Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of episode four of Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale.
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Episode 4 – Premieres Thursday, January 18 on AMC+ and Sundance Now  
Harper’s accusations put suspicion onto her and Sarah, and a memorial vigil incites ill feeling.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Destroy All Neighbors’.
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One particular piece of advice that we all receive when we’re struggling in this life, or fighting for something we want, is to keep plugging away. Because there is a belief that keeping busy when times are tough or when we’re on the cusp of something we want, will help us get through them and/or help us get to our goal, and well, there really is merit to this line of thinking. Since we do find our minds cleared when we’re plugging away and sometimes… we find ourselves far closer to our goal than expected. But there is some trouble that accompanies this particular bit of advice. Because sometimes… the struggles we encounter are more than just something we can handle via busy work and sometimes… we need an assist in getting what we need in this life and that can make keeping one’s head down quite problematic.

Because then, big problems that need handling aren’t being dealt with in the slightest. Not to mention, we’re just spinning our wheels with our goal and that can lead to complete and utter disaster. Wherein our problems could blow up, our goals turn into failures, and we are left at a crossroads. Wherein we can either pick up the pieces and start over and do it right this time and learn the balance busy work provides… or simply just let failure take over and go places we shouldn’t. The kind that we hear about on the six o’clock news and don’t quite understand. Because to us, it doesn’t make sense that someone would ever just… ‘go nuts’ because of a few setbacks. But we are delicate creatures that want more and when we deeply fail in a frustrated fashion, we are indeed compelled to lash out, and well, in order to better understand and prevent this process in our own lives… we turn to stories. For they can show us the consequences of such matters and it just so happens, that a brand-new film on Shudder does just that in Destroy All Monsters.

A feat that this film accomplishes by introducing us to a man named William Brown who… isn’t dealing with anything in this life. For he hates his job, there’s distance in his relationship and the album he’s been working on is nowhere near done. But he keeps plugging away, because that’s what we are supposed to do in that situation, that is until… life gets tougher. For a noisy new neighbor and the loss of his job, and his relationship, pushes William to be more aggressive than ever before to have just a little slice of peace, and that prompts him to confront his neighbor in a manner… that is deadly. Changing William’s life forever and putting him on a maddening path where redemption and peace seem to be nothing more than fleeting dreams.

Which is… the perfect way to explore how some people take a vastly different path when they stumble and fall in this life and see their dreams go the wayside and see their problems explode. Because we are exposed to that downward spiral in the raw.  But what matters more, is that this story takes the time to deeply explore the steps that could prevent the madness that William endures. Because if he ignored the generic advice, we are given about tough times… and dealt with his relationship, it would have been stronger. And if he handled matters with his noisy new neighbor in a bold way, he would have been fine. Making this story a grand tragedy of sorts, one that truly does play out often in this life because of how much we cherish that advice, and what’s amazing is that the wonder of this film doesn’t end there.
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Because this is also a horror comedy. Since William in essence becomes a serial killer before our eyes, one that cannot reconcile the guilt of what he’s done. Which brings about some wild hallucinations of those he’s claimed, the kind that bring about some gory and twisted moments and some genuinely funny ones too. Which makes the darkness of this film palatable and acceptable and helps us to learn the lesson at hand of dealing with our problems, and standing tall and claiming what we want in the right way. So that we find real happiness and real joy, and it’s quite satisfying that this message comes via the tenets of good horror. Yet, there’s still more to celebrate when it comes to this feature. Since it also harbors some magnificent performances.

For Jonah Ray Rodrigues truly shines as William Brown and sells his broken innocence in a manner that is earnest and tragic, and Alex Winter is simply aces as Vlad in this story, and as always, he is an outright chameleon and loses himself within the role. Plus, there are some big-time cameos in this film that delight and well, all of these elements come together to provide us, with an amazing horror comedy feature. One that has a lot to say about modern life, the struggles we face and how to properly handle them. All courtesy of some quality gore, and some hilarious moments that stay with you long after this movie has come to an end. But in a healthy manner, of course. Because no one needs Vlad screaming at you at two in the morning.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here. This article contains discussions regarding sexual assault, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating AMC+/Sundance Now series, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, we talked at length about how the series offered up a world unlike anything else we’ve ever seen in the witch subgenre of horror. Because this was a world that was mostly identical to our own, the only difference was that magic was real and witches practiced it regularly in a town known as Sanctuary. And because magic was mostly accepted and part of the world, it was no longer anything special. It was just another skill set that a certain set of individuals harbored. One that only became important to some when it could create a benefit of sorts, and one of course, despised by those who didn’t understand it in the slightest.

