​Over the course of the past few days, our discussions revolving around The Walking Dead and the finest episodes it has to offer, have been… hopeful in nature. For they have examined episodes that ponder upon growth and stability and the best parts of our humanity. Which are topics that are stunning to find in a story where the dead have returned to life to eat the living, but they are there none the less and kept audiences going in great times of need. For in between those positive messages, are dark and scary moments. The kind that saw good people exit the series in a horrible or heartbreaking manner, requiring a serotonin boost to keep us going, even when we knew that additional ugly was just around the corner. 
 
But one cannot explore just the good in any particular tale or even life for that matter. For both sides of the equation are equally as important and sometimes in storytelling, the darkness can be just as compelling and powerful, and meaningful in its own way as well, and heavens knows TWD is full of those moments for certain. In fact, a great deal of those ugly and devastating moments appeared in season four of the series. Since the prison was hit hard with a nasty flu virus, the Governor returned and broke our hearts, and our heroes were scattered out into the world. But of the many dark moments present in that season of storytelling, only one stands out as the darkest and perhaps most powerful of that journey.  Specifically…. ‘The Grove’.
 
For that particular tale went places that few horror stories ever will, by offering up a true sense of hopelessness, courtesy of a reminder that not everyone can be saved from tough times and when that happens… we have no choice but to leave them behind or get them help, or in the case of this episode… do something drastic. But what made this episode so memorable and truly the best of what season four had to offer, was how it got that message across to us. Simply because this story manipulated us early on, since it really did make it appear as though Carol and Tyreese, and Lizzie and Mika would finally find hope and joy within the confines of a defendable and comfortable little house in the woods. One that was almost storybook in nature.

​But instead, this particular story, used that idyllic setting as the backdrop of nothing more than a story of the lost. Where we watched, in real time, a child lose their mind and sense of reality. Because minute by minute, young Lizzie… who was already in a tough place to begin with… lost any sense of what was real and dangerous in this world and leaned heavily into her fantasy that the living dead were harmless and friendly. Which in retrospect was a coping mechanism come to life, one designed to help this poor child reconcile the reality and danger surrounding her while also failing her. Something that in the normal world would have been dealt with via psychiatric care, but here… that wasn’t possible.
 
Which in turn led to disaster since Lizzie in essence snapped and crossed every line imaginable to reconcile that broken reality in her mind and well… that made her a danger to others and herself and that pushed Carol to do the unthinkable… and put her down. Via a sequence of storytelling that while tasteful, horrified the audience and truly put this series in a dark, dark place. Because kids are often untouchable in these kinds of stories, so to see one become a killer and have to be put down, was stunning to say the least. Not to mention… the fact that a child, the symbol of pure innocence, was lost to the horrors of the world of the dead was equally as impactful and well… gave everyone who watched great pause.
 
For it truly hammered home how the dead ruled the day and how humanity was potentially doomed to falter and crumble under the weight of such horrors and well, it doesn’t get more hopeless and horrifying than that. Yet, while that plot is indeed something that could be seen as distasteful, it must in fact… be praised. For horror stories that truly push the envelope are the ones that are remembered for their bravery and they of course… challenge us like never before and this one did just that. Plus, its power holds up well after all these years and for that reason… it truly is the best that season four has to offer. And now that we’ve revisited one carefully constructed nightmare one more time, the time has come to turn our attention to another bleak tale… one that challenged these brave characters like never before. Until next time.

​For the most part, zombie themed storytelling tends to avoid exploring a health problem that would persist greatly if the dead were to return to life and attack the living, specifically… mental health. For these stories oft feature strong characters that are smart as nails and can handle anything that comes their way. And while that does indeed lead to sheer badassery and incredible feats that keep them from becoming a zombie horde’s next all you can eat buffet… it’s problematic that they are always chipper and hardened in the face of nightmarish adversity. Simply because, it reinforces the toxic concept that we can achieve anything, including mental stability, if we just lower our heads down and forge ahead during a stressful and terrifying time in our lives.
 
Because that simply is not the case, we have emotions and limits and being faced with the end of everything and losing loved ones and friends along the way, to the endless waves of starving corpses in the countryside, would have an impact upon our mental health, a supremely negative one at that. One that would we need time to heal from, which might not be possible when survival is the daily agenda. But thankfully, in 2013, The Walking Dead decided to peel away from that bravado mentality in zombie themed stories. For after flirting with the reality that this world was having an impact upon its main characters mental health, it finally opted to explore in great detail what prolonged exposure to trauma of that sort might do to a person’s mind in the season three episode, ‘Clear’.
 
