Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Motion Picture, ‘History of Evil’.
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For the most part, horror stories that offer commentary and observation upon great problems in our world… present such musings in a supremely low-key manner. Wherein the writer and director work to use subtext and visuals and allegories to express our worries. Which serves these stories well, since it allows for us to enjoy an entertaining and terrifying ride, that plants a seed in our minds. One that grows and grows as we think about THIS moment or THAT moment and quietly break down a powerful lesson about say, consumerism and our relationship with it, as George Romero expressed to us through the setting and plot of Dawn of the Dead.

But alas, sometimes when the message is so important… so timely… subtlety may not serve the story well. Because if art, which is oft an amazing reflection of life, can make a difference at a critical juncture in our lives… it is tough for creative individuals to use that layered style to impact change or alert people to something that is genuinely of concern. But going a more direct route… can also bring forth its own risks for the story. Since then, a bold and blatant message can keep someone from kicking back and enjoying a story. Which means, if a director or a writer, are eager to go that route and say something loudly, the story will have to serve it perfectly. Which can be done, as evidenced by the brand-new Shudder feature, History of Evil.

Which is a story that plunges us not that far into the future, where we are introduced to the North American Federation. A place that exists in the stead of the United States of America, courtesy of civil wars, civil unrest, and incredible political and ideological divides, and sadly, we quickly come to learn that the NAF isn’t composed of the good guys. Instead, the ultra-right and other extremists won the day, giving rise to the theocracy they’ve always wanted and in this segment of the future, we are also introduced to a man named Ron who is on quite the mission. For his wife, Alegre, has escaped prison as a political prisoner for speaking up, and he is tasked with a woman named Trudy, to hide with all of them, including his and Alegra’s daughter, Daria, from the government in a remote house until the Resistance can pick them up. A mission that seems simple in nature, until Ron discovers that their safehouse… harbors a great evil from which there is no escape.

Which is a plot that is clearly, grounded in real-world horrors and real-world fears, in the least subtle manner possible. For there is in the heart of America, a battle taking place. One where a political party and movement is doing its best to instill ideology and outdated thinking in the name of country. When in fact, their quest has created divisions untold, unrest and even an outright insurrection to stop the Electoral Process. So, what better way to explore urgent fears and express immediate concerns… than by looking at a world where the mad win the day? Which offers up some scary visuals and moments that showcase a nation that is nothing more than a shell of what we know it to be today, and of course… setting the stage in that manner, and keeping us just close enough to present day to make this feel a little too real, allows for writer/director Bo Mirhosseni to start exploring his urgent messaging on how this movement is thriving and how perhaps we stop it.
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In that what we are seeing now, is nothing new. It’s been here all along, bubbling beneath the surface of the American Dream. Out of the belief that Americana, can never die, can never end. That it is somehow the core of what America stands for. When in fact, it has died, it has ended, and all that is left now in their minds, is to fight to ty and resurrect it, and instill it into a new generation through force, through the one thing that easily allows for them to gain traction in doing so. Specifically, fear. Because there are few creatures on the planet that are not swayed by fear, and we are no exception and the belief that something is being lost or that change can never happen, resonates with those in fear and it is helping the wrong side dig in and rally their cause, and that makes… for a terrifying motion picture. One that really plays the right kind of game of ‘what if?’ and lets us know that if we don’t figure out how to combat the fear and instill logic again, this could indeed be our own horrific future.

A task that is of course, easier said than done, but sometimes… pointing out the problem inspires change and hopefully this film does that, and it deserves a round of applause for finding a way to express a real urgent worry in manner that is compelling and engaging, yet informative, and for those who say that such concepts aren’t grounded in horror thus making this a throwaway drama piece, have no fear… the horror is there. Because there are some spiritual elements present here that speak to perhaps… an awakening of sorts, as though the hate we feed into the world can awaken something powerful that wants it to persist. But it also does showcase the worst monster of all, us, and all the terror we are capable of and that brings forth a solid horror film. One that offers up some riveting performances, with Paul Wesley (Ron) leading the charge on such matters. But most important of all, it is home to some chilling moments, the kind that stay with you long after this motion picture has come to an end… because they feel so close to home.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live’.

