One particular aspect of horror themed holiday films that is downright fascinating, is how so many of them make sure to offer up some kind of genuinely happy ending, despite the subject matter. As though, and rightfully so… there is a sacred nature to the Holiday season. One that not even horror will violate. Which is why we see the monster be defeated or the story surprises us with an ending that is oddly fulfilling and joyous in its own right. So that the genre simply toys with the darkness but never lets the story become overwhelming with darkness or downtrodden regarding the season… but such moves… does pique one’s curiosity.
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In that, is it possible then… to really let loose and take a holiday horror story to the darkest possible places? Because to do so would violate the unspoken code that joy should come to the world regardless of what kinds of monsters or evil is presented during the season. Well as time marches on, and horror grows in popularity, there are now creatives curious about exploring what true, raw horror during the holidays might look like, and if that kind of story is genuinely feasible and won’t offend and well, believe it or not, it is possible. In fact, all it really takes, is assembling a story the right story. One that presents the season and the scares in the right manner, and it just so happens that a brand-new holiday horror feature on Shudder proves how this can be done.

A feat that The Sacrifice Game accomplishes by taking us back in time to the 1970s, a few days before Christmas no less. Wherein people are reeling from a true terror. In that, a group of roving strangers are going house to house and murdering people seemingly at random. A reality that leaves everyone in the local girls' boarding academy nervous for a time, until so many of them leave for winter break. But that worry does hang heavy over the handful left, and rightfully so. For on Christmas Eve, those same killers come calling. For their spiritual leader firmly believes that on this night, one last sacrifice will give the group powers and freedoms untold. For they have been killing in the hopes of unleashing a powerful demon that will do their bidding. Provided of course… they didn’t mess up the instructions to bring this evil to light. 

Which is… the perfect way to showcase how a holiday horror film can in fact, please an audience and go hard at the same time. Because this is a story that makes the horror and the ugliness of the actions of the villains, essential to the story and essential to the holiday season. Which means the mythos is carefully woven into Christmas, giving rise to a fascinating threat that leaves the viewer curious and engaged. Specifically, the rules behind the evil in question, and why it has to be summoned during a time of year designed to bring joy, and all of that works seamlessly here and once all of that is established, we’re comfortable with the setup and need to see how it ends and that’s when the story takes us upon one hell of a ride.
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Because this story, really holds nothing back when it comes to what the evil is capable of. Which leads to a shockingly bleak holiday horror story. Where evil grows in power in some surprising ways and well… that brings forth some amazing scares. Some that are psychological in nature, some that are outright cruel in nature. In fact, there are several scenes here that match the intensity of the dinner scene from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and there are simply so many more that leave us uncomfortable and hopeless. All of which is brought home in the most powerful manner possible, courtesy of an ending that defies holiday horror convention and leaves one in need of a moment to collect their thoughts and bearings.

All because, co-writers Sean Redlitz and Jenn Wexler (who also served as director) really wanted to see if someone could take holiday horror into the hardcore horror realm and they most certainly succeed in their mission here. For they have brought to life a game-changing story that informs us, the genre can indeed truly scare and unsettle with the season as its backdrop and there is a good chance, this movie will serve as a blueprint to bring us more hardcore holiday horror. So, we can see the genre move to new heights. But for now, we can celebrate a masterful film. One that is filled to the brim with splatter, terror, and a yuletide darkness that simply takes your breath away, courtesy of a stunning and refreshingly original story.

It really is… the season of the witch. For witches are suddenly everywhere in pop culture once again and deservedly so. For the witch is a fascinating icon, one that has endured the test of time by being able to reinvent their mythos throughout the years, which is why they are suddenly popular once again. Since these new stories inject contemporary concepts into their plight or give rise to stories that let their powers loose like never before and well, it just so happens that we are weeks away from enjoying another engaging and refreshing new story about the wondrous witch.
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For January 4, 2024, will see the premiere of Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, and as we get closer and closer to this fascinating new show, one that really does offer up a unique story for this icon, AMC+ and Sundance Now are making sure to showcase just how incredible this story is going to be. For earlier, they dropped key art for the show, and an updated synopsis… and a trailer. One that is a doozy and well, we are more than happy to share all of those goodies with all of you right now, so that you can revel in the wonder of things to come and make plans to free your schedule on 1/4/24, when this fascinating show arrives on the airwaves.

