Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘Hysteria!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When the dust settles on what should be an explosive season finale for the Peacock/USA Network series, Hysteria!, the audience will have… an amazing understanding. For they will full well know, what brings mob mentality and negative movements to life in America, and how it all spreads. For this series has left no stone unturned in showcasing how this has happened in the idyllic town of Happy Hollow, and well, we here at NTG are not kidding when say the show is being supremely comprehensive on such matters. Because this week’s episode took the time to dive even further into such matters, by showcasing… how there is a point of no return for this problem, and that this town is shockingly close to that particular juncture.

Which ‘It’s Late’ accomplished, by putting Happy Hollow on the brink of disaster. Because when we caught up with everyone in town this time around, they were all afraid, and they were all worried what awful thing was going to happen next, and their very own clergy, turned out to be that next scary thing. Since he let it be known that possession was alive and well in this town, and he needed help in purging it. So, he was leaving the town to get reinforcements and well, that led to chaos in town. Because now everyone felt as though no one was coming to save them, and no one wanted to help them. So, they took matters into their own hands, by giving life to an angry mob and by rightfully firing off blame at Tracy for her fearmongering.

A truth that put her in a tough place for the first time in her life, especially when she came to learn that Faith still did not agree with her mother regarding any of their ‘unified’ actions and that was further compounded by the fact that the Reverend demanded more of her. Because Gilbert was in police custody and the plan to frame Jordy had not come to fruition yet. So, she felt akin to a failure and that sank her to a low as others… worked to stop a quickly spiraling situation. Which involved, at least for Dylan, taking the time to disavow the whole cult nonsense publicly, and he tried his best to stop the cult from doing more and showcase there was good in this town. Despite coming face to face with his mother in a state, that was utterly shocking. Not to mention, a plan was put in motion by Jordy to end this madness as well.

For she and Faith worked out a way to get the Reverend into the trouble he deserved. By having Faith return to his stead to be ‘cleansed’. Wherein she could plant the inhaler while Jordy went to the police. But alas, the point of no return is real, and fear was at an eleven in this town and that led… to more chaos. Wherein Tracy made her way to the Campbell household to ‘make things right,’ which will end in a wrong since Tracy is so marginalized and broken that she no longer understands what is just and unjust. Plus, Judith has gone off the deep end. Since she put forth more harm for not getting her way because of the ugliness of her actions and Faith, may lose her life trying to set things right since the Rev caught her trying to escape, and he could find the evidence she planted since he knows people so well.

All of which spoke to the fact that when fear spreads in this manner, and people buy into it and believe that something dark is at work, regardless of the facts, they will give into that fear and just do awful things to one another, and sow chaos and blame. And when that gets out of hand, real disaster strikes, and this town truly stands at the precipice of the point of no return. Where all that ugly will come forth by way of a singular moment, and that made for a brilliant tale. For this one pulled us into the chaos by offering up a story that was intense, scary, and chaotic in its own right as everyone raced to enact an agenda and a plan. Which is hard to create and replicate, but this show did it no problem and has us eager and ready to see if Happy Hollow can be saved… or if the evil that is fear will consume it with its own hellish fire. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Creep Tapes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
 
It really is quite amazing what the new Shudder series, The Creep Tapes, is accomplishing from a storytelling standpoint. For while these episodes all follow a fascinating similar format, wherein Josef takes the time to lure, tease, and torture his prey on camera before violently murdering them, they offer up something unique every single time. Such as creative characters for Josef to play, and some fascinating themes and ideas. Since the pilot worked to reintroduce us to this universe with dark comedy and twisted moments, while episode two showed us the brilliance and savagery of Josef, and last week’s adventure showcased how much he enjoys the kill.
 
If anything, this is top of mind today, simply because this week’s episode took the time to add to this richness. Since ‘Brad’ showcased a little more about Josef himself. Such as what he enjoys in this life when he’s not stabbing people, what might have transformed him into a monster and why he likes this format for killing. All of which was buried beneath a terrifying journey for a former documentarian that was once beloved by all of Hollywood. Because Brad went from hero to hard times and was taking this job to get some much-needed rent money, and it wasn’t long before he was trapped in one of Josef’s little funhouses of horror. Since our killer tasked Brad with solving a murder and bringing the bad guy to justice.
 