There are a great many things we fear in this life. We fear death because we don’t know what lies beyond when we take our final breaths. We fear failure, for our society cherishes a winner and success alone. We also fear being alone because we all harbor an understanding of how wonderful life is, when shared with someone that means the world to us. But of the many things we fear… one that truly makes us shiver to our core… is our fear of losing our family in any capacity. Because family means everything to us, good or bad, and it truly has a profound impact upon our lives and changes us in ways we never thought possible. So naturally, we hope to hang onto our family, for as long as we possibly can… to feel whole. 

But alas, most of our fears come to fruition in this world, since death is an inevitability, failure is a constant and there are times we are alone, and we do lose family along the way. Sometimes due to the fact that death finds us all, sometimes of our own choosing, sometimes not. And when that worst-case scenario happens, we do indeed try our best to recover and honor them by moving forward because that is how we do things in the natural world. But what if… the natural world no longer played by those rules. How then, would we handle the loss of our family to elements of terror or if say… we were held from our family and told we could not return to them? Would we find a way to go on? Would we crumble? Well, it just so happens those awful hypotheticals are explored in the next chapter in The Walking Dead Universe, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.

A feat that the series premiere of this new show accomplishes, by answering a question that fans of this franchise have harbored in their minds for ages now… whatever happened to Rick Grimes? For in Episode 905 of the series, ‘What Comes After’, the good people of the Alexandria Alliance were of the belief that Rick perished saving all of them from a devastating herd. When in fact, he was badly wounded and clinging onto life down the way, only to be claimed by Jadis as a prize token for entry into the Civil Republic Military. A move that raised more questions, specifically about the CRM. Which in turn was explored in The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and that series… pushed that question further. Because we were wondering if we were going to see Rick in the show, or at least hear a hint of what happened to him.

But that too, was not meant to be. For it was this series that wished to answer that question, and well… as it turned out. Rick has been alive and mostly well all these years, working as a co-signee for many of them… largely because Rick wanted no part of the CRM, despite its offerings, which were vast. For here, we were able to really understand the size and gravity of the CRM, finally meet its enigmatic leader, Major General Beale, and learn how place came to be. Since it turned out a solider named Okafor, refused to drop his bombs on the city of Philadelphia, as he had multiple times before on Atlanta and Los Angeles, as part of Operation: Cobalt, to instead save lives by bombing the very military he took orders from. Which made for wonderful world-building to help us understand how this place was indeed established and… these background segments also explained why Rick didn’t show up in World Beyond.

Because he wasn’t on the frontlines, he was still a co-signee, the lowest of the low, and only knew what of happened from afar through television reports and the like. But in between that world-building and those answers… did the exploration in question get underway. For ‘Years’ showcased how… being robbed of his family and given a second chance at health, only to be told that he could never return and see Judith or Michonne, or his chosen family… devastated Rick like never before. Because from day one, family is what drove him through the land of the dead. To find them, to be near them and protect them and then protect those who adopted him as a brother, and not being able to do that, put him in the darkest place we’ve ever seen him. To the point, where he pondered upon whether or not tomorrow was worth it.
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Which eventually, he decided it was. Simply because… Rick realized that they were wrong. He could find a way home if he figured out the right way out of the CRM. So, he worked to escape. An act that Rick took part in multiple times during those early years away from the Alexandria Safe Zone. Only to be foiled over and over again, and even then… that wasn’t enough for him to stop. In fact, he was willing to bring himself within inches of death if it meant he could finally escape, and at one point… he most certainly did. But alas, the CRM’s strength and power made that final goal, damn near impossible. Which put Rick at quite the crossroads. Wherein he had to decide, to play along long enough to figure out how to use status and stature to escape… or assimilate as Beale wished.

The former of course, Rick leaned into. Which allowed for him to move up the food chain and move into the city itself. A place where only the most trusted of CRM soldiers resided and where he could use that trust to plan an escape, so he could finally go home and see those he loved so dearly. But alas, that failed too… once again putting Rick at that ultimate crossroads, but this time around… it seemed the only way out was through. Which prompted him to cozy up to Okafor about a plan he had to transform the Civic Republic Military to be more than an agent of fear and destruction. But at the same time, the request to take part in that, felt like resignation. As though hope had finally started to leave Rick Grimes, and that a bleak message would hang over this new series. In that, in the end, we become nothing more than shells of our former selves when robbed from that which we desire most.