Which left all of us wondering, what other unique conflicts and troubles Sarah and her family would face in a world where witchcraft was coveted for selfish needs and looked down upon by those of ignorance, and well, the next episode informed us quickly that great what lie ahead, was great conflict. Simply because Abigail was now hellbent on having magic save the now defunct life of her son, and to get what she wanted from her friend, she put forth a full court press. One where she went to the press and began to leak the story and that created a firestorm in town. One that put Harper in hiding basically and of course, pushed Sarah to find resolution and sadly… that pressure brought about more unfortunate truths.

Because the police were poking about further, the press wanted Harper to talk and were making it hard for her to hide, and she wanted to hide, because there was a dark truth about Daniel that she just wanted to forget. In that, he crossed a lot of lines, and outright assaulted her at one point. And that was why she was so rightfully furious with him and also why she wanted his memory to remain far away. So, she could move on and heal and find new direction in life. Which prompted Sarah to try and make immediate peace with Abigail so that peace could exist, and those wishes could be brought forth. But alas, the truth about Daniel came out and the fury already present in Abigail only grew. For she thought this was an attempt to sully Dan’s name and prevent her wishes from coming true by painting her son the villain, leading to more chaos. 

Which really did explore the kinds of unique problems a witch might encounter, and what Sarah now has on her hands is complex and irritating and difficult to navigate, especially when one considers the fact… that this nonsense is overshadowing a greater threat. After all, Maggie brought in the magic investigator and well, what they found was scary. In that, Sarah wasn’t the only witch in Sanctuary, there was in fact… another. A dark one that wasn’t named Harper Fenn. Because the MI was able to establish that Harper’s hand movements were mere frustration and not some elaborate spell that surprised everyone. But it did mean, a nefarious witch was committed to murder in this town and the horrible drama now brewing between families, will delay the hunt for the evil witch from being the priority. 

A reality that in many ways, reflects our modern world. For all too often we worry about stupid stuff and lose sight of what matters most and/or how to handle growing problems. Giving depth to the fascinating drama on display here and well, in the end, all of this brought about an incredible story. For now, we truly are embroiled in a mystical murder mystery, one that produced more questions than answers here and gave us an equally as fascinating examination of how the power of magic would be abused and well… all this does is compel us to continue the journey. So, we can garner the truth and see if by chance… the people in this town can turn the corner or fall to pieces, as humans are sometimes wont to do when their pain and fury grabs hold. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 509 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There was a time, where competition themed television shows, rarely featured any kind of continuity outside of the finale. For the idea was that, variety was in fact, the spice of life for shows in this vein, and mixing it up constantly would keep audiences interested and coming back because they would never know what to expect. But as time rolled on, it became clear that audiences were in fact, invested in moments that felt consistent, especially the kind that showcased the talents of the competitors and helped the viewer to get to know them, and that changed how these shows were structured. For they quickly offered that and retained viewers and well, this change has only become better with time.

For there are shows out there now, that lean heavily into such moments and make proper use of them so the audience can indeed be fully engaged in the competition and one show that has perfected this, is The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula on Shudder. For every single year, fans know that the competitors will be put to the test during the Monsters of Rock battle royale, and we will indeed get an idea of who is a standout and a potential lock for the Top Three at the end of the season, and we also are treated year in and year out, to ‘The Last Supper’. A moment where the competition goes the wayside so we can hear about what the contestants learned and where they can vent sour air out into the void. 

Which brings about some epic moments and some hot tea if the season is spicy enough and well, it just so happens that this week’s episode of the show, served as the time once again to enjoy The Last Supper and well, this year’s airing of truth was quite incredible to say the least. Obviously, there was everything we do enjoy about this event. Because we reflected upon some amazing looks and yes, there was some tea to be spilt. Because while this has been far less dramatic group than it has in year’s past, there were some spicy moments to revisit, and some questions that needed answering. Which brought about some trademark tension and some brow sweating from those that had to answer for their actions.