‘AMC+ and Sundance Now, today, reveal the trailer and key art for the seven-part drama series, Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale, written and created by Debbie Horsfield and adapted from the novel by V.V. James, which was hailed as “brilliant” and “captivating” by critics worldwide. The Sundance Now Original series debuts with a two-episode premiere on Thursday, January 4, exclusively on AMC+ and Sundance Now, with new episodes airing weekly. The series will be available on applicable platforms in the U.S. and Canada.
 
Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale is set in a contemporary world where witchcraft is real. It takes place in the idyllic English town of Sanctuary, where for hundreds of years witches have lived peacefully, as valued members of society. Until now…
 
At the heart of the story is Sarah Fenn (Elaine Cassidy), Sanctuary’s resident witch, on whom the town relies to solve their problems when conventional remedies have failed. When local teen rugby star, Dan Whithall, dies tragically in an apparent accident, his death exposes a terrifying undercurrent of suspicion and fear towards Sarah and her teenage daughter, Harper (Hazel Doupe). Mother of the deceased, Abigail (Amy de Bhrun), once Sarah’s closest friend, is wracked with grief, and to avenge her son’s death, launches a modern-day witch-hunt to get “justice,” no matter what the cost.
 
Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale stars Cassidy, Doupe and de Bhrun, along with Stephanie Levi-John, Valerie O’Connor, Kelly Campbell and Stephen Lord. The series is executive produced by Monumental Television (Mrs Sidhu Investigates, Harlots) and is directed by Lisa Mulcahy and Justin Molotnikov.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘SurrealEstate’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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For a brief period of time, it seemed as though the SYFY series, SurrealEstate, was going to forgo its depth and magnificent musings upon life and death, by offering up a more traditional ending to the show’s second season. Wherein the good people of the Roman Agency were going to fight tooth and nail to save Susan from her evil home, courtesy of a stunning, and likely costly showdown between good and evil. But alas, the closing moments of last week’s episode informed us, that would not be the case. For Susan showed up at work, and was ready to get back to it, allowing for this show to take the season two finale in a vastly different direction. One that as it turned out, stayed in line with the show’s thoughtfulness.

In fact, ‘Letting Go’ brought Luke’s emotional journey to a beautiful conclusion, while setting the stage for a bold new chapter for the Agency… by freeing Susan from her house of horrors in a relaxed manner. Since the team worked to understand the history of the house, and how it was tied to the spirit of someone that passed long ago, and how the only way to satiate it was to give it a caretaker and reunite it with the spirit it craved. Which they were able to do in a hauntingly magnificent manner. One that finally saw Susan be free of the house and peace return to her life. But the process to get there and the aftermath is what brought about the deeper stuff in this story.

Because the spirit pushed Susan to do things she didn’t want to, and that gave Phil and Auggie unique perspective regarding this job. Specifically, how dangerous it can be at times because of the spirits that roam the Earth and that left them wondering… if this was where they needed to be at this moment. Since Phil was a new father and Auggie had accomplished wonders that could benefit others from a spiritual perspective, and that prompted them to think about leaving the agency for a time. Where Auggie could pursue science for all and where Phil could perhaps do something powerful for the world, since the Vatican visited him about a special assignment regarding a surge of possessions. Plus, Zooey was ready to start law school and that meant, incredible change was coming to the agency.

Something that Luke struggled with early on in the season. For routine, and stability was where he thrived, and that kind of change could have broken him. But having gone through loss, specifically of his powers, and having reconnected with this mother, and his dad again, only to learn their little gravestone chats were coming to an end… because dad was ready to move onto what awaited all spirits… altered Luke’s perspective. Wherein he learned that we cannot fight change, and we must let go of what we want to control, and cannot, and just live in the moment. For that’s all we can do in this wild ride of life, and that allowed for him to let go, and bring Susan into the fold as a partner and open that new chapter toward tomorrow. 