But that’s the funny thing about hope, it always finds its way back to us. And in a harrowing attack on his chopper, one that cost Okafor his life, Rick Grimes was reunited with the love of his life. For Michonne was involved in that attack on the chopper, an attack that ended… when she came to face to face with the man, she’s spent years searching for. Giving rise to a perfect ending, to a perfect series premiere. For this was an amazing way in which to reintroduce Rick Grimes to the world and grow his character in record time. Giving us something fresh and new for Mister Grimes to conquer, via concepts that we all relate to. But all that aside, this series also delivered on the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Because now Rick Grimes and Michonne have reunited, and that will likely bring about a fascinating shift for Rick, for the better, as this stunning new chapter in The Walking Dead Universe, continues along. Until next time.

To learn more about what it means to Actors Terry O’Quinn (Major General Beale), Lesley-Ann Brandt (Thorne) and Craig Tate (Donald Okafor) to be part of this iconic franchise, visit our TOWL preview piece, here.

Over the course of our many years on the web, we’ve sung a great deal of praises for the horror streaming service, Shudder and rightfully so. After all, Shudder harbors some of the finest horror collections around. Complete with a lovely mix of classics and new horror features. Not to mention, Shudder is also home to some refreshing, original programming. Since it is the home of Joe Bob Briggs now, and Creepshow is a pretty amazing horror anthology, and The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula is a revelation, programming wise.
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But there are other important reasons to showcase Shudder and speak to its wonder. For it is also a progressive horror streamer. One that recognizes that diversity and fresh voices are what help the genre thrive and evolve and reach new viewers. Which is why they often showcase programming grounded in diversity, as is the case with Dragula and the recent documentary, Queer for Fear, and of course, Horror Noire, both the anthology and the feature, allowed for Black voices to be heard and well, in a few weeks another feature in that vein will arrive on the streamer.

For Satanic Hispanics, a horror anthology brought together by all-Latino directors will make its debut on the network. Giving rise to Latino voices being heard at an important time and well, to celebrate the March 8 debut of this amazing film, Shudder was also kind enough today to release details, key art, and a trailer. Which we will share with you now, to assist in the countdown to one important horror anthology feature.

‘A Murderers’ Row of talented directors including Mike Mendez (Big Ass Spider), Alejandro Brugués (Juan of the Dead), Gigi Saul Guerrero (Culture Shock), Eduardo Sanchez (The Blair Witch Project), and Demian Rugna (When Evil Lurks, Terrified) – all united in the first all-Latino horror anthology, SATANIC HISPANICS, making its exclusive streaming debut Friday, March 8 on Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural. The film will also be available to stream on AMC+.
 
When police raid a house in El Paso, Texas, they find it full of dead Latinos, and only one survivor. He’s known as The Traveler, and when they take him to a station for questioning, he tells them those lads are full of magic and talks about the horrors, he’s encountered in his long time on this earth, about the portals to other worlds, mythical creatures, demons and the undead.
 
SATANIC HISPANICS was produced by Epic Pictures’ DREAD with Patrick Ewald as producer. Brugués and Mendez also serve as producers.
 
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 Original Content is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Over the last few years, Shudder has introduced audiences to groundbreaking and critically acclaimed films including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Coralie Fargeat’s REVENGE, Joko Anwar’s SATAN’S SLAVES, Josh Ruben’s SCARE ME, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna‘s WHEN EVIL LURKS, and the latest in the V/H/S film anthology franchise, as well as the fan favorite TV series THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, and THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS. 
 
About AMC+  
AMC+ is the company’s premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, and Boyhood. The service features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, with iconic series from the AMC Networks portfolio including Mad Men, Halt & Catch Fire, Hell on Wheels, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Rectify, Portlandia, Orphan Black and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, Dark Winds, and the first two series in a new Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. With new movies released every Friday, AMC+ is the newest destination for exclusive film premieres direct from theaters all year long. AMC+ is available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain and is available in the U.S. through AMCPlus.com, the AMC+ app, and a number of digital and cable partners.’