For this was a tale that had Rick Grimes encounter the man that saved his life in the series premiere, Morgan Jones, in a harrowing manner. Wherein Morgan opened fire on he and Michonne and Carl, as they returned to Rick’s hometown to retrieve weapons for a forthcoming battle with the Governor and his forces in Woodbury and well… once it was revealed that Morgan was indeed a little lost, this story let loose and explored the gravity of this world and that led to one powerful and revolutionary tale. One that truly informed us of the fact, that being in a world of the dead and constantly having to fight and lose because the odds are never in one’s favor, could completely and utterly shatter a person’s mental state.

​To the point where they would slip into a world of delusion and fury as the adrenaline took over, as did the survival instinct and well, that led to some stunning moments. The kind that introduced us to a genuinely broken good man that couldn’t differentiate between human and walker because of the trauma and loss he had suffered through without an ounce of mental health care and well… that’s why what came next after we learned of the horror of this world, was so critical and important to the fabric of the series and this episode. Because despite being attacked by Morgan and even wounded by him, Rick refused to give up and leave Morgan in this state. For he believed his old friend and savior deserved better, deserved another chance and that led to a supremely important message.
 
In that, whether the world is actually ending or ending in a person’s mind… we have to be there for those we care about in their time of mental need. For kindness and gratitude and outright care are elements that can help bring a person back from the brink. For those are acts that calm a mind and make a person that is lost and broken feel important and relevant again and to see that take place in a world where everything had gone wrong and where people were preparing to fight over a silly dispute, added beauty to this harrowing universe, and hope. Hope that perhaps better days were ahead for these survivors and that humanity could come back because of what it is capable of and that is why this episode is hands down the best that season three had to offer.
 
Because it truly was a powerful and thoughtful, and downright moving tale. One that spoke to the human condition in a brilliant manner and of course, was filled to the brim with powerhouse performances. The kind that reminded us why Lennie James was cast in this series to begin with since he provides us with a tour de force performance here, one complimented beautifully by Andrew Lincoln’s even keeled turn as Rick, and well… this is one that holds up well after all this time and continues to move us even though we know where Morgan’s journey goes from here. And well, now that we’ve explored in detail the best that season three has to offer, the time has come to turn our attention to season four’s darkest and most powerful tale, one that changed how we look at flowers, forever. Until next time.

​There are some out there in The Walking Dead community that harbor the belief that season two of the series, was perhaps its weakest entry and it makes sense as to why they hold to that. After all, this is a season that is a supremely faithful version of the comic book arc involving Hershel’s farm, and a lot of season two is set in the heart of that farm. So, there’s a low walker count because of that, the tension isn’t quite there, and it is a season that also featured some bold and devastating storytelling choices. Such as revealing Sophia to be a walker hiding in Hershel Greene’s Barn of the Dead and of course… Dale’s death was shocking thanks to its suddenness and outright brutality and those are elements that can absolutely turn off a fan or provide them with sour context.
 
Which is okay, you like what you like, and no one can change that. But from this writer’s perspective, season two was nothing short of a bold attempt to tell an intimate zombie story full of heartbreak and growth. The kind that forced the characters to really come to understand the world as it now stood and how broken it was and how the reality that death was a mockery, had put some people in a shattered place mentally. Plus, it reinforced the dangerous nature of the walking dead and above all else… it taught one particular character that was quite hopeful and joyous in nature… that this world changed people for the worse, and it made them more dangerous that the dead and that tough decisions and actions would have to come into play to survive those very people.
 
Which is why, the penultimate episode of season two, ‘Better Angels’ is our choice for one of the finest episodes that The Walking Dead has to offer. For it is the story that completes Rick Grimes’ understanding of that lesson in a harrowing and powerful manner. Because truly, up until this point, Rick really thought the old ways of the world would serve everyone well and create a sense of peace and engender enough hope to start the world over fresh. As though hanging onto to those best parts of yesterday would give everyone the strength to go on and motivate them to rebuild this world with that as its foundation. But Shane is a man that changed all of that, through his devastating actions in this season and in this tale. 

​For his desire to hurt his best friend physically and manipulate him into a trap, spoke not only to the tragedy that Shane had become at the end of the world, but what it transformed people into. In that, it broke them. For it left Shane hopeless and grabbing at whatever he could to find a dose of happiness in this new life, and being denied Lori or his potential child, and agency and purpose, was more than he could bear and that sent him into a spiral and corrupted his soul and well… it took that stunning standoff in the middle of the field for Rick to finally realize… that with caution and care, the dead could be dealt with and/or avoided. But the evil that men do and the cruelty they carry, would be amplified in this new life, and had to be dealt with… and that led to one incredible finale.
 