Which was… a beautiful way to bring this season’s storytelling together, since it offered a complete journey for its lead character. One filled with growth, and it offered growth for everyone else as well. To the point where they are ready for new challenges and new spooks, and whatever else life sends their way. All of which serves to remind us, that this series is downright brilliant, and hopefully will continue along via a third season. Which as of press time, has not been granted. But if by chance this is the end, then this is a perfect way to go. For everyone is in a good place here, and stronger for their experiences. But more would be better, so we can see just how deep this series can go and what it can accomplish for the horror genre, courtesy of its amazing writing and thoughtful analysis of spirituality and the human condition.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 506 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular fact about horror that is quite fascinating in nature, is that it easily combines with any genre out there, and for proof… just look at some of the stories we enjoy. After all, Doctor Sleep proved that horror and drama can come together seamlessly, since there was real humanity and depth to Danny Torrance’s fight against his past and the True Knot. Not to mention, Army of Darkness showcased how well horror and comedy blend together, and that Bruce Campbell is the undisputed champion of one-liners. And of course, Alien and so many other films in that vein have shown us that horror and science fiction go together perfectly. To the point where a great many creatives have dabbled in that fusion of genres. 

In fact, the latter fusion is so appealing that even the Boulet Brothers have made sure to showcase on The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula on Shudder before, and Dragula and fusion is top of mind today, simply because… Drac and Swan wanted to answer some fascinating questions about fusion in the next episode, ‘It Came from Beyond’. Specifically, how far can horror go when it comes to fusion and how well would that translate to the wonder of drag? And well, to find those answers… they tasked the contestants with quite the incredible list of challenges. First and foremost, they had to create a character for this week’s floor show that was indeed a bit of a horror/sci-fi hybrid, and, they also had to prepare a little sketch for their character.

For those very characters would live and thrive on an intergalactic pleasure destination known as Pleasure Planet X, and all of these elements, were designed to not only bring together the four tenets of Dragula, but fuse together erotica, science fiction and horror. But above all… this was designed to challenge the contestants to really give us their best and that led… to one stunning floor show that informed us… that there is no limit to the amount of fusion that horror can handle. Plus, such a move translated to drag, quite well. Because each and every competitor gave life to a being that did indeed fuse together all of those elements and gave rise to a floor show that tasked Drac and Swan with some tough choices regarding who would win and who would be sent home.

In part because, the creative license taken with this challenge, brought about some wild characters that hit the mark, and did not. Not to mention, it offered up a diverse set of performances and costumes. Some of which were underwhelming since the Boulet Brothers really wanted the competitors to just let loose here and bring about their finest work in every sense of those words. Because the expectation at this point in the competition, is to see who might step up and really impress. Which brought forth some of the harshest critiques from Drac and Swan and the guest judges to date this season. Because of that expectation and the need to see the next Drag Supermonster emerge. But despite the harsh nature of this battle royale, a winner was indeed chosen, and a wild struggle awaited those in bottom looks.

Because in true sci-fi/horror style, the bottom lookers had to experience a simulated alien birth, which was about as horrifying as it reads on the page. In fact, it was so bad, there was a tap out and that brought an end to one person’s journey to become Dragula and brought an end to one amazing episode. Because in essence, the Boulet Brothers revisited a concept they explored before, and took it to a whole new level. Since we came to learn that yes, fusion can go harder, and accomplish wonders in the process. All of which gave life to one of the most fascinating battles we’ve ever seen on the show and well, this is likely a harbinger of things to come. Since Drac and Swan have made it clear they want to take this show and competition to new heights, and it will be interesting to see what other genre bending episodes await us as season five of this magnificent show continues along. Until next time.

