Written by John Edward Betancourt  Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon in ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’. (Photo Courtesy of Emmanuel Guimier/AMC.) This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
If there is one thing that every fan from every fandom is eager to experience, it would have to be… seeing the show or the movie they love, well before the premiere date. Simply because there’s something special about being able to be the first to see a story that one deeply loves, and it really does make a fan feel appreciated and well… that is likely why we are starting to see more fan screenings and events pop up ahead of release dates. To offer that wondrous feeling and fulfill that wish and it just so happens, that AMC Networks is about to make some fans of The Walking Dead Universe quite happy. For they will be hosting a multi-city set of Fan Screenings of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, ahead of the show’s series premiere on September 10, 2023, and well… since you’re undoubtedly reading this because you’re eager to know more about these screenings and where they are located, let’s not waste any more time. So, here are all the details on this advance look at Daryl Dixon’s new chapter in the TWDU, alongside some information regarding a pretty epic contest… as we inch closer to the arrival of this highly anticipated series. ‘AMC Networks announced today a series of multi-city fan screenings ahead of the upcoming premiere of the next series in The Walking Dead Universe, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, starring fan-favorite Norman Reedus. Working with partners at BeyondFest, Alamo Drafthouse and Rooftop Films, the advanced screenings will take place Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday, September 6 in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Austin. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon premieres Sunday, September 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on AMC and AMC+. Advance fan screening details and ticketing information details are below:
Additionally, AMC Networks has launched a national sweepstakes in celebration of the series’ premiere where five lucky winners and their guests will win the trip of a lifetime to France, where Daryl was filmed. On this trip, winners will be able to explore iconic destinations and scenic inspirations for the series.As part of this sweepstakes, AMC is partnering with Condé Nast Traveler which will promote the sweepstakes, and curate a custom itinerary for the attendees, including must-see destinations and sights in France. Winners will be chosen on September 12 with the trip taking place in October. To enter the Sweeps: https://amcdaryldixonsweepstakes.com/ For More Information: https://creativehub.amcnetworks.com/Share/48xe0ou7p01db8k727446lv68ho708kl?FR_=1&W=1431&H=706 The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon follows Daryl’s (Reedus) journey across a broken but resilient France as he hopes to find a way back home after he washes ashore in France and struggles to piece together how he got there and why. As he makes the journey, the connections he forms along the way complicate his ultimate plan. The series stars Reedus, Clémence Poésy, Adam Nagaitis, Anne Charrier, Eriq Ebouaney, Laika Blanc Francard, Romain Levi and Louis Puech Scigliuzzi and is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Showrunner David Zabel, Reedus, Greg Nicotero, Angela Kang, Brian Bockrath, Daniel Percival and Jason Richman. About AMC Networks 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.’
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Written by John Edward Betancourt  Gayle Rankin as Ruthie Nodd in Stewart Thorndike's BAD THINGS. Photo Courtesy of Shudder. A Shudder Release.
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.
One particular belief that everyone shares in, is that bad and ugly moments and tough times, are simply a part of the human condition… and they serve a purpose. For the wicked of the world, they’re nothing more than a reminder that karma is a thing, and hopefully bad people learn that when dark times descend upon them. But for the just of the world, those with good hearts... bad times are nothing more than a lesson, or a challenge. Something designed to teach us something about ourselves and help us to grow if we are willing to see the lesson in front of us and well… there’s some merit to that line of thinking, since we can indeed grow from dark days and karma is indeed satisfying to see come into play. But while that does bring us a strange sense of comfort when comes to bad times… that really isn’t how they work. For they are not some sort of universal surprise, or some sort of pre-ordained lesson. There tends to be a rhyme and a reason to the tough things that come our way. For our world is grounded in causality and anything that is a genuine surprise extends beyond that. But what we really don’t consider regarding tough times, is the sheer fact that a lot of what we lament and need to learn from… is of our own volition. For bad behaviors on our part can impart and attract problems and tough times, and not taking the time to face our traumas and our pain can bring sour days our way as well. Which means more often than not, we are in charge of what bad things are present in our lives, and thankfully, we tend to learn that reality later in life when we begin to recognize causality and how it really works. But while a vast majority of folks embrace this as they age, not everyone does and that does tend to leave us wondering… what will become of them. Because if they’re unwilling to let go of that which plagues them and creates their difficult days… it is only a matter of time before their behavior overwhelms them and puts them in a scary spot, and well… one fine place to ponder upon that is through fiction. That safe space where anything can happen, and it just so happens that a new horror feature on Shudder explores those possibilities. A feat that Bad Things accomplishes by introducing us to a woman named Ruthie, and her girlfriend Cal, and her friend Maddie, and Ruthie’s former lover, Fran. And when we catch up with them here, they’ve all gathered at a remote hotel that has been left to Ruthie, to have a good time and reconnect, and to help Ruthie decide as to whether or not to sell the place. But it doesn’t take long for these four ladies to come to understand that this isolated stay will bring forth bad times and great trouble. For there is something sinister lurking within the walls of this ancient hotel. 