Wherein we saw Rick fully realize that it was either his best friend or his life and that even if he wounded or slowed Shane down, he would still keep coming. Because a world without rules meant there was no need to stop or let go, men like Shane could just take and attack as they please. But that of course, didn’t make Rick’s final act regarding Shane any easier. Because this wasn’t killing a walking corpse, this was killing the man he called a brother. A person he trusted and he a person he loved, all because he couldn’t reconcile the reality of this world and that made for a devastating and heartbreaking end to Shane’s life. Which however, while heartbreaking, would do Rick and his group some good in the end.
 
Since it did make them skeptical of the Governor and prompted them to proceed with caution going forward, to ensure that they were dealing with good people, who weren’t corrupted and would help them rebuild the world… in a new image. For Rick did indeed learn that this world requires a touch of savagery now and again, and to separate that from what mattered and well, all of those reasons make this a critical keystone story for the franchise and a moving one as well. Since Shane’s end was tough to watch and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this harrowing reflection, the time has come to move on and explore season three’s finest tale, one that also focused on mental health in the age of walking death. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Mandrake’.
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One particular aspect of our world that we know exists but do not wish to speak to, is the sheer fact that evil is indeed alive and well. And we don’t want to speak to that for simple reasons. For starters, to do so gives evil agency and power and no one is eager for it to ever have that. Not to mention, there is a deep-rooted fear that acknowledging its existence in our world, could make us comfortable with it and make it commonplace. Since apathy has led to normalcy and that’s a scary picture for certain and that is why… we take specific actions against evil every chance that we get. So, we don’t have to speak the hard truth about it and its role in modern society. 
 
Acts that include doing our best to report it when we see it, so that law enforcement or greater powers can handle it accordingly and on a smaller scale, we try to combat it through acts of kindness for the vulnerable. Where we listen to those in pain or go the extra mile for them. In the hopes that they don’t lose faith in humanity and turn to a life of evil. But while we do indeed hope that is the tipping point, since we all take part in it… we simply don’t know if it works or if it truly helps to combat evil. Which is a touch bleak to say, but we don’t. For follow up on such actions is rare because we do have lives to lead and well, it’s a question that oddly enough, is answered in the darkest manner imaginable in the new Shudder Original Feature, Mandrake.
 
A feat that this film accomplishes by plunging us into the heart of a small community where something unsettling has just happened. In that, a notorious killer in the community named Mary Laidlaw (aka ‘Bloody Mary’) has been released from prison. Which rocks everyone’s world since they don’t know if she’s trustworthy or reformed, they only know of her past transgressions. And it falls to Cathy Madden, a local social worker, to attend to Mary as her liaison and of course… Cathy believes in reform and kindness and does her best to try and treat Mary like a person that matters. All in the hopes of giving her a second chance and perhaps give her the foundation to return to the world and be the good person Cathy thinks all aspire to be. But unfortunately for Cathy, Mary has a lot of dark secrets and plans that she is eager to reveal to the world and she wants Cathy to help her in this process.

​Which is… the perfect way to answer the question at hand. Since Cathy is indeed doing what we think is necessary to combat evil in the world and make life better for others. Because that is some hardcore kindness and should in fact… heal a broken soul. But the fact that Mary cares not about such matters and wants to use the naivety of Cathy to push her own agenda, answers the question in a dark manner. In that…  kindness doesn’t always work. In fact, all it does sometimes is delay the inevitable. For when a person has committed to the darkness, really committed, they’ve made their choice and all that remains is evil actions and agendas that harm and that is… a bleak reality that also motivates the viewer to ponder upon the possibility that Mary is a one-off and was too far gone to really help.
 
But the fact that others follow her lead in this movie and that the townsfolk are quick to push for violence and revenge when she begins to resurrect some old habits that die hard, speaks to something greater and far more philosophical. In that, evil is inherently within all of us, and it can easily be brought forth if the circumstances are right and that… makes this a devastating film through and through. One that speaks to the possibility that what we wish to fight, cannot be defeated because it is in our very DNA. Which really does rob one of hope and leaves us wondering how we do change course and therein lies the brilliance in this film. Because even in horror, happy endings and answers exist. So, to not receive it here, puts this film in the nihilistic pantheon of Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, or even Speak No Evil. Where the cruelty of the universe is put on display and allows for evil to do its thing and win.
 
