Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When one thinks of professional wrestling, one thinks of… performance. Since so much goes into putting together an amazing wrestling show, and one also thinks of storytelling and complex writing since the drama is carefully curated for the audience weekly and of course… one thinks of epic fighting. Since the choreographed fights are the stuff of legend. But what one doesn’t think about, is horror. Because why would we ever associate a physical sport with that? But the fact of the matter is… horror is part of wrestling as well. After all, there’s some hardcore gore that finds its way into wrestling sometimes and some of its characters are seemingly ripped straight out of horror movies as well.
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Which is why, the Boulet Brothers decided to make wrestling one of the focal points of this week’s episode of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans. To celebrate the horror elements, present within the sport so that others can see how closely it ties to the greatest genre in all of the land, and also… to challenge the Titans like never before and to have some fun. Because ‘The Ugly Ladies of Wrestling Rematch!’ pushed the Titans to not only create an amazing wrestling character that would wow the audience and the judges but would hold up well during a full-on royal rumble fight in an actual ring. Which meant, after a hilarious arm-wrestling Fright Feat, the remaining six Titans would split off into two groups, and prepare for their battle.

That included, learning choreography for the upcoming fight, and building those epic costumes and boy… did all of that prep work pay off in spades. Because when the time came, the special effects makeup skills present in these fighters was put on full display and so many of them… leaned heavy into the magic and wonder of creating a character for wrestling and disappeared into their characters and they also… put on one hell of a show. Because they all understood this was a group presentation in a way and everyone coming together and taking every angle of it seriously, would please the judges and make this whole event go smooth and it most certainly did. Since Drac and Swan spoke to how this week’s event was a true season highlight.

But alas, while the show was epic, there still had to be winners and losers and that made for one difficult judgment round. One that saw Koco and Asturd and Melissa receive top marks for really understanding the assignment and for putting on a great show through and through. And this is also where Evah and HoSo saw low marks. Evah for their costume being underwhelming for the assignment, and HoSo took heat for their mediocre performance on a night where everyone quite literally brought the thunder to the ring. Once again putting the judges in a tough place. Because let’s be honest, this week featured a close race and the complaints here revolved around details over outright massive flaws.

Which is why in the end, Drac and Swan brought forth quite the stunning decision regarding elimination. One that will have all kinds of massive repercussions upon next week’s episode, because it was that epic, and it was that bold. As to what they decided however, and who won… we won’t discuss here. That’s just not our thing. No instead, we are here to celebrate, one delightfully fun leg of the competition. Because really, everyone let loose and had fun here and really showcased their special effects makeup skills and we also saw the Titans finally jell with one another and really work together as a unit and truly, it will be interesting to see where that big decision at the end takes us as we enter the home stretch of this thrilling and incredible competition. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that December is something of a wintery wasteland for horror features and we all know why. For ‘tis the season, the one with elves and presents and Egg Nog and Santa himself, so the world more or less does its best to forget about horror to think about the fluffy stuff that we do indeed enjoy. But deep down, while we’re looking at blinking lights and hearing carolers sing… our minds are on zombies and crazed holiday creatures because horror is where we thrive and slowly but surely, it’s power and popularity are sneaking into the holiday season. Since we are seeing more holiday horror themed movies arriving at the multiplex and of course we are watching more of them at home… courtesy of Shudder.
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For the good folks that work there deck the halls with gore aplenty, courtesy of a month of full of gooey and terrifying and downright ghoulish gifts. The kind that tasks us to turn the light on come Christmas Eve in the hopes it might scare away Krampus or one evil Santa and boy, have they prepared some fine presents for us to unwrap this season. Since the network has released its December 2022 programming lineup and here are all the wonderful treats that you can enjoy in a few days, when the official start of the Horror-days season gets underway.

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans brings together some of the most popular drag icons from the show’s previous seasons competing in a grand championship of drag artistry and shocking physical challenges for a one hundred-thousand-dollar grand prize, the headlining spot on the upcoming world tour, and the first ever “Dragula Titans” crown and title. Guest Judges include Cassandra Peterson (Elvira), Harvey Guillen, Justin Simien, David Dastmalchian, Poppy, Alaska, Katya, Joe Bob Briggs, Bonnie Aarons, Barbara Crampton, and more. (A Shudder Original Series) 

Joe Bob celebrates Christmas the drive-in way, complete with The Last Drive-In’s third annual holiday auction with proceeds going to charity. And who knows, this year’s double feature might even include a Christmas horror or two… (A Shudder Original) 

Inspired by surrealist art and Greek mythology, A Wounded Fawn follows the story of Meredith Tanning (Sarah Lind, The Humanity Bureau), a local museum curator who is dipping her toe back into the dating pool, only to be targeted by a charming serial killer (Josh Ruben, Scare Me). When a fateful romantic getaway between the two becomes a tense game of cat and mouse, both must confront the madness within him. Written and directed by Travis Stevens (Jakob’s Wife). (A Shudder Original) WATCH TRAILER HERE.

It’s Christmas Eve and fiery record store owner Tori Tooms (Riley Dandy, That’s Amor) just wants to get drunk and party, until the robotic Santa Claus at a nearby toy store goes haywire and makes her night more than a little complicated. Santa Claus begins a rampant killing spree through the neon drenched snowscape against a backdrop of drugs, sex, metal and violence, ultimately forcing Tori into a blood splattered battle for survival against the ruthless heavy metal Saint Nick himself. Also starring Sam Delich (Spiderhead), Jonah Ray Rodrigues (“Mystery Science Theater 3000”), Dora Madison (Alone with You), Jeremy Gardner (After Midnight), with Jeff Daniel Phillips (The Munsters) and Abraham Benrubi (“ER”), written and directed by Joe Begos (V.F.W.)(A Shudder Original) WATCH TRAILER HERE.