Which is at first glance, a plot that seems grounded more so in classic ghost story tropes and homages to The Shining over a story about the horrors of the human psyche and how our inability to set our lives right can bring about pain and suffering, and there’s a lot of merit to that line of thinking. After all, there are apparitions to be found in this story that appear at random and offer nothing but creepy moments. Not to mention, there are a lot of visuals here that are supremely Kubrick in nature. To the point where even this classic and abandoned hotel, one filled with four people in winter no less, resembles the Overlook Hotel with its unique color designs. But as this story continues along, and we settle into the hotel alongside these friends, does it become clear that what truly haunts this hotel, are the ghosts we lock away in our psyche.
Because the vast majority of the characters here, harbor a lot of negative traits and have taken part in some supremely negative acts that have brought pain to one another and to themselves. Not to mention, Ruthie has a lot of skeletons in her closet, enough to fill the hotel itself and well… the longer these four women are together, the more the lesson at hand becomes clear. For they begin to impart ugliness upon one another, and their worst traits are made apparent in the silence. For they haven’t dealt with their pain or their trauma, they’ve just forged ahead and either taken it out on upon each other or put it out into the world to invite the darkness, and bad times and bad things, and that leads to a harrowing finale. One that shocks and stuns and truly helps us to understand that if left unchecked and truly encouraged, bad things would flow and bring about great suffering and pain. All of which brings forth, a supremely bleak horror film. One that does an incredible deep dive into the subject matter. For it holds nothing back in its examination and that leads to a supremely uncomfortable story, one that features characters that can be supremely sour in nature and moments that don’t offer hope for growth, just more ugliness and more fury, and while some may lament that, it is in fact… a stroke of genius. For a film eager to explore the darkest recesses of who we are and how we bring trouble upon ourselves, cannot hold anything back in its exploration, and it must put the worst parts of us on display. Not to punish, but to really help us to understand the power of causality and how we truly carve out our own fate, and that subtext, and the powerful visuals and moments that accompany it, makes this a necessary watch. To remind us to stay the course when we’re trying to heal, so we don’t let the ugly stuff take over, and to help those who haven’t learned about the consequences of our actions, start the healing process. Watch ‘Bad Things’
Written by John Edward Betancourt  Key Art from ‘Creepshow’ Courtesy of Shudder.
