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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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. 
​
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.  
​
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.
​
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. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 505 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Shudder series, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, we talked at length about how Drac and Swan, took their favorite leg of the competition, the Monsters of Rock, to new heights. Because this beloved segment was expanded upon in the last episode. Giving rise to an intense competition that required every contestant to not only create a powerhouse Monster of Rock look but offer up a performance for the ages, and if they couldn’t accomplish any element from that simple list… they were out. Which made for one intense battle, one that did indeed end with a no holds barred farewell.

But what mattered more, is that battle royale was merely the beginning of the journey. For we mentioned expansion and the Boulet Brothers were not kidding regarding that. For this week’s episode, ‘Gods of Death (Part 2)’, focused heavily on the bands that were formed last week. So that Drac and Swan could gain a better idea how the competitors would work within groups, and how well they would take direction and rise to the occasion regarding asks that were outside of their wheelhouse. All of which is critical to being crowned champion of Dragula. And all of that came forth via the assembly of Orcgotik and Fantasia’s bands. For they were tasked with a very specific list of ‘to-dos’ to determine this week’s winner and who would move on in the competition.

First and foremost, they were tasked with putting together a quality performance. One that would feature synergy at all levels and once that was put into place, they had to lay down the lyrics for ‘Gods of Death’, the new song that would be featured in their performance, and of course… they needed costumes that also related to that synergy but felt right for the song and kept with the tenets of Dragula and well… it didn’t take long for us to quickly garner an idea of which band might win this competition. Simply because, Orcgotik’s group, while feisty with one another… quickly came together and figured out a hardcore performance and some costumes to match. Whereas Fantasia’s group… was a little messy.

Because they were all over the place regarding how the performance should go, and their costumes, while themed, were a little too individual to really hammer home what Drac and Swan wanted and well, those concerns came to life on the stage. For when the lights dropped and the bands let loose, there was a clear difference between the two. Since Chaotik, Orcgotic’s group, were perfectly in sync and brought the energy the Boulet Brothers expected to their performance. While Hell’s 4-Play, Fantasia’s group, didn’t jell on stage and the performances were messy, to the point where there were questions about Niohuru’s ability to perform since uh, her guitar playing was a little out there.

Which meant, in the end, it was obvious who was going to win this competition, and rightfully so. Because they met the criteria for the competition and executed it flawlessly. Which of course, led to an extermination round, since someone has to go home and it was down to Niohuru and Anna in this tale, and in order to prove that they deserved to be here, they had to get some wild tattoos for certain. Phallic ones, with eagles and amazing captions, and truly, one ‘junk’ tattoo was better since someone was sent home, and their exit, really hammered home how tough things are going to get from here. Because the back half, home stretch, awaits… and only the best will be on that stage, and it will be interesting to see what other epic challenges are on the horizon as season five of this magnificent series continues along. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘birth/rebirth’.
​
One unfortunate fact about life that each and every one of