Twenty years after the disappearance of her daughter, recovering alcoholic Darlene Hagan (Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad) is preparing to host her family's Christmas celebration again with the help of her friend and neighbor, Gretchen (Janeane Garofalo, Wet Hot American Summer). Late Christmas Eve, Darlene's estranged ex-brother-in-law, Jack (Linus Roache, Mandy) arrives unannounced, bearing nostalgic gifts and a heavy secret. Soon, Darlene finds herself caught between reason and ruthless instinct. Trapped together by a dangerous storm, a battle of wits escalates to a violent game of revenge. Written and directed by Alison Locke. (A Shudder Exclusive) WATCH TRAILER HERE.

When horror guru Rad Chad Buckley’s funeral turns into an elaborate series of death traps centered around Chad's favorite films, the guests must band together and use the rules of horror to survive the bloody game. Core Story: Rad Chad's Revenge directed by Aaron B. Koontz. Segments: Welcome to the 90's directed by Alexandra Barreto, The Night He Came Back Again Part VI - The Night She Came Back directed by Anthony Cousins, Special Edition directed by Jed Shepherd, and We're So Dead directed by Rachele Wiggins. (A Shudder Original)

In the last days of WWII, a band of Allied soldiers trafficking Hitler's remains out of Germany are ambushed by Nazi Wehrwolf fighters. Directed by Ben Park and starring Charlotte Vega, Tom Felton, Harriet Walter, Barry Ward, Dan Renton Skinner and Bill Milner. (A Shudder Exclusive) WATCH TRAILER HERE.

One, two, Freddy’s coming for you! Beginning December 1, Shudder presents a collection of the first seven films in the A Nightmare on Elm Street franchise: Wes Craven’s original 1984 masterpiece, followed by Freddy’s Revenge (1985), Dream Warriors (1987), The Dream Master (1988), The Dream Child (1989), Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991) and Wes Craven’s New Nightmare (1994)
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A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Can your nightmares be fatal? In this seminal slasher that launched a franchise, a hideously scarred pedophile who was murdered by a lynch mob returns years later in the terrifying nightmares of his killers' children ... And the dreaming teenagers are starting to die in their sleep.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge
Freddy's back...and he wants revenge. When teenager Jesse Walsh moves to Elm Street, Freddy Krueger starts appearing in his nightmares. This time, Freddy takes possession of Jesse's body whenever the teenager falls asleep, using Jesse to kill.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors
When local teenagers start dying, only Nancy Thompson knows the truth. Now a doctor at the local psychiatric hospital, she is the lone survivor of one of Freddy's previous killing sprees. Now, it's a fight against her co-workers' disbelief and a race against time to stop Freddy before he kills again.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master
In the fourth Elm Street, Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) returns to torment the Dream Warriors, forcing Kristen to bestow her powers on someone new.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child
For five years, a walking nightmare named Freddy Krueger has haunted their sleep--seeking revenge for the horribly disfiguring death he suffered at the hands of the children's parents. Now, through the dreams of an unborn child, Freddy has resurrected himself ... and he's looking for new victims.

Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
In this sixth return to the horrifying world of Nightmare on Elm Street, the town of Springwood decides to forever end Freddy Krueger's deadly hold on their dreams. Freddy finally confronts the one person he has never been able to defeat, a psychologist who now learns the source of her lifelong nightmares.

Wes Craven's New Nightmare
Ten years after writer and director Wes Craven brought his personal nightmares to the movie screen as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street, the horrifying child killer returns, stepping out of his celluloid world to haunt the life of the actress who first defeated him on film.

Celebrate the season with Shudder’s “Unhappy Holidays Collection.” New additions this month include Night of the Comet (12/1), Christmas Bloody Christmas (12/9), along with current Shudder titles Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2, Silent Night, Deadly Night 3: Better Watch Out, Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: The Initiation, Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toymaker, To All A Good Night, Black Christmas (1974), Christmas Evil, Better Watch Out, A Christmas Horror Story, All The Creatures Were Stirring, Christmas Presence, Deadly Games, Blood Beat, The Advent Calendar, A Creepshow Holiday Special, and The Christmas “Ghoul Log.”

December 1

Night of the Comet
A huge comet passes near the earth, vaporizing nearly the whole planet. Only a few teenagers (Catherine Mary Stewart, Kelli Maroney), survive--all those outside were turned to dust. But a few partially exposed people are now hideous, blood-thirsty zombies--and they begin a deadly hunt for the last remaining humans.

December 12

The Police Are Blundering in the Dark
During an outbreak of violent murders in the area targeting young women, a journalist searching for a female friend gone missing ends up in a villa owned by an eccentric photographer.

The Killer is One of Thirteen
A widow invites thirteen guests to stay at her rural mansion. She reveals to them that she suspects whoever killed her husband must be one of them. Soon, they too are being murdered one by one.

Girl in Room 2A
A sadistic killer cult kidnaps and sacrifices beautiful women. A young girl, just paroled from prison, moves into a strange house and appears to be the cult's next victim.

The French Sex Murders
A man is accused of killing his favorite prostitute in a French brothel. He's tried and sentenced to death. He tries to escape but dies during pursuit. Soon, people connected to the case are killed one by one.