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Truly, there are few horror franchises out there as storied and as special as Creepshow. Simply because this is a franchise that was born from the minds of two horror titans, Stephen King and George A. Romero, and their fine work in creating five tales of terror gave life to a powerful legacy for the series. One that included a cult classic sequel, a blip, and an extension of the franchise through a television series on Shudder. The latter of which, just so happens to be helmed by Greg Nicotero, one of the men responsible for the effects in Creepshow 2 and he also happens to be one of the biggest names in horror. Courtesy of his work in countless franchises, including The Walking Dead. All of which has helped to enrich the majesty of the series and has given rise to powerful stories from the show. The kind that rivals or exceeds what came before, because of the care that goes into the show. But alas, it has sadly been a little while since we’ve enjoyed more of this majestic series. But the good news is, it won’t be much longer now before we get to enjoy more tales from the terror from this universe. For earlier today, Shudder (and the Creep) was kind enough to bestow a bevy of ghoulish gifts upon the fans of this franchise. For they revealed that the show will be returning for its fourth season on October 13, 2023, and as an added bonus, Shudder also released a trailer, details and key art to support this announcement and to give the loyal fans of this storied saga, everything they need to prepare themselves for another season of quality and scary storytelling from this iconic franchise. ‘Shudder released today the premiere date, trailer and key art for the fourth season of Creepshow, the hit horror anthology series executive produced by showrunner Greg Nicotero. Creepshow season four will debut on Shudder, AMC+ and AMC on Friday, October 13th with a six-episode binge premiere on Shudder and AMC+ and new episodes airing weekly at 10:00 pm ET/9c on AMC linear. Based on George A. Romero’s iconic 1982 horror-comedy classic, Creepshow is still the most fun you’ll ever have being scared. A comic book comes to life in a series of vignettes, exploring terrors ranging from murder, creatures, monsters, and delusions to the supernatural and unexplainable. You never know what will be on the next page… Creepshow is produced by the Cartel with Monster Agency Productions, Taurus Entertainment, and Striker Entertainment: Stan Spry, Jeff Holland, and Eric Woods are executive producers and Geoff Silverman and Anthony Fankhauser are co-executive producers for the Cartel; Nicotero and Brian Witten are executive producers and Julia Hobgood is a co-executive producer for Monster Agency Productions; Robert Dudelson, James Dudelson and Jordan Kizwani are executive producers for Taurus Entertainment; Russell Binder is executive producer for Striker Entertainment; Steven St. Arnaud is also a producer. About AMC Networks 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 Cartel Founded in 2011 by partners Stan Spry and Jeff Holland, Cartel is a feature film and television production, distribution, financing and management company representing top-tier show runners, show creators, writers, directors, producers and production companies in film, TV and new media. Cartel has also produced more than 175 movie and television productions since inception, including the hit series Creepshow for Shudder/AMC which is going into season 4, the animated series Twelve Forever for Netflix, and Universal/Syfy series Day of the Dead. Cartel previously produced the series Ties That Bind for Up TV, and A Place in the Sun for Discovery as well as several recent feature films, including the hit feature Christmas With the Campbells alongside of Vince Vaughn, Monsters of California with Blink-182 front man Tom DeLonge, Jeepers Creepers 3, Guns Girls & Gambling staring Academy-Award Winner Gary Oldman, and dozens of streaming and TV movies for platforms such as Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Tubi, Hallmark and Lifetime to name a few. Some of Cartel’s upcoming projects include the animated series Breaking Bear for Tubi, Safehaven for Crackle+ as well as the feature films Prom for Village Roadshow, Tu’a for Disney+, and The Distance from me to You for New Line starring Sabrina Carpenter. Cartel has also sold several hundred projects to every network and studio in the television and film business. In 2013, Cartel purchased and renovated Tamarind Lithography Studios, which is their Los Angeles headquarters, as well as a full-service production and post-production complex. Cartel also has offices in London, England, Las Vegas, USA, Vancouver, Canada and Winnipeg, Canada. About Monster Agency Productions Monster Agency Productions is the television and film company of THE WALKING DEAD’s EP/Director Greg Nicotero. For the past 14 years, Nicotero directed nearly 40 episodes of the acclaimed series and is now EP/Director on the highly anticipated AMC series “DARYL DIXON” starring Norman Reedus, set to premiere in September. In 2019, Nicotero created the horror anthology series CREEPSHOW, based on the 1981 Stephen King/George Romero genre hit. The series showcases up-and-coming writers and directors in a unique format that pays tribute to Romero’s legacy. Nicotero has served as showrunner and director for CREEPSHOW, with season four premiering this fall on AMC+ and SHUDDER. The series was an instant hit and helped draw more than a million subscribers to its platforms. Alongside his head of television/film Brian Witten (Producer of such films as: THE WEDDING SINGER, SPAWN, FINAL DESTINATION and DARK CITY), the duo launched the highly successful Eisner-nominated CREEPSHOW comic book with SkyBound Entertainment, which is about to release its second volume of new material. Monster Agency Productions recently partnered with Shane Black (LETHAL WEAPON/IRON MAN) and AMC to develop John Maxim’s popular BANNERMAN spy book series for development. On the feature film side, they’ve partnered with Jimmy Miller and Mosaic Entertainment (STEP BROTHERS/GET SMART) to develop a biopic about the making of George Romero’s classic NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD as well as a reimagining of F. Paul Wilson classic NY times best-selling horror novel THE KEEP.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt Key Art for ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’ Courtesy of AMC Networks.
