Since we sometimes suffer great losses in our lives, we use the pain that comes from that as motivation to get a little more closure when it comes to certain situations. While sometimes it never comes in the form that we would like to see it, it has to be enough for us to move on. As some of us will never find it, some people look to others that are willing to help provide it by talking to entities from the great beyond. While I do believe that there are spirits staying around us, I have problems with people trying to profit off of us while falsely claiming that they can speak to them. But you need to do what you feel is right to find the sense of closure that you need to move on, so to each their own.
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Getting a call about a disturbance at the Wilhelm house, detectives Williams and Rogers arrive to find the front door open. Calling for anyone, they are shocked to see a young woman arise from the shadows who is crying about her child. While Williams stays outside to try and find out what happened in the house, Rogers heads in to find that the house is full of strange relics to help summon the dead. With flashlight in hand, he continues to search the house only to find the dead body of a Medium who might have been involved with the disappearance of the little girl.

While staying outside with the grieving mother, Williams listens to the story that the woman has to tell. Trying to see her daughter once again, the woman went to the Medium to make it happen. Promising to be a better mother than she was, her daughter arrives out of sight only to say that she does not want her mother to see her again. While the mother gets heated towards the Medium, she tries everything in her power to see her child once again and forces the spirits to take over. Being blown back as the story is being told, Williams and Rogers have no idea who or what has been released in the house, but when the little girl is spotted, she has a message for them that they did not expect.

This is a very cool film that is filled with more creepiness than I expected overall. Seeing the innards of the house was just eye opening, as there are all kinds of things around that would indicate more than one person has lost their life there. I liked the flashback sequence where we got to see the young mother beg and plead to see her daughter once again, along with the repercussions of what the daughter wants. The lack of knowing who or what is in the house is the most disconcerting part about the story, as the mother has a secret of her own and while I am not sure if she is really the devil, she wants the soul of her daughter right now. With darkness, a missing little girl, a battle for the innocent spirit, a dead body, a séance gone terribly wrong, and two detectives caught in the middle, this is really a creepy take on what can happen if the spirits really don’t want anything to do with you. Stay Scared.
 
Watch the horror short, ‘The Passing’, right here.

While some people spend a lifetime trying to find their dream career, there are those lucky ones that are able to know it from the start. While these people are happy with what they are doing, they do lack a little more experience when all is said and done. Only doing one thing for their entire lives, they may never understand what they are missing from trying something else and while it’s great that they’re happy, there is something about changing that adds more character to a person. But overall, if you are happy with what you are doing, and it pays the bills, there is no reason to change it unless you feel the need to.
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Hearing about three separate mass killings in her hometown, Agent Evelyn Pierce draws the straw from the agency to head in and check it out. With her history in the town, she is a new woman now and does not want to hear about anything from her past, but it continues to find her. Sitting down with Chief Dunham, Evelyn is shocked to see that her meeting is being interrupted by a madman talking about Demons in the small town. Locking up Jebediah in a holding cell, the demon hunter lets out his final words on the subject about the eyes of the victims going black and while Evelyn take this with a grain of salt, she does bury it in the back of her mind.

Arriving at the hospital to talk to one of the more recent victims, Evelyn listens to the story about a madman coming into the house and killing her daughter before he was killed by her husband, then how the husband turned on the remaining members of the family. But when the eyes are mentioned, Evelyn knows that the stranger might be on to something that nobody has ever encountered in this small town. Allowing Jebediah to get some food in him, the demon hunter tells the story about his earlier dealings with this demon. Losing his father in the process of defeating the demon, then losing the caged spirit in the area, there is only one way to keep the demon from jumping bodies, a murder-suicide scenario.

After following a lead that should reveal where the demon is hiding turns out to be bad information, Jebediah and his new partner Evelyn find out that they are being hunted. Attacking Evelyn while she is hiding out in the truck, the demon does not try to kill her, but would rather become one with her. Taking note of what he has just witnessed, Jebediah knows that there is something special about the woman and after seeing some scars on her back, he is able to put it together. Being of Angel lineage, if Evelyn kills the demon, which would allow him to jump to her, she could unleash hell on earth by opening a gateway that will never be closed again. Needing to get the town’s people on the same page about what will happen if they kill the possessed, a town hall is called, but that only opens up a new mess that nobody is ready to deal with.

