Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘The Creep Tapes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that the new Shudder series, The Creep Tapes, has been one of the most refreshing horror shows to hit the airwaves in 2024. Simply because, it has revitalized the found footage subgenre once again by giving us a more terrifying iteration of Josef. Since he is at his most primal here and he’s never been scarier. Not to mention, the entire season of storytelling has been mired in surprises. For not only have we been treated to good scares and dark moments that make us audibly gasp, but this has also turned out to be something of a character study of Josef. Since we’ve come to see how insane he truly is and understand that his mind has been badly damaged by trauma.

All of which has given rise to a story that in essence, has served as a chance to explore what made Josef a serial killer. One complete with all the hallmarks of how these monsters are born. Well, minus the most important one of all. Specifically, an understanding of how he grew up. Since that tends to also solidify how these monsters come to life. But since Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice are great writers that are eager to truly explore every aspect of Josef in this season of storytelling, the season one finale of this show was the perfect time to ponder upon Josef’s past and what helped shape his madness early on in life, and that made ‘Mom (and Albert)’ the most impressive story to date in this saga.

Simply because, it did indeed feature a homecoming for Josef. For fresh off of another kill, he felt the need to ground himself by visiting his mother. Who had a new place out in the woods and well, it was clear early on in this reunion that her mental state is no better than her son’s. Since she used fear and deception to greet him and of course, babied him when he is clearly a grown-ass man. But that was what Josef wanted and craved and that was why we all felt nervous when Albert, mom’s new lover, dropped by as well. Because a pseudo-alpha male like Josef would not be able to handle another rooster about the hen house and well… once Albert discovered the truth about Josef… our worst fears were realized yet again, with a cameo from Peachfuzz no less.

But what mattered more here, was what happened after Albert died. Because that helped us to understand what kind of upbringing Josef had, and that impacted his present mental state. For Mommy Dearest helped her son bury the body, and she encouraged his murderous ways and even let her 480-month-old baby nurse from her bosom once again, in a chilling and unsettling sequence for certain. One that let us know that Josef grew up in a busted home, one where he faced no accountability for his troubling behavioral issues and where his worst instincts were nurtured in the most unwholesome ways imaginable. Which does inform us that he went through forms of abuse that absolutely sent him down a dark path that created a monster.

Which made, for one brilliant season finale. Because this… this completed our journey and gave us enough to really understand what created Josef and why he has such a bloodlust. Because truly, he’s a man without wholesome connection and has never had to suffer accountability for anything he’s done, and that… combined with severe imbalances in his mind, has given rise to this. Which does not engender pity. No instead, it makes us fear him more. Because that kind of unfettered freedom knows no bounds, and who knows how far he will push his boundaries, and hopefully we get more seasons of this show. To see how far Josef will go and to be chilled even further by a story that sometimes… feels too real. Courtesy of one incredible character and a no holds barred approach to exploring his depravity.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘The Soul Eater’.
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It really is quite fascinating what is happening in the world of horror right now. Because more and more, the monsters of old are taking a back seat in the genre. Which seems shocking but think about it for a second. For the zombies that once ruled the cities of the world in horror stories, are now the secondary characters and something more of a nuisance than anything else. Whereas vampires, and werewolves and all the other classic monsters in the genre are enjoying tribute stories and/or remakes and reboots of their journeys to give them license, since they are also passengers in most modern horror stories, and the grand question is… why?

Why are the classic monsters being denied agency and the spotlight for the moment in the very genre they helped to create? Well, the answer to such a question is simple. In that, the many creatives working in the genre have discovered the wonder of exploring the worst monster of all, mankind. For we can be rotten and cruel beings, who use stories and lies to justify our actions. Not to mention, some of us think little of others and do not cherish life in the slightest, and that’s terrifying for certain, and worth exploring. To open our eyes to the ugliness we exhibit in an effort to create change and that’s why a new horror film on the digital marketplace is if note, since The Soul Eater, has much to say about the monsters we can be.

A feat that this film accomplishes by introducing us to a pair of hot shot investigators named Elizabeth and Franck, who while polarizing opposites personality wise, are forced to work the same case. For in a small town nestled in the hills, a mother and a father brutally attacked one another. Not to mention, children have gone missing from this place often, making it clear that this town is mired in something sinister. In fact, it doesn’t take long for this duo to learn that there is a strong belief that a local legend, known as the Soul Eater, has come to feed upon people in this town. A revelation that rocks our heroes to their core since there’s no chance that a monster can be real in 2024. But as they dig deeper, it becomes clear that something evil is alive and well in this town. The only question is what is driving the darkness, and what they find… will change their outlook on life.