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Something that is genuinely fascinating about The Walking Dead Universe, is that its shows, explore something deeper about the human condition. For instance, the flagship series, pondered upon whether or not we were a species worth saving. While Fear the Walking Dead has toyed around with how difficult it can be to be decent in an indecent time. Whereas World Beyond explored the importance of sticking to our moral core in trying times and Dead City examined the difficulties of overcoming deep rooted trauma in its first season. Not to mention, Tales of the Walking Dead pondered upon what drives everyday people to evil and what we need to value in trying times. Which has us wondering… exactly what theme and concept regarding the human condition The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon is going to examine. For thus far, we’ve only seen bits and pieces that reflect Daryl’s physical journey in the show and well, it would seem that the time is now to learn what we are going to learn from this highly anticipated series. For earlier today, AMC Networks released Key Art, and a new teaser for the show that speak to a series focused on finding hope in our darkest hour and well, to give you an idea of how hard the show is going to lean into that, here is that new art, updated details on the series, and that teaser for all of you to enjoy, courtesy of AMC Networks. ‘AMC Networks released today the key art and a new teaser for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, starring Norman Reedus. The highly anticipated new series in the Walking Dead Universe will premiere Sunday, September 10 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC and AMC+. In The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Daryl (Reedus) washes ashore in France and struggles to piece together how he got there and why. The series tracks his journey across a broken but resilient France as he hopes to find a way back home. As he makes the journey, though, the connections he forms along the way complicate his ultimate plan. In addition to Reedus, the series stars Clémence Poésy, Adam Nagaitis, Anne Charrier, Eriq Ebouaney, Laika Blanc Francard, Romain Levi and Louis Puech Scigliuzzi and is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Showrunner David Zabel, Reedus, Greg Nicotero, Angela Kang, Brian Bockrath, Daniel Percival and Jason Richman.’
Written by John Edward Betancourt CHUCKY -- “He Is Risen Indeed” Episode 206 -- Pictured in this screengrab: Chucky -- (Photo by: SYFY)
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
It is definitely safe to say that Halloween has become a true event holiday. To the point where people now begin to make preparations on what to watch when the season arrives and what to wear for the various parties that lie ahead… in the summer. Simply because horror is mainstream now and everyone enjoys celebrating it, and the sheer anticipation for the holiday is motivating that early preparation, and even television networks are getting in on the fun. By making announcements for horror stories to come in the summer as well, as evidenced by today’s announcement. For earlier today, SYFY let it be known that two of their beloved horror shows will be returning to the airwaves on October 4th, and well… it’s a couple of great ones for sure. For the wildly popular Chucky will debut its third season that night at 9 p.m. EST/PST on USA and SYFY (and the premiere will be streaming on Peacock the next day, along with the rest of season three after new episodes premiere on Wednesdays), and it will be followed at 10 p.m. EST/PST by the season two premiere of SurrealEstate, and well… that is a fantastic way to help people plan what to watch since they can pencil these shows into their viewing schedule now, and what’s amazing… is that this news was followed by several gifts. Since SYFY also released a press conference featuring Chucky, wherein he discusses season three, and they even offered up a fun little text line where you can chat with Chucky and support the new season just by texting 201-500-3347, and we also received a trailer for season two of SurrealEstate. And since you’re eager to learn more about what these new seasons are going to look like… here is that press conference and the trailer for season two of SurrealEstate, courtesy of SYFY, to help you prepare yourself for what is shaping up to be one incredible Halloween. To catch up on previous episodes of ‘Chucky’ and ‘SurrealEstate’ visit Peacock and Hulu. Links below. ‘Chucky’ Season 3 Press Conference
SurrealEstate’ Season 2 TrailerWatch ‘Chucky’
Watch ‘SurrealEstate’
Written by John Edward Betancourt  All Photos from Season 2 of ‘Shining Vale’ Courtesy of STARZ. This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist. Truly one of the most refreshing shows to hit the airwaves in recent years, is Shining Vale on STARZ. In large part because the show treats the audience to quite the unique structure. One that allows for comedy to be intermixed with hardcore horror elements, and the wonder of the ghost story. Concepts that when blended together provide the audience with a compelling and engaging, and downright creepy story. But of course… the wonder of this story goes well beyond the unique structure it harbors. After all, it is also a magnificent tribute to the horror genre, and the story is top notch. In fact, the magnificent cliffhanger the series left us with, left us hungry for more. To see what will become of Pat and the revelations presented to us, and while