From the opening of this movie I was hooked for one reason alone, the blood that filled the screen. While most of the time I focus so much more on the story than anything else, I was taken in by this and I am not ashamed to say so, because it was epic. Then the story line turned out to be pure cheese and enjoyable for what it was. I did feel bad for Evelyn throughout as she seemed to be the butt of so many punchlines and she was never able to escape the fact that she was a woman and had a history in the town. I wish that her story played out differently, but she does have the last laugh when everything is said and done. With rubber bullets, real bullets, shotguns, rifles, handguns, good shots, exploding heads, chainsaws, axes, holy water, an out-of-control preacher and a town killing itself off, this is just an entertaining ride into a small town with a demon problem, the likes of which nobody has ever survived. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’.
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Revolution is something that is downright synonymous with modern mankind and understandably so. After all, our history is wrought with dictators and despots who believe that their rule and guidance matters, above all things, and their desire to feed their egos and maintain their power, leads to unrest and fury from a populace that can only take so much mistreatment. Which in turn, brings forth the revolution in question, and reforms, and the hope that when the dust settles…real freedom and unity have been achieved at last and now a genuinely prosperous future can be formed. But alas, it seems as though revolutions are cyclical in nature and keep occurring around the globe or are being called for by someone… leaving one to wonder, what it would take to end them and bring real peace.

Obviously (and morbidly) the end of the world should solve that problem. Since the end of mankind would bring forth the end of our cycles and trappings, allowing for the survivors of the apocalypse to start over anew and do things right. But there is one franchise out there, now pondering upon the notion… that the end of everything wouldn’t end the need for revolution. No instead, The Walking Dead: World Beyond is genuinely exploring what could bring about revolution in a world where the dead have returned to life and mankind is near extinction and that is allowing for some powerful storytelling to take place. The kind that is indeed examining the cyclical nature of humanity, and as evidenced by this week’s episode, the true genesis of revolution and what truly lights the spark to bring it to fruition.

A feat that ‘Who Are You?’ accomplished by way of a bold gambit. Because Huck’s discovery, left everyone wondering exactly what the CRM was up to, outside of the obvious power grab that we now know is in play and that motivated the group to stay and investigate. But in order to make that happen, the Endlings would need someone on the inside to help them really explore the facility and the secrets it holds, and Felix thought the best person for that… was Huck. In part because she owed all of them for the hell, she put them through on the way to New York. But also, because Felix knew some part of her deep down… had questions about this and didn’t fully believe the lies that were being sent out to the remainder of the CRM and he pounced upon that angle, and worked it hard and for his efforts… he actually got Huck to their side.

In fact, he did such a good job of making her question the real intentions of the CRM, and the truth, that she risked life and limb to help him get some serious answers. Because she took the time to sabotage the power grid, all so that Felix could dig deep into the bowels of the facility and uncover its secrets and what he found was unsettling for certain. Since whatever medical data Huck discovered, is related to some kind of biological experiment. One that the CRM has been slowly stockpiling beneath the research facility and appears to be born out of the rotting flesh and blood of the living dead, and despite having quite the close call with both CRM security and the elements in this development area… this fact-finding mission was quite the success. Since now Felix can get the sample he stole, to Joe, and he can uncover what exactly the CRM is up to and why this compound made its way into the Omaha massacre.

But what matters more, is that this plot thread speaks volumes to what could bring forth a need for revolution at the end of the world, since once again… powerful forces are using fear and control to shape the future of mankind and of course, this episode also did a fine job of exploring what creates the spark for revolution. Which in this instance, relates to an understanding of the bigger picture. Since Huck finally understood that while humanity’s rebirth would be imperfect and mistake fueled, it deserved freedom and strength and a lack of fear and control and if she didn’t stand up to Civic Republic Military now, she never would and they could in fact, take over the world and bring forth a different kind of dark age and that was definitely a fascinating exploration to say the least, one that will undoubtedly take the show to new places in the weeks to come.