If anything, the only real ‘positive’ answer it gives the audience, is that we will have to make fundamental changes to society and how we raise children and conduct ourselves if we want evil gone and who knows if that is possible. But while that does indeed leave one in need of a hug, make no mistake about it, this is a horror film, one that also delivers on the scares. For there are some supernatural elements that accompany the savagery of man and those work well here and genuinely unsettle you and that only adds to the power and the gravity of what truly is… a heartbreaking masterpiece. One that is angry and hopeless and eager to affirm some of our darkest fears about humanity, and that makes this a must-see horror film for certain. Because going that route is about as brave and bold as it gets in this feel-good era of storytelling.

‘Mandrake’ is now streaming on Shudder.

On October 31, 2010… the horror world and the world of popular culture was transformed. For on that fateful night, AMC rolled the hard six and aired a prime-time zombie story. A series premiere that happened to be a grand adaptation of a wildly popular comic book entitled The Walking Dead. A show that would transform the landscape and make horror mainstream and give life to eleven seasons of wild storytelling and ratings that no horror story had ever enjoyed on television. In fact, to call the show a juggernaut would be nothing short of an insult, for it remains in fact, a phenomenon. One that changed lives and opened all kinds of doors for horror stories in prime time.
 
But alas, all good things must come to their end and in a couple of weeks, we will bid farewell to this iconic series since its final episode draws near. Bringing a close to a grand and sweeping and story that moved us and scared us and polarized us with bold storytelling and stunning moments. But before we say our final goodbye, the time has come to look back upon this grand journey and spotlight the finest episodes that this series has to offer. Simply because it deserves that reflection and respect for doing so much for the horror genre and for popular culture in general, and well… perhaps the best place to start in this grand retrospective of the best that this series has to offer… is at the beginning. For the series premiere of this long and winding journey was truly the best that season one of the show had to offer.
 
Mainly because ‘Days Gone Bye’ set the tone for this series through and through by introducing three key elements that the series would never deviate from. For instance, this is a premiere that made it clear the survivors of this zombiepocalypse, or ‘The Fall’ as it would be later coined, would always be the focus of the story. For a human story about a world full of inhuman zombies really hadn’t quite been done before. Not like this, anyway. And going that route, allowed for us to immediately attach ourselves to Rick Grimes and appreciate his plight and pull for him at every turn. And the honest nature in which he was presented was extended to the other characters as well as the series went along, allowing for more connection to take place. But it started here, with Rick. Whom we quickly came to learn was a good man and his fine intentions and noble quest to find his family, led to the second element that made this episode so good and so important to the future of the franchise.

​In that, one might say the best parts of the human condition were found in this particular tale. Since a man that could go anywhere and do anything risked life and limb to find his family and/or the truth about their fate. Not to mention, we saw Morgan Jones risk a lot by taking him in, but he did it because it was the right thing to do. Also, watching Rick offer mercy to the living dead in that poignant sequence, really was something special and something never before seen in zombie fiction. For the threat of the dead always prompted immediate violence, so to see care and gentleness on display for an abomination set the tone for Rick’s quest for the future and later that of his friends. Where they would always try and be better than their enemies and the folks that lost their way in the hopes of creating a better world and that is a beautiful message that hangs heavy over the show even in its final days. 
 
But the last element worth noting about this premiere, is that it also made sure to establish that this is a dangerous and scary, scary world. Where living death lurks around every corner, and it hammered that home by providing us with revolutionary walkers designed by horror effects legend Greg Nicotero. Who went all out to update the zombie for modern times and of course, their shockingly realistic appearance in this tale, combined with the stunning visuals and revolutionary gore, and spooky moments here… establish the terror of this world. In fact, there are many moments where you don’t know if Rick or Morgan or anyone, he encounters is going to survive because of the threat the walking dead poses, and that remains a big deal since it added a true sense of dread to this series, the kind that still leaves one uncomfortable and can still be found in its later seasons.
 
Plus, it also gave us a rare look at a full-on city of the dead. Something that only a handful of zombie themed movies and shows have ever put on display for budgetary reasons. But Rick’s ride through a ruined Atlanta, is truly the stuff of horror dreams since we get a truly devastated city that is indeed filled to the brim with starving zombies and well… all of those reasons are why this is hands down, the best episode of season one of this series and one of its best, period. Because it set the tone and it set the mood and it truly wowed us on that fateful night and drew people in because it delivered what it promised. A big budget zombie epic that was gory and horrifying and fun, and intense and without those elements… who knows if we’d be reflecting on eleven seasons of stories… or two… or three. But either way, ‘Days Gone Bye’ truly remains a keystone story for this franchise and now that we’ve properly reflected upon it, the time has come to turn our attention to season two’s finest episode, one that forced Rick Grimes to truly become part of a world that he barely understood. Until next time.  

