are the only ones that know what is going on. Stay Scared.

One thing that horror fans everywhere can agree upon, is that we are at the dawn of a new era of horror. Where new voices and new visionaries will guide the genre to new heights and one particular pair of storytellers that are leading the charge in this new era, are the Boulet Brothers. For their understanding of the genre’s history, combined with their ability to tell a quality story via Dragula… has allowed for this dynamic duo to educate the masses on horror’s rich history and what makes the genre so great, and well… it turns out that Shudder is ready to help them grow to new heights and continue their fine work.
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For earlier today, Shudder announced that the network and the Boulet Brothers have come together on a multi-project production deal. One that will bring us more of their signature show, alongside some other goodies that will help Drac and Swan influence the future of the genre for decades on end, and well… here are all the details on this magnificent announcement courtesy of Shudder.

‘Following the massive success of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’s fourth season (which became one of Shudder’s most watched series of 2021), Shudder, AMC Network’s premium streamer for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has inked a deal with horror drag icons The Boulet Brothers to expand their Boulet Brothers’ Dragula franchise with a new season, a new spinoff series and an additional special set to debut on Shudder over the next twelve months. 
 
The first project is a full season spin-off series based on their celebrated ground-breaking reality competition series The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula that has already finished principle filming, and will debut this fall. The series’ format, content and cast are still being closely guarded, but details on the project’s creative are forthcoming.
 
“With The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula and Resurrection, the Boulet Brothers have proven to be uniquely talented producers and storytellers, creating innovative, inclusive programming that smashes genres and draws a large and loyal following. We’re excited to be working with them on their upcoming new competition series, with more to come in 2023,” said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager. 
 
"This is an incredibly exciting time to be a Dragula fan. This new partnership with Shudder (and the AMC family) provides an incredible opportunity for us to expand our cinematic universe and to flesh out all of the characters, stories and stars that audiences have fallen in love with over the years,” said the Boulet Brothers. “We couldn’t be more excited about the content that we’re about to unleash, and if fans have felt shocked and engaged with our content in the past, they are truly not ready for what’s coming next. It’s going to be a wild, fun, and terrifying new ride."
 
Dubbed "horror's new icons" by Fangoria in a cover story (which became the magazine’s fastest-selling issue), The Boulet Brothers have become the go-to source for horror commentary in the pop culture zeitgeist. Shining a light on the world of cutting edge queer culture, The Boulet Brothers are entrepreneurial multi-hyphenates who have their claws in all aspects of their creative projects, be it in the writing, artistic vision, illustration, music production, costume design, logistical coordination or business affairs. 
 
From appearing on the cover of legendary comic magazine Heavy Metal, to emceeing at high-profile horror conventions, to coverage in Entertainment Weekly, The Onion AV Club, The Advocate, Alternative Press and more, to cultivating a robust and dedicated following via The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, the duo of Dracmorda and Swanthula have and will continue to break boundaries and broaden horizons within both horror and queer communities.
 
The Boulet Brothers are represented by CAA and managed by PEG.’  

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Tales of the Walking Dead’.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the horror genre has made it utterly known, that it is the genre to turn to when someone wants to learn something about our world or about current events. Because horror is where social commentary and observations thrive and for proof… just look at the recent crop of scary stories out there. For the genre is flush with observations about the world and it is diving even deeper now into the human condition and some of our most primal fears and struggles. Making it one of the most intelligent genres out there. Yet what’s fascinating, is that despite the fact that it is bold and brave in what it has to say… the genre has for the most part, avoided speaking about one particular hot button topic that has impacted all of us over the past couple of years.
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Specifically… the pandemic. Which could be attributed to the fact that Covid hasn’t quite gone away just yet. Or it could be related to the ‘too soon’ mantra that sometimes concerns audiences everywhere. But regardless of the reason, there’s been little to no commentary on the matter from horror… but that is starting to change as time rolls along. In fact, one particular franchise that leads the way in social commentary, opted to make observations regarding our experiences from the pandemic in a supremely positive manner last night. For the series premiere of Tales of the Walking Dead, plunged us right back into the beginning of the zombiepocalypse that began in 2010 in this universe to ponder upon what we should be taking away from the past couple of years of madness, and it accomplished that, by introducing us to some unique characters.

For ‘Evie/Joe’ wasted little time in having us meet, Joe. Who was always worried that the world was going to take a turn for the worse and spent several years investing in a world class shelter for he and his dog to live within in the event the world went under. Which of course, it did, when the dead began to walk on that fateful day, giving Joe a sense of satisfaction and plenty of quiet time to just… live his life as he always wanted to. Which involved enjoying the best memories of his life from a sports perspective and spending time with his aging pup. But alas, that perfect routine changed in a matter of seconds one fateful night. For when he helped his senior dog outside to use the restroom, the living dead were waiting for them and that sweet baby dog was lost in the ensuing battle, leaving Joe beside himself.