My Dear Killer
A mysterious decapitation leads Inspector Peretti into a case of blackmail, deceit, and the unsolved kidnapping of a young girl.

Autopsy
This lurid giallo stars Mimsy Farmer (Four Flies on Grey Velvet) as a morgue worker who begins investigating a series of suicides that she comes to suspect may actually be murders. Helping her with the case is a priest who’s prone to violent outbursts. Could his short fuse be because his sister was a recent victim - or is he the man behind the crimes? The only thing certain in this fast-paced fright film is that nothing is certain.

Murder Mansion
A couple, lost in thick fog, take refuge in an old mansion next to a cemetery. Strange things start to happen.

Crazy Desires of a Murderer
A rich girl invites a few of her friends, including one she befriended during a recent trip to Asia, to her family manor to spend the weekend. Soon, someone gets horribly killed, and secrets and dark desires begin to unravel.

Arabella Black Angel
Arabella is a nymphomaniac who has sex with any man. One day, her husband, a writer, meets her and another man. She has a strange reaction: kills the lover. Her husband hides the corpse. From that moment on, he encourages her meetings with other men, and writes down the experiences in his new book.

The Killer is Still Among Us
During a spree of violent killings, a young woman writing a thesis in criminology begins to suspect that her new boyfriend, who is a forensic pathologist, might be a serial killer.

The Sister of Ursula
While searching for their estranged mother, two beautiful sisters, Dagmar and Ursula, arrive at a luxurious seaside hotel. At the same time, a mysterious killer starts murdering promiscuous women in the area.

There are a great many reasons to love the horror genre. After all, it is the only place in this world where we can experience true terror through and through, with minimal consequences when it comes to our safety. Since it offers us a safe space to explore our fears. Not to mention, the genre is also the perfect place for social commentary. Since the living dead, vampires, werewolves, and the other monsters that populate this genre, can serve as allegories for the woes of the world and teach us a great deal about those problems while we feel our heart racing, and in more recent years… this is a genre that has started to tackle very real world and intimate problems because horror knows no bounds. 
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But what we don’t talk about all that often regarding this genre, from a benefit perspective, is that it can also be educational in nature. Because in many ways, looking at classics and spending time with iconic monsters, does serve as a history lesson of sorts. One that informs us what the world was like back when the movie came out and of course… what we truly feared in that era and how those monsters reflected those fears. Not to mention, the genre can also introduce or reintroduce old monsters and legends that have been forgotten, giving rise to fresh scares and a desire to learn more about what we’ve just seen, and it just so happens… that a brand-new release from Mahal Empire Productions, accomplishes that particular feat.

For Night of the Tommyknockers is a horror feature that transports us back in time to the wild west, where we are introduced to the Dirk Gang. A ruthless gang of bank robbers that always defy the odds and get away with murder if the moment calls for it. Simply because they’ve figured out how best to infiltrate banks to rob them with minimal fuss and after their most recent job, they’re ready for their biggest score to date. For Deer Creek, Nevada is reportedly home to a lucrative gold mine and mountains of cash, and if they could quickly and cleanly rob the place… they would enjoy incredible comfort for as long as they desire. But when they arrive in the town, they discover that quite the roadblock is standing between them and becoming stinking rich. In that, an ancient evil has been awakened in the mine, and it hungers for any unfortunate soul within its grasp. 

As it turns out, that ancient evil, is the legendary Tommyknocker. Creatures that were in many ways, an American version of a Leprechaun that caused trouble for those who didn’t respect their territory or their belongings and that brings about, one fascinating and fun horror feature. Since you’re immediately engaged in the story courtesy of the Tommyknocker. For they are indeed somewhat forgotten lore since the genre doesn’t spend a ton of time exploring their past and their existence for that matter as well. In fact, the closest thing we’ve had regarding them in the past forty years is Stephen King’s novel and miniseries, The Tommyknockers, which involved aliens. So, it is wonderful to be presented with a story that piques your curiosity about these monsters and compels you to learn more about them, after you’ve finished the journey of course, since this movie has so much more to offer.
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Such as wondrous homages. Since Director Michael Su pays tribute to the Westerns of yore with some gorgeous shots that evoke memories of the classics, alongside some tips of the cap to George A. Romero. Since this movie also reminds you of Night of the Living Dead and Day of the Dead (1985) courtesy of the setting and some intense underground moments. Speaking of intensity, that’s not the only sequence where you will find yourself on pins and needles in this story. For the horror side of the story is quite impactful in nature, since Mister Su uses jump scares the right way in this movie to spook you, along with atmosphere and our fear of the dark to really make the Tommyknocker a genuinely terrifying creature, and the majesty of this horror film doesn’t end with its nods and scares… the monsters themselves are of note as well.