One thing that horror fans can agree upon, is that the Boulet Brothers are simply titans of the genre. For this incredible duo know every nook and cranny regarding the horror genre, and they express that knowledge through the most progressive horror show on the airwaves right now, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. For they use drag to showcase the wonder of horror and they educate along the way, and it also doesn’t hurt that the show is about as progressive as it gets. After all, it features drag, an artform that has long languished in the shadows because of closed mindedness. Not to mention, it also features a diverse cast every single year, who truly represent the world as it is, and they also happen to be amazing artists that bring about some of the most frightening and inventive drag outfits imaginable.
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Ones complete with filth, and glamour, and because of all of those elements it should come as no surprise that Dragula is one of the most watched shows on Shudder. Because horror fans and fans of drag and art all know those elements will provide everyone with a stunning show that one cannot turn away from. Which is why it makes sense that Shudder made a wondrous announcement about the show today. In that, it has been renewed for a sixth season, giving rise to another year of the best drag show around and well, to properly celebrate this news, here are all the details on Dragula’s season six renewal, courtesy of Shudder.

‘Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today the renewal of the groundbreaking hit reality competition series The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, heralded as “one of the foremost queer competitions on television” by Entertainment Weekly, for a sixth season. The current fifth season of the show has been a runaway hit with audiences and ranks among Shudder’s most-watched titles and top acquisition drivers of the year. The renewal comes ahead of the remaining four episodes of season five currently streaming on Shudder and AMC+, with the finale debuting Tuesday, January 16, 2024. (Episodes will be on hiatus December 26 and January 2.)
  
Speaking about the announcement, The Boulet Brothers (Dracmorda and Swanthula) shared: "We're thrilled to be teaming up with Shudder for a brand new season of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. With season 5, we took the show in a new direction and the response from the fans was overwhelmingly positive. Now, with the 6th season, we plan on leaning into this bold, new direction even further and truly pushing the creative limits of the show to new heights!"
 
“We are delighted for The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula to return to Shudder for a sixth season and can’t wait to continue our collaboration with this talented team. Each season seems to outdo the next in terms of scale, scope, contestants, entertainment, and all-around fabulousness,” said Courtney Thomasma, EVP of Streaming for AMC Networks. “We are excited to see what the Boulet Brothers have in store for next season and look forward to sharing the rest of this season with our growing legion of superfans in the coming weeks.”
 
The ongoing fifth season is the Boulet’s largest production yet, and features a new state-of-the-art set, an army of new talented crew members, the most diverse cast in the show’s history, and the Boulet Brothers themselves taking over as the series’ directors. Season five also features an impressive roster of guest judges, including director Mike Flanagan (Netflix’s Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, Doctor Sleep), actor David Dastmalchian (Oppenheimer, Dune, Suicide Squad), author Tananarive Due, writer / director Kevin Smith, musician Jazmin Bean, Scream star Matthew Lillard, and more. 
 
Hosted and created by “horror's new icons" (Fangoria) the Boulet Brothers, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula has become must-see television for horror, drag and reality fans alike. Showcasing some of the finest artists in the world specializing in the franchise’s four pillars of Drag, Filth, Horror, & Glamour, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula has cultivated a devoted and continually growing fan base. 2022’s The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans all-star season was a huge hit for Shudder making The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula the most watched series franchise on Shudder over the last year.
 
The announcement of season six continues a hugely successful past year and a half for the Boulets, who’ve released the acclaimed The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans spinoff series, embarked on a world tour of live performances, released The Boulet Brothers’ Halfway to Halloween TV Special (written and directed by the Boulet Brothers), won “Best Makeup - Daytime TV” at the 2023 Makeup and Hair Stylists Awards, were named to the influential OUT100 list, and more. 
 
Casting for the Boulet Brothers' Dragula season 6 is now open. Go to Bouletbrothersdragula.com to find out more.
 
Following the premiere of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans last year, the duo were spotlighted by Variety, Fangoria, Bloody Disgusting, and were also profiled by Fast Company in a career-spanning feature that spotlighted how for years Drac & Swan have been “building a queer horror empire.” They were also recently interviewed on Good Morning America about the success of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. 
 
About Shudder
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com.
 