Because his dog gave him purpose and direction… and most importantly, connection. Which in turn motivated him to perhaps ponder upon visiting another doomsday prepper that he shared a connection with before the world went zombie up. And that motivated Joe to hit the road, where he met a woman named Evie, a spunky and perky individual that was also on a mission to reconnect with an important person in her life. Giving rise to a grand zombie themed road trip, where these two frosty acquaintances transformed into close friends. The kind that eventually made their way to their respective destinations to find vastly different closure. For Evie, that involved learning that she was respected and loved despite her transgressions at the end of everything and Joe… well… he unfortunately pulled the short straw in his quest to find connection at the end of humanity.

For his old friend Sandra had in fact, seen some ugly days following the collapse of modern society. The kind that motivated her to begin to use her shelter as a trap for those who would do her harm and sadly, since she was no longer able to trust or harbor kindness… she brought Joe within moments of losing of his own life. But thankfully, Evie was on the case and went to check on her friend since they were in close proximity and found the shelter and saw through the ruse and saved the day. Giving rise to a new beginning for these newfound buddies and well… it is that uplifting ending and the kind words that Evie offered to Joe following his pondering of what could and would come next for the both of them, that really transformed this road trip into something far deeper than a simple jaunt through the world of the dead.
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Because everything that Evie had to say about surviving their harrowing encounters with both the dead and the living, spoke to how we should be viewing our experiences over the past couple of years. In that, while it was terrifying and ugly and costly in many ways… we made it through the worst parts of the proverbial storm, and we have in essence, been granted a second chance at well… everything. Because we simply stared something dark down and came out of the other side stronger and with perspective and we should in fact, seize the opportunity and enjoy life to the fullest and that’s… a shocking message to find within the world of The Walking Dead, since this is a very bleak place at times. But it is there, and it is something we honestly need to hear right now as we shift to endemic instead of pandemic. 

But while it was lovely to find a beautiful message/observation about the past couple of years, this was an episode that wasn’t without deeper observations on the matter. For in many ways, Sandra serves as a stand in for all the negativity of what also accompanied the arrival of Covid. Since her fear and distrust echoes the sentiment of those who were against any restrictions or progress toward stopping the virus, not to mention she exudes the fear and rhetoric that also impeded progress. Making for some fascinating observations on the impact of a global pandemic on the human psyche and it allows for this episode to become time capsule of the Covid-19 era as well, and you cannot ask for a better setting to do so, than the world of The Walking Dead. Since the zombie is the O.G. of allegory and commentary and well, all of these elements make this nothing short of a brilliant series premiere, one that has even more to offer beyond its intelligence.

Because this is a journey that also features some humor in it, something that we don’t often see within the framework of this universe because of the subject matter. But it does prove that TWDU can in fact… have a little fun with the source material. Plus, it also doesn’t hurt that some huge names are in this tale and offer up some great performances. Since Terry Crews and Olivia Munn sell every single moment both sorrowful and joyful with an incredibly honesty that helps to draw us into the story further. In the end, this episode just makes it clear that this really is going to be a dynamically different chapter in this already storied saga. One that is going to take some chances with its storytelling and inject new ideas and concepts into the mix to provide us with a horror experience unlike any other, and truly, it is going to be fascinating to see what other unique concepts await us in the weeks to come as season one of this fascinating new series continues along. Until next time.

September is a time of year that most folks view in a very nostalgic and reflective manner. For the chill in the air and slight changing of the leaves, evokes all kinds of memories of the season. The kind that brings those folks comfort and joy as they ponder upon warm drinks and indoor time with friends and family since so much of that is part of the upcoming fall season. But you’ve probably noticed the word ‘most’ was used to describe that feeling and rightfully so.

Because for horror fans, there are no such thoughts taking place when September hits. For all the horror fan thinks of is the fact, that horror’s time has arrived. For Halloween inches near and that gives those same fans every reason to just let loose and watch horror films galore until 10/31 comes and goes and well, as we inch near Spooky Season, Shudder is going all out to ensure that our Scary September and the Halloween season is as epic as it gets. For earlier today, Shudder announced its programming lineup for its 61-day ‘The Home for Halloween’ celebration and well, it is simply going to be amazing. So, without further ado, here is that amazing lineup and some information regarding this stunning event, courtesy of Shudder.

‘Shudder, AMC Network’s premium streaming service for horror, thriller, and the supernatural, will kick off its annual 61-day Halloween event beginning Thursday, September 1. Shudder is the leading streamer for thrills and frights year-round. But the service goes above and beyond every September and October, this year presenting an unprecedented lineup of 11 acclaimed, must-see new films and new original series, along with other special treats to be announced, to truly be “The Home for Halloween.”
 
"Halloween is the best time of year on Shudder, and this Halloween, we're featuring the best lineup of programming in our history," said Shudder General Manager Craig Engler. "We have 11 original and exclusive movie premieres, including a new film from horror master Dario Argento, a Halloween special from superstar host Joe Bob Briggs, and three new series — from Bryan Fuller, The Boulet Brothers, and the producers of Eli Roth's History of Horror."
 
Shudder members will enjoy a new slate of weekly movie premieres, original series debuts, a Halloween special with Joe Bob Briggs, a new edition of Shudder’s fan favorite “The Ghoul Log,” a 24/7 streaming jack-o’-lantern, and the annual return of Shudder’s Halloween Hotline, where members can receive live, personalized movie recommendations from head curator Samuel Zimmerman.’