However, we would be foolish to not talk about the other unique surprise in this tale, specifically… Anne. Or Jadis as she once again likes to be called. For this story more or less filled us in on what she’s been up to since she escaped Alexandria’s borders with Rick Grimes in ‘What Comes After’ and as it turns out… she’s been about reinvention. Since she immediately saw the CRM as the perfect place to start fresh and forge a future that provided her with everything she never had in the old world and help her to build upon what she learned in the days after the end. Which is why she re-branded herself as Jadis Stokes. To keep the cunning nature of her roots at hand, since it was ‘Jadis’ that created a society unto itself, one that was able to do accomplish wonders at the end of the world, and to also remain rooted in the best parts of humanity, since her love affair with Father Gabriel Stokes taught her how to appreciate the beauty of the world and the power of connection and well… this reinvention of herself has clearly paid off in spades.

For she is a powerful officer in the CRM, one that now uses her charm and what she learned about connection from Gabriel, to root out corruption in this new society and she is indeed quite good at what she does. To the point where Huck was terrified of her arrival and even point blank asked Jadis if the whole reason for this visit, was to investigate her actions at the facility, adding a genuine bit of danger to what happened in this tale. But while that made for some fine drama, let’s be honest… what makes this sequence of events and the arrival of Jadis matter, is that it completely and utterly ties World Beyond to TWD, and it provides the fans with a genuine geek out moment. One that finally fills in some of the blanks from the time-jump that took place after Rick ‘died’ on the flagship show and, you cannot go wrong with Pollyanna McIntosh chewing up the scenery as only she can. 

But all fan service and geeking out aside, make no mistake about it, this was a critical episode. For this really was the ascension moment for the Endlings. Where they decided that revolution is going to be necessary to get what’s left of humanity out from under the thumb of this violent and concerning dictatorship and their decision to fight here, albeit in perhaps a less explosive manner than expected, deserves a round of applause. Since it really is something fresh and original to find within the framework of a zombie story, one that started out as a coming-of-age story and well, all this does is leave us eager for more. Because now, sides have been chosen and lines have been drawn and it will be fascinating to see how the Endlings rise up against an organization that cares little about humanity, and only about power. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 704 of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’.
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When we think of grief, we often associate it with death and understandably so. After all, the loss of a loved one really does rip our hearts and souls in two and grieving is the only way to heal that particular pain and we expect those who go through it, to weep and step away from the world while they take the time to heal. But what is fascinating about grief, is that it really does extend beyond the loss of a loved one. For it can also relate to the death of a pet, or even the end of a powerful relationship. For grieving is really about an emotional loss, one that cannot be reconciled easily and well, the more unexplored path when it comes to grief and some of the dangers that come about with it when we deny ourselves a moment to do grieve was explored in great detail during last night’s episode of Fear the Walking Dead.
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A feat that ‘Breathe With Me’ accomplished, by finally allowing for us to catch up with the group that escaped the nuclear blast via a CRM chopper in the season six finale and well… the good news is that they survived after a close call. For their rescue chopper took a little beating from the nuclear situation at hand, thusly forcing the group to set down and hole up in a once fort, turned vacation getaway and well, the only person in the group who needed to be filled in on that particular journey was Sarah. Because she cracked her head while the chopper made its rough decent and was carried to this location and once, she was up and around, and got her bearings, she quickly asked where Wendell was and how he was doing and sadly, that brought about some bad news for Sarah.

In that, Wendell had not arrived and had not been heard from for some time and that… immediately motivated Sarah to start to intensely search for her brother. To the point where she spent every single day at the best possible location to transmit radio signals from. But sadly, there was no progress in the search. But that didn’t stop her in the slightest, and eventually her signals were heard by Morgan, so clearly… if Wendell could get to a radio, she could eventually speak with her beloved brother. But alas, before she could use that realization to her advantage, a chance encounter with Josiah changed everything... and that particular encounter is indeed when this story began to explore the power of grief and its varieties and its dangers and all it took to start that exploration, was an uncomfortable deal. For Josiah also heard the radio calls and decided that he would help Sarah find Wendell, in exchange for Morgan’s life.

A deal that Sarah tenuously agreed to in the hopes that she could head off Josiah before he could harm Morgan, and it was an arrangement that was worthwhile for a time. For Josiah’s tracking skills eventually revealed to all, that Wendell had been in the area, and he did indeed encounter those strange individuals that have been roaming the countryside for some time now. Since one of them had Wendell’s scarf and well, that led to a horrifying surprise. One that revealed the possibility that Wendell was dead, since Sarah eventually came face to face with his bloodied and broken chair and the possibility that he had fallen to the dead, was enough to send her into a frenzy. One where the emotion surging through her veins motivated her to partake in some rash actions, the kind that eventually saw her and Josiah plow into a ravine. 