​Despite the fact that the titles of 'nerd' and 'geek' are often reserved for folks who passionately display their love of a particular fandom or genre...in reality, we are all nerds and geeks. There is something that every single one of us is super passionate about and geek out about when we get a chance to celebrate or discuss that subject.

But, sadly, some folks take their love of a particular thing way too far. It might be they see themselves as above others when it comes to knowledge of a particular fandom, and they seem to enjoy putting others down when they don't know enough about it. Or as is the case with some sports fans, they're just plain obnoxious about their team, and prattle on about them regardless of whether they win or lose. Or, in rare cases... their particular love of an actor or author is downright unhealthy and potentially dangerous as was explored in the brilliant horror film, Misery.

Paul Sheldon has enjoyed an incredible career as a writer. His 'Misery' series are always a best seller, but Paul has finally killed off that character since he is looking to change up his career and having finished something brand new and totally unlike his other work, he is ready to leave his writing retreat and submit this fine new work to his publisher. But a terrible snowstorm sends his sports car off the road and into a ditch, but Paul is in luck. A woman named Annie Wilkes saw the crash and has pulled him from the wreckage and as it turns out, she is a former nurse and able to help in healing his ugly injuries. In fact, he really couldn't be in a better situation, because Annie is also his biggest fan.

​But it doesn't take long for Paul to realize his luck has run out. Because Annie is not quite what she seems. Sure, she is his biggest fan, but she's also stark raving mad and since she's out in the middle of nowhere, she's kept it from the world that Paul is alive, because she needs him there to do one important thing.... resurrect Misery from the dead and she'll stop at nothing to get another story from her favorite author.

Based off of Stephen King's novel of the same name, the film version of the story is a decidedly different kind of horror film, because of its simplicity. There are no grandiose sets to be found here, or fancy special effects work...this is low down, gritty horror set in a remote cabin and it's absolutely terrifying to watch. Perhaps the greatest triumph when it comes to atmosphere in this film is the fact that it feels incredibly claustrophobic, almost as if the walls are closing in on the audience as much as they are on Paul Sheldon. Plus, the film also deserves some serious kudos over the fact that it uses minimal and practical special effects as well, relying on quick cuts and sometimes implication to balance the gore and make our stomachs churn for the film's few, but effective graphic sequences. 

But the real joy in sitting down to watch this film, is Kathy Bates' performance as the psychotic Annie Wilkes. She is magnificent in the role, able to go from an absolute endearing sweetheart to blood thirsty monster in less than a second and when she does turn...she is absolutely and utterly terrifying. She is the true monster of the story, and I've always been partial to tales like this that show us the darkest parts of our souls and what enhances her evil further... is the fact that we never quite understand what drives her to do what she does, and that sense of the unknown makes her a force of nature and one hell of a villain. Either way, this is a true horror classic that needs to be seen if you haven't yet because it is truly a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Something that is genuinely fascinating about horror, is how it permeates the fabric of so many other genres. Because the powerful elements it makes use of to create tension will often be found in other stories, since what it brings to the table is raw and powerful and sometimes… what it does from a fear perspective finds its way into other genres as well. Simply because it is the purest and most impactful genre out there and it knows how to elicit an emotional response and that’s why science fiction has no problem bringing it into the fold when necessary. To truly tell an incredible and memorable story, and that particular fact is something that the Boulet Brothers thought, would be worth teaching the world during this week’s episode of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans on Shudder.

For ‘Science Fiction (Horror) Double Feature’ was an episode designed to celebrate the wonder of that fusion through history lessons and costumes that celebrated the best parts of said fusion. That is… once we got past the drama. Because last week’s elimination and win had the Titans buzzing about what was to come next and how best to navigate the competition with the stakes quickly getting higher and that oddly enough, led to some open dialogue and some vocal concerns from several in the group about the whole love triangle that was currently playing out as well. Since so many saw it as a distraction, one that the episode dedicated a great deal of time to, to hammer home those concerns and how much it did permeate the fabric of the competition in the moment.