Because the Tommyknocker as it is portrayed in this movie, is the stuff of nightmares. Courtesy of some magnificent special effects work from Vincent J. Guastini. For his designs have given rise to a being that is both from another plane and grounded in our world and they of course… supply buckets of gore in the story. But what is truly amazing, is that all of these elements of terror, are never overwhelming. Thanks to a script that takes the time to develop the characters and thanks to the choice to inject a little humor into the mix. Making this an accessible and delightful horror film when all is said and done. One that offers something for everyone since cinephiles can enjoy the wonder of the western, horror fans get the scares and the splatter, and the average viewer will find pure entertainment. All courtesy of a movie that takes the time to resurrect a classic monster and present it in a fresh and dynamic and terrifying light.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the zombie has become a true staple of the horror genre, especially in this modern era of horror. Because they have dominated the airwaves and still captivate and terrify us after all these years and of course, they continue to inspire creative artists everywhere to create the most terrifying ghoul possible, including the participants of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans. For this week’s episode focused on the wonder of the zombie in a supremely imaginative manner, by having the Titans create not one, but two looks this week to properly explore the sheer terror of the zombie and its importance to the genre.
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For the challenges present in ‘Zombie Prom’ involved creating a glamorous look for the Titans, one that made them as normal as possible, before they were to transform those gorgeous prom goers into members of the living dead. A move that would truly explore the horror and majesty of the zombie. Since the transformation and loss of innocence that accompanies this creature, is a powerful story unto itself about the bastardization of death they create, and how their cravings for warm, human flesh… lean into the shedding of our humanity to become shells of our former selves. The kind that are driven by pure, motorized, instinct and well… after eating brains for a chance to not be sent home through immunity, the Titans began their march toward living death.

Which once again led to some epic creations. The kind that really did glam out the contestants like never before or immediately remind us of our own awkward selves during prom back in the day before the living dead took over and terrified us on screen. Because good heavens, the Titans went all out to invent some memorable zombies. Koco for instance, brought forth a twisted zombie, one that evoked nausea with the gore, and Victoria’s was also horrendously impressive and screen worthy with its subtle, Savini/Nicotero feel and even Hoso wowed with the guts and gore. But not everyone did as well as they did. In fact, Astrud and Abhora’s work was sub-par to the judges and that brought forth… a twist.

In that, Drac and Swan thought now was a good time to shake things up and really remind everyone of the fragile nature of their standing on the show through a little peer pressure. Which is why the judges decided that it be up to the winner to decide who went up for elimination, which… brought all the tea we’ve been discussing full circle in this tale. Because the Astrud/Abhora/HoSo triangle of emotions boiled over to a head in this episode. To the point where everyone was over it and calling them out for it and that frustration… put both Astrud and Abhora up for elimination. In the hopes of finally putting an end to the drama so work could be done, and well the plan worked.

Because one of those two were sent packing, and well… by now, you know the drill. We don’t discuss the winner or the banished in these recaps, we’re all about the lesson and there were plenty here. Such as how this episode reminded us to not be romantically involved in the workplace, and yes, this IS work for sure. Alongside some wonderful lessons about the zombie and our obsession with it and well, all of that made for another incredible leg of the competition. One that is going to intensify and likely impress further now that the drama is over. Because it was becoming a distraction, and it will be interesting to see how much more focused the Titans become now that the triangle has been broken up. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture ‘Blood Relatives’.
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There are few things in this life that society cherishes more… than family. For it is… the foundation of the modern world, where powerful lessons are taught to children. The kind that will allow for them to learn how to take on the world and make it the utopia so many generations have failed to create. Not to mention, it creates healthy bonds that give everyone in the household meaning and direction and a sense of belonging. Yes indeed, family truly is something quite special, and something that is genuinely unique about the human experience, and we cherish it so greatly, that we often forget to discuss the fact that it isn’t always a rosy and peachy experience. 

Because what we often forget about family, is that it means that vastly different personalities with vastly different needs and wants are living under one roof. Which leads to conflict and tears when those conflicts get ugly. Not to mention, we also tend to forget that not everyone wants a family. Since some walk away and leave their family behind and/or do whatever they must to not have one. But above all, what we truly don’t think about or discuss enough, is that family is work, and we have to put in what we want to get out if we truly want it to be that recreation of Norman Rockwell’s work. If anything, those struggles are top of mind today, simply because they are explored in the most unique manner imaginable in the new Shudder feature, Blood Relatives.

Which is a story that introduces us to a man named Francis. Who is a drifter, and lumbers from obscure town to obscure town, with no real goal or purpose in mind an understandably so. For Francis is in fact, a vampire and wants no ties to a world that he isn’t part of and traversing the world and staying out of anyone’s memories helps him to enjoy that isolation and feed when the time is right. But there is secret about Francis’ life that even he is unaware of. In that, somewhere along the line, he managed to father a daughter during his travels, and with her mother now gone, Jane very much wants to learn about her family lineage and spend time with the dad that never wanted a family and well… her arrival in his life is going to change everything for Francis. Since he will now have to adjust to life as a father.

Which is a plot… that perfectly explores the tougher side to family life. Since Francis is that guy. The one that just wants to be alone and see the world without any ties to anyone or anything. Granted, it is for solid and understandable reasons, but there are a lot of guys like that out in the world… who also happen to father a child in the same manner. Giving rise to struggles when they understand the reality and responsibility of fatherhood and this movie perfectly captures those struggles. For instance, Jane has raw questions to ask her father about why he walked away and who she is what she is and vampire elements aside, those are absolutely the questions a child would ask their father in a similar scenario. Making this a delightfully realistic and meaningful film. Especially when Francis comes to understand that he is all that she has and steps up accordingly. 

However, while all of that makes this movie sound more like it belongs on Lifetime than Shudder, don’t forget… Francis and Jane are vampires. And this is a horror comedy. One that makes sure to remind us of that fact through wonderfully awkward moments that bring forth delicious humor and gags that outright make you laugh out loud and of course… there’s spooky stuff to be found as well. Courtesy of the hunger that this duo harbors and their need to satiate it leads to some supremely slick vampire moments. The kind that catches you off guard with the sudden nature of said hunger, and for the most part… this movie also relies heavily on the power of imagination for some of its darkest scenes, adding a real classic vampire feel to a motion picture that is quite frankly, one of the freshest takes on the vampire story in years. 