Wherein they were forced to lick their wounds and take a moment to breathe and actually converse with one another. Which in turn revealed that both of them were grieving and that both of them were unwilling to face that grief and that was leading to negative actions on both of their part. Since Sarah was clearly lashing out over what she deemed to be a failure on her part. Because despite the fact that Wendell wasn’t a blood relative, she saw him as family and expected herself to go the extra mile for him as family does, and to know that he wasn’t okay and potentially hurt… was more than she could bear and more than she could reconcile in the moment. Which hammered home the episode’s themes, since this made it clear that losing the closest of friends, the ones we consider family can break us and that unresolved grief can be dangerous and harmful. A point that was taken to the extreme, by Josiah.
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For eventually, Morgan arrived on the scene to help his old friend out and he was quickly greeted with wanton violence from Josiah. Who firmly believed that the only way to resolve his grief was to murder the man that murdered his brother... in an oddly specific manner. One that involved letting Emil’s reanimated skull... bite Morgan Jones. But alas, the plan ended up mortally wounding Rufus, and the reality that an innocent animal was hurt because of the angry actions of a man… prompted Josiah to start the show’s secondary exploration on this matter. Specifically, how we do heal when we are in that dark of a place with grief? Well as it turns out, one big step in healing, is to take an objective look at where we are and understand our actions and once, we have done that, and seen what is unhealthy… we have to let go of that negativity and embrace change.

Which is of course, easier said than done. Since grief is powerful. But it can be done as evidenced by both Josiah and Sarah. Since the former, decided this path was no longer sustainable and dangerous, and would end him if he continued upon it and Sarah, well… she was able to let go in a more amicable manner. Since Morgan and Josiah were able to give her some measure of peace in regard to Wendell. For it turns out that Victor Strand his merry band of soldiers, rescued Wendell and brought him to Strand Tower, where he was indeed safe and cared for. But alas, he wasn’t allowed to leave, and he wasn’t allowed to see Sarah. An unfortunate reality that gave her the chance to trust in the universe for a change, and put her faith in Wendell, and in the end… this was quite the fascinating episode for certain.

Simply because, it offered up one of the most unique explorations of grief to ever grace the small screen. One that was subtle and honest and powerful, and one that finally allowed for us to really get to know Sarah. Since now we are aware how she and Wendell forged the bond that makes them family and well, this episode deserves serious credit for this unique exploration. Because once again, this series is diving into elements that aren’t explored all that often in horror, much less in zombie themed storytelling, making this a refreshing story for certain, one that really did offer up some powerful moments and powerful advice and well, now that Sarah and Josiah have peace… it does leave one to wonder what other corners of the human condition this series is going to explore as this unique and original season of storytelling, rolls along. Until next time.   

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three finale of ‘Eli Roth’s History of Horror’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that mankind has a complicated relationship with science. Because on the one hand, few can dispute what science has done for humanity since it has taken us into space, given us cures for diseases and extended our lifespan. Plus, without science, you wouldn’t be reading this article on your phone or tablet or laptop, wirelessly… and this writer most certainly couldn’t have written it and published it with ease. Yeah, it’s meta. But at the same time… despite everything science has done for us… we genuinely fear science, and its exponential potential and the possibility that it could be abused and well, that’s allowed for the horror genre to team up with the science fiction genre to create stories that explore those fears and it just so happens… that the season three finale of Eli Roth’s History of Horror examined how those two genres have pulled that off throughout the years.

As it turns out, the easiest way to explore our fears of science, is to centralize them into one key character. Specifically… a ‘Mad Scientist’, since that kind of monster can properly create a scenario that puts those fears on display. But rather than just spotlight the wonder of this type of character and its illustrious history, this finale opted to really dive deep and explore what kinds of fears they force us to face. And in some instances, their work relates to our fear of how science could in fact, interrupt the natural order. Which is why the world of Dr. Frankenstein (who is arguably the most infamous mad scientist to ever grace the genre) has been revisited time and time again, since his work toys with the natural order of life and our fundamental beliefs that death and the prospect of an afterlife are paramount to the human experience, and ending either one… would bastardize who we are and what we stand for. 