STARZ did indeed renew the show for a second season, that need for more has only grown. For we’ve yet to see any details or images from that upcoming second season. But at last, our long and painful wait for more came to an end today. For STARZ released some first look photos for season two, and they dropped the perfect release date, and since you’re eager to have your first real sampling of year two of this show, here are all those ghoulish delights for you to enjoy, courtesy of STARZ. ‘STARZ announced today that the horror comedy “Shining Vale,” starring Emmy Award® nominee Courteney Cox (“Friends,” “Cougar Town”), Academy Award® nominee and Emmy Award® winner Greg Kinnear (As Good as It Gets, “The Kennedys”) and Academy Award® winner Mira Sorvino (“Hollywood,” “The Expecting”), will return for season two on Friday, October 13th. New first-look photos tease the return to “Shining Vale” where Pat (Cox) and Terry (Kinnear) Phelps struggle with reconnecting their broken family, mental illness, menopause, and trauma, as their Connecticut home continues to reveal more of its haunted past. In season two, the Phelps must battle their demons both internally… and externally. Something is lurking in the shadows in “Shining Vale,” and it's more than just Rosemary (Sorvino). In addition to Cox, Kinnear and Sorvino, “Shining Vale” also stars Gus Birney (“Dickinson”), Merrin Dungey (“Big Little Lies,” “The Resident”), and Dylan Gage (“PEN15”), and features Emmy Award® nominees Judith Light (“Poker Face”), Allison Tolman (“Gaslit,” “Why Women Kill”) and Sherilyn Fenn (“Twin Peaks”). “Shining Vale” season two is set to premiere on Friday, October 13th, at midnight ET on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and on LIONSGATE+ streaming platform in the U.K. and Ireland. On linear, it will debut on STARZ on Friday, October 13th, at 9PM ET/PT in the U.S. and Canada. New episodes will be available to stream weekly on Fridays at midnight on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms and will air weekly on the STARZ linear platform. To further celebrate spooky season, STARZ will be the exclusive horror-home to The Blackening, The Hills Have Eyes 2, Prey for the Devil, Black Friday, The Craft: Legacy, The Grudge (2020), The Strangers: Prey at Night and home to the iconic horror films: Scream 4, Leprechaun, Zombieland: Double Tap, the Saw Franchise and many others, that are sure to put you in the Halloween spirit! “Shining Vale” is executive produced by Jeff Astrof (“Trial and Error”) from Other Shoe Productions, Sharon Horgan and Clelia Mountford (“Bad Sisters,” “Motherland”) from Merman, and Aaron Kaplan (“The Chi,” “The Neighborhood”) and Melanie Frankel from Kapital Entertainment. Courteney Cox also serves as a producer. The series is co-created by Astrof and Horgan. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Lionsgate Television in association with Other Shoe Productions, Merman and Kapital Entertainment. About “Shining Vale” Season one of “Shining Vale” introduced Pat and Terry Phelps, a dysfunctional family that tried to run from their problems by moving their kids into a Victorian mansion in small-town Connecticut. The only problem? It may be haunted. Once settled in, Pat encountered Rosemary, a demon who possessed her body and turned her life upside down. When the family steps in to “save” Pat, they commit her to a psychiatric hospital where she sees an old photo of a nurse who looks just like her demon Rosemary. Season two kicks off four months later, when Pat’s insurance runs out and she is released from the psychiatric hospital early. Pat returns home, determined to pick up the pieces of her broken family, but she quickly finds out her children don’t need her, Terry doesn’t remember her and to make matters worse, Pat’s new neighbor Ruth looks exactly like Rosemary. Meanwhile, the house starts to reveal the shocking secrets of its dark past. Every mother feels like they live in an insane asylum, but Pat may be right! “Shining Vale” Online Twitter: @ShiningVale | @STARZ Instagram: @ShiningValeSTARZ | @STARZ Facebook: @ShiningValeSTARZ | @STARZ Join the conversation with #ShiningVale and #STARZ About STARZ STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. In 2018, STARZ launched its international premium streaming platform STARZPLAY, now LIONSGATE+, to provide subscribers access to bold, curated storytelling. LIONSGATE+, coupled with the STARZPLAY ARABIA joint venture in MENA and Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia, has a footprint that extends across the globe. STARZ and LIONSGATE+ are available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies around the world. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company. About Warner Bros. Television One of the entertainment industry’s most-respected providers of original programming since its founding in 1955, Warner Bros. Television delivers scripted dramas, comedies, limited series, and original movies for multiple platforms. As of August 2023, WBTV is producing nearly 50 scripted projects for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max, external streaming platforms, cable, and the five U.S. broadcast networks. About Lionsgate Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations aligned with the STARZ premium global subscription platform to bring a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company's film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by an 18,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt Still from ‘The Communion Girl’ Courtesy of Shudder.