Which is… a wonderful way to explore that central theme of how we are the absolute worst. Because it is indeed people causing trouble in this story and they use the story of the Soul Eater to move about in the shadows, but it is the actions present here by the villain of the story that matters more. Since they do showcase the darkness we carry, how willing we are to disregard others’ well-being when we can get ahead and how power can corrupt. Which makes for an ugly story really. One that truly ponders upon the worst parts of us, and how hard it is for us to let go of that power when it becomes beneficial. But while that alone is fascinating, we also need to point out how the cover story of the Soul Eater adds unique depth to this story.

Simply because… it also speaks to how in modern times… people are quick to hide behind stories when bad things happen. After all, conspiracy theories run rampant in the world right now, and so many are believing the lies of dark and dumb individuals who are eager to tell them to gain power. All of which speaks to how… there is a collective shock in this world. One that revolves around how there is evil in this world, and that it is thriving, and it is supremely difficult for so many to process the evil and the chaos. So, we instead turn to stories and fables, and utter nonsense to cope with the darkness that surrounds us. Which is a fascinating element to inject into this story, but welcome… since it adds to what is… a bleak and tragic tale.

One that really plunges us into the underbelly of humanity and showcases how darkness really does create a ripple effect in the sea that is mankind, and that makes for a must-see horror feature. Because you can never go wrong with a horror story that features incredible depth, and scares that we can relate to. Because that helps us to process the world we sometimes don’t understand, and what’s nice is that this twisted tale also harbors something for everyone horror wise. Since it does feature some solid, moody scares that are unsettling. Not to mention, there is gore present here, and it is impactful and well, all of these elements create a powerful and tragic tale. One that informs us that we can expect more films in this vein, since human beings truly are far more terrifying than a walking corpse or a wolf hybrid, courtesy of our ability to choose harm over good.

It is definitely safe to say that the Shudder horror series, Horror’s Greatest, was quite the sensation when it debuted earlier this year. Simply because it offered up wondrous lessons to those unimitated to the genre, as to why they should partake in the terror that horror provides, and it also served… as a magnificent series of lessons to those who already love the genre. Since it dug deep into what makes the genre great through unique lessons and a fine showcasing of some of its best aspects. But, alas, we were only treated to a handful of lovely episodes, the kind that definitely left us ready for more and thankfully… Shudder understands that we are eager to explore more of what the genre has to offer.
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Which is why they recently announced the release date for a new season of the show, and they even dropped a trailer and key art for season two of a series that wonderfully ponders upon the majesty of the best genre around. And of course, since you are a fan of the show and want to know what to expect from a second season… here are all the details on year two of this show, and that trailer and art, so we can properly prepare for another year of quality exploration regarding the genre that captives us so.

‘Ring in the new year with Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, to celebrate the new season of Shudder Original series Horror’s Greatest debuting Tuesday, December 31. The streamer released today the trailer and key art for Season 2 which features interviews with David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Kate Siegel (Fall of the House of Usher, The Haunting), Joe Hill (Locke & Key, NOS4A2), Tom Holland (Fright Night, Child’s Play), Jenn Wexler (The Sacrifice Game, The Ranger), Ted Geoghegan (Brooklyn 45), Dewayne Perkins (The Blackening), Jonah Ray Rodrigues (Destroy All Neighbors), Gigi Saul Guerrero (Satanic Hispanics, El Gigante), Alex Winter (Destroy All Neighbors), Tananarive Due (Horror Noire), Swanthula and Dracmorda Boulet (The Boulet Brothers Dragula), Joe Begos (Christmas Bloody Christmas) and more. The series, which is also available to stream on AMC+, comes from Marwar Junction Productions (Perfect Wife), the producers of The 101 Scariest Horror Movie Moments of All Time.
 
Horror’s Greatest is a deep dive into everything we love about horror -- from fresh looks at classics to unearthing scores of hidden gems, this series has something for every fright film enthusiast. A gallery of ghoulish pros, including actors, directors, writers, composers, and special effects artists, draw on their unique knowledge to answer the big questions: What are the must-see films in horror’s many sub-genres? What’s the appeal of horror tropes, and how do today’s filmmakers subvert our expectations? What shape does horror take in countries outside of the United States? The answers encompass the breath of the nightmares we watch for our entertainment.
 
Horror’s Greatest was produced by Marwar Junction Productions and showrunner/executive producer Kurt Sayenga. Joseph Freed and Allison Berkley are executive producers for Marwar Junction Productions.
 