Because you so rarely see vampire stories revolve around concepts of family. Not to mention, the other reasons Francis wants to be alone adds stunning depth to his character. All of which makes this a must-watch for certain. Because it’s so rare to see a vampire story have so much to say about family and its binds and the work that goes into creating a healthy one. But that’s precisely what this movie accomplishes, and it doesn’t hurt that actor/writer/director Noah Segan is simply sublime as Francis, courtesy of the subtle approach he brings to the role, and he is wonderfully counterbalanced by Victoria Moroles’ electric portrayal of Jane and well, hopefully this movie inspires a new beginning for the vampire subgenre of storytelling. Since this magnificent film makes it clear that vampire stories can be quite human and relatable, with a little effort and a lot of love.

‘Blood Relatives’ is streaming now on Shudder.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Bones and All’.
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We are told often when we are young, that we are living through precious days. The kind that are filled with wonder and awe. For we are seeing the world through fresh and unbiased eyes, and we get to experience so much for the first time ever, and we are of course… pure of heart. Which is why our childhood friendships are so simple and wonderful in nature and that is why we as kids have not a care in the world. For all we are filled with is joy. Which is why adults admire us and tell us to cherish these days, for not only will they never come again, but they will get us through the tough times ahead when we leave all of it behind to enter a world that is both cruel and unwholesome at times. Which is a fascinating message when you think about it… because it is so inherently wrong.
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Because youth isn’t always a wondrous time. There’s so much we don’t understand and so little agency that we enjoy as kids and teens. Not to mention, hurt exists as a kid, as does pain and suffering. Not to mention, adulthood has its own wonders to offer. Because when we are on our own and begin to forge our own way… we discover wonders and joy untold. Which means the message we give children should change, to express that life is simply a collection of wondrous and painful moments… and that each of them will teach us plenty about ourselves and the world we only live within for a brief period of fleeting time. So that children and teens are better prepared for the awkward nature of growing up and finding our place in the world and are ready for the hurt that we experience in those formative years.

If anything, such thoughts are top of mind today, simply because they serve as the engine of the brand-new horror feature, Bones and All. For this is a story that is grounded heavily in the old way of thinking, and it accomplishes such a feat by introducing us to a unique young woman named Maren. Who has lived the best childhood she can all things considered and is forced out into the world the instant she turns eighteen to learn about life and her past on her own, free from her father who has simply left. Primarily because Maren harbors a fascinating secret. In that, she is a rare creature of sorts, an ‘Eater’, that can easily consume and ingest human flesh and her monstrous hunger has prompted him to leave, so she can figure out her identity on her own and her place in a world where cannibalism is not the norm. 

Which is a plot that is grounded heavily in horror, but truly does explore… those precious days when we first step out into the world with minimal understanding of it. Which makes this a horrific coming of age story in many ways, one where we watch Maren fumble about as we fumbled about in those early days away from home. All while she tries to juggle living and loving, since she also comes into contact with another Eater that captures her heart, and of course… she’s eager to understand the origins of her affliction and its meaning and that too is part of her journey.  All of which makes this film, painfully relatable and oddly realistic. Simply because… minus the whole cannibalism thing, these are life experiences we’ve all gone through in some form or fashion, at that age no less.
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But make no mistake about it, this is a horror film at heart, and it happily leans into the scary and gory stuff no problem at all. Courtesy of Maren’s true calling as an Eater and the secret society of them that roam the lands taking flesh where the opportunity arises. Which of course leads to some supremely unsettling gore, and some uncomfortable feelings. Since the film makes a point to show us Maren when she indulges. But where this movie truly shines, is how it uses her abilities and the horror of being an Eater, to further the film’s themes and concepts. Since such storytelling decisions allow for cannibalism to serve as the allegory for the awkwardness of our individuality in youth and of course, it also serves as the allegory for that which hurts us in life. Since it gives rise to bad people and often is associated with ugly and painful moments for Maren.

Which makes this, a supremely cerebral and moving horror feature. One that is shockingly human in nature, despite featuring inhuman acts. But the raw love that Maren shares with Lee, and the struggles she goes through to find agency and direction in life, balances all of that nicely and truly reminds us of the horror of growing up and the wonder adult life can provide, and it truly hammers home that we as a society, need to prepare our youth better for life ahead. Because a great deal of the ugliest of mistakes we make at that age could be avoided… with direction and care and all of these elements makes this a must-see horror film. Because it is haunting, and beautiful, and horrifying in all right ways, and captivating as well… courtesy of a refreshing and engaging plot that brings unparalleled meaning and realism to a genre that rarely offers that.

On October 31, 2010, the world of horror changed forever. Because that particular Halloween featured the ambitious debut of a brand-new and risky series on AMC entitled The Walking Dead. And what made this decision so risky and so bold, was the sheer fact that horror really wasn’t a primetime focus back in 2010. It was best left to late night, weekend television, where it had thrived for so long. Not to mention, it featured zombies. Creatures known to consume human flesh in a brutal and detailed manner, something that also wasn’t quite a primetime thing. But once the episode started and we continued along with a kind man known as Rick Grimes, it was clear that something incredible was in front of us. 
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Something that would change our lives in ways we never thought possible. For this series would move us unlike any other show on television and it would also go on to have a profound impact on the pop culture landscape, and the horror industry as a whole and well… that’s what we would like to focus on today to properly bid farewell to this iconic series. Because it is rare to be a fan of a series that accomplished all of that over the course of twelve years and eleven seasons, and when one considers that a majority of us today are still drying our eyes from the tears and trying to put the pieces back together over the reality that this series is done… celebrating its accomplishments really is the perfect way to heal and say goodbye. 