It’s Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love, one where we declare what is in our hearts for the people that mean the most to us. For that is tradition on this day, and it is one so many of us take part in with our significant other and wouldn’t you know it? It is so special a day that even the networks are getting in on the game. For earlier today, AMC Networks dropped a brand-new trailer for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
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Which at first glance might not seem to be related to this special day. But it is. After all, this is going to be a love story, one for the ages since Rick and Michonne are still searching for one another and of course… Valentine’s Day is a big day for the walking dead. For they are always eager to celebrate this holiday by getting their mottled hands on a warm heart and well, since you’re eager to see this new series and eager to celebrate the holiday in style, here is that trailer, along with some, updated details on the show, and bonus footage and images of The Walking Dead’s takeover of the Las Vegas Sphere as we inch toward the release of this highly anticipated series.

‘In celebration of Valentine’s Day, AMC Networks debuted an all-new trailer for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, which tells the epic love story of beloved Walking Dead characters Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira). The next new series within The Walking Dead Universe also took over the Sphere in Las Vegas in promotion of its highly anticipated premiere on Sunday, February 25 on AMC and AMC+. 
 
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead... And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they've ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive -- or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?
 
The series also stars Pollyanna McIntosh, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Terry O’Quinn, Matthew August Jeffers, Craig Tateand Andrew Bachelor, among others.
 
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is executive produced by Showrunner Scott M. Gimple, Lincoln, Gurira, Denise Huth, Brian Bockrath and Greg Nicotero.’

One particular piece of advice that writing and horror legend Stephen King offers in his book, On Writing, and we paraphrase, is that reinvention is one of the many keys to success in telling a great story. Because a writer must challenge themselves and force themselves to grow, and reinvention allows for that. Since it forces a new style, a new everything really, and what’s amazing… is that this particular bit of advice can be applied to stories themselves. Because franchises can in fact, become stale and become formulaic if they don’t push themselves to become more and this is likely why… The Walking Dead Universe is so incredibly successful.
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Because for some time now, it has made a point to reinvent itself through its spin off stories. For Fear the Walking Dead explored the dark corners of the zombiepocalypse that other zombie stories avoid, and Tales of the Walking Dead toyed with various concepts that the zombie sub-genre rarely touches. Not to mention, World Beyond pondered deeply upon what life looks like when civilization returns to the world of the dead, with a caveat of course, and Dead City offered up commentary on the moral grey area we operate within in its first season, and year one of Daryl Dixon pondered deeply upon the nature of and the genesis of hope during our darkest hours. Plus, even the OG series found ways to shake things up and reinvent itself, and it just so happens, that there is more reinvention on the horizon for this franchise.

For on February 25th, 2024, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live will debut on AMC, and this series… provides us with something quite incredible. In that, it brings Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira back into the fold to reprise the roles that made them household names, Rick Grimes and Michonne, and well… since this is one of the most highly anticipated TWD spin-offs out there… we thought it would be best to preview this show, and discuss how it is indeed a powerful and bold reinvention of the franchise, and what makes this series so special, in a spoiler-free manner of course. For we here at NTG have seen the first four episodes of this spin-off, and well, there are some things that happen that will ruin your experience if we reveal them, and we won’t do that.

But what we will say, is that we meant what we said about this being one bold spin-off. In large part because of the return of Rick and Michonne. Because let’s be honest, it is incredibly rare that actors whose careers blow up, return to roles that put them on the map. For so many actors speak to their own reinvention by moving into new roles, but here we are. With this duo basically slipping back into their roles seamlessly and bringing their skill set back to the forefront of a story that does these characters justice and explores what became of them following their TWD exit. Which is all we will say on that, to in part, not spoil where that journey takes them. But also… because this new series offers so much more.

For in many ways, this is… the Dawn of the Dead of the franchise, a magnum opus of sorts that really dives deep into the best aspects of the zombie sub-genre. For it features magnificent world building, a la Dawn, for it is so epic in scope and so powerful in nature. Not to mention, it is rife with timely and powerful commentary. The kind that ponders deeply upon some of the disturbing changes now happening in our world and how people are being so easily influenced to think differently with such minimal fight. Which makes for a very poignant and timely entry in the franchise, one so bold that it makes this series, the best of the bunch of date. Because it features such great writing, and in many ways… it doesn’t resemble anything the saga has ever done before. Truly allowing for reinvention to take place.