Which is some supremely philosophical stuff to explore and that isn’t something that every mad scientist horror movie holds to. For there is of course, just a general fear from the public that science moves too quickly and does so because of scientists that don’t think before they leap and just want their creation and their greatness to be known. Which is why films like Ex Machina and The Fly (1958 and 1986), and Altered States exist. To put those fears on display and oddly to give us hope and reassurance. Because while the mad scientists in these films do indeed bring forth some stunning inventions, the kind that could change and harm the world… their egos and their belief in their brains over anything else… allows for their outcast standing to destroy them and their creation. Which does indeed provide the audience with a sense of calm, since there is comfort to be found in knowing that ethical demands and standards force guys like Seth Brundle into isolation and oblivion.

But while it is nice to find a touch of comfort in this type of story, there are plenty others that put our greatest fear of science on display. In that, being insulated by technology, as we appear to be headed toward, will remove all vestiges of our humanity and our empathy, and turn us into outright monsters. Which is why stories revolving around The Invisible Man or Jekyll and Hyde are so iconic. For they genuinely serve as cautionary tales for such fears. Since both stories feature men that make revolutionary creations that do indeed motivate them to lose sight of their humanity and embrace our most primal and darkest desires. Speaking of desires, our fear of that is something this sub-genre has also worked to examine… in a more subtle and satirical manner, as evidenced by how The Rocky Horror Picture Show commented on the sexual revolution and the fears that some had and still harbor about a sexually open society.

If anything, that film and all the others mentioned here, really do help us to understand that the mad scientist is quite the diverse monster. One that can stand in and explore as many fears as the equally versatile zombie and much like its living dead counterpart, the mad scientist isn’t going away anytime soon and for proof… just look at the past year around the globe, where something as simple and as a safe as a vaccine, sparked a dangerous surge of fear mongering and well… that really does make the mad scientist the perfect horror villain to wrap up another year of quality examination from this series. Since this was a timely and relevant reflection, one that hopefully engenders a fourth season from this show, since it really is one of the best horror documentaries out there and there is still so much to explore about a storytelling universe… where things always go bump in the night.    

​It is funny when you think about changing jobs and what you start to look for when it comes to a new opportunity. When you start to learn all of the ins and outs of your current position, you start to understand which parts are good and which are bad. So, adding these factors into your job search, the one thing that you should always look for is a place where you feel comfortable that does not have any of the bad stuff you are moving away from. Even though you may find that no place is a hundred percent on eliminating the bad, a place that has less than your current gig would be a step in the right direction.
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After losing his father and needing to sell off his newly acquired boat, Tom Doherty has decided to take a position in restoring a lighthouse. Getting a tour from the town’s pub owner, Murphy has plenty of stories that he can tell the young man, but he really only wants to know what drove the young man to this job. With his father’s love of the sea, Tom believes that job will help him connect a little bit more with his father and if not, at least get him enough money to buy the boat back. Seeing that the young man needs his rest, Murphy heads back to the island and leaves Tom alone in the abandoned house.

While searching around the house for a room to sleep in, Tom is shocked to see that there are creepy dolls in every room, including one that likes to move on its own as well. Deciding to sleep in the comforts of the living room on the main floor to avoid the glares of the dolls, Tom wakes up fully rested and starts to work on the old property when he sees a man in old navel clothing getting torn limb from limb by a pack of pigs. Heading out to try and save the stranger, Tom is not able to find the man, much less the pigs and believes that the old house is playing tricks on him, but when making it back to the house he sees pig tracks in the snow that leave him questioning what he really saw.

Talking to Murphy at the pub, Tom is given another story about a lighthouse keeper that disturbs him to the bone, as there was a keeper who was eaten by his own pigs. Trying to stomach the past of the lighthouse is getting a little bit harder for Tom as he gets another story from a local trying to scare him off. Making it back to the house and continuing his work, Tom finds himself in the basement and uncovers an old book that has the names of many people inside. While he does not know the meaning of the book, much less who or what the names are meant to signify, Tom is forced to fight for his life against an unseen spirit that is looking to take his name as well. When none of his precautions help in the least, Tom gets knocked out and wakes up in the basement and a stranger may be his only hope of making it off of the island alive.