But of course, that went south and eventually Brad went from sleuth to victim and died horribly as all of Josef’s victims do. Which was harrowing and intense and twisted. Since Josef once again enjoyed the kill in front of him. But the little moments before that death mattered a lot. In part because Josef showed a real love for Brad’s work and documentaries in general. In fact, this might be the first time we did not see Josef bullshit his victim, because there was a real joy in his voice in meeting Brad and in how he admired his work and that spoke to the fact, he’s a cinephile for certain, and that is likely his hobby. Not to mention… he loves theatrics and loves the idea of having his work chronicled in a manner where it would show up on a major network somewhere down the line.
 
Which is why he constantly sets up a grand story for people to follow. So that they are treated to entertainment and connect with a story that ends so badly. Hence his love of acting, and his constant references to other movies he loves, and this was a nice twist to inject into the story. Since we know so little about Josef. But the crown jewel of this segment is that we might have received a touch of an origin story for Josef. Because what seems like a throwaway line when he first meets Brad here, wherein Josef mentions losing someone that meant something to him under ugly circumstances, is a clue. Because he was honest there. At least, he FELT honest there, and there is a fair chance that moment speaks to how he became a monster.
 
That could relate to how that trauma snapped him and turned him into a bloodthirsty killer trying to fill a void, or they were the first kill. The person that gave him a taste of what he needed all along. All of which, gave rise to a fascinating and intense tale. One that truly took us to new heights by having Josef open up for the first time. Or… he simply lied through his teeth. To really gain trust and get what he wanted. But you have to wonder… if there was more to all this. Because this story is calculated and deliberate and wants to accomplish specifics. So, only time will tell. But that added to the wonder of an incredible story that kept us engaged and nervous, and it will be interesting to see what other themes are explored and what other truths are potentially exposed, as season one of this series continues along. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of the Season Three Finale of Wicked City. Which debuts on ALLBLK, tomorrow, 11/28/24!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Hysteria!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It’s funny how sometimes, we miss things in our search for the truth. Granted, it makes sense as to why. Because when we want an answer, we are quick to latch onto the first one that comes our way. Because that gives us catharsis and direction and we feel a sense of satisfaction as well. But truly, we do miss more when the truth we seek is complex and grand in nature and well, this is top of mind today, because we missed another truth regarding the central theme of Hysteria! on Peacock and USA Network. Because for weeks, we’ve been searching for an answer as to what makes our modern society so divided and so broken, and so far, we’ve come to understand how fear relates to that.

But there are more things that go into division and ‘Speaking in Tongues’ revealed that truth. Courtesy of the fallout of the big dance. Because that brought the wrath of parents and the school and the police down upon our heroes and the potential cult members in this town and well, that heat led to all kinds of sad truth about what’s going on in this town. For instance, Jordy made a point to inform everyone that wanted to join up with evil, that it was all a ruse to bring about sales for the band. Which wounded so many and broke them, and it did so, because of what came out during the chief’s interrogation of everyone in the basement on that night, and in the band. For we learned… this is a sorrowful town, and the Hollow part of Happy Hollow relates to that. 

Because so many spoke to being marginalized and feeling as though they don’t matter and are not seen in this life and just go through the motions and they are desperate to be seen. Including Tracy and her little cult of Christianity. For she feels as though she’s been forgotten and that’s broken her as well and well… that allowed for the story to hammer home how being marginalized will push people to go to great lengths to be seen and be heard. Since it prompted Tracy to get the Reverend involved in her mess and craft a plan that would further push the agenda, she is so desperate to spread about town. One that involved Faith outright betraying Jordy, by planting the inhaler in Jordy’s bedroom. All because of the hideous leverage that Tracy had over her daughter.

Not to mention, it put Dylan in real trouble here. Because the popular misfits in the school believed that they needed to have Dylan atone for reminding them of what they no longer had, or thought they had. So, they demanded he make them whole again through spiritual sacrifice. Which of course, turned out to be actual sacrifice, since they locked him within a coffin and tossed him into the ground. Leaving his fate up in the air over the fact that he crossed the wrong kids and their needs, and even his mother… exhibited unique behaviors from not being seen. Because it became clear here that she has been a bit of a doormat in this town and might be taking part in the ‘evil’ that persists to be noticed and be cared for at a time when everyone is realizing, how little they have and how invisible they are.