Plus, Andrew and Danai aren’t the only actors adding weight to this story. For Polllyanna McIntosh returns as Jadis, and Craig Tate is simply phenomenal as Donald Okafor, and his role here adds a fascinating new wrinkle to the Civic Republic Military, and Lesley-Ann Brandt’s turn as Thorne takes us a fascinating journey regarding some of the central themes we mentioned and of course… screen legend Terry O’Quinn adds incredible depth to this story as Major General Beale. The enigmatic heavy that has hung over the CRM for years now, and well… the wonder of what they bring to the table, relates to the fact that they understand the gravity of what’s in front of them. In fact, here is what Terry, Lesley-Ann and Craig had to say about what it means to them to be part of this iconic franchise, as they informed us at a recent press conference for the show.

Terry O’Quinn: In my case, I didn't know what to expect. I was… I was not a member of The Walking Dead universe. So, it's all new to me. It's unknown territory. I mean, I'm familiar with being in something that was that was highly regarded and watched by a lot of people. These people may be more passionate. They may take it more personally, these… these, I want to say deadheads, but I'm not sure that’s right. But yeah, but that's what I'm going to use from now on. But it's very exciting. It's good. You know, the production values are great. People are wonderful. So, I mean, it's just a new adventure. I'm very happy to be involved.

Lesley-Ann Brandt: Um, I, for me, you know, having come from “Lucifer” with like, a big following and knowing what a show can mean to a viewer. It's still, like, at times, sort of realizing, “Oh, this is like, a much bigger universe,” you know, and fans are so incredibly smart. I mean, I see them dissecting the trailers and they're very, they're very good. So, I just think I'm, you know, I strangely at the time when I got the meeting set up with Andy (Lincoln) and Danai (Gurira) and I, I had COVID, and I just watched her in Black Panther. And then I think like, two days later, I was you know, meeting with her, so it was really for me, wonderful and incredibly special that both of them were such advocates of bringing my South African, you know, heritage into the show for the first time. It's an accent that you don't hear, outside of South Africa. It's very specific to Cape Town, very specific to my community. So, I do credit both Danai and Andy for championing that. That is pretty special. And I think, I think what I'm really excited for is for the fans who've been waiting so long for these two, you know, it's finally here, it's like, you know, less than two weeks away.

Craig Tate: Deadhead, Terry, I gotta use that when that one. For me, I would say I mean, it was just I was 21, 20 turning 21 when the first season that come out. And, you know, it's a full circle moment, you never forget where you were when the first season dropped. And, you know, sometimes late at night, you find yourself part of that universe that you have become so heavily invested into. So, it's kind of been a champion of two things, you know, one, that there is some kind of weird irony coincidental nature of the universe and life itself. And that two, you know, if you work, you know, steady enough, methodically enough to turn your dreams into goals, and they do materialize.

So, as you can see, it’s a big deal to those involved, and their passion and the passion of everyone involved in this project has brought forth not only a beautiful reinvention of the franchise, but an outright amazing Walking Dead story. One that is timely, powerful, and filled with emotion and gravitas and the best news of all, is that we are only a few days away from enjoying its wonder. For The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live makes its debut on 2/25/24 on AMC, and we here at NTG cannot wait for you to experience what is hands down, the best TWD spin-off to date.
The interview portion of this article was lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

One particular aspect regarding the iconic horror anthology series, Tales from the Darkside, that is genuinely fascinating… is how the series often enjoyed… hyper fixating on particular concepts. For every single season of the show features a run of episodes that more or less ponder upon ideas that clearly captivated the writer’s room. Which brought about a bevy of fascinating explorations, the kind that examine the concept in question from multiple angles and well, that’s top of mind today, simply because the next episode in this storied saga… features the ‘next chapter’ in a particular run of those types of episodes. 
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For our prior Retro Recap of the show, pointed out that ‘Ursa Minor’ was all about pondering upon the horrors of the unknown and how that can scare the living hell out of us and that’s precisely where the next episode decided to go as well. For ‘Effect and Cause’ was a story devoid of observations about our world and ponderings about the human condition. It just wanted to introduce raw terror and explore the unknown from beginning to end and ‘Effect and Cause’ accomplished such a feat by introducing us to a woman named Kate, who came into the possession of some strange art through her friend David. Who thought she could repurpose them with a little paint job of her own.