 
SEASON 2 EPISODES:
 
Episode 1 – “Animal Attacks” – Premieres Tuesday, December 31 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
A great animal attack movie pushes all of our human-against-nature buttons. From demented sharks to unhinged chimps, this episode sorts out the leaders of the cinematic pack. We also shame the worst horror pets (and give treats to the best).
 
Episode 2 – “Killer Dates” – Premieres Tuesday, January 7 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
Dates in horror are worst-case scenarios that go way past awkward silences. Your lovemate is either a serial killer, a tormented psychic, or comes from a family that wants to hunt you for sport. Looking for love inevitably leads to blood and carnage.
 
Episode 3 – “Hidden Gems” – Premieres Tuesday, January 14 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
What special film would you recommend to the ghoul who has “seen everything?” In this episode, genre mavens select 13 movies that have been forgotten, overlooked, unfairly maligned, or are hard to find – all bloody gems hidden beneath the floorboards.
 
Episode 4 – “Film Scores” – Premieres Tuesday, January 21 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
From King Kong’s epic orchestra to the unnerving electronics of Under the Skin to the suspenseful muted strings in Psycho, composers have used every style of music to frighten audiences. Horror scores blaze trails, bringing new instruments and radical musical forms into popular consciousness.
 
Episode 5 – “Space Horror” – Premieres Tuesday, January 28 on SHUDDER and AMC+ 
Alien. 2001. Forbidden Planet. Many of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made are also horror films. The vastness of space, the claustrophobia of space travel, and the inconceivable horrors that might lurk in the void make for spine-tingling filmmaking.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Hysteria!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that the magnificent Peacock and USA Network series, Hysteria!, has offered up a masterclass in how to present compelling commenary. Simply because week in and week out, it’s pondered upon very real problems in our world and how to recognize them and what creates them. In a manner so detailed that we simply want more, and we simply want to reach the finish line of the story to discover the greatest lessons of all related to this series. Specifically, what would happen if we let the marginalized seize power completely and win the day, and how would we stop the power of fear if we reached the point of no return?

All of which was indeed explored in ‘Heaven’s on Fire’ courtesy of a season finale that took the town of Happy Hollow to the brink. For we learned here that Tracy learned nothing from her folly, and rather than do the right thing and be a good Christian, she decided to seize power and make one last ditch effort to shift the blame for her actions to someone else, specifically Dylan. All by having the town assemble at church to witness the Exorcism of Linda Campbell. Which would allow for her to seize power, create accountability and make the townspeople her religious minions and well, with the good father away and the chief off to save Faith, her plan began to work.

Because everyone was so afraid and so ready for protection that they listened to all of her nonsense and demanded her help and were captive to the nonsense act playing out in front of them. Because somehow, they believed a demon would be cast out on this night. But it was the long game to get a mother under duress, to turn on her own son, and cast him to a dark fate through mob justice. But Jordy and Spud made sure that didn’t happen, and they exposed Tracy’s lies and that led to enough chaos to burn down the church while the Chief saved Faith’s life and brought the Reverend to justice at last. Which in turn brought about a full confession that put Tracy in some fancy bracelets after Jordy rescued her from the burning, despite the fact that the people were ready to revolt over her arrest.

But to Tracy’s credit, she asked folks to stand down, since she knew what she had done and with that nightmare over… life returned to mostly normal. Since Linda recovered and even Judith was ‘punished’ for her actions, and we were left with lessons in hand and answers to our questions. In that, if the Tracy’s of the world were given full power, they would cause great harm and hurt a lot of people on their way down from the top, for they would fall from grace eventually, and that the only way to stop this madness… is to stay vigilant and logical. And stand tall when the other Tracy’s of the world spout their madness into the world. So that rational thinking can come into play, because that is the last line of defense since this season showcased how far people will go to create the worst-case scenario when fear takes hold. For it is strong and it can accomplish anything that a terrified soul wants it to.

All of which made for a perfect ending to this incredible season of storytelling. For it brought every point together in a terrifying manner, and truly showcased the power of fear and mob mentality and how and why we are now in the situation we are in as a nation. For we are filled with fear from one fateful day in September and have been battling it since. But all commentary aside, this was also a great season of scares from an intelligent horror story that reminded us of the biggest and scariest monster of all, humanity. For we can do horrible things when we wish to, and that makes this a poignant story that hopefully gets a second season. So, we can explore the fallout of Happy Hollow’s incredible case, of mass hysteria.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Creep Tapes’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Shudder series, The Creep Tapes, we talked a bit about quite the surprise present in that story. In that, Josef was a bit more open than we’ve seen him be before, and he potentially offered up some nuggets of truth about his origins as a killer, alongside an understanding about what drives him to kill in this format and that was just… fascinating. Because up until that moment, we’ve never known much about his madness or much about what finally brought him to such depths of depravity. But we had a sampling at last and we were definitely left wondering… if this was the bare beginning of more. If this series was going to further explore the man behind Peachfuzz’s mask.