But what made this year’s Last Supper of note, in the opinion of this reporter, was the sheer fact… that it took quite the turn. In that, there was some fascinating honesty present in this particular Last Supper. The kind where the contestants were actually quite vulnerable now and again, and really spoke to their fears, their struggles and even who they are as a person and how they fight to cope with the parts themselves they don’t like, and in some cases, cannot control without a little assistance. All of which brought about a supremely engaging Last Supper. One that did the impossible. In that, it took a moment in a series, where its hosts humanize the contestants to begin with, and humanized them further. Because this really was an episode in the raw, and it was powerful to say the least. 

In fact, this could have gone on for two hours and we all would have watched every second and been glued to our screens. Because it was that intimate and that raw and that unlike any other Last Supper the show has put on display. But that is what makes this series so special, it finds new ways to make even its staples as powerful as possible, and well… this really was quite the amazing hour of television. One that of course, had plenty to celebrate, since the Final Four were indeed named at last and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this beloved staple of the show, we can bask in the wonder of its honesty and its moving humanity, before we return to the core of the show and the big moment when Dragula is crowned at last. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that there is an incredible buzz surrounding one particular upcoming entry in The Walking Dead Universe. For fans of this franchise are eagerly awaiting the return of Rick Grimes and Michonne in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, and they’re equally as eager to learn more truths about the mysterious Civil Republic Military and its enigmatic leader, Major General Beale, and see the return of Jadis as well. But what’s really created the buzz in question… is the sheer secrecy surrounding this series. For AMC has only released but a handful of images and visual teasers.
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But that all changed today. For earlier, AMC Networks opted to finally give the fans their first solid look at this series, and a genuine taste of what Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira will bring to their iconic roles in this latest chapter in their lives, and well… it turns out this trailer was worth the wait. For it is epic, incredible, and only builds upon the buzz surrounding this series and well, you don’t have to take our word for it. For here is that trailer, alongside some updated details on the series for you to enjoy, courtesy of AMC Networks, so we can all properly begin to count down to the incredible return of two highly beloved TWD characters.

‘AMC Networks debuted the first trailer for The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, premiering Sunday, February 25 on AMC and AMC+. Stars Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira return as the beloved TWD characters “Rick Grimes” and “Michonne” in the highly anticipated next series in the Walking Dead Universe. 
 
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 Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is executive produced by Showrunner Scott M. Gimple, Lincoln, Gurira, Denise Huth and Brian Bockrath.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale’.
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At several points in our lives, we will ponder upon something quite outlandish. In that, we find ourselves wishing that we could harbor special powers, to cope with the pains that life sometimes sends our way. For instance, traffic and rush hour sometimes leave us wishing deeply, for the ability to fly. Because that would indeed solve so many problems and truth be told, we tend to ponder often upon what it might be like… to have magic in our lives. Because that would also solve a great deal of problems and a great deal of frustrations in our day to day. After all, a good magic spell might quell having to deal with people that we simply don’t want to deal with or help a sour boss finally see the light regarding how to make work fun and worthwhile.

But of course… those are indeed fleeting thoughts, and they truly are designed to just give our mind a break to process the pains of everyday life, and there is definitely nothing wrong with escape. But for some folks, their minds cannot help but continue to wonder… what the world would be like if by chance we were able to indulge in the wonder of magic. Simply because… if it really does make life seem so easy in our minds, would it not create a better world in general? Which is why… stories are so important, since they can help us to properly examine our wildest dreams and it just so happens that a brand-new series on AMC+ and Sundance Now is eager to answer that question and examine a world where magic has become the norm and that makes Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, quite the fascinating watch.

Simply because the series premiere of the show informs us… that life with magic, might in part… be simpler than we give it credit, and the first two episodes of the show put that simplicity on display by plunging us into the town of Sanctuary. A city that has deep ties to the powers of magic, and well… in this place witches are real, and witches thrive. For they weren’t brought to horrible persecution as they were in our timeline, and they were able to grow their powers and create traditions and since this is the place where witches live, magic is just an everyday thing and that’s really where the story goes to some fascinating places. Because just like that… we ware plunged into a world where magic is nothing, but an everyday occurrence and witches go about their day to practice it without giving it a second thought.