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Communion Girl’. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the film being covered here wouldn’t exist.
There was a time when the church was viewed as something pure and wholesome and understandably so. After all, in the United States of America, it was an institution and part of everyday life. Wherein Americans would start their week off within its walls offering praise and worship, followed by grand meals and other activities at the church throughout the week. For it truly was designed to be something communal and positive in nature. Where people could find meaning within faith and help that faith grow in others. But it would seem that those days are long gone in America and in the world as well… courtesy of some hard truths. In that, the church transformed from a place of humility and servitude to a place of toxicity. Where the trust given to the men of the cloth that spoke the word of God was violated and abused, and what was once place of love and learning in regard to the Bible… transformed into a world of hate. Where close mindedness now rules the day and where not all are welcome, unless of course they have money to fuel the greed of pastors that believe a church to rival an NFL stadium is the only way to worship. And well, the truths about the church are rocking our world and prompting people to leave it behind in droves, and… it is even motivating creatives to finally speak out about the ugliness of the church and its impact upon lives in storytelling. As evidenced by a brand-new horror film on Shudder entitled, The Communion Girl. For this is a story about a teenager named Sara who is doing her best to just live life to the fullest, and she is in fact, a good person. For she attends church often, obeys her father and mother as best she can, and is even friends with someone that could be considered to be the town misfit in this new place she calls home. But it doesn’t take long for Sara’s world to come crashing down. In part because of the company she keeps, since the townsfolk cannot handle such open-mindedness and kindness, but also because… she is in possession of a Communion Girl doll that comes with spiritual baggage. For it once belonged to a young girl that went missing, and strange things begin to occur once it reaches Sara’s home. The kind of events that leave her concerned that something evil has awakened in this town, and well… those concerns are justified. For a spirit is indeed following Sara and her friends and the only way they can be free of it… is to find the girl and lay her soul to rest. 
Which is a plot that first glance seems to be nothing more than a derivative ghost story, and there’s merit to that. After all, we’ve seen countless horror films about ghosts that are crying out for help to be laid to rest or use vengeance to try and obtain peace. But once we get deeper into the story and observe the powerful imagery and subtle moments on display, does it become clear that this story has a lot of criticism to offer regarding the church. Such as how it is supremely judgmental and closed off from the rest of world. As evidenced by how its members are quick to judge Sara and her friends for just being teenagers and question their every decision as ones that are unwholesome and sinful in nature. Not to mention, the movie often explores the generational trauma the church has created, as evidenced by how Sara’s dad treats her in the name of morals of the church, and how he expects her to obey under concern of grave punishment, as was passed onto him by the church.
Yet, its commentary on how troublesome the church has become, and its negative impact goes far deeper than just pointing out its judgmental and abusive ways. For this is a story that touches upon the silent abuse that the church sanctioned in the name of maintaining its image. Courtesy of the priest in this town that goes the extra mile to hide that anything bad in this town happened. And of course… a missing child who disappeared during Communion and has suffered greatly for ages from a spiritual perspective speaks to that abuse and speaks to the long term impact of how the church wounds individuals and how those wounds are lasting and powerful, even after folks leave it behind. For the darkness that endures within its walls has taken root and made it rotten and those elements all make for a powerful story that gives one pause. However, we would be foolish to not point out, that the darkness in this film extends beyond its bleak commentary. For this is still a horror movie at heart, and a ghost story at that, which means the audience is privy to some solid scares. The kind that are quite gothic in nature when one considers the subject matter, and the scares are indeed quite impactful. Courtesy of the ghost in question and the fury said ghost exhibits to punish the ‘wicked’ in this tale, since that leads to some unsettling kills and an uncomfortable and eerie ending that stays with you long after this story has come to an end. All of which makes this, a must-see horror feature. For it has it all really, gore… solid scares and tributes to the genre’s history and of course… some stunning commentary regarding a topic that needs more discussion since the church is in dire need of reform. Watch ‘The Communion Girl’
Written by John Edward Betancourt Kim Higelin, Norman Reedus, and Milo Maze as Lou, Daryl Dixon, and Herisson in Season 1 of ‘The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon’. (Photo Courtesy of Emmanual Guimier/AMC.)