Which made for a powerful tale for certain. One that properly explored the power of marginalization and how it does embolden people to do what they must to feel whole. Be it faking a religious crisis to be needed or speaking in tongues to be seen or killing someone to do the same… or giving power to boisterous morons that are also convicted felons in the name of Making Happy Hollow Great Again so one’s close-minded views can be heard. All of which made for a powerful episode, one that leaves us eager for more of this show. Simply because it is taking quite the turn and moving us into fascinating territory, and that will make the wait for next week’s episode, quite painful in nature. Since we must know what lie ahead for a town that is now on the brink of disaster. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Creep Tapes’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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One disturbing fact that we’ve all fawned over with morbid curiosity when it comes to serial killers… is that they… ‘toy’… with their victims. Ted Bundy for instance loved to put on a grandiose act to gain trust with his victims to make the strike somehow more satisfying for his f*cked up and twisted little mind. And there are other stories about the long con that these monsters take part in to make sure they can have what they want. But knowing this, always leaves that dark little part of our brain to wonder… what those games look like and if by chance… the killer derives any joy from this or takes great pleasure in causing harm.

Because that dark little part of us always wants to know the worst possible things and well, that’s why horror is a handy genre. Since it will show us what we want and make us regret it, and that is why the next episode of The Creep Tapes on Shudder is of note. For ‘Jeremy’ answered that question in the most direct and uncomfortable manner possible, by introducing us to a truth seeker named Jeremy. Who believed he was off to a meeting with a prominent priest that would lead to a grand exposé regarding the church. The kind of moment that would put Jeremy’s web series on the map and well, he most certainly got more than he bargained for in this episode. Since, the good father, was nothing more than a devil in disguise.

For Father Tom Durkin was Josef in disguise and he was very eager to mess with Jeremy and his mission and that led to one twisted tale. Wherein we watched Josef just toy with Jeremy like never before, by pushing the envelope of his expectations of how a priest should act. Courtesy of some wicked puns and wild behavior. Wherein Josef basically mocked religion and that really did unsettle Jeremy and take him off guard, and of course, since Josef is Josef, he made sure to take the mind games one step further. By making sure to blur the line between reality and faith, mostly by bringing Peachfuzz into the equation and well, that made for some screwed up moments that of course, ended with the ultimate kill and utter fear in Jeremy’s last moments.

But it is what happened in between the scares and the mind games that truly delivered what we were curious about. Because amid every single pun, every single surprise and every single twisted moment, there was a real glint in Josef’s eyes. Wherein he took incredible pleasure in messing with Jeremy, to the point where he struggled to contain the joy. Because at times he became quite boisterous and quite giddy, because he was having the time of his life, confusing his prey, by subverting his expectations and well, it was regrettable of us to ask that question. Because the end result, only added to the horror of this story, one where we watched a stone-cold killer relish in the fun of fear and the joy of the hunt and that made for a sobering ending for certain.

One that spoke to the reality that some questions are best left unanswered, and we need not ever think again about the joy that evil finds in toying with people. Which is a testament to Mark Duplass’ work in this story. Since he sold that evil in a chilling and believable manner and really immersed us in a moment that will stay with us for some time. Courtesy of a story that once again, outright impressed us. Because we simply did not know what to expect when we saw ‘Father Durkin’ standing before Jeremy and that really did bring about an unconventional story about fear, about evil and further deepened the mythos of this incredible killer. For now, we know, he takes great pleasure in what he does and finds real joy in messing with emotions, and it will be interesting to see what other forbidden questions get answered as season one of this brilliant show continues along. Until next time.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 306 of Wicked City. Which debuts on ALLBLK, tomorrow, 11/21/24!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Creep Tapes’.

Truly one of the most captivating horror franchises of the past decade, is the Creep franchise. Simply because, this particular saga offered up a supremely original idea. Wherein we were treated twice over to captivating and horrifying stories about a serial killer who may or may not be named Josef that loved to appear on camera and slowly torture his victims with psychological warfare before unleashing his bloodlust and his fury upon them. And well, we simply haven’t ever seen that kind of concept before, nor how those stories played out, and it also doesn’t hurt that A-lister Mark Duplass brought this monster to life in a captivating manner, that kept us guessing and has kept us wanting more from this saga.

For Creep and Creep 2 rightfully posed a lot of questions about how long Josef has been at this, especially when one considers the vast collection, he revealed in the second film of tapes that should bear more awful evidence of his crimes, and of course… the morbid curiosity within all of us wanted to know what happened to the people on those tapes. Specifically, how Josef handled them and what he did to bring about their end and well… at long last, we are finally getting more of Josef and good ol’ Peachfuzz, and knowledge about what is on those tapes, courtesy of the new Shudder series, The Creep Tapes. Which offers us a new angle regarding Josef's maddening and bloodthirsty rampage and well, that leads to a stunning series premiere storytelling wise.