A move that Kate wasn’t good with in the slightest since they were finished and disturbing pieces, so she left them to be, and just like that… the unknown came into play. Because suddenly, strange occurrences were happening in her home, the kind where the end result of an action was made apparent before she learned of the cause. Which led to the strange reveal of an injury and the belief… that this was nothing short of a gift. Because the future was now in front of her and she could deconstruct a moment in a predictive manner and use that to her advantage, and at first, only benefits came from this surprise. But in the world of the Darkside, nothing stays joyous forever and soon… the unpredictable nature of the future led to pure terror and disaster for a woman… who had not a clue what really brought this darkness into her life.

Which is… what truly allows for this episode to shine. Because there are only implications in this story as to what creates this breach in the fabric of space and time in her home. It could be related to the paintings and her thoughts on potentially covering them up and reusing them. Since that would imply the presence of something sinister with that art, something awakened over being disrespected. But there’s never a straight answer there. Nor is there really implication that she’s done anything to truly deserve a karma fueled hell in this episode, and well… that confusion and lack of a straight answer, really does draw you into the story and leaves you guessing and of course, helps for impactful scares.
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Of which there are plenty. Courtesy of the weird flip in reality that happens within Kate’s world. Because now we must watch the horror of the moment unfold in reverse, with the knowledge that Kate is only going to suffer further and that leads to some ugly moments for certain. The kind that really do unsettle and even the implications that there might be something spiritual here leads to creepy moments as well. Since they bring about more questions, more worry that something else is going to show up and well… all of this… is a perfect expression of the unknown, a perfect expression of ‘what if?’ and there is in fact… never an answer as to what went on here. Which is brilliant.

Because it is simply an experience. One that is creepy, scary, and uncomfortable from beginning to end. But most important of all, it’s just raw horror through and through. An experience in terror if you will, one that doesn’t let up, one that doesn’t shy away from also picking upon some of our own primal fears. The kind that we harbor regarding our own home and our own lives, and well… that makes for one entertaining tale. One that grabs hold and never let’s go and reminds us of the wonder of this series. Because it speaks to how versatile this show could be and how willing it was to experiment with the scares, because this one… is just a raw slice of terror from which there is no escape, and you simply cannot go wrong with that. Until next time, try to enjoy the daylight.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Skeletons in the Closet’.
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There will come a point in our lives, whether we like or not and whether we are ready or not… where we will face quite the crisis. In that, either we, or someone that means the world to us… will become quite ill. In fact, they’ll be sick enough where discussions of funerals will take place and where one will have to watch that person… wither and suffer before one’s eyes. Which is… a devastating period of time for all of us. One that we truly cannot avoid and one that we must reconcile in some form or fashion emotionally. Which may happen later but must happen none the less so we can find peace from an inevitability that is part of the human experience.

But of course, that doesn’t stop our minds in the middle of the pain and the chaos, from pondering upon all the possible solutions that could save the person that is suffering. Because we want nothing more than more moments for them, more life, and that is also why we explore every experimental treatment, every experimental drug. All in the hopes of bringing forth an honest to God miracle that will give all parties involved relief, and a second chance at life. But that… is often nothing more than last gasps of hope, the kind that stave off the pain of the end that is to come. But it does leave us wondering… what would happen, if by chance… we could find a miracle of sorts. One that would save all that we cherish, and it just so happens that a new Shudder feature from director Asif Akbar explores just that in Skeletons in the Closet.

A feat that this story accomplishes by introducing us to a loving family consisting of Mark, Valentina and their only daughter, Jenny, and it truly seems as though this family has it all. For Mark is doing well at work and Jenny’s medical troubles appear to be behind her, and all that lies ahead is happiness and love. But just like that, Mark loses his job and Jenny’s health is back in decline. Putting the family at a devastating crossroads, one that prompts Mark to go to extremes to pay for his daughter’s treatments. But even that, won’t give the family the relief and hope they need. Which prompts them to reach out to individuals in the spiritual world to find a cure, and well… they can most certainly have it, for quite the horrific price.