But once everyone got their assignment and survived the Fright Feat of the Week, which involved getting spun about with some hard G forces to see who might puke… it was down to business. Wherein everyone worked to create those amazing tributes to science fiction and horror and well… so many of the contestants delivered. Since Astrud provided us with a stunning alien nightmare that featured overtones of Lovecraft. Not to mention Erika made one hell of a Ghidora creation and wow, did HoSo and Victoria steal the show. Because HoSo dug deep into the history of this fusion to bring forth a cybernetic nightmare that evoked memories of Frtiz Lang’s Metropolis and every, body horror story, you’ve ever seen and Victoria, evoked her inner Rob Bottin by paying homage to The Thing.
 
But while this week’s top looks were flawless and epic in nature, the bottom looks were truly difficult for the judges to handle this week and that put Abhora and Kendra in a tough spot. Because they were both up for elimination this go round, mainly because Kendra did not really land the assignment. For while her performance was special and engaging, the costume just didn’t scream fusion and Abhora, went a little too artsy with their outfit. Since it was more ethereal and philosophical than a blend of science fiction and horror and that brought about great debate as to who was going home, and while that took place… more hot tea was served. Because some honesty in the waiting room led to a clash between Abhora and well… everyone. To the point where Abhora made it clear that if they survived this elimination, others would pay.

As to whether or not they will make good on such a threat, we won’t discuss here. Because that would reveal whether or not they went home and we don’t spoil that here, nor do we spoil the winner. So, you can experience that majesty of that firsthand. Instead, we will celebrate one brilliant round of the competition. For this was the show digging deep into its roots by allowing for the Titans and their work and performances to teach us the rich history of science fiction and horror fusion and celebrate it and the episode accomplished its mission. Since the best part of said fusion was put on display, and shockingly, the rules came back into play as well. Since no eliminated contestants returned this week. Making it clear now that everyone is playing for keeps from here on out and it will be interesting to see how the Titans respond to that reality as they continue to teach us about the wonder of the genre and all that it has accomplished. Until next time.

One would think that November would be the perfect time for the hard-working folks at Shudder to rest. After all, they’re coming off of a massive 61-day Halloween celebration, one that featured some stunning movies and programming, and with the holidays basically underway… why not kick back and have a nap? But that’s simply not how the folks at Shudder work. For they understand that horror is a year-round venture and while others might be kicking back and relaxing this time of year, the folks behind the scenes at Shudder are still plugging along to bring us the best in horror, as evidenced by today’s announcement.

For earlier, the network let it be known that they have acquired the rights to Blood Flower. A Malaysian horror film (also known as Harum Malam), which also happened to be a Fantastic Fest and Sitges Film Festival selection and well, not only does this reinforce our point… but it also builds great excitement for this movie. Because it looks to be quite the unique ride, one that… well… it’s best we let Shudder describe it. So, without further ado, here are all the details on this upcoming release, courtesy of the finest horror streamer out there.
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‘Shudder, AMC Network’s premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has acquired rights to the Malaysian horror Blood Flower (Harum Malam) from director Dain Said (Interchange, Bunohan, Dukun). The film, an official selection of Fantastic Fest and the Sitges Film Festival, will be available exclusively on Shudder in the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
 
“One of next year’s most frightening films, Blood Flower (Harum Malam) is a special kind of haunter. We’re thrilled to bring the bold voice of director Dain Said to the service, and to make Blood Flower (Harum Malam) our first Shudder Original from Malaysia.”
 
Added director Dain Said, “My ghost in Blood Flower (Harum Malam) needs a place to haunt, and in Shudder it has found a home to spill blood and do its evil deeds.”
 
Blood Flower (Harum Malam) tells the story of Iqbal, a 16-year-old apprentice faith healer and exorcist, tormented by visions of the dead and spirits from other dimensions. When a malicious spirit begins to wreak havoc around him, Iqbal is forced to harness his supernatural gifts to save his family and friends.
 
Written by Said, Nandita Solomon and Ben Omar, Blood Flower (Harum Malam) stars Idan Aedan, Bront Palarae and Remy Ishak and is produced by Apparat in collaboration with Skop Productions and D’Ayu Pictures. The film was also produced with support from the Malaysian National Film Development Board (Finas). Reel Suspects is handling sales for the rest of the world.
 
The deal was negotiated by XYZ Film’s Pip Ngo on behalf of the filmmakers, and Emily Gotto, VP, Global Acquisitions & Co-Productions on behalf of Shudder.
 
About Shudder
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
 
About XYZ Films
XYZ Films is an independent studio whose mission is to empower visionary storytellers from every corner of the planet. XYZ was founded in 2008 by Nate Bolotin, Nick Spicer and Aram Tertzakian and has expanded in recent years into documentary, talent management, and distribution. Some of the company’s classic titles include THE RAID franchise, 2017 Sundance winner I DON'T FEEL AT HOME IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE, and Panos Cosmatos' psychedelic revenge thriller MANDY.   
 