About The Boulet Brothers
The Boulet Brothers are drag icons, writers, directors and modern day horror hosts who have become the go-to source for horror commentary in the pop culture zeitgeist. The Boulet Brothers are entrepreneurial multi-hyphenates who have their claws in all aspects of their creative projects, be it in the writing, directing, artistic vision, illustration, music production, costume design, logistical coordination or business affairs. From appearing on the cover of legendary magazines like Fangoria & Heavy Metal, to emceeing at high-profile horror conventions, to coverage in Entertainment Weekly, The Onion AV Club, The Advocate, Alternative Press and more, to cultivating a robust and dedicated following via The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, the duo of Dracmorda and Swanthula have and will continue to break boundaries and broaden horizons within both horror and queer communities. The Boulet Brothers appear as key commentators on the recent acclaimed Shudder original series Behind the Monsters and also appeared on the streamer’s popular show The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs. Previous seasons of The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula can also be seen on Shudder. The Boulet Brothers are represented by CAA and managed by PEG.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘It’s a Wonderful Knife’.

It is definitely safe to say, that we lament the dark moments in our lives, and understandably so. Because those dark days, put us through complete and utter hell. To the point where we are often depressed and frustrated with the direction of our lives in that moment. Because we feel awful, and it seems the dark days will never end. In fact, we hate them so much… that when we get away from them at last… we actually go to great lengths to avoid them in the future. Simply because we cannot stand how they made us feel and what they exposed us to about life, and potentially ourselves and well… while there is merit to despising dark days and unpleasant nights, we should in fact, embrace them.

Which may seem out of this world to say, but that is a fact. Because the dark days we experience, aren’t just punishment from the universe or something to be avoided. They are… lessons in waiting. The kind that we should learn from when we’ve come out of the worst of it and have time to reflect upon it all. Because that’s what hardships are about, growth, and understanding, so we can handle things differently when the darkness comes again. But that isn’t easy for everyone to recognize, and that’s where storytelling comes into play. Because stories can break it down for us in a fun and dynamic, and digestible manner and it just so happens, that Shudder is now home to a film that offers up that lesson… in the most unique way imaginable. For It’s a Wonderful Knife, is not only an educational feature, but a splattery-slasher homage to It’s a Wonderful Life.

A feat that this story accomplishes by introducing us to a young woman named Winnie Carruthers who is eager to leave home. Because Angel Falls is a pit to live in, thanks to the town’s resident egotist and narcissist, the veneer-loving Henry Waters. Who is eager to turn Angel Falls into a resort town and will stop at nothing to make that happen. In fact, he will straight up kill to get what he wants, and he does… by slaughtering a bevy of good people one fine Christmas Eve and is thankfully stopped and exposed by Winnie. But while that should give her a happy ending, a year after Henry’s rampage, she is beside herself. For her bestie is gone forever, her life feels hollow, and she’s stuck in this town thanks to a college rejection letter.  Prompting her to wish upon an Aurora Borealis to have never been born to avoid such hardships, which is a wish… that is granted. For she finds herself in an alternate Angel Falls where she never existed and where Waters… has turned murder into a hobby and now if she ever wants to enjoy peace again… she will have to handle the bloodthirsty urges of this big-tooth buffoon or forever be trapped in this nightmare of a city.

Which at first glance, seems to lean way heavier into homage and horror over lessons and there’s merit to that. After all, that plot really is a horror re-imagining of the holiday classic, and it does indeed feature a similar path of discovery for Winnie, and a guardian, via a friend turned crush in Bernie, a town outcast that she has more in common with than she knows. Plus, with Waters being all about that murdering lifestyle, the gore doth flow in this particular feature. In fact, the kills from the ‘Angel of Death’ in this story are simply sublime and hauntingly stunning. Thanks to the fact that the Angel wears all white and often finds itself covered in red as its bloody and inventive rampage continues along. But in between the carnage and the chuckle worthy Jimmy Stewart tributes, is a smart and meaningful plot.
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Because Winnie’s wish, is the personification of our hate of dark days. Because that’s what we want at our lowest, a chance to not be who we are and to not have to deal with the pain that the universe sent our way. But being in a darker version of her own world and being able to see the bigger picture and the power of her pain… gives her perspective. Specifically regarding how dark days… and suffering and strife… make us stronger, make us a better person and how our ability to endure them can help inspire others to fight through their own. Which makes for a supremely cerebral plot, one that is oddly uplifting and hopeful and well, all of these elements come together to provide us with an outright magnificent holiday horror film. 