Which is the perfect plot to explore some fascinating concepts. Such as how, finding a miracle cure to our biggest worries would indeed bring about joy and wonder, and a peace we desperately seek. Because just like that… that loved one will be around and we can all enjoy more memories together. But of course, there is indeed a price that would come with that, and the film uses horror elements to explore that. Since the lurking evil in this story serves as a grand allegory for how… death and suffering is actually healthy for us to go through. Because to be denied that would give us a sense of entitlement and complacency, and we would never grow and never be able to really value the few moments we have and find wonder within them. Making us… hollow really… and inhuman in a unique and terrifying manner.
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Making this, a thoughtful film about the importance of accepting the darker stuff life sends our way, because it has value, it has gravitas and with the right support network, we will get through it and be stronger and more committed to living a full life filled with wonder. But of course, make no mistake about it, this is a horror film at its core, and those lessons don’t exist without some quality scares, and we do find those here as well. Since director Asif Akbar, makes use of some dynamic jump scares and tension building to send shivers down our spines, along with some fascinating visuals that at times, make this film feel akin to the gothic classics of yesteryear, and believe it or not, there is more wonder to be found here.

In that, this movie also features a stellar cast. One that features Terrance Howard (Mike), Udo Kier (Luc), and even Cuba Gooding Jr. (Andres), and each of them bring real gravity and power to their performances. Not to mention Valery M. Ortiz (Valentina) sells the pain and fear that we would experience in her shoes and in really in the end, this is quite the delightful horror film. One that hits all the right notes, since it features deep commentary, a human connection and scares that unsettle and stun and above all, implores each of us to embrace the wonder and the horrors of life. For we are nothing without light and darkness, and that’s a wonderful lesson to find within a story about that which we fear most.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season One Finale of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to watch the fascinating AMC+ and Sundance Now series, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, we were left with a burning question on our minds. Specifically, how is this going to end? For Sanctuary was isolated from the rest of the world via an emergency quarantine and thanks to Abi’s deep-rooted grief and the madness and machinations that have come forth from it, the police became a liability, one rooted in hatred and fear. Putting everyone on a path to devastation and ruin unless some kind of intervention were to come forth and well, thanks to that isolation, it truly seemed as though we were barreling into the midst of a hopeless ending. 

Where the lives of the better angels in this town would be lost and well… the opening half of the season finale, only added to that worry. Because shortly after Sarah and Harper were tossed around their cells and threatened, Abigail decided to drop by and demand resolution in a manner that was satisfactory to her. Wherein she demanded that Sarah confess to everything. Killing Dan, killing Jack, through magic no less, so that this town could heal, move forward. Which was a ludicrous idea to even put forth. For Sarah was innocent, and because of that… she outright called Abi to the carpet for her horrendous behavior, and how her arrogance and stupidity and refusal to face her grief brought about all this chaos.

Which was much needed honesty that sadly came… too late. For that enraged Abi like never before. To the point where she felt the only way to really enjoy peace, was through wanton violence. Which prompted her to bring about another rally, one where ‘truths’ would be exposed and where… Sarah and Harper would die. But thankfully, a few surprises kept a modern city from slipping far into the past. For DCI Knight found a way into town after being told to stay away and her being there offered a calm for some that allowed for the truth come forth. In that, Izzy did indeed harm Dan, but not through magic. Through an accident. And when the worst moments came to fruition at the rally, Knight was able to bring about enough distraction to allow for quite the surprise to come into play. In that, Harper did have a tie to magic, one she kept secret to live a normal life, and she used it… to level the playing field.

Because Harper knew, Abi, and so many others had reached the point of no return. Where the only solution to stopping this was death. So, she made a point to control Abi through a vision to push her to her end, and the rest… well… the madness and the chaos of the moment was more than enough to handle the other players in this chaos. Which brought forth peace at last, and a reset for the town. One that Sarah and Harper rightfully wanted no part of for the time being. For too much pain and too much darkness resided there, so they set out for a bit. To live, to reconnect and truly immerse themselves in the only thing they shared deeply beyond being family. Giving rise to a bittersweet ending for them, and a poignant one for the audience when all is said and done.