But that of course… doesn’t answer whether or not life would be better with magic in the air, and well… after introducing us to that world, does the story take the time to answer that question, and well… it informs us… that no… the world would not change for the better because magic is now present in the world. Simply because… the human element is still in play. And well, while we can adapt and can change, that which we do not understand always generates fear and concern in our hearts and well… that washes over Sanctuary when something unfortunate happens in this town. For one fine night, a young man dies under mysterious circumstances, the kind that might involve magic, and while this world might accept magic as real, it still features laws and rules and those have been broken here.
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Which brings about deep concerns about whether or not magic has been used for evil and that is where that fear from humanity comes into play. For that generates distrust between everyday folks and the witches that practice their power in Sanctuary and well… just like that, we are plunged into a fascinating murder mystery and an equally as fascinating story. One that not only offers up a unique world we’ve never really seen in the realm of television before but sets the stage for a powerful journey revolving around the human condition. One that will be rife with commentary on how there are no easy fixes to our problems and our experiences, but that real work and real healing must happen for us to find the peace we crave and that spells or hope for them will never quite offer that. 

Something the story will explore via the power of grief and trauma and through some real-world parallels regarding that aforementioned fear, and of course… that mystery is of note as well. Since there are no easy clues to follow here and there are real concerns that Harper Finn, daughter of the town’s most powerful witch, Sarah, may have powers she doesn’t understand and well… all of these elements draw us in and compel us to continue the journey. To see exactly who it was that committed this heinous crime, but more importantly… to be treated to some fine lessons about who we are, and who we could be, and how we could create real magic and real miracles in the world, if we took the time to heal and come together and well, it will be simply incredible to learn those lessons and learn the truth about this crime as season one of this unique and refreshing series continues along. Until next time.

To hear more about what deeper messages the cast hopes you take away from this series, check out our preview article regarding the show, which features such commentary from cast members: Amy De Bhrún (Abigail Whithall), Stephanie Levi-John (DCI Maggie Knight), and Hazel Doupe (Harper Fenn).

For the most part, stories about witches and their incredible understanding of magic, follow some pretty standard formulas. Some of these stories for instance, are always set in Colonial America. Where witches were hunted and feared and the journey, we go on in that tale is either designed to remind us of the horror’s ignorance can inspire or they outright explore mystical concepts or darker ones. Or… the witch story in question features a modern twist, where they exist, and all is well, and magic is widely accepted by the masses. With some minor dissenting voices of course, which are quelled through heroic magical acts. Which are stories that work because they tend to satisfy our imagination and stick with what we know about the witch, but let’s be honest… those particular formulas and tropes… simply don’t do the witch justice. 
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Because they so rarely explore the potential power of magic and the burden that could create for a witch in any particular era, since they would see and experience things that no one else does. Not to mention, modern stories about witches don’t touch upon the fact that it doesn’t matter what era of our history a story operates within, we fear that which is different, and that would bring about great trouble for the witch, and that too… is a missed storytelling opportunity. But thankfully, there are creatives working to rectify that, since we’ve seen in more recent years stories that offer more than the norm, and AMC Networks continues to lead the charge in such matters. After all, the Sundance Now adaptation of A Discovery of Witches broke ground in its presentation of modern witches living amongst us and battling ancient prejudices. Not to mention, AMC’s adaptation of Mayfair Witches showcases real struggles for women with a magical twist, and well… AMC Networks isn’t done working to give the witch its due.

For this Thursday will see the debut of another fascinating witch series entitled, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale. A series that is set in modern times in the town of Sanctuary. Where witches live in a community all their own and well… live their lives… in the most normal manner possible. Where their kids go to school like anyone else and where witches have created their own economic structure where they go to work and contribute like anyone else, and of course, they practice magic, and they also deal with very real-world problems. All of which brings about one fascinating and unique series. One based off of the novel from V.V. James and harbors the depth and care that AMC Networks is known for. Because this is that rare witch story that truly brings them into the modern world and forces them to handle matters other than persecution and stereotypes. They must balance magic and the human experience and that brings about… some incredible episodes.