In large part, because the band is back together since Mark Duplass reprises the role of Josef and Patrick Brice is back to direct and write with Mark and what they have assembled, is chilling and hopeless. Since ‘Mike’ and ‘Elliot’ are a pair of stories that inform us that Josef has been perfecting his craft and his mind games for some time now. Since we watch two horribly elaborate schemes play out in this premiere. The first one involves some serious enticement, since Josef is eager to lure a filmmaker out to a remote cabin to film Josef’s acting audition tape before an untimely end comes into play, and the second story sees Josef pretend to be a lost skydiver who uses that random element of surprise to slaughter another innocent.

But it is what happens during both of these stories that makes this premiere so stunning in nature. In large part, because we get some unique insight into Josef’s style of hunting. Granted, we know he uses deception and promises and every trick in the book to fool and distract but what is on display here… makes Josef a far more terrifying a killer. Because here, we see him work to sell trust to his new victims. Even going so far as to prepare skits and sketches for the unfortunate filmmaker in his stead, to really make it seem as though this is legit and totally not a murder in the making. Plus, as that skydiver, he is so incredibly sincere and confused and scared, a move that truly lowers his victim’s guard so that the unthinkable can happen and this is just terrifying when all is said and done.
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Because he is that eager to have to what he wants and while there is some measure of comedy to these moments, since a re-enactment of Misery, some vampire fangs, and a desperate, nasty letter to a fake skydiving company are chuckle worthy… they are part of a master plan, of a need that only one thing can fulfill and once Josef moves in for the kill, are we left uncomfortable and helpless as he does what he does best. In fact, his ‘monologue’ for the short film in the first story, is unbelievably chilling and scary, since we know its sincere, and the final kill in the second story is just so heartbreaking and ugly, and that adds stunning nature of this premiere, and of course reminds us… that we are in the presence of outright storytelling brilliance.

For this is just… amazing horror. Plain and simple. Courtesy of magnificent stories that find new ways to keep this franchise fresh and well, it all works here. Because you don’t walk away from this premiere feeling good, you’re disturbed, and you’re frightened, thanks in large part to Mark Duplass, who adds refreshed zeal to this already horrifying character. But above all, it finally does give us great insight into the monster, and how he’s operated for years and how perhaps he’s evaded the authorities for so long. Since he is a chameleon clearly, and well, in the end, this magnificent premiere simply leaves us eager for more. More of Mister Duplass’ stunning performance and more from his morbid mine of murder as season one of this refreshing new horror series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Hysteria!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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If there is one particular storytelling element that fans of the new Peacock and USA Network series, Hysteria! have been waiting for… it’s answers. Because thus far, we don’t know what is happening in the idyllic town of Happy Hollow. We just know that fear has gripped this town, and disturbing discoveries are everywhere to be found. All of which seems to relate to something evil growing in the shadows. But alas, it may not be anything evil at all. In fact, what might be happening here is nothing short of a theological takeover of the town because of the fear that certain parties harbor, and that can be said with some measure of confidence, simply because answers came forth in this week’s episode of the show.

For ‘Mother’ made it clear, that all of the problems the town is currently experiencing, relates less to Dylan and his desire to be admired, or Judith’s dark curiosities. It all comes down to Tracy, and her supremely sordid past. Since we came to discover that she was not always the perfect Christian Nuisance we know her to be. No, instead, back in her youth, she was a wild child. One raised by some ultraconservative parents (played brilliantly by horror royalty Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton), that she was eager to rebel from. To the point where she eagerly enjoyed the finer things in life. But alas, her parents didn’t want her out and about in the world living a non-Christian life, so they hired the mysterious reverend, to deprogram her. 

Which brought about a harrowing time for Tracy. Wherein she was basically tortured and psychologically broken to be compliant, as opposed to anyone stepping in and helping her find a better path instead of the one her parents demanded of her. But that’s not how things worked in 1969, and eventually she was returned home as the perfect little Christian daughter and this matters, because of her daughter, Faith. Who was having bad cramps from a violent menstrual cycle and of course discovering boys and well, Tracy saw that as a warning sign. One that would create the same person she once was, who she was taught was bad and evil and filled with darkness for trying to enjoy life. So rather than talk with her daughter and help her make better decisions, she just had her kidnapped.

That of course, led to pain and suffering for Faith, as she was tortured and drugged to help her forget the darkness she witnessed when Ryan died. But that spoke to the fact… that all the terror in this town has been related to the will of one woman. One who felt the need to impart beliefs upon the town and her family and because of that, all are suffering now. And that, combined with the fact that the reverend wants her to take control of this town, made it clear that as is often the case in our history, ideology and stupidity and a broken mind is leading a town to ruin through fear, suffering and an imposing of a will. To make matters worse… a violent bonding moment may help in accomplishing her ultimate goal.