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
It is definitely safe to say that fans of The Walking Dead Universe and fans of good television in general, are all eagerly anticipating the next great chapter in this storied franchise, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, and rightfully so. Because everyone is quickly coming to learn that this new phase in the TWDU is quite experimental and bold in nature, and that is bringing forth amazing storytelling that is challenging the characters of this universe like never before, and it also doesn’t hurt… that the show is going to give us more Norman Reedus. Since everyone loves him as the character and wants to know what lies ahead for him now that the flagship series has come to its end. But our anticipation goes beyond those core tenets, for AMC is also doing its part in preparing us for what lies ahead for Daryl. By consistently providing us with tidbits and photos and a bevy of fascinating teasers that showcase a France decimated by living death, and well… AMC is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to this. For earlier today, they released another intriguing trailer for this show, one that only makes the wait for September 10 all the more difficult and well, with that in mind… here is that brand-new trailer, courtesy of AMC, along with some plot details, to continue to help you count down the days to the return of this beloved zombie slayer. 'Today, AMC Networks released a new video asset for The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. The highly anticipated next series in the Walking Dead Universe, starring fan-favorite Norman Reedus, will premiere Sunday, September 10 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC and AMC+. In The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, Daryl (Reedus) washes ashore in France and struggles to piece together how he got there and why. The series tracks his journey across a broken but resilient France as he hopes to find a way back home. As he makes the journey, though, the connections he forms along the way complicate his ultimate plan. In addition to Reedus, the series stars Clémence Poésy, Adam Nagaitis, Anne Charrier, Eriq Ebouaney, Laika Blanc Francard, Romain Levi and Louis Puech Scigliuzzi and is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Showrunner David Zabel, Reedus, Greg Nicotero, Angela Kang, Brian Bockrath and Daniel Percival.' Written by John Edward Betancourt  Corey Hawkins as Clemens in The Last Voyage of the Demeter, directed by André Øvredal. Photo Credit: Rainer Bajo/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. © 2023 Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the film being covered here wouldn’t exist. There was a time, where the vampire was a genuinely feared creature and rightfully so. After all, the vampire was in fact… an insult to humanity. For it embraced the darkest aspects of the human psyche by committing itself to deception and manipulation and of course… it crossed every line imaginable. All by using the species it once belonged to for nourishment and that is indeed disturbing and terrifying and brought forth countless iconic stories about this creature, the kind that oft ended with a grand fight to end its disgusting scourge. But then, when the early 21st century rolled around… our views toward the vampire changed. Courtesy of the fact that a new generation of creatives were eager to ponder upon if any vestige of humanity could be left within a creature of the night. Which brought forth a bevy of different types of vampire stories. Some of which featured romantic adventures with the vampire, alongside tales that worked to remove the evil mythos of the creature, and instead present them to audiences as misguided and unfortunate creatures. The kind that was caught between worlds, making them more dramatic than scary and that of course has left hardcore horror fans, and casual ones as well wondering… if it is still possible to make such a being scary. Especially in an era where they are fawned over deeply and well, as it turns out… they most certainly can be scary and everything we once feared. And for proof, look no further than the brand-new vampire themed feature that is in theaters this weekend, The Last Voyage of the Demeter. A feat that this story accomplishes by expanding deeply upon a singular chapter from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Wherein we meet a man named Clemens who is eager to return to London. For he has been away from home for far too long and in this ancient era, he is aware of the fact that the quickest way home is by sea, and that pushes him to do whatever must be done to board the Demeter. A vessel bound for home, and well, by saving the life of young Toby, who is of relation to the ship’s captain, Clemens receives passage back to London aboard the ship. Wherein he quickly makes himself useful and quickly comes to face quite the unique crisis. One that will force him to fight for survival. For the cargo in the hold of this ship is deadly, for it harbors a being known as Count Dracula, and he has awakened and is ready to feed.  Which is the perfect way to remind the world of the raw terror that the vampire can produce and the sheer evil that it harbors. For all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the creature is removed in this story, and that brings forth some serious terror. Since Dracula in essence, gives into hi darkest instincts and unleashes the predator within. Which allows for him to hunt with impunity aboard this boat and enjoy the thrill and the joy he finds in striking terror into the hearts of his victims and that in turn brings forth some utterly brutal moments in this story. Where we see the primal instincts of this creature unleashed in a manner we’ve haven’t seen in years. Which is uncomfortable and refreshing since that does indeed remind us of what this monster is really all about and what it is capable of, and the wonder of this story doesn’t end by giving bite back to Dracula and vampires in general.