The kind that we won’t be breaking down just yet, because to spoil anything from this series would be a crime against storytelling. Because this one really does break new ground in what the characters face off against, and it asks some hard questions about the wonder of magic and what place it would have in 2024, in a world where our beliefs in anything intangible are all but non-existent. Not to mention, it features some incredible depth and some amazing messages and commentary within the framework of its well-written and well thought out episodes. In fact, to really hammer home how much meaning one can find in this story, this reporter, recently had the opportunity to speak with several members of the cast to discuss what they hope audiences will take away from this story, and here is what Amy De Bhrún (Abigail Whithall), Stephanie Levi-John (DCI Maggie Knight), and Hazel Doupe (Harper Fenn) had to say about the incredible depth present in this series, and what they hope you take away from it.

Stephanie Levi-John: I would like to think that people would take away the fact that even though you know, there's witchcraft and witches in the story, that it doesn't actually differ too much from what's going on in real life. So, I'm hoping that it'll kind of hold a mirror up to what's happening in society and stuff like that right now and has been going on. But just told through a different lens. And I just really hope that people just enjoy it so much that they just want to watch every single episode. And in fact, continue to watch it just to allow us to take them on the journey.

Hazel Doupe: Yeah, same here. That's exactly what I had for it as well. It is sort of a fantastical story told through, like the lens of a bit more of a reality, and a gritty sort of means. And it would be really nice if the takeaway was sort of that you have your own sort of thoughts, and the way you act on them matters.

Amy De Bhrún: Yeah, I agree with all of that. The human experience, and that we're all essentially, everyone has their struggle and their pain, and what pain and grief and love can do when you know, when people turn against each other, and we're seeing a lot of that kind of, I guess, in the world at the moment. So, I would kind of love that too, that people kind of see it's a reflection really of what's going on at the moment, in the world. And if we could just… as hard as it can be sometimes… to try and just see the humanity and each other. How much better a world we could make, really.

So, as you can see, this really is a different kind of witch story, a truly revolutionary one in nature. Thanks to its refreshing setting, dynamic writing and wondrous characters and amazing depth, and the best news of all… is that you don’t have to wait all that much longer to travel to experience all that this story has to offer. For Thursday, January 4, 2024, will see two episodes of the show debut on Sundance Now and AMC+, with subsequent episodes to follow on Thursdays, and we here at Nerds That Geek cannot wait for you to experience this magnificent series. One that changes the game for the witch subgenre of horror storytelling and will hopefully serve as a blueprint for future stories about this ancient and beloved icon. So that the witch will not only enjoy a revolution on the silver and small screen but enjoy the long overdue respect that witch stories outright deserve.

The new year brings with it a great deal of wonder. After all, it is in many ways, a fresh start for all of us. Since there are new days ahead and every chance to take full advantage of what they have to offer. Which is why so many new year’s resolutions revolve around new endeavors and trying new things out. From something as complex as traveling as much as possible in the new year to something as simple… as indulging in curiosities, such as exploring new genres of storytelling that one has stayed away from… such as horror. For horror is renowned for offering scares untold and uncomfortable moments that do indeed motivate people to stay away.
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But why not settle in and try something spooky for the new year and it just so happens that one particular streamer is eager to help those eager to explore the genre in 2024 with some fine offerings. For Shudder has released their January 2024 Programming Lineup and it is a genuine delight. For it is filled to the brim with delectable tales of terror for hardcore fans of the genre, and a few releases that will help newcomers understand the wonder of the genre and why they should continue this new quest and well, since you’re in one of those two camps and eager to learn what terrors await us in January on Shudder… here is that lineup to help prepare the seasoned veterans and newcomers alike on their scary new year journey.

Directed by Josh Forbes
View The Trailer Here
 
Streaming On Shudder January 12
Available in US, CA, UKI, ANZ
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Synopsis
William Brown, a neurotic, self-absorbed musician determined to finish his prog-rock magnum opus, faces a creative roadblock in the form of a noisy and grotesque neighbor named Vlad. Finally working up the nerve to demand that Vlad keep it down, William inadvertently decapitates him. But, while attempting to cover up one murder, William’s accidental reign of terror causes victims to pile up and become undead corpses who torment and create more bloody detours on his road to prog-rock Valhalla. DESTROY ALL NEIGHBORS is a twisted splatter-comedy about a deranged journey of self-discovery full of goopy practical FX, a well-known ensemble cast, and LOTS of blood.