Simply because, this one has it all for fans. It has gore galore and solid scares, since you don’t see the Angel’s attacks coming in any universe. Plus, it’s full of smart concepts, good messaging, and the right balance of humor to never make the film overwhelming. Plus, it features some pop culture royalty. Since horror legend Katherine Isabelle steals every scene, she’s in here, and Joel McHale is a true delight as both the loving and tortured David Carruthers and Justin Long is simply the perfect villain, and he plays Henry Waters with a twisted zest and zeal that makes him perfect for the role. If anything, this is just must-see holiday horror. Because it really is that rare holiday horror film that blends together so much, perfectly, and hopefully… this one becomes a true classic for the season. One that everyone pops on when the snow begins to fall.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘Shining Vale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past two years, we’ve talked at length about the unique nature of the STARZ series, Shining Vale. Simply because… this is a horror/comedy that has outright defied convention at every turn. By offering up a fascinating story that spent a great deal of time toying with the concept that perhaps its protagonist might not be surrounded by evil forces but may in fact be mentally ill. Not to mention, it’s also provided us with some trope busting moments that send up some of horror’s more dubious decisions, especially when it comes to how women are written within the genre and its commentary is timely and relevant, since so much of it focuses upon women’s rights in modern America.

All of which really has provided us with a horror/comedy unlike any other and well… for its season two finale, the show opted to defy convention one more time. For ‘Chapter 16: Redemption’ was an opportunity for the story to take us on a supremely traditional path. Wherein Pat could do something to combat the evil that was apparently growing in the very heart of her belly and that she was surrounded by. By potentially exposing the evil or fighting back. Which would have made for a very traditional ending. One that would truly put fine closure around two years of chaos in the Phelps home, but well… none of that happened in the slightest. For once Pat made the decision to fight this with very soul, did evil take control.

First by revealing that her doctor was part of the cult that seemingly wanted this monstrosity to be born, which put her in grave danger. Especially when he ordered her to bedrest and sedatives. For then it meant that evil would win, and she would be helpless. So, she took the time to escape her homely bonds and attempted to fight back by busting into Ruth’s home to confront her about the strange potions and milk she had present, in that desperate all-out attempt to expose the Coven/Cult and make it fear the public eye. And when that didn’t work, she made her way to her mother’s house. All in the hopes of having mother keep her safe long enough to figure out a way forward to fight back and well… that backfired too.

Because sweet old mom, turned her into the doctor and Terry and that meant Pat was out of options and locked in a horrible fate. Which is where the episode briefly made it seem as though traditional elements were going to come into play. For following some feverish and wild dream-filled final days of pregnancy, she gave birth to a little girl, and when she finally recovered… everything seemed to be a wild dream. One where Ruth’s appearance changed, Terry was now the mayor, and her kids were on a new path. Since Gaynor wanted to be a writer, and Jake did not feel quite as lost. But that… was nothing more than a final ruse on evil’s part. Because it wanted Pat to be docile and ready to care for the baby so it could begin to assemble its true plan. Which was to use every member of the Phelps family to encourage evil to grow, with Terry leading the charge as the town’s mayor. 
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Which was the unconventional exclamation point on an unconventional finale. Because just like that… evil won. It took hold, it began to guide its agenda and that was just amazing to see. For it rarely wins in this kind of manner in horror, but it sure did here. Because this show holds nothing back and wants to see what can happen when a story goes in a different direction and well, what we got was nothing short of amazing. For that ending gave rise to a dark future for the family and the town, one where Pat might indeed be helpless to do nothing but sit back and watch the world be taken over.