In fact, our tears are of note today, largely because it is the emotional tie to this series that made this journey so impactful and addicting for all of us. A feat that the show accomplished through stunningly realistic characters. Because every single fictional person in this show, reminded us of either ourselves or someone we’ve known, and the wonderful acting, combined with that level of depth and writing, invested us in their lives and their safety. A move that would prove costly as the show continued along since there were some heartbreaking and devastating moments. The kind that prompted some folks to walk away, but that too… must be celebrated. Because how epic is it, that a show was able to move us to that point emotionally? But it did and our love of the characters, and the beauty of this harrowing world, basically laid down the foundation to make this series an outright juggernaut.

Because just like that… we were all obsessed with this series and every moment it sent our way, and that made this series a massive success. One that broke records from a ratings perspective and quite frankly helped the world open their eyes to the wonder of fandoms and the good they can provide us with. Since people lined up for miles to meet stars from the show and hear their stories, and the cast’s embracing of the fanbase, only fueled that fire. But it taught everyone it was okay to geek out about your favorite show and share in that wonder with others, and the fandom was so strong that while some bad apples tried to sour it, they were forgotten by the good vibes the others produced. And the demand to see the cast in person gave rise to Walker Stalker Con, a roving convention dedicated to TWD and all things horror.

Speaking of horror, we would also be foolish to not point out… that this show basically made the genre mainstream. Because up until that point, horror was quite niche and regaled to late night for certain. But our love of this show, and our demand for more of what the genre could provide, put the genre on the map and just like that… zombie themed entertainment was everywhere, and people were talking about George A. Romero at the family dinner table instead of in film school discussions and via message boards and that popularity, continues today. Since there are now streaming services dedicated to horror and scary stories dominate the box office and enjoy continued success on television, all because of this show. 
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If anything, it is safe to say that The Walking Dead was and is… historic. For it did so much more than just entertain, it changed television forever and it made horror cool and helped to de-stigmatize being a nerd or a geek and now that the story as come to its end, this is what we need to hold onto. That we were part of history, a phenomenon, a happening, and a life changing one at that since it gave us new friends and well… all we can do now, is enjoy the memories, watch it again and give thanks.

To Scott Gimple, Angela Kang, Greg Nicotero, Andrew Lincoln, Danai Gurira, Norman Reedus, Steven Yuen, Melissa McBride, Lauren Cohan, Christian Serratos, Josh McDermitt, Seth Gilliam, Ross Marquand, Chandler Riggs, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Khary Payton, Cooper Andrews, Lennie James, Sonequa Martin-Green, Eleanor Matsuura, Nadia Hilker, Lauren Ridloff, Cailey Fleming, Angel Theory, Paola Lázaro, Michael James Shaw, Emily Kinney, Tom Payne, Michael Cudlitz, Alanna Masterson, Cassady McClincy, the late and great Scott Wilson, Sarah Wayne Callies, Lauren Holden, Chad L. Coleman, Pollyanna McIntosh, Jon Bernthal, Samantha Morton, David Morrissey, Irone Singleton, Ryan Hurst, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Jeffrey DeMunn, Michael Rooker, Josh Hamilton, Laila Robins, Frank Darabont, Glen Mazzara and the countless other cast members and crew members that helped bring this series to life. 

For without all of you, this series never would have been possible, nor would it have made it eleven seasons and wowed us in the manner that it did. So, from the bottom of the heart of a writer that grew up with zombies and always wanted to see them have their literal Dawn of the Dead, or Day of the Dead if you prefer… I thank you and look forward to where the franchise heads next now The Walking Dead, will forever rest in peace.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series finale of ‘The Walking Dead’. To revisit the show’s penultimate episode, click here.
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Over the course of its illustrious eleven season run, the AMC series, The Walking Dead, has posed one particular question time and time again… are we worth saving as a species? And it makes sense as to why this question continues to pop up within the framework of the show. After all, this is a world where a man-made virus, a desperate attempt to cheat death… bastardized it and transformed it into an absolute nightmare. And the subsequent fallout of living death that came forth from this desperate attempt to cheat our biological destiny, led to incredible suffering and darkness. Where the modern world collapsed at the mottled hands of the dead and where those that survived faced new and heartbreaking challenges… at the hands of the living.
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For the end pushed humanity to its most desperate point and prompted unsettling choices to survive. Some… turned to cannibalism. While others turned to feudalism. Plus, some used the collapse of everything to become the hero they always thought they could be in their minds with disastrous results. While others used fear to seize power and became their own little despots and some… were lost to the winds and abandoned their humanity in favor of chaos. And worst of all… some tried to replicate the world as it stood for so long, regardless of the fact that it failed everyone in its time of need. All of which truly set the stage for that question, since those cruel and misguided individuals and their acts showcased the worst parts of who we are and posed the possibility that our time had come and perhaps it was time to step aside. 