Simply because… this finale showcased, just how far we can fall when we let pain, fear, and anger rule the day, and what we become… isn’t pretty. Making this a cautionary tale of sorts. One that also showcased how we get to that point so we can perhaps… prevent it in our world and do our best to support people in need so they don’t slip into the darkness. But most important of all, this powerful story really did express, the importance of acceptance and letting people live their lives their way. Because we’re all on this journey together, and we are all equals, and there’s just no point in stepping in and demanding people change, over lifestyles that are none of our damn business. And the sooner we learn that the better and hopefully this show influences that a bit and hopefully… we get a second season as well. So that this story can explore how people find their way back when they have in fact… suffered through the cruelty of man and our ignorance.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the season finale of Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, which arrives on AMC+ and Sundance Now on 2/8/24!

Episode 7 – Premieres Thursday, February 8 on AMC+ and Sundance Now  
In the season finale, with Sanctuary cut off from the outside world, Abigail has free rein to exact the ultimate revenge on Sarah and Harper.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the documentary feature, ‘Dario Argento Panico.’
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Something that is genuinely intriguing about the horror genre, is how little is known about the greats that have stuck terror into our hearts. Because one would think in this modern era of storytelling and social media, where everyone’s lives are put on display, that the titans of the industry, the ones who made horror the juggernaut it is today, would have their stories displayed in front of us. But some of the losses in the genre that have come our way, alongside an obvious desire to keep to themselves unless they’re telling tales of terror, has kept their stories away from us.

But as time continues to march on, and classics are discovered by new generations, the demand to know about the men that shaped the genre’s current course, has grown to a fever pitch. And slowly but surely, we are seeing more interviews, more podcasts and more everything about these greats. In fact, Shudder is now home to quite the pivotal documentary about one of the most important men to ever grace the genre, Dario Argento. Who let’s be honest… is someone we know little about outside of his contributions to the genre and his incredible work ethic, since he continues to make films well into what is normally considered to be our twilight years.

But Dario Argento Panico really does change all of that. For documentarian Simone Scafidi had the opportunity to not only sit down with Dario to discuss his illustrious career, which he gladly does but he also takes the time… to explore Dario’s life as a whole. From his humble and unique origins as a boy that was born into celebrity and cinema. Since his mother and father were indeed connected to that world and clearly, it rubbed off on the man that is oft called ‘The Maestro.’ To the point where he started his humble beginnings behind the camera, which in turn gave rise to the legendary films we know today and fawn over. All of which is presented to us in a very linear fashion, and that brings forth a fascinating chronicling of the Maestro’s life. 

Wherein the story spends time exploring each one of Dario’s films, and how they were crafted, and some of the memories that all involved harbor about the particular story they worked on. Which does indeed provide us with the insight we crave. Such as how Dario crafted the madness of Suspiria and the brilliance of Deep Red, and what brought the iconic music of Goblin into some of his notable works. Which are details you just don’t often see in documentaries about the greats, since the person are what is oft celebrated while their works are acknowledged in brief. But here, it really is about Dario’s work and his contributions and that leads to more unique moments.
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Since this process also allowed for legends of the industry to speak to their reflections upon Dario’s work and how it impacted them, the beauty they found from it and the meaning and subtext they gleaned from it. Giving rise to fascinating reflection upon his work, that is also enhanced by way of interviews with family members and friends regarding his work, regarding their personal experiences with Dario and the particular project in question. Which allows for us to see a far bigger picture about his life and his impact upon others both positive and negative, since not everyone can speak to a flawless experience in working with the Maestro.

However, that does paint quite the comprehensive picture, one that speaks to Dario’s life and his work and really gives us an understanding as to who he is, how his work came to life. If anything, the only complaint that arises from this documentary, is that it doesn’t offer us enough when it comes to Dario’s creative process. Simply because it covers so much and dives into so much. But even then, that’s a small complaint to offer. For you do learn a great deal about the Maestro here and really come to understand his vast and fascinating body of work in a new light and that, makes this a worthwhile watch for anyone that is eager to pull the curtain clear of true genius and learn how a family man gave life to so many nightmares.