After all, the Coven has been here long enough to make all of this happen without missing a beat and well, that means we absolutely need STARZ to renew this series ASAP. So, we can see what Pat will do now that she stuck between a rock and an insane group of followers of evil, and to also see what bold direction this franchise will take us in season three and hopefully beyond. Because this show… really is something special and deserves the chance to continue to shake up the genre for years to come. Until next time.

There was a time where horror and the holiday season, simply did not mix. For there was a majority that believed that only holiday movies could be seen in December, and only visions of sugar plums could dance in our heads. So, horror fans either did their best to forget about their favorite movies during the season or they would watch them in secret so as to not offend or bring about any battle royales. But somewhere along the line, that began to change, and the rise of horror’s popularity helped others to understand, it can be quite cathartic during the season and that holiday horror movies can be fun.  
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Which has brought about a titanic shift during the season. For now, horror movies are acceptable to watch, and new horror releases are all the rage during the season. For horror has truly arrived and it is to be celebrated by those who wish to and well, one particular streamer that has helped to lead the charge in this, is Shudder. Because they provide horror fans and those who want to know more about the genre, with amazing movies and shows during the season and their 2023 lineup is no exception to that rule. For they are sending quite the bounty our way. One that will provide everyone with a Happy Horror-days, and without further ado, here is that lineup, courtesy of Shudder. 

​A spin on the Christmas classic, the horror film centers on Winnie Carruther (Jane Widdop, Yellowjackets), who saves her town from a psychotic killer on Christmas Eve. A year later, her life is less than wonderful — but when she wishes she’d never been born, she finds herself in a nightmare parallel universe and discovers that without her, things could be much, much worse. Now, the killer is back, and she must team up with the town misfit to identify the killer and get back to her own reality. Also starring Joel McHale (Community) and Justin Long (Barbarian).

​It’s bad enough that boarding school students Samantha and Clara can’t go home for the holidays, but things take a deadly turn when a gang of cult killers arrives on their doorstep – just in time for Christmas. Starring Mena Massoud (Aladdin), Olivia Scott Welch (Lucky Hank, The Fear Street Trilogy),Gus Kenworthy (American Horror Story) and Chloë Levine(The Ranger).

​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.

December 1
 
The Children
A relaxing Christmas vacation turns into a terrifying fight for survival as the children begin to turn on their parents.  
 
Black Christmas (2006)
On Christmas Eve, an escaped maniac returns to his childhood home, which is now a sorority house, and begins to murder sorority sisters one by one.
 
P2
A businesswoman is pursued by a psychopath after being locked in a parking garage on Christmas Eve. 
 
Night of the Comet
A comet wipes out most of life on Earth, leaving two Valley Girls fighting against cannibal zombies and a sinister group of scientists. 
 
To All A Good Night
A group of teenagers at a party find themselves being stalked by a maniacal killer in a Santa Claus costume.
 
December 11
           
Wendigo
When George and Kim arrive at their cabin, they soon find that a dark and intimidating presence seems to have taken over the cottage. After a shopkeeper tells Miles about the legend of Wendigo, a beast who is half-man, half-deer, and can change itself at will, the child begins to wonder if the creature might have something to do with his family’s sudden misfortune. 
 
Devil’s Pass
A group of students go to the location of the infamous Dyatlov pass incident to make a documentary, but things take a turn for the worse as the secret of happened there is revealed.
 
I Trapped the Devil
A man descends into paranoia after trapping what he believes to be the devil in his basement, but things take a dark turn when his family unexpectedly arrive for Christmas.
 
December 15
 
Bay of Blood
The murder of a wealthy countess triggers a chain reaction of brutal killings in the surrounding bay area, as several unscrupulous characters try to seize her large estate.
 
Baron Blood
A young man, visiting the castle of a murderous ancestor in Austria, accidentally brings his dead relative back to life – searching for new victims.
 
Black Sunday
A vengeful witch and her fiendish servant return from the grave and begin a bloody campaign to possess the body of the witch’s beautiful look-alike descendant.
 
Kill, Baby… Kill!
A Carpathian village is haunted by the ghost of a murderous little girl, prompting a coroner and medical student to uncover her secrets while a witch attempts to protect the villagers.
 