But even then, the heroes that rose from the ashes of the old world, the ones that we’ve called our own television family over the past eleven years, counterbalanced those thoughts, and gave us hope and well, after 177 episodes… this iconic series finally took the time to answer that all-important question, in the most harrowing manner of all. For ‘Rest in Peace’ is a story that tested humanity like never before. For when we caught up with everyone in this tale, death and carnage were everywhere to be found and there were of course, losses. Since Jules and Luke didn’t make it and they weren’t the only ones to fall to the wanton rotten chaos that was wandering the streets of the Commonwealth, for Rosita took a bite from a walker while saving her baby, putting her on borrowed time and the darkness only grew from there.

Since our heroes came to learn that Governor Pamela Milton had isolated herself and her cronies in the heart of the Estates, leaving the good people she swore to protect and made promises to, to die and return at the hands of living death, for those that weren’t torn apart. Which really cast a horrible cloud over this story, one that began to lean toward the negative once again since there seemed to be no hope for tomorrow in this place or anywhere for that matter. But seeing the innocent suffer and realizing that something could be done if someone just tried and stood tall, inspired Ezekiel to inspire others and just like that… a different kind of standoff took place. One where the old guard was challenged, as was downright human decency over a common foe and well… something incredible happened thereafter. 

For the Governor was arrested at last and the people of the Commonwealth did what no one else had done ten years ago. In that, they actually worked together to defeat a common foe. A feat accomplished by dropping personal agendas, and politics and religion and foolishness. All because everyone finally recognized that the only real fight was against the living death that robbed humanity of their chance at a better tomorrow, and because they did just that… mankind won the day at last. And drove the dead into oblivion and began to pick up the pieces. Wherein we finally saw justice for Glenn Rhee through Negan and Maggie’s powerful conversation when the dust from the battle settled and there were also tears to be found in that moment by way of Rosita’s beautiful farewell from this world. 
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Not to mention, a year after that fight, the world changed for the better. Since Ezekiel traded in his crown as King for the title of Governor of the Commonwealth and had good friends and family at his side to watch this new chapter begin and to help this new chance to grow get underway and even back in Alexandria, where so many memories hung heavy over the walls, there was peace and happiness again. Plus, Hilltop was growing and thriving once again, giving rise to a second chance at last for the survivors and really in the end, the horror we witnessed in this tale, and the sorrow and the ugly… and the joy, all helped to finally answer the question that this series has been struggling to answer when Rick Grimes first set foot in the city of the dead that was Atlanta. In that, are we worth saving as a species?

As it turns out… the answer is a resounding yes. Simply because… while we are a very young and very dumb species at times, who tinker too much with what works and are filled with misunderstanding and sometimes hate… we are also capable of stunning wonders. For we can offer reason to those who think they need to tinker further, we can teach one another, and we can shun hate and help people who aren’t lost to it to find their way back from the anger. Not to mention, we are capable of endless love and caring. And we have seen us at our best when times are at their worst. Where we step in and help others in need without giving it a second thought, and feed and protect those less fortunate than us. Because as Daryl so succinctly put it in this tale, ‘we ain’t the walking dead’.

We are instead, living and breathing miracles, that when inspired will shun the nonsense and unify and that is… the perfect message to inject into this story and the perfect way to end this long and winding saga. For it frames this series in a vastly different light. In that, it was never about death and the terror of it and our fear of it. It was never about our cruelty and our misgivings. It was instead… about life. About the impact we make and the legacy we leave behind. Because the universe is chaos and can change the course of everything in a matter of minutes and rob us of so much, but we can’t worry about that. We can only worry about this moment, and what we do within it. For in the moment, we can engender hope and inspire a better tomorrow… all because… ‘we’re the ones who live.’

​One thing that we can all agree upon, is that the world is a messy and sometimes dark place. One that can easily corrupt a pure soul and turn them to complete and utter darkness. Where they cause harm to others, harm to themselves and generally no longer care about the rules they were raised by and abided by for years on end. They just do as they please, and see where the day takes them, and if they are held accountable for their actions… it is what it is. These are the folks we consider to be lost, and these are the folks that so many harbor worry for, regarding their future or their capacity for good and what’s incredible… is that these are the folks that we do whatever we can to rehabilitate and give a second chance to in this life.
 
Because for all the messy and ugly we see in this world, we also know of its endless beauty and the magnificent moments that bring us joy, and that people are indeed capable of great good and wonder. So, we in turn, come to believe that the lost can be saved, can be redeemed even, regardless of what they’ve done. Which is why prisons and therapeutic programs to put broken people back together again, exist, because there has to be a better way, and everyone should deserve the chance to enjoy peace and happiness. But sometimes, even that doesn’t help, and we see the worst of the worst sink deeper or return to old habits… and some folks, commit such heinous crimes that we aren’t even sure they are worth the time or effort. Which then begs some important questions, can everyone be saved? Can there be redemption for the absolute worst of the worst?
 
Well as it turns out, the writer’s room of The Walking Dead on AMC… firmly believed that the answer to those questions was a resounding yes. For the last episode in our farewell retrospective to the series, featured a redemption story. One that was seemingly improbable and powerful in nature and that makes ‘Walk With Us’ the best that season ten has to offer. Simply because it posed an idea of what it would take for someone to be redeemed that appears to be irredeemable, and the first step on that journey… one that saw Negan finally atone for his hideous sins and acts, involved surrounding a bad person with an evil that was greater than anything they’d ever committed in their criminal career, if you will. Since Negan was firmly embedded with The Whisperers in this tale and commissioned to help in an all-out assault on Hilltop.