In this eight-episode new series from the producers of Eli Roth’s History of Horror, master filmmakers and genre experts celebrate and dissect the most terrifying moments of the greatest horror films ever made, exploring how these scenes were created and why they burned themselves into the brains of audiences around the world. (A Shudder Original Series)

From executive producer Bryan Fuller (Hannibal), 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. (A Shudder Original Series)

For the third straight Halloween season following The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Resurrection (2020) and The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula season 4 (2021), the groundbreaking duo return to Shudder to horrify and delight with their boldest and most ambitious show ever.

Adam and Margo’s housewarming party goes well enough except for this mysterious couple, Tom and Sasha, lingering after the other guests have left. The couple reveals themselves to be their wealthy and successful neighbors, but as one nightcap leads to another, Adam and Margo start to suspect their new friends are duplicitous strangers with a dark secret. Written and directed by Duncan Birmingham, and starring Ryan Hansen (Veroncia Mars), Melissa Tang (The Kominsky Method), Timothy Granaderos (13 Reasons Why), and Perry Mattfeld (In the Dark). (A Shudder Original) View Trailer: HERE

Shot down after fleeing a coup and extracting a drug lord from Guinea-Bissau, the legendary mercenaries known as the Bangui Hyenas – Chaka, Rafa and Midnight - must stash their stolen gold bounty, lay low long enough to repair and refuel their plane and escape back to Dakar, Senegal. When they take refuge at a holiday camp in the coastal region of Sine-Saloum, they do their best to blend in with their fellow guests; including a mute named Awa, with secrets of her own, and a policeman who may be on their tail, but it’s Chaka who happens to be hiding the darkest secret of them all. Unbeknownst to the other Hyenas, he's brought them there for a reason and once his past catches up to him, his decisions have devastating consequences, threatening to unleash hell on them all.  
 
Saloum stars Yann Gael, Evelyne Ily Juhen, Roger Sallah, Bruno Henry, Marielle Salmier and Mentor Ba, and is written and directed by Jean-Luc Herbulot, from a story by Herbulot and Pamala Diop. Official Selection TIFF 2021, Fantastic Fest 2021 Best Director/New Wave winner. IFC Films will release the film in NY and LA on Friday, September 2 before Shudder’s premiere, and rolling out in other cities in the weeks that follow. (A Shudder Original) View Trailer: HERE

Set at an institute devoted to culinary and alimentary performance, a collective finds themselves embroiled in power struggles, artistic vendettas, and gastrointestinal disorders.  Starring Asa Butterfield (Sex Education, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children), Gwendoline Christie (Game of Thrones), and Richard Bremmer (Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker.) Written and directed by Peter Strickland (In Fabric). (A Shudder Exclusive) View Trailer: HERE

On a vacation in Tuscany, a Danish family instantly becomes friends with a Dutch family. Months later the Danish couple receive an unexpected invitation to visit the Dutch in their wooden house and decide to go for the weekend. However, it doesn't take long before the joy of reunion is replaced with misunderstandings. Things gradually get out of hand, as the Dutch turn out to be something very else than what they have pretended to be. The small Danish family now find themselves trapped in a house, that they wish they had never entered. 

​Speak No Evil is directed by Christian Tafdrup (A Horrible Woman) and written by Christian and Mads Tafdrup, and stars Morten Burian, Sidsel Siem Koch, Fedja Van Huêt, Karina Smulders, Liva Forsberg, Marius Damslev. Official Selection, Sundance Film Festival 2022 IFC Films will release the Speak No Evil theatrically beginning Friday, September 9 ahead of the film’s streaming debut. A national rollout will follow beginning Friday, September 16. (A Shudder Original)

West Point cadet Edgar Allan Poe and four other cadets on a training exercise in upstate New York are drawn by a gruesome discovery into a forgotten community. Starring William Moseley (The Chronicles of Narnia), Melanie Zanetti (Bluey), Callum Woodhouse (All Creatures Great and Small), Kate Dickie (The Green Knight), and David Hayman (Sid & Nancy). Written and directed by Christopher Hatton. Official Selection, FrightFest 2022. (A Shudder Original)​ View Trailer: HERE

SISSY stars Aisha Dee and Barlow as Cecilia and Emma, who had been tween-age BFFs who were never going to let anything come between them — until Alex (Emily De Margheriti) arrived on the scene. Twelve years later, Cecilia is a successful social media influencer living the dream of an independent, modern millennial woman, until she runs into Emma for the first time in over a decade. After reconnecting, Emmy invites Cecilia on her bachelorette weekend at a remote cabin in the mountains, where Alex proceeds to make Cecilia’s weekend a living hell. Sissy is written and directed by Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes. Official Selection, SXSW 2022 (A Shudder Original) View Trailer: HERE

A disgraced and demonetized Internet personality (Joseph Winter) tries to win back his fans by live streaming himself, spending a night alone in an abandoned haunted house. However, when he accidentally unleashes a vengeful spirit, his big comeback event becomes a real-time fight for his life (and social relevance) as he faces off with the sinister spirit of the house and her powerful following. Deadstream stars Joseph Winter, who wrote and directed the film with Vanessa Winter. (A Shudder Original)

Rome. An eclipse blocks out the sun, blackening the skies on a hot summer day - harbinger of the darkness that will envelop Diana when a serial killer chooses her as prey. Fleeing her predator, the young escort crashes her car and loses her sight. She emerges from the initial shock determined to fight for her life, but she is no longer alone. Defending her and acting as her eyes is a little boy, Chin, who survived the car accident. But the killer won’t give up his victim. Who will be saved? A triumphant return from Italian master of horror, director Dario Argento. Starring Ilenia Pastorelli and Asia Argento. (A Shudder Original)

After a double mastectomy, Veronica Ghent (Alice Krige), goes to a healing retreat in rural Scotland with her young nurse Desi (Kota Eberhardt). She discovers that the process of such surgery opens questions about her very existence, leading her to start to question and confront past traumas. The two develop an unlikely bond as mysterious forces give Veronica the power to enact revenge within her dreams.  Also starring Malcolm McDowell, Jonathan Aris, Rupert Everett, and Olwen Fouéré. (A Shudder Exclusive) View Trailer: HERE

V/H/S/99 marks the return of the acclaimed found footage anthology franchise and the sequel to Shudder’s most-watched premiere of 2021. A thirsty teenager's home video leads to a series of horrifying revelations. Featuring five new stories from filmmakers Maggie Levin (Into The Dark: My Valentine), Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down, Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City), Flying Lotus (Kuso), Tyler MacIntyre (Tragedy Girls) and Joseph & Vanessa Winter (Deadstream), V/H/S/99 harkens back to the final punk rock analog days of VHS, while taking one giant leap forward into the hellish new millennium. (A Shudder Original)

Margaret's life is in order. She is capable, disciplined, and successful. Everything is under control. That is, until David returns, carrying with him the horrors of Margaret's past. Resurrection is directed by Andrew Semans, and stars Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth. (A Shudder Exclusive) View Trailer: HERE   ​

In what has become an annual tradition, iconic horror host and foremost drive-in movie critic Joe Bob Briggs returns with a special The Last Drive-In double feature just in time for Halloween, premiering live on the Shudder TV feed. You’ll have to tune in to find out what movies Joe Bob has selected, but you can count on something scary and perfect for the season, with a special guest to be announced. (Also available on demand beginning October 23.)

The “Ghoul Log” is Halloween’s answer to the Christmas Yule Log: a 24/7 streaming jack-o’-lantern providing the perfect ambience for all your Halloween festivities. Fan favorites The Ghoul Log, Return of the Ghoul Log and Night of the Ghoul Log are back, along with a surprise new installment for 2022.

Every Friday in October from 3-4pm ET, members are invited to call Samuel Zimmerman, Shudder’s head of programming, to discuss all things horror: from their favorite genre films of all time to the most highly anticipated horror releases of the year.  From those conversations, Sam will then use his horror expertise to offer customized viewing recommendations from Shudder’s expansive film collection.
 
Fans can call Sam at 914-481-2239 during Hotline Hours. (No calls will go through outside those hours.) 
 
**While recommendations are provided for free, please note that normal phone and long-distance charges may apply. Call volume is expected to be high, so please keep trying if a busy signal is received. There are no guarantees that every call will be answered, but Sam will get through as many as he can within the hour.*

September 1
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Driving through the Southwest on Halloween night, Charly (Sheri Moon Zombie) and her carny crew are attacked and brought to a factory where evil aristocrat Malcolm McDowell announces they’ll be hunted by a series of killer clowns, including the unstoppable Doom-Head (brilliant bad guy Richard Brake, aka the Night King on “Game of Thrones”). The deathmatch set-up has been a horror-fantasy staple from 1932's The Most Dangerous Game to The Huner Games, but in Rob Zombie’s blood-soaked hands, the subgenre naturally receives its most unrelentingly gruesome interpretation. Contains strong language, sexual scenes, violence, and gore.
 
The Devil’s Rejects 
After a raid on the rural home of the psychopathic Firefly family, two members of the clan, Otis (Bill Moseley) and Baby (Sheri Moon Zombie), manage to flee the scene. Heading to a remote desert motel, the killers reunite with Baby's father, Capt. Spaulding (Sid Haig), who is equally demented and intent on maintaining their murder spree. While the trio continues to torment and kill various victims, the vengeful Sheriff Wydell (William Forsythe) slowly closes in on them.
 
The Lords of Salem 
Heidi, a radio DJ from Salem, is plagued by bizarre nightmares of vengeful witches after playing a mysterious record by a group known as The Lords. When the record becomes a huge hit, Heidi and her colleagues receive tickets for the band’s next gig, but upon arrival find that the show goes beyond anything they could have imagined. From modern horror maestro, Rob Zombie, THE LORDS OF SALEM is an enigmatic and visually stunning take on the mythology of witches that blends a 1970s aesthetic with modern day counterculture to create a vivid, macabre horror. Contains strong language, sexual scenes, violence, and gore
 
Lady in White 
Nine-year-old Frankie lives in a small town with a deadly secret. For a decade, a serial child killer has eluded police, and the death toll continues to rise. Then, one night, Frankie gets locked in at his school as a prank and witnesses the ghost of the first victim being murdered. Now, aided by the girl's restless spirit, Frankie takes it upon himself to bring her assailant to justice. But in a town with no strangers, the killer may be closer than he knows! Alex Rocco also stars.
 
September 5
 
The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue
A strange twist of fate brings two young travelers, George, and Edna, to a small town where an experimental agricultural machine may be bringing the dead back to life! As zombies infest the area and attack the living, a bullheaded detective thinks the couple are Satanists responsible for the local killings. George and Edna must fight for their lives as they try and stop the impending zombie apocalypse!
 
September 6
 
Perfect Blue  
First time on streaming: Rising pop star Mima has quit singing to pursue a career as an actress and model, but her fans aren’t ready to see her go… Encouraged by her managers, Mima takes on a recurring role on a popular TV show, when suddenly her handlers and collaborators begin turning up murdered. Harboring feelings of guilt and haunted by visions of her former self, Mima’s reality and fantasy meld into a frenzied paranoia. As her stalker closes in, in person and online, the threat he poses is more real than even Mima knows, in this iconic psychological thriller that has frequently been hailed as one of the most important animated films of all time. PERFECT BLUE is the groundbreaking and rarely screened first film from the legendary animator Satoshi Kon (Paprika, Paranoia Agent).

Mind Game  
Loser Nishi, too wimpy to try to save his childhood sweetheart from gangsters, is shot in the butt by a soccer-playing psychopath, projecting Nishi into the afterlife. In this limbo, God – shown as a series of rapidly changing characters – tells him to walk toward the light.  But Nishi runs like hell in the other direction and returns to Earth a changed man, driven to live each moment to the fullest. First feature from award-winning animator Masaaki Yuasa.

Birdboy: The Forgotten Children  
Stranded on an island in a post-apocalyptic world, teenager Dinky and her friends hatch a dangerous plan to escape in the hope of finding a better life. Meanwhile, her old friend Birdboy has shut himself off from the world, pursued by the police and haunted by demon tormentors. But unbeknownst to anyone, he contains a secret inside him that could change the world forever. Based on a graphic novel and short film by co-director Alberto Vázquez (with Pedro Rivero) and winner of the Goya Award for Best Animated Feature.

Nocturna Side A: The Great Old Man’s Night  
Ulysses is a hundred-year-old man, battling for redemption on his last night on earth. Faced with imminent death, he is forced to rethink his past, his present and his take on reality.

Lifechanger  
Drew has an identity problem. Every few days, he has to shape-shift, or face a painful death. He has to find someone and make a copy. He takes everything: their looks, memories, hopes and dreams. Their entire life. He becomes them, and they die horribly. Lately, the changes are becoming more frequent. Facing his imminent death, Drew sets out on one final blood-soaked mission.
 
September 12
 
Extraordinary Tales    
Five of Edgar Allan Poe’s best-known stories are brought to vivid life in this visually stunning, heart-pounding animated anthology featuring some of the most beloved figures in horror film history.

September 19
 
Cemetery of Terror
On Halloween, a group of medical students steal the corpse a serial killer from a morgue and raise him from the dead, inadvertently putting themselves and a group of young neighborhood children in danger.

Grave Robbers
Teenagers accidentally resurrect a satanic killer who targets the local police captain's daughter to birth the antichrist.
 
September 26
 
Sole Survivor  
A lone survivor of a plane crash is haunted by a feeling unworthy of survival. Dead people start coming after her to collect her.

Trick or Treats
A babysitter is stuck watching over a young brat on Halloween night who keeps playing vicious pranks on her. To add to her trouble the boy's deranged father has escaped from an asylum and is planning on making a visit.

​One of the greatest things about taking road trips is finding some of the places you would never see in a big town. While it is great to hold up in a big-name hotel, there is something to be said about the old out of the way places, as they have so much character. Not knowing who might have stayed there in the past when a ghost town was thriving or what happened around the area when the highway was put in, there is so much history that goes along with these spots. But on the other side of this, there might be something much more sinister to the area’s past, something that nobody should see or hear about, so it is up to you if you want to stop there or move on to the big cities.
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Trying to run from what they just did; Jack and Mitch are covered in blood and exhausted and need to pull over. Stopping at the local diner, Jack heads into the bathroom to wash up a bit but says little to the woman working. Seeing that the man is troubled in one way or another, she gets to see him several more times as his truck continuously passes the diner. Seeing that they cannot escape the town, Mitch comes to terms that he will be punished by the demons that are chasing them and after seeing his friend have his soul ripped out, he returns to the hotel to find a place of comfort but is put into the same cycle and the demons hunting him are looking for one thing, his madness.

After a great show and a heavy night bender, Sadie, Kim and Ava wake up to the unforgiving sun. Packing up the van and hitting the road, they make a couple of stops to have some fun with the unusual area, but when their van gets a flat, they believe that they are s*it out of luck. Getting the only car, they have seen passing by to stop, the group is invited to their savior’s house to have dinner and they are given a promise that the couple’s boys will fix up the van in the morning. Sitting down for dinner with an interesting group of characters, Sadie takes notice that the prayer being said is something nightmarish. Not partaking in the meat dish that is laid out for them, Sadie becomes the victim of attacks by her friends that she cannot explain. As the night moves on, she finds the house is empty and tries to find out what happened to her friends, only to see that they have been welcomed into a macabre family.

Not keeping his eyes on the road while driving down the unnamed highway, Lucas looks up from his phone long enough to see a woman standing in the middle of the road. Smashing his car into Sadie, he is forced to try and call for help. Getting 911 on the line and telling them what happened, he is shocked when the dispatcher tells him to pick up the injured woman and bring her into town. Knowing that the woman will die if he does not, Lucas is able to locate a hospital in the otherwise dead town and brings the woman in. Not being able to locate anyone in the hospital, Lucas is told that he will need to perform the lifesaving surgery on the woman himself. Following the doctor’s orders on the other side of the phone, he winds up killing the woman. Hearing laughter on the other end of the phone, he tries to escape from the ghost town, but he will only be able to leave on one condition.

​Watching a car speed away, Sandy is ready to get her drink on in the local pub. Entering the establishment, she is getting upset that Al will not give her a drink until she shuts the door. Offering her fellow patron Warren, a beer if he will shut the door for her, the group is shocked when a man with a gun barges in. Trying to locate his sister, Danny has found that many people have gone missing over the years when they come to this town and is sure that she is one of them. Pulling Al out from behind the bar, Danny is in no mood to be messed with and wants to get to his sister now.
 
Arriving at the back of a store, Danny witnesses something strange as a door he cannot see is opened and his sister is inside. Telling her brother to just leave town before anything happens to him, Jesse does not want to leave. Being forced into the car by her brother, Jesse tries to convince him to just go, but he will not listen as his search has taken years and he will not leave without his prize. But, while trying to escape the town, Danny quickly finds out that there are much worse things that go bump in the night and his sister is not willing to try and stop them.
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Getting out of the bathroom and spotting a strange woman peering at her tattoo, Jem heads back to the diner to finish up with her parents. With a little rental for them to stay in, the family is ready to get away from the world for a little bit. But when a strange knocking comes at their door, they are shocked to see men with masks trying to get inside. Calling the cops and hearing that it will take half an hour before they can arrive, Daryl will have to do his best to keep his family safe. That only lasts so long however, as the parents, Daryl and Cait are captured by the intruders. Knowing the men that are keeping them captive, Daryl tries to work out a compromise, but is forced to watch his wife get killed before his very eyes. Trying to distract the masked men from her parents, Jem is able to get outside and flash some light on what is happening. Getting the attention of the attackers and being told to leave the area, she will force their hand when she is not willing to leave her parents to die without a fight.

Anthology horror movies are great, especially when they all tie in together like Southbound does. With all of these stories taking place along an unnamed highway, I will always be making sure that the roads I drive have names. It is hard to pick which one of the stories I liked best as they are all great and have a purpose to the overall storyline and I must admit that how the killers in the final segment bring this story around full circle is just brilliant. With some demons, killers, Satanists, medicine, an operation, a tattoo artist, some poor skin care, a desert and a patch of highway that should never be driven, there is some greatness being shown by a terrific cast and crew. And if you are worried about not getting the scares in, there is plenty of blood all the way around, even an exploding head. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 308 of ‘Motherland: Fort Salem’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are few things more terrifying than when it appears that everything in the world or in our lives… is spiraling out of control. For when we reach that moment, fear rules the day. Because we simply don’t know what is to come next or how we stop the chaos that appears to be growing by the minute. Which means that often times, all we can do when this happens… is sit back and wait in awful anticipation for a hero to emerge, or for an opportunity to defuse the situation at hand and thankfully, that happens more often than not. Since we either figure a way stop our personal madness or someone steps up and plays quite the hero and well, this scenario and how it ends is top of mind today, because it was the focus of last night’s episode of Motherland: Fort Salem on Freeform. For when we catch up with everyone in ‘Petra’s Favorite Pen’, the situation in the world was still quite grim.

After all, the First Song remained lost to the winds of time, and General Petra Bellweather was taking all kinds of heat from the President of the United States regarding the slow nature of the war and well… that just brought forth all kinds of tension and desperate acts. Such as what Alder and Tally took part in. Since they outright traveled to the place where Sarah believed they could garner some kind of knowledge of the First Song; an ice cavern with a preserved witch that was both hostile and scared in meeting both of them. To the point where Tally had to trade her sight for the power of the song and sadly, such a move came at quite the price. For the unit was in the dark regarding what could happen come tomorrow and it would seem, they lost Alder again since she didn’t make it out of the cavern. 

Not to mention, lines were crossed, and lives were lost in this tale as part of the spoils of war. Since the Bellweather Unit was forced to watch good witches die at the hands of the Camarilla since they were considered to be expendable in the moment. Plus, Petra was forced to put herself and her army in danger by putting down Colonel Jarrett for his desire to flex his muscles in a manner that was woefully inappropriate and of course, the Unit was also forced to put themselves in danger for all the right reasons when they invaded ‘The Slaughterhouse’ to rescue Scylla from a horrible fate. If anything, all of these plot threads spoke to a story mired in chaos. Where the situation was spiraling out of control despite everyone’s best efforts to try and keep the peace and well… that inspired the opportunity mentioned before.

In that, Abigail came to realize that what this war needed were heroes. The kind that could stand apart from the quagmire of this conflict and bring peace at a moment where it seemed all-out chaos waited on the horizon. Who could also speak truth and expose the horrors of this conflict and well, Abigail came to understand her unit could be those heroes. For they were what POTUS wanted, and they were only a sliver of the whole, and this kind of sacrifice could inspire others to rise up for what was right and stand with the Army over President Silver’s lackeys and that’s why she asked her friends… her family… to join her in surrendering. Simply because it would stop the fighting and keep the Cession safe before things spiraled into all-out war, and of course… it would show the world that witches weren’t evil, but brave and understanding of the bigger picture and well… that was a powerful way to end this tale.

Since it really did thrust this unit into a new light. For now, they are the heroes they wanted to be, and now they can do some real good at a time when evil rules the day and this was quite frankly, a brilliant twist to inject into this tale. Because it removes the specter of war from a weary and worried nation, and it changes the narrative for the end of this series. Because just like that, this show isn’t barreling toward gory conflict and ultra-violence. Instead, this move makes it clear that our heroes are going to do their best to find a better way to end this nightmare, one that will inspire generations to work toward peace over conflict and that its going to make for a powerful ending, one that will be supremely relevant in this moment. Until next time.  

Often times, stories that revolve around revenge… slip into some pretty standard territory when the time comes for our hero to exact their vendetta upon their target. In that, action and violence rule the day as the hero rips the last vestiges of the villain’s forces to shreds as they push to finally face the person or persons that hurt them, and properly make them pay for inflicting such pain and well… that formula if you will, is the standard for one simple reason. For it is incredibly impactful and crowd-pleasing. Since it gives the audience what they want and wows those same viewers/readers every step of the way. But now and again, you run into an action story that looks to shake up how the revenge plot plays out, often times with fascinating results.
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Since a re-jigging of the formula allows for fascinating elements to be explored and it just so happens that for its season finale, The Terminal List on Prime Video… did just that. For this is a story that should have ended with Lieutenant Commander James Reece blasting away at Secretary of Defense Lorraine Hartley. But instead ‘Reclamation’ took the final showdown between Reece and Hartley in a vastly different direction, one that allowed for the viewer to come to understand SECDEF’s line of thinking. A feat that this story accomplished by having Kelly join Hartley at her island getaway, where she could tell her side of the story and help everyone to understand that she wasn’t the villain, but a genuine hero here that made some tough and unfortunate calls.

For she really did believe that she was trying to do Reece and his men a favor by wiping away bad memories that haunted them for ages on end. When in fact, she was giving them a death sentence. Which motivated Kelly, to really find a way to point out to the Secretary of Defense that she was in the wrong and help her to understand the hell she unleashed upon the world, and through some clever writing… she was able to do just that, and really… this was quite the inventive sequence for certain. Since it added a level of humanity to a plot that could have leaned into something hollow, for it reminded us that sometimes the villain really does think they are the hero and are simply misguided over evil. But before Hartley really could ponder on her actions and atone for them, James Reece came calling.

Because he was indeed hell bent on finishing the mission, and his arrival here more or less brought forth some more traditional elements. Since he and Ben unleashed hell with their weapons and laid waste to Hartley’s private detail before another pair of twists came into play. Such as the fact that Secretary Hartley, when faced with the horror of her actions… took her own life rather than let Reece have another dark end on his hands, ending the fight for a time and seemingly giving Reece the ending, he has been searching for. But sometime after the dust settled from this fight, and the accountability was coming into play… one last secret was revealed to James. In that, Ben was the other mystery benefactor of this trial, and fought alongside Reece to heal his conscience over his actions. Which meant… that James had one last person on his list, and followed his own edict to a tee, leaving him alone and at sea and facing a future unknown. Since we don’t know if he received treatment for his tumor.

But what matters more, is that in Reece’s mind, the work is now done, and it truly was quite the pyrrhic victory for him. Because Reece lost everything in his quest for revenge and that made for one bleak ending. One where only the hero found satisfaction in getting what he wanted and well… the show deserves a round of applause for giving us such a raw and visceral ending to this quest. Because normally there is some kind of catharsis for the audience, but having Hartley opt out for realizing she’s the villain and having Ben hide his lies… leaves one unfilled but that is of course, the point. For revenge offers us nothing in the end but scorched earth and emptiness and that’s precisely what Reece found at the end of his quest to honor the wife and child that the foolish deprived him of.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Dead Zone’.
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Alright B-tastic horror fans… I’ve returned for another review from US Army Veteran and Colorado filmmaker Hank Braxtan (PhotonicMedia). Previously, I took a look at the fun local scenery filled film Dragon Soldiers (Lionsgate Home Entertainment; 2020). I was drawn to the movie after my son Tommy – an Animation, Film, Photography and Motion Design major at Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction, CO) – took part in a benefit premiere at the Avalon Theatre in downtown Grand Junction. NICE!! Today, I’d like to discuss Hank’s latest creature feature release  – Dead Zone (Tubi Originals; July 2022) currently streaming now – for free!! And this time, I get to brag that for his first major motion picture release, Tommy was part of the production crew and assisted on a few special effects. WOOT!!
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Filmed predominantly in downtown Grand Junction (HECK YEAH!!), Dead Zone brings the viewer into a post-apocalyptic setting where “Spontaneous viral outbreaks have overwhelmed the world” and radioactive bombs have been used to exterminate the infected leaving Dead Zones in their wake (opening sequence). Ooooo!! Let’s discuss.

We begin with a pair cloaked head-to-toe in radiation gear as they make their way through the town at night. Including crossing through the parking lot of the fictitious Hankey’s Auto Body where the sign reads: “A BIT OF HANK IN EVERY TANK.” LOL… nice one Hank!! Unfortunately, an attack by an unseen creature wipes them out. A lone survivor flees as the title card appears. Nice opener!!

Ever the fan of aerial shots, we pick up in the light of day with some helicopters as they fly into the local makeshift air base – AKA the Grand Junction Airport. As our main characters are introduced, we see the return of some of Braxtan’s previous collaborators. Including Tarkan Dospil as Danner and Antuone Torbert who plays Ton. Both of whom, I loved in Dragon Soldiers by the way. We’re also introduced to Chad Michael Collins as Ajax and the squadron leader Boss, played by Michael Jai White. Personal side note: I LOVE Spawn who Jai White portrays in the comic (Todd McFarlane; Image Comics) to film adaptation (New Line Cinema; 1997). And during the filming of Dead Zone, my son brought my Spawn comic #1 to set and had Jai White personally autograph it to me!! *HELLS YEAH!!* Ok… back in the Zone! *WINK*

It seems the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) contracted a small lab inside the city to develop a vaccine against the outbreak with promising results. However, per the norm in any outbreak narrative (LOL!), the town was overrun and had to be Dead Zoned! Our guys are tasked with retrieving the vaccine prototype while avoiding the infected who survived the blast. As a caveat, the radiation has enhanced the threat in more ways than one. Not only is the air unbreathable, but the infected are, as the Commander (Jeff Fahey) explains: “faster and more aggressive,” as well as, silent (WTF!!). Plus, our team will go up against something they’ve never dealt with. Queue dark tingly music here… lol!

Armed with newly developed untested (*RAISED EYEBROW*) yet more sophisticated and adaptable AI gear, the team look like stealth military first person shooter video game characters. This is enhanced by in helmet head shots throughout the film. Accomplishing multiple tasks, this point of view (POV) gives insight to the AI tech used (NICE!!) and allows the viewer to see stats on the user and their surrounding environment. And finally, since the actors are under cover the majority of the flick, this POV serves as way to keep the audience connected to the characters. Even better, several of the call names used, such as Master Chief, Ironsides and Archangel are taken from video game franchises. *VERY COOL*
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Even though the film takes place in just one town, the overall feel is ominous since imagining a worldwide outbreak where multiple areas have become radiated Dead Zones, is pretty creepy. Not the mention the infected, which they refer to as runners, move at a 28 Days Later (Fox Searchlight Pictures; 2003) like pace. YIKES!! That’s always scarier than the traditional moaning and scraping zombie-like character, no!?!

Unsurprisingly, the formula is similar to what we’ve seen in the zombie world. Get the cure and stay alive, right? But there are a few extra touches that make the film unique in its own right. One of which? The lone survivor Goodman – a local resident – played by Whitney Nielsen is great with her: “I survived this long,” no nonsense attitude. Plus, I also enjoyed the early dynamic of the crew, the vaccine twist and how they win in the end. Additionally, the tech is really cool and Jai White’s voice, as well as the rest of the crew, bodes well from behind the mask. Distinct for sure!! And par for the course for Braxtan, there are also lots of military references like frogman and “never out of the fight,” along with a great portrayal of brotherhood camaraderie. We also get a darn good explanation from the Commander of why a stealth team versus a full military assault is the best option. But… canaries? Yikes!! *LOL* In short. By the time our guys head in, roles and bonds are established and the mission is clear. NICE!!

The monster sounds are compelling as well. A Predator (20th Century Studios; 1987) like ticking precedes its presence on most occasions which is pretty cool. As for the creature itself? Well, we never actually discover where the outbreak started or comes from, so my mind went wild with possibilities… LOL!! Ultimately, I decided that explaining too much could shift views and being dropped into the chaos not knowing was better in the long run. Though, it’s probable the creature is a radiated, mutated infected human, I happily pondered on patient zero, an alien virus, male vs. female, and more. I didn’t get an answer. And more importantly, I didn’t need one. Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough shots of the beast itself for my liking. Most are obscured by shadows, distance and fast camera shots. Regardless, though more gruesome practical effects would’ve made things even better, the main feature ends up being an extended tentacle-like tongue that I actually still really liked. Finally, I absolutely loved seeing shots of the town I live in and it’s clear that Braxtan takes care with his camera angles. And though the final product yields scenes that are a bit dark overall, the film is still very enjoyable B-tastic fun. Check it out!

Until next time!