I have seen a number of lighthouses in my day on both coasts of the country and I must admit that you would never find me working in one. While they seem to be great for people that love the oceans, the stories, much like this one, are very tragic and it is hard not to find one where people have either died working at the lighthouse, or just off the shore when the light was not on. While this story takes a dark turn down the rabbit hole, it is really interesting to get a new character as the third act begins to find out just that little bit more to the haunted lighthouse story. I really liked the early haunting effects inside and outside of the house and the possibility of a ghost pig is not lost on me. With plenty of haunted happenings, a demon looking for souls, a new relationship, a possession, a ghost pig, a complete story and yes, a cannibal, this movie delivered exactly what I wanted to see, a haunted house story. Stay Scared.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Dead & Beautiful’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that each and every one of us… are searching for some kind of meaning in life. Simply because, there must be a reason why we were put on this earth, and the only way to uncover that is to search for that reason and we do that… by living life to the fullest. And thanks to the friendships we forge and the highs and the lows that we go through, alongside a grand pursuit of our dreams and our needs… we are indeed able to find meaning and value in life and peace and happiness as well. Which is a journey that makes the human experience incredibly special and powerful, and it is one we demand the next generation go upon, so they too can partake of the wonder of our brief time on this planet. 
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In fact, finding meaning in life is so important to our modern world… that we outright fear the possibility of coming to our end with nothing to show for our time here and this fear is so powerful and overwhelming… that even the horror genre is starting to spotlight it. For Shudder is now host to a horror film that explores that particular fear in a fascinating manner and that makes Dead & Beautiful quite the brilliant story when all is said and done. Thanks to its biting commentary on the financial elite of the world and its unsettling exploration of how a life without meaning… can transform us into genuine monsters. Which are feats that this story accomplishes, by introducing us to a group of five friends that quite frankly… have it all.

Because each and every one of them are as rich as they come, and oddly enough… they’re also searching for meaning like the rest of us… but are struggling to find it. So, they instead, use their vast fortunes to amuse themselves with elaborate pranks upon one another and adventures that take them to places no one else can go and it is one of those adventures… that changes their lives. For an attempt to learn more about an indigenous culture, results in some serious alterations to their physical being. Because it would seem, they’ve encountered a vampire in their travels, and his desire to make them sample his blood has transformed them into bloodsuckers as well, and now… this close-knit group of friends must figure out how to navigate a world that will shun them, provided of course they don’t let their newfound powers… fuel their privilege further. 

Which is a plot that quite frankly, is about as original as they come. Since it doesn’t plunge itself into the tropes that currently swirl about the vampire sub-genre of horror. Instead, this movie uses the fusion of vampirism and financial excess, to basically rip on the rich through and through and the commentary here is indeed satisfying. Since it is clear that our characters personify the ‘blood-sucking’ nature of the rich and how they always seem to need more when they have enough, and how out of touch they are with everyday society. Since these kids are indeed socially awkward and arrogant because they are insulated by their money and this movie does deserve a round of applause for offering up this scathing commentary at a time when there is a growing socio-economic divide in modern society, because it needs to be said and put on display, and the wonder of this movie doesn’t end there.
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Because we talked a little bit earlier, about how this movie explores what life would be like if we didn’t search for meaning and well… this movie makes it clear that such an existence would be terrifying. For the money has indeed given these characters, everything they could ever want, and they don’t ever have to work for a thing. Which in turn… deprives them of the journey we go on and the connections we forge and to live a life without that, would break us and leave us hollow. To the point where one would manufacture experiences in a desperate attempt to feel, which is precisely what these brats do and well… that basically makes this story, a cautionary tale. One that reminds us to avoid the trappings of the world and the people that think material wealth and acquisition is the true key to happiness and just experience life as best we can. So that we have genuine moments to celebrate and ponder upon and finding that message within the framework of a vampire-themed film… makes this quite the revolutionary venture when all is said and done.

For this writer is hard pressed to think of another vampire film that features a Romero-esque commentary on consumerism. But that’s precisely what is present here and it is powerful and worthwhile, as is the journey our vapid characters go on. Because despite their sour nature, they do indeed teach us some powerful lessons and well, in the end, this is an absolute must-see horror film. In large part because of its intelligent nature and stunning subtext, but also because… it’s a fresh and original vampire film. One that genuinely takes you by surprise and also offers some stunning moments along the way, the kind we won’t spoil here so that you can experience this majestic journey firsthand, and all you need to do to make that happen, is to log into Shudder and press play on this wonderful and cerebral story.