Well at it turns out, that just so happened to be the case with the show’s next episode. For ‘Brandt’ allowed for us spend to spend a lot of one-on-one time with Josef in a hotel room while he waited for his prey to arrive and during that time… something unique took place. In that, Josef decided it was time to part ways with Peachfuzz. For he felt their relationship, while nonexistent, was toxic and codependent in nature. So, tonight was the night to purge the monster and go solo and kill without those teeth glimmering over his shoulder and well… that led to a unique exploration of Josef’s madness. Since this first, informed us of the fact that he uses Peachfuzz as an alter ego of sorts. Of the manifestation of the desires, he carries within to kill, and that somehow… purging that would add a purity to what he does.

But separation was just not possible. For so many killers are synonymous with their alter egos and their schtick. After all, Bundy had to offer up that nice-guy persona to complete his work, and Gacy was all about having that damn clown outfit, and the list goes on and on. Because these men outright need such things to create structure, that semblance of comfort and normalcy since they’re immersed in disgusting acts that do elicit a twisted emotional response. Which meant, Peachfuzz returned, and that led to some fascinating and uncomfortable moments that truly showcased how broken Josef is and how the concept of an alter ego helps him to cope and fuel his darkness. Courtesy of wild conversations between the two of them, and some murder role-play.

All of which informed us because of this unity, without satiation of the bloodlust at hand, the darkness in Josef will clash with the rational part of him that he uses to mess with his prey, and who knows? That might someday lead to Josef’s end. But for proof that murder is the only way to give peace to both entities, look no further than the ending of this tale. When they became one to launch an axe at the heart of the Brandt, ending his life and giving them what they need. Which made… for a fascinating story. One that on a larger level, really explored the duality of serial killers and the conflict they struggle with mentally because of their broken nature and how their twisted quirks help them to cope, but on a smaller level… this really did teach us a lot about Josef and what makes him tick and what drives him to kill.

Which brought forth the show’s best episode to date. Because this was just ridiculously engaging. To the point where the twenty-four minute runtime of the episode flew by and left us eager for more. Because this offered the answers we’ve never had when it comes to Josef, and it also… allowed for Mark Duplass to turn in some of his best work as the character, and that’s saying something. Since he’s chilled us to the bone as Josef for a decade now. But this was next level, and Mark truly showcased the shattered psyche of an outright monster. One that clearly is beyond salvation and immersed in a passion that few of us will ever understand, and it will be fascinating to see what the revelations from the last two episodes bring forth in the season finale of this brilliant series. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say that fans of Anne Rice’s rich storytelling universe are excited for their prospects in 2025. After all, the third season of Interview with the Vampire will grace our screens with a story focused on the Vampire Lestat. Not to mention, we will dive into the world of the Talamasca via their own series. But before we enjoy either of those, we get to catch up with Rowan Mayfair and the unsettling trouble she is surrounded by, courtesy of season two of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches.
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Which arrives on AMC and AMC+ on January 5, 2025, and well… that really is quite the post-holiday treat. Since it kicks off a new year of horror, one grounded in a majestic universe that is finally getting its due on television and as an early holiday present for fans of this show and this franchise, AMC was kind enough to release some epic key art for season two of the show, along with a new teaser. Which we will share with you now in the spirit in the season, as we prepare to spend 2025 lost in a world of vampires and witches. 

‘AMC Networks released today the official key art and a new teaser for the upcoming sophomore season of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. Starring Alexandra Daddario, Jack Huston, Harry Hamlin, Tongayi Chirisa and Alyssa Jirrels, the new season debuts on Sunday, January 5 on AMC and AMC+. 
 
Based on Anne Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches, season two of Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches continues the journey of Rowan Mayfair (Daddario) after she has unwittingly given birth to the demon Lasher (Huston). She is determined to understand what he has become – human or monster? – and to use him to fulfill her purpose as a healer, but when tragedy strikes, she must put aside her own desires and fight to protect her family.  
 
Additional cast includes Ben Feldman, Ted Levine and Thora Birch, amongst others. The series is executive produced by Mark Johnson, showrunner Esta Spalding, Tom Williams, Michelle Ashford, Christopher Rice and the late Anne Rice, and is produced by AMC Studios.’