Directed by Joe Lynch
View The Trailer Here
 
Streaming On Shudder January 26
Available in US, CA, UKI, ANZ

Synopsis
Psychiatrist Elizabeth Derby becomes obsessed with helping a young patient suffering extreme personality disorder. But it leads her into dark occult danger as she tries to escape a horrific fate.

Shudder Original Series
View The Trailer Here
 
New Episode January 9; Season Finale on January 16
*Note: Episodes will be on hiatus December 26 and January 2, returning January 9
Available in US, CA, UKI, ANZ

Synopsis
Horror’s new icons The Boulet Brothers are on the hunt to find the world’s next drag monster superstar in this brand new, star-studded fifth season of their hit reality competition show. With new competitors, their challenges, special effects makeup, costumes, and performances, it promises to be truly terrifying and out-of-this-world.

AMC Original Series
 
Full Series Binge Available January 18
Available in US

Synopsis
From Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the supernatural adventure series follows a preacher who enlists the help of a vampire and his ex to find God. Starring Dominic Cooper and Ruth Negga, based on the graphic novel series created by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon and published by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint.

January 1
 
Prince of Darkness 
John Carpenter directs this terrifying film about a group of graduate students and scientists who unknowingly unleash the most unspeakable of evils, Satan, on an unsuspecting world.
 
The Thing 
A research team in Antarctica is hunted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of its victims.
 
January 8
 
Donnie Darko 
After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.
 
Prom Night
Donna’s senior prom is supposed to be the best night of her life, though a sadistic killer from her past has different plans for her and her friends. 
 
Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II
Thirty years after her accidental death at her 1957 senior prom, the tortured spirit of prom queen Mary Lou Maloney returns to seek revenge.
 
January 15
 
Blue Eyes of the Broken Doll 
An ex-convict, troubled by dreams that he strangles women, is hired as the caretaker on an estate owned by three very strange sisters. 
 
Galaxy of Terror 
Neurotic astronauts face a giant worm and other monsters on a distant planet.
 
The Elderly 
An octogenarian enters into a state of dementia after the sudden suicide of his wife, sparking a series of paranormal events that will put his family's lives at risk.
 
The Passenger 
Randy is perfectly content to fade into the background, but when one of his co-workers goes on a sudden and violent rampage, he must face his fears and confront his troubled past to survive.
 
January 22
 
Dogs (1979)
After several city residents are bitten by dogs, a young doctor tries to stop the violence.
 
Ils (Them) 
Lucas and Clementine live peacefully in their isolated country house, but one night they wake up to a strange noise. They're not alone, and a group of hooded assailants begin to terrorize them throughout the night.
 
Villains 
After a pair of amateur criminals break into a suburban home, they stumble upon a dark secret that two sadistic homeowners will do anything to keep from getting out.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 508 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we think of monsters from horror, our minds instantly flash to very specific creatures. For instance, we think of Frankenstein’s monster. A being born out of our fear for death, or we think of other creatures of the night. Such as the werewolf or perhaps the zombie. For they too are genuine monsters, things that simply defy and sully our understanding of the world. But what we don’t think about and should… is the Kaiju. For we tend to forget that beings like Godzilla, are in fact… monsters and come from the world of horror. The horrors of man of course, but horror none the less and having them devastate a city with powers untold only adds to their legacy as true monsters to be feared.  

If anything, the importance of the Kaiju and its contribution to the genre is top of mind today simply because it was put on display in the next episode of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. For the expectation in ‘Humungous Horrors’ was that each of the final five competitors give life to one epic Kaiju. One that not only held to what makes Dragula so wondrous but was also creative and breathtaking. So that Drac and Swan could garner a proper idea of who was ready to move into the final three slots and truly compete for the title of the World’s Next Drag Supermonster. And once the contestants enjoyed a stress reliving Fright Feat, wherein they beat the crap out of junk because that just helps… they were off to give life to their creations and take part, in a little drama.

After all, we had a budding love affair on our hands between Ork and Nio. Since they spent a lot of time in this episode lifting up each other up and making out with impunity. And in between a little game of suck face, they were subject to the ire of their fellow competitors. Not for making out, at least, not to their face regarding that, but over the fact… that all bets were off. For this was it, this was the last push to make the final three and that meant no one would be standing alongside Nio and Ork, and they were likely the last alliance standing this season. For everyone wanted a shot at the top three and that brought forth, one amazing floor show. One where Kaiju ran amuck and blew us away in the process, courtesy of amazing costumes that really were quite impressive in nature.  