​There is just something fun and exciting about going on adventures with your friends and if you have not done it with your besties yet, I highly recommend it. Just seeing people outside of their normal surroundings is great and when you take a trip anywhere, you get to see your friends with their hair down. Making memories that will last a lifetime is really what this game is all about and if you do not get a couple good ones in over the years, you might find yourself yearning for something new. Enjoy life while you can, it seems like the good times will last forever, but we never know when it will all come to an end.

While on their trip to Australia, Sofia, her boyfriend Carl, friend Michael and his girlfriend Belle are looking to have the time of their lives. Being from America, they all take notice that things are a little bit different in the big Down Under, especially when it comes to driving. Wanting to find something fun to do for the night, Sofia has convinced her friends to take part in a ghost hunt at the Ravenswood Asylum where many deaths took place over the years. Getting ready to go, she is forced to convince Carl to come along as well, since he is far from a believer in the paranormal, much less what the ghost tour is going to show them.

Arriving at the old building and meeting their guides Zach and Emma, the group is forced to give up their cell phones before they enter the infamous Ravenswood Asylum. Roaming the halls and feeling cold spots or spirit sensations around the building, the group stops in the old Rec Room where the patients would recuperate from getting their Electroshock Therapy. Feeling something different in this room, Sophia stays behind and lies on the floor to take in what the building has to show her, but little does she know that there is something hiding in the shadows that is looking to make itself known.

Moving through the rest of the building, the group ends the tour in the room where the actual electric shocks took place. Telling the story about the good Doctor’s last patient Sara who, died on the restraints table, Sophia agrees to be strapped in and as the shock machine starts to power up, the rest of the building powers down. Making his way to find the fuse box with Sophia following, Zach wants to know a little bit more about the young woman and her goofy boyfriend. While back in the room with their other guests, Emma comes clean about all of the spooks that they have set up around the building, but when the doors suddenly shut and lock for no reason, the group does not know what to believe. Needing to find a way out of the building for herself, Emma begins a séance in the building, but little does she know the effects that it will have on the group as a sixty-five-year-old game of cat and mouse has been brought back to life.

This movie features a very cool premise. While you get some spooky haunted house vibes, you also get possessions that will take the group places they did not expect. I was a little shocked when it came to the backstory for Sophia and her hardships of trying to live day by day and getting to meet the spirit of Sara firsthand will change her outlook on life for the rest of her days. I like the tour guides coming clean about the haunts in the old building and the distrust that they receive for a little bit is well deserved.  With slight shifts in personalities of the group, along with glowing eyes, you get to see what the spirits are thinking about when it comes to their old vendetta and who will need to die next to save the innocent. With a haunted building, spooky sounds, an asylum lock down, some blood, a doctor looking to torture his last patient and a spirit only looking to be released once and for all, this is not a bad little flick. I have always been mindful of the haunted houses I have gone to over the years and if there is any word about possessions in their history, this movie has made me sure about one thing, I will not be involved. Stay Scared.

For the most part, crime dramas/thrillers that just so happen to feature a serial killer, follow a fairly specific formula. One that involves a grand and engaging cat and mouse between a troubled detective and a brilliant killer. Wherein both sides find themselves frustrated with a lack of progress when it comes to their respective goals before everything comes together in an explosive finale. One where the hero detective finally brings the monster to justice and well, that’s why that formula is out there, because that’s an engaging and satisfying way to tell this type of story, and it is a formula that audiences have made clear they love, through and through.
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But as the market continues to evolve and peak television continues to experience stunning demand, there are creative minds out there that are seeing an opportunity to separate their story from the pack and put forth a tale that wows us and engages us in new and exciting ways and the serial killer themed crime thriller is no exception to this. For they are starting to go new places storytelling wise and they’re working to surprise and challenge the audience like never before and it just so happens… that AMC+ is about to debut a new serial killer/detective series that fits that mold, and we here at Nerds That Geek, had the opportunity to see some of Ragdoll in advance and thought it would be fun to preview this show, without spoilers of course.

Because this really is quite the different kind of crime show and one way that it separates itself from the pack… is by way of its characters and its story structure. Because the characters here find themselves on paths that are indeed as unique as they come, and their respective journeys also examine some fascinating and poignant concepts that we don’t talk about enough. Such as the importance of taking care of our mental health and how difficult it can be to maintain that when there is pressure all around us, and injecting that into a story such as this, really does add depth to the investigators that we are spending time with, and the wonder of this new series doesn’t end with its fascinating character design. 