Which all hints at the possibility that this town is quite literally suffering from mass hysteria, and everything we are seeing is related to fear and panic and Tracy’s machinations. But while we wait for confirmation on that, we can celebrate one amazing tale. One that answered so many questions and really did remind us, how people like Tracy, who weaponize religion and more extreme conservative values… always cause more harm than good in our world, and well, that bitter truth  leaves us eager to enjoy more of this story. Since just like that, we may be looking at an ideological battle to save this town, and that will lead to some fascinating commentary that we can perhaps apply in our world as this brilliant series continues along. Until next time.

There are few things in this world more polarizing, than religion, and it makes sense as to why. After all, religion has done… a lot of bad in the world. Since it has been the driving force of genocide time and time again, and so many have used its cloak to commit atrocities in the name of a deity that may or may not exist. Not to mention, so many use it as an excuse to do and say bad things to others since forgiveness should offer them absolution for their acts. But above all… what makes religion so rough is the sheer fact that there are wars fought over which religion is correct. All of which has brought about chaos, the kind that shockingly, is hard to let go of.
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Because on the flip side, religion has done so much for us as well. Because it has tasked us to think beyond our mortality and that perhaps there is life after death and a reward for making the choice to be more and be better. Plus, it has given focus and strength to the lost and helped people find hope in the darkness. Which more or less means humanity is in a toxic relationship with religion. Where we cannot address the bad because of the good, and it’s left so many wondering what a world would look like with this back and forth and if we can ever let religion go, and if so… what would we replace it with? Of course, there’s no easy answer to that question, which is why we turn to stories regarding such matters, since they can offer up fresh perspective, and it just so happens that a brand-new horror film from A24 offers up some thoughts on how perhaps we can move past it.

A feat that Heretic accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints named, Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton, who are eager to spread the word of their religion. In fact, when we meet them here, they are indeed out and about the town, doing their work and talking to so many and they are supremely excited to sit down and talk with Mr. Reed. Who is supremely enthusiastic about discussing the Mormon faith with them, and its value, and at first… it seems as though this discussion will be healthy and productive. But a surprise discovery, and a change in demeanor from Mr. Reed informs these missionaries, that he has darker intentions, the kind that involve showing them the truth about religion and how fruitless it is to follow it… at any cost.

Which brings forth… a stunning horror feature. One that uses Reed’s lessons to truly explore the conflict of religion in a compelling and powerful manner. The kind where you agree with what he has to say and what he reveals, and that is what makes this feature so bold and so compelling. Because it holds nothing back in its criticism of religion and how cookie cutter it can be, not to insult it, but to open our eyes to how perhaps it no longer holds weight in our modern world and that the time has come to think differently about faith and its role in the construction of our society. In fact, the film offers an answer regarding that, since it speaks to how we should have faith in one another, and work toward better moral codes as a society to create the same sense of peace that religion creates, and while that’s not exactly a revolutionary theory, it has weight and gravitas.
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But of course, while it is nice to see some real discourse about the chaos of religion and enjoy a film that ponders upon what could replace it and what we could keep from it to lift people up, make no mistake about it… this is a horror film through and through, and much of that comes courtesy of Mr. Reed and his many vast lessons about religion. Since he has created a house of theological horrors for Barnes and Paxton to deal with, to learn what he wants them to learn, and that leads to some genuinely chilling moments, that speak to the cruelty we are capable of and how that cruelty motivates religion to exist, But also… the story just delivers some downright unsettling moments and decisions, the kind that are twisted and uncomfortable and truly leave one squirming in their seat. 

Which gives rise, to a stunning horror film. One that preys upon our fears of death, of what lie beyond the end, and our fears of the unknown to a deliver a thought and chilling story. One that also features some stellar acting, with Hugh Grant (Mr. Reed) leading the charge. In fact, he is an outright revelation here since he taps into new corners of his skill set in this film, to create a man that is part villain and part hero but all around twisted and that makes this motion picture an absolute must-see. Because this is that rare horror film that challenges a corner of our world that few do, and it really does leave us with plenty to think upon. Courtesy of a story that really ponders deeply upon the dangers of not letting go of that which may no longer serve us.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 305 of Wicked City. Which debuts on ALLBLK, tomorrow, 11/14/24!