XYZ’s current projects include THE BLACK KAISER starring Mads Mikkelsen, HOUNDS OF WAR starring Frank Grillo, Robert Patrick and Rhona Mitra, and the Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead film SOMETHING IN THE DIRT which premiered at Sundance 2022. Its current slate also includes Nic Cassavetes’ GOD IS A BULLET starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maika Monroe and Jamie Foxx, NOCEBO directed by Lorcan Finnegan with Eva Green and Mark Strong, and ACCUSED from BAFTA-nominated BOILING POINT director Phillip Barantini. XYZ is in post-production on the Netflix Original HAVOC, directed by Gareth Evans and starring Tom Hardy and Forrest Whitaker.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Interview with the Vampire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also features discussion regarding domestic and emotional abuse, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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There comes a point where enough is enough. Claudia sees it, she respects it, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make things better. She’s there for Louis, caring for him, helping him heal and recover from Lestat. Being beaten to a pulp, even as a vampire, takes time to heal from. While he does heal, it’s not an easy process. Claudia becomes the caretaker. She’s the daughter, the sister, the caretaker, the filler, the pillar of strength, the crutch, the creation. The Mistake. Above all, Claudia is a stand-up person. Despite what happened to her, despite the trauma of her own assault, she helps Louis with his. Maybe, it helps heal her too, in a way.

Lestat is relentless. He calls. He sends gifts. He brings gifts by. Claudia ignores him and turns him away at every turn. She’s not forgiving. She’s not willing to allow the man back into their lives. Cleaning up his mess and putting Louis back together takes months and years. In a way, Louis never fully recovers. He’s sullen, more reserved. Claudia sees it and won’t allow Lestat to taint Louis any more than he already has. Sadly, Claudia doesn’t have much of a say in Louis’ romantic leanings. The whole thing comes to a head when Lestat sends a record to Louis. It’s a song Lestat wrote and performed for Louis, accompanied by the musical stylings of Antoinette, his mistress. Louis is so infuriated by this that he swims across the Mississippi River, finds Lestat in Antoinette’s house, and confronts him. Of course, Lestat is in bed with Antoinette. She gets kicked out of her own home, and Louis and Lestat have a passionate, rough, reunion.

Lestat is welcomed back. Claudia doesn’t approve nor does she make it easy. Louis is back to being in love with Lestat, which is to be a little expected. After all, Lestat’s love bombing was intense. Truthfully, Louis wants things to be how they were before. Before Claudia killed her first love. Before Lestat was having affairs. Before all the violence. It’s here that Claudia is put into the position of guardian. Louis needs to be looked after and that’s what Claudia will do. He can’t make decisions for himself in his best interest, not with Lestat around. If she can’t keep Lestat away, then she’ll do everything to get Louis to leave.

​She pokes at Lestat, barbs at him, goads him, does everything she can to remind him and Louis of what he’s done. It all works, because of course it does, he’s a narcissist and poking at his insecurities and flaws only makes his temper worse. The house is in a state, all the broken bits stay as reminders of what Lestat did to Louis. The violent beating that took him months to recover from, the one his mind still isn’t quite ready to forget, regardless of forgiveness. Lestat will always be about himself.

It’s no shock that Antionette is around still, he’s turned her as he did Louis, although he keeps her secret. It’s his escape from Claudia’s constant antagonization. Antionette is his rebellion against their rules and she’s his to fully control. Unlike Claudia and Louis. Although, when Claudia tries to leave, Lestat brings her back with threats of death and pain and a promise that if she leaves, he’ll hurt Louis again. He’s taking back his control.

Or is he? When Claudia beats him at a game of chess, he throws a genuine tantrum. Knocking the board over, throwing the pieces, swearing up a storm in French. Lestat is a ticking time bomb. Louis is finally starting to see that. Claudia is making sure he fully understands it and on the eve of a Second World War, Claudia deems that she is going to kill Lestat, whether Louis likes it or not. He’s welcome to join her, if he chooses. She is going to set them free.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 1122 of ‘The Walking Dead’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular moment in a story revolving around people who are oppressed that is supremely satisfying and enjoyable… is the moment when those very people, finally band together and decide to rise up against the evil that is oppressing them. For seeing that in print or on screen, just sends one’s spirit soaring. Since it reminds us that evil will never truly win the day and that people… are capable of stunning acts of good when they truly apply themselves to the right side or the right cause. But while that does indeed prompt us to perk up in our seats in the theater or lean forward as we watch this play out on television… or fist pump when we get to that page, there’s a fascinating twist when it comes to this particular moment.
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In that, we rarely see the true genesis point of rebellion. It’s always just this collective and unspoken decision, where people just suddenly seem to understand that evil bad, fighting good. Which in the end, cheapens the experience. Because then it’s just a push to get to the finish line and give the audience what they want… rather than really show them… what it is that really prompts people to rise up and fight against an injustice in the world and that is why this week’s episode of The Walking Dead, is of note. For ‘Faith’ a story that explores what motivates people to finally do the right thing, and what helps them to find faith in the cause and it accomplished these feats… by teaching us why people don’t magically and collectively decide to rise up. 