For this is also a story that works hard to keep the subject matter from never going too dark. A feat that it accomplishes by injecting the right amount of quirky humor into this tale, and while at first glance that appears to be the wrong thing to do for this genre, that’s simply not the case. For the jokes do offer levity and they even help us to care about the characters more, since there’s an odd humanity to be found in making light of a tough situation, since we’ve all done that from time to time. But above all else, what truly allows for this series to shine, is the case at hand. For what the killer does in this story, is downright chilling and supremely unsettling and different, and by keeping the killer’s motivation for this crime and their identity a secret, which is another departure from formula… you’re immediately invested in this story.

Because you simply have to know why on earth the killer has chosen to kill and what their motivation is for such a heinous crime and the only way to get those answers, is to continue the journey and this is definitely a show that leaves you eager to do just that. Because it genuinely creates a compelling world, one that feels real and surreal all at the same time and that too is a fascinating aspect of this tale, as are the many surprises that pop up along the way and well, if we’ve done enough to entice you in regard to this series… then good news, you won’t have to wait long to watch it. For Ragdoll makes its debut on November 11, 2021, on AMC+ and we are so looking forward to geeking out with all of you about this refreshing new series, come next week. Until then.  

It is definitely safe to say, that the Shudder documentary series, Behind the Monsters, is going to be viewed as one of the finest horror documentaries to ever hit the airwaves. Simply because, this particular show is going deeper than any other horror doc out there since it not only explores the history of the character/icon it is highlighting, but it also dives into so much more. Such as what went into the creation of the icon, an honest examination of the highs and the lows of their franchise and of course… their impact and their meaning on modern society, and that really is about as comprehensive a study as one can get, and it matters because… that truly helps the viewer understand the power and importance of horror.
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If anything, the gravity and the draw of this documentary is top of mind today… because it was put on full display in a seamless manner during this week’s examination. For ‘Candyman’ really offered up an analysis of the character this writer has never seen before, and it pointed out some incredible details about the character that some might have missed… such as the fact that Daniel ‘Candyman’ Robitaille is perhaps the most refined slasher to come out of the era. Since outside of the hook upon his hand, his dress and vernacular always juxtaposed that of his cohorts, and the same goes regarding his victims, and that level of intelligence and class only adds to the mystique of a character that quite frankly, is synonymous with history.

For his franchise arrived at a peak of social unrest, since months prior to the film’s release, the 1992 Los Angeles Riots took place. Riots that were ignited not only by the beating that Rodney King suffered at the hands of the LAPD, but by the fact those officers were acquitted of any wrongdoing. Which led to days of riots from a community that demanded justice for unwarranted and excessive police brutality and releasing a movie about a black artist who was brutally lynched and kills out of sorrowful revenge… allowed for the original film to capture the zeitgeist of the era and give a voice to those that simply didn’t have one. Which is a revelation that adds a level of gravity that really wasn’t present in slashers at the time, and what’s amazing is that the character is still incredibly relevant nearly thirty years after he arrived on the scene.

Because after the release of a pair of films that didn’t quite capture the majesty of the original, the 2021 arrival of Candyman was able to ground the character once again in modern times and the civil unrest surrounding all of us. In part by examining the nature of gentrification, and why it is concerning, but more so by once again… holding up a mirror to racial injustice in our world. By reminding us of how many stories there are about African Americans that share Daniel’s story, and how that speaks to how little has changed, and how these stories still rally action. Which is striking and bleak and bold commentary to find within a horror film, but that is the best way to get the point across and help the audience to understand a reality we still struggle with, and this documentary is equally as bold for pointing this out to the audience.

Since so many documentaries in this vein, sugar coat the commentary or strictly focus on the fan reactions. But this one… held nothing back and embraced the commentary and the insights from Tony Todd, who played the character and understands him best, and the scholars that have studied Candyman’s impact on the pop culture landscape, and that allowed for a powerful examination to take place. One that gives you pause and leaves you in awe over the raw honesty and visceral nature of this franchise and that hammers home, why this documentary stands out above the rest. And this really is the finest examination of Candyman out there, one that will be fawned over long after its air date, because of its brilliant analysis one of horror’s youngest and most impactful icons. Until next time.