Lisa and The Devil
A tourist spends the night in a derelict Spanish villa seemingly held in the supernatural grip of an eccentric butler, who resembles a depiction of the Devil she had seen on an old fresco.
 
The Evil Eye (1963)
A mystery novel-loving American tourist witnesses a murder in Rome and soon finds herself and her suitor caught up in a series of killings. 
 
December 18
 
The Gingerdead Man
An evil yet adorable Gingerbread man comes to life with the soul of a convicted killer – this real-life cookie monster wreaks havoc on the girl who sent the killer to the electric chair.
 
December 25
 
Barbarians
A dinner party in a country house that sees four friends come together for a birthday celebration, but as the night progresses secrets emerge and unsettling events begin to unfold around them.
 
About Shudder
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com.
 

Please enjoy this sneak peek of the season two finale of Shining Vale, which is available to stream on STARZ, tomorrow, 12/1/23!

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 209 of ‘SurrealEstate’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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There are a great many reasons as to why we are fascinated by the concept of ghosts. For instance, their existence would confirm that we do indeed go on after we die, and that alone piques our interest since… we simply don’t know what waits for us when we take our last breath. Not to mention, the idea that the spirit of a person cannot let go and is trapped on our plane of existence is quite intriguing as well. For one would think that whatever lies beyond would be so intoxicating and so powerful that sticking around on little old Earth wouldn’t be an option. But clearly, the strange things we see, the encounters people speak of, hints at the reality that some spirts cannot move on for reasons that don’t involve justice or external closure, and that truly does captivate us.

Which is why it should come as no surprise, that the next episode of SurrealEstate on SYFY takes the time to explore the why behind those musings. For this is a series that wants to explore all things supernatural, and it pulled off this examination… by having the Roman Agency step in to help a young couple that were indeed dealing with quite the spiritual problem. In that, Joiti and Nasir, were being haunted by the spirit of Joiti’s first husband Zayan, who could not stand the thought of someone he loved so deeply, being with another man. For it was supposed to be the two of them and only the two of them, and well, with Luke’s powers back in full effect… he was able to talk with Zayan and gain insight into his surprise earthly bonds to the house in question.  

That brought about… a shockingly philosophical examination as to why spirits might stick around. In that, there’s a fair chance that some… cannot let go because they are unwilling to accept the change that is the afterlife. As though such a gift is instead a curse and they would somehow be better off, lamenting a past they can no longer claim, over embracing everything the universe has to offer. Which in many ways, poses the real theory that death, might not be that much different than life, since change is a constant on Earth as well, and life is what we make it, and letting go of our past here, also allows for us to move forward and find joy. Which are thoughts that bring about all kinds of lessons that perhaps we can take with us into the beyond as Zayan did. Since he finally came to understand the importance of letting go and embracing that which is in front of us.  

But while it was amazing to enjoy a story that pondered deeply on death and life not being that much different and that perhaps some ghosts are here because they didn’t learn what we all need to learn during our time here on this planet, we’d be remiss to not point out… that the Susan situation took quite the turn in this story. For after Luke talked with that angry house, everyone, including Rochelle… figured out a plan to pull Susan out of that nightmare place. One that involved some fancy science and a united front, and well, it turned out that none of that was necessary. Because in the closing moments of hits tale, when the group stood as one and was ready to go to spiritual war to bring their friend home, Susan just… showed up at the office. As though nothing had changed, with a smile on her face, leaving us all with all kinds of question.

Such as… is this actually Susan? Or another trick from a house that needs her life force desperately? But before we ponder too deeply on the answers to those questions, we can celebrate another inventive episode of this series. One that really dug deep into some fascinating observations about the human condition and the spiritual one for that matter as well, and truly presented us with some lessons in the process. The kind that will stay with us for some time, and this episode deserves a round of applause for giving us something so thoughtful… and for giving us that ending as well. For the showdown we thought we were getting, isn’t happening. Instead, the season two finale is clearly going to take us in a vastly different direction, one that is going to be unconventional and undoubtedly, amazing. Until next time.