Because they had every reason in this tale to do so. After all, life was rough in Alexandria. Since everyone was breaking their backs to prepare the next stage of tracks for the Commonwealth, and everyone saw the cruelty on display. Since they had Annie, a pregnant woman, hefting rocks when that was the worst idea possible for a woman with child. Not to mention, beatings and fear were a regular thing at the ‘workplace’. But despite seeing that constantly and despite the fact that others here had even fought against the Commonwealth… there was no desire to rise up and fight. There was only fear. Fear of the raw power in front of them and fear that said power would end lives, including those of the heroes. 

Not to mention, things weren’t much better in the Commonwealth. Because while Yumiko was doing her best to defend Eugene in a court of law, it quickly became apparent that this was an outright sham trial. Since the judge only really listened to the needs of the prosecution and even putting Pamela Milton on the stand yielded no results regarding Yumiko’s plan to properly expose Pamela and motivate an uprising. Because while Pamela was indeed made the fool on the stand, by spouting utter nonsense and bulls*it as only a politician can do… which did indeed inspire fire from the gallery and in the streets. It still wasn’t enough. For the Army of the Commonwealth stood by their leader and inspired fear once again, the kind that would not bring forth justice and freedom.

Which is where the central theme came into play. Because if seeing the trouble in front of people point blank isn’t enough to inspire… then different measures must be taken. Such as exposing the true cruelty and ugliness of the oppressor in a dynamic and powerful manner… through sacrifice. Which is what Negan did here. Because what he and others were trying to do wasn’t working, so he put himself in harm’s way in the hopes of finally inspiring everyone to see how cruel and disgusting the Commonwealth was and… it worked. Since the Warden also wanted Annie to die with her husband, and seeing a future family being put up for execution was enough for one soldier to lay down his arms, and with an assist from Daryl and his roving band of warriors… the point was taken, and inspiration and faith took root.
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But that’s not the only way that inspiration can come into play. Because sometimes all it takes to really make people understand that the right thing to do is to rise up and fight… is to call the right people to the carpet on their inaction. Which is what Yumiko did here. Because she knew that without Mercer, there would never be freedom or safety, just Emperor Milton’s little fiefdom, and that prompted her to stand face to face with Mercer, and point out the need to put an end to this madness for the sake of a better tomorrow… and that he needed to be part of that charge since so many believed in him… and wouldn’t you know it? Mercer listened. For shortly after an impassioned plea from Eugene, he was found guilty of a joke of a crime, and scheduled for execution, or so it seemed. Since Mercer made sure to free Eugene and let him know… that it was time to f*ck s*it up.

Which made… for such a satisfying ending. Because let’s be honest, these final eight episodes have been brutal in nature. Simply because the Commonwealth has beat our heroes to their knees, as evidenced by Maggie’s breakdown here and how others have started to falter under the weight of oppression. So, to see Negan inspire and see Rosita even go the extra mile to show the crowd how it’s done… alongside watching Mercer finally have his fill of this nonsense as well… was about as wonderful as it gets. And it would seem that the fight against Pamela is going to be quite epic in nature, since now all of Alexandria is ready to rise up, as will a fair chunk of the military and who knows, perhaps Aaron’s group, one now refreshed with Luke and his love… have something up their sleeves as well. 

Either way… this is it. We are now in the home stretch for this dynamic and iconic series and well, what better way to end it, than with a battle for the ages, one where perhaps at last, the past will be put to bed and tomorrow becomes the focus and where the show can finally answer the question… are we as a species worth saving? Which is going to make the wait for next week’s episode about as painful as it gets. Because this is something we’ve been waiting a long time for, and it will indeed be interesting to see… how our heroes take the fight to a place that is designed to be a fortress for a monster as the fight to free the Commonwealth finally gets underway. Until next time.