​Which allowed for him to see firsthand, Alpha’s true cruelty and madness and the savagery of Beta. Because he was forced to watch a stronghold that once fed the Saviors, one that he saw as a resource to be controlled… burn. And he was forced to watch the people within it suffer and that was in the end, quite difficult for Negan. For this was wanton cruelty and delighted devastation, that was devoid of rhyme and real reason. For Alpha just wanted to exert power over people and indulge in her darkest desires and that… that definitely gave Negan perspective and helped him to understand… that there is true evil in the world. The kind that has no regard for anything but its own existence and that those who haven’t committed to that level of darkness and destruction, can be saved if they truly commit to doing something good. 
 
A reality that was further hammered home by Negan and Alpha’s heartbreaking talk in the woods, where Negan learned how she was beyond ready to kill her own daughter to just flex her muscles and well… that is what of course, led to the beginning of Negan’s redemption. For that fight and that talk really gave him perspective on the person he was and the person he could be and that allowed for him to complete his mission and put Alpha down and hand over the head to Carol and well… that made for one brilliant story. One that really did put Negan in a position to finally reflect upon his journey and his sins and how he could find his way back from the darkness and become a worthwhile person that could be more than a horrible legend and a monster. 
 
Which makes this a powerful and poignant episode, one that speaks to the power of redemption in our world and how we have to approach it differently in our world to achieve it, by catering to the person and not our hopes and of course… it set the stage for so much more for Negan. Since the final season saw him complete his redemption arc and find new ways to prove he had changed and wanted a better life and to be a better man. All because he saw where he had been, and what he could be and refused to go that route and really, that makes this episode, of the finest this series has to offer, and it also doesn’t hurt that it plays into the central theme of the series regarding whether or not we can be saved. And well… now that we’ve reached the end of this retrospective, the time has come to turn our attention to one last story in this universe: the series finale. And prepare for all the tears and terror and hopeful elation that it is going to send our way as we bid farewell to this important and iconic series.

Caution: This article contains minor spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Slash/Back’.
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For the most part, children and teens are often cast in negative and troublesome roles in horror and oddly, it makes sense as to why. After all, youth is something that we equate with innocence. So, to see them say… become the victim of an evil spirit in a story, unsettles us and unnerves us since children aren’t supposed to be harmed in that manner. Not to mention, seeing them as the heavy or an evil force personified is equally as disturbing since that too speaks to a loss of innocence and a failure of the system through and through, since it is the job of the adults to protect children at all costs from harm and ensure they are never corrupted since they are the future of our society. 
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In fact, going this route in horror is so commonplace that there are but a handful of films where the child or the teen is the hero and that too, has logic behind it. Because few can envision kids fighting back in the same manner and with the same bravery as Peter and Roger did in Dawn of the Dead. And few would find it believable to see them lurk into a vampire’s layer and dispatch a super strong bloodsucker that is ten times their size. So that too, keeps them stuck in those negative roles and leaves us wondering… if it is possible to actually make youth the hero of a horror story and the fact of the matter is… it is very possible. Provided of course quality writing and care regarding the story comes into play, as evidenced by a brand-new horror feature on Shudder, Slash/Back.

For in this particular film, we are transported near the edge of the Arctic Circle, wherein we meet a group of teenagers who are just… getting by in their isolated hometown and wondering what kind of future of awaits them. For this community is tight knit and few ever leave it, and now is the time to think about their role in their home, with their families at their side. But one wild day when they’re out and about… they encounter something quite strange, a polar bear that doesn’t act as it is supposed to. Which leads to a curious investigation from one member of the group to better understand what’s happening and what she uncovers is terrifying. In that, some kind of being from another world has come to Earth and is able and eager to control biological life and it will now be up to these intrepid teens to save their community and the planet from a threat that no one is prepared for in the slightest.

Which is… the perfect plot in which to make a young person a hero. Because since there’s a subplot in this story about all the adults attending a grand Solstice Dance, they’re all away from their kids and unaware of the horrible threat coming toward their town and that… allows for our heroes to step up and save the day and that leads… to an engaging and fun story. One that sees a bunch of teenagers come of age and become the heroes this town absolutely needs right now and that’s all that has to happen to make teens and younger people the hero of the story. Place them in the right setting, give them plausible skills, since everyone here has hunting and fishing training since they live in a sustainable waterside community, and turn them loose.
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But while it is amazing to see young people play the hero for a change and save the adults, make no mistake about it… there are a ton of horror elements to be found in this story and horror homages. Because in order for this creature to infect others and control them… it needs physical contact and the element of surprise and well, that brings forth visuals that are absolutely reminiscent of John Carpenter’s The Thing, and that’s a wonderful thing. Since it pays tribute to a full-on classic, while making those visuals the story’s own and of course, this alien being plays by its own rules and devices, giving rise to fresh scares and creepy moments that help to make this adventure its own special horror flick, one whose unique nature extends beyond the already original concepts we’ve discussed.

Because we’d be foolish to not mention the wondrous representation and diversity present in this film. Because it focuses on the Intuit people and makes use of Intuit actors for the principle leads and that’s just amazing. Since it puts a culture and a people that few of us understand on display and offers a unique setting as well and all of these elements make this a refreshing and delightful horror feature. One that just puts a smile on your face with its wickedly twisted visuals and monsters, and wonderful use of humor when necessary and it features a genuinely refreshing story as well. Since these are heroes and places, we don’t see on screen. But most important of all, it takes the time to show us, that kids can be more than suffering victims or monsters in horror films, they too can save the day and be as memorable and badass as Ellen Ripley.