But of course, at this stage of the game, impressive isn’t enough. Everything needs to be flawless and that prompted Drac and Swan, and guest stars Kevin Smith and Harley Quinn Smith, to be deeply critical, and really point out any and all flaws. To the point where four of the final five, were up for elimination. Which brought forth quite the unique extermination round. Wherein the last four standing basically… had to take part in a Kaiju battle royale. Complete with ferocious beatdowns that really spoke to how bad some of the contestants wanted to be here, and the battles were so incredible, and so close… that only one competitor went home on this night, and the other will be decided… shortly after the series returns from its winter holiday break. 

For the Boulet Brothers are taking a break to enjoy the holiday season, and that means we have to wait to see who makes the final three, how the Last Supper is going to go and who will be crowned Dragula. But the wait will indeed be worth it. Because this has been a hell of a season, and we’ve seen some amazing work and enjoyed some amazing education. Especially here, since Godzilla has indeed contributed to horror and his work in building the genre won’t be forgotten after this episode. One that truly put the wonder of the Kaiju on display and set the stage for what might be the most hard-fought Grand Finale that this series has ever put forth. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 507 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula that we discuss often here, is how well this Shudder series educates people regarding horror. Because week in and week out, somehow, someway, Drac and Swan find a way to either showcase forgotten genres that feature amazing stories, or they explore elements of the genre that are important to its overall structure and design. Simply because they want everyone to understand the majesty of the genre, and what it can accomplish and of course… how it can benefit the magnificence of drag and well, we won’t be stopping those discussions anytime soon, as evidenced by this week’s episode of the show.

Because for ‘Ultraviolet Umbras’ the Boulet Brothers opted to do a deep dive into the genre and examine an aspect of it that quite frankly, few people bother to discuss. Specifically, how lighting can truly set the mood and the vibe for a visual horror story. In fact, to be more specific, Drac and Swan really wanted to examine UV/Glow in the Dark elements. Something that was super prevalent in the 1980s when it came to places like haunted houses and has been used often in horror films to unsettle an audience and well… in order to properly explore its impact, the Boulet Brothers had the competitors take part in a very unique challenge.

Wherein they basically had to create two looks. One that would of course pay respect to the tenets of Dragula and showcase their skills and growth at this point in the competition but would also… pay tribute to the wonder of the glow in the dark haunted house elements. Which was quite the challenge, one that got underway after a very unique Fright Feat. Wherein the contestants had to create an amazing look using a .99 Halloween makeup kit. Which would guarantee immunity for the week, and Throb was the one who pulled off that victory, by impressing the guest judge for this event, the amazing Koco Caine, and well… once that was done, we were treated to another amazing floor show. One that really did impress.

Because the cast went all out here to really try and offer up some stunning looks and there were several that were just out of this world and paid homage to the wonder of 80s horror. Since Fantastia made a snake look that was eerily reminiscent of Lair of the White Worm, and Blackberri commanded the stage and the competition once again and Nio, well Nio offered up one of their best looks this season. Courtesy of a transformative cat costume that just blew everyone away. But of course, to really make this floor show a little spicy, Drac and Swan also made a point to stir the pot a bit. By asking the contestants to spill a little tea and speak to who should not be on the stage going forward.  Which led to some fascinating and respectful answers. The kind that might motivate these very talented contestants to up their game to win the title of Dragula.

But before we ponder more on that, we need to discuss another brutal elimination round. Since Orkgotik and Cynthia Doll were the bottom looks this week and they were forced to fight for their Dragula lives by navigating the worst haunted house ever. One that was filled to the brim with lasers that brought about pain and well, the first person to drop, lost, and someone did indeed succumb to the pain. Bringing forth another end to a dream and setting the stage… for a frenzied push to the finale. Where clearly, the Boulet Brothers are expecting the absolute most from those still standing, to the point where they need to start pushing one another, and that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode as brutal as can be. Since we simply need to see how intense things are going to get as the fight to become the next Drag Supermonster moves to the next level. Until next time.