Because this is more than just a re-christening of the vampire, this is an old school horror feature through and through. After all, it is set on a boat in the middle of the ocean, and the crew know nothing of the mythos of Dracula. Which brings forth a real sense of isolation and the fear of the unknown hangs heavy over this tale. Which allows for this feature to make use of those elements to make the audience squirm in their seats, and it is mission accomplished when it comes to that. Since the jump scares work here and a powerful sense of dread washes over the viewer once Dracula begins the hunt. Giving rise to a supremely bleak horror story, one that feels supremely hopeless at times. Yet what is truly incredible is that there are still more wonders to behold regarding this motion picture, largely because… it also pays respect to the genre as a whole. For there are tips of the cap to Alien here via the isolation we experience and even Stephen King and Hans Erdmann gets their due since this iteration of Dracula echoes the nightmarish nature of both Barlow from Salem’s Lot and Count Orlok from Nosferatu and of course, the acting is simply sublime. For everyone in this picture sells the confusion and the terror with a sense of realism that adds to the discomfort of this story and really all of these elements blend together to create, a perfect horror feature. For the genre at its purest is all about raw emotion and unfettered fear, and that is precisely what this movie provides us with. Alongside a powerful reminder that the creatures of the night are not to be cuddled or admired, but genuinely feared. For they are the worst parts of us personified and it is wonderful to see a horror film remind of us that in such a visceral manner. Written by Scott Edwards Everyone has their own methods of getting things done and whatever works for them may not work for other people. For instance, when I write, I like it to be quiet, but when I am working with numbers, I need something music like going on in the background. It has not always been the case for me, as when I was young and studying for a test or just doing school work, it was dead silent, not by choice, but forced upon me by my parents. As I got older, I found that for different situations I required different things and for the most part now, I need something going on in the background or my mind just starts to wander, and I cannot stay focused.
Needing to study for an exam in the morning, Ella is forced to turn down her boyfriend for a conversation later on that night. Rifling through her notes and crossing out what will not be used the next day, a whistle comes from a fellow commuter on the train. Making sure she is seated in the ‘Quiet Zone’, Ella tries to ignore it, but the sound is making her very anxious and she cannot focus. Yelling at her fellow passenger to keep it down, the train arrives at the next station and Ella is ready to disembark. Looking back at where the whistling stranger was sitting and not seeing him leaves Ella a little concerned, but she tries to put it at the back of her mind as she has other things to focus on. Walking down the long tunnel to the exit from the station, Ella keeps hearing footsteps behind her, but is not able to spot anyone following her. Arriving at the exit, Ella tries her pass, but is directed to seek assistance before leaving. Hearing more commotion behind her, she spots another passenger exiting the station and decides to follow her. Making it to another exit and not being allowed to leave, the familiar whistle comes from the darkness and Ella sneaks under the turnstile to escape the stranger, but loses her phone in the process. Hearing her phone ringing and not having it is frightening enough for the woman but seeing who has it and is willing to keep it quiet in the tubes is the thing of nightmares. So, a good analogy for this short is that it’s like sitting in a library trying to get some work done when someone is chatting on their phone and will not shut up and gets mad at you for calling them out, but with death on the line. Damn, it was a freaky little tale that will leave you wondering how far someone would go to make sure that the rules are observed. I liked how the fear of the stranger became very real for Ella as she was trying to exit the tube system and was not allowed to by the flawed technology. As the whistling gets louder and the demand for silence becomes more apparent, you might think twice about sitting in the ‘Quiet Zone’ on your next trip, since you never know when you might need to make a noise that could cost you your life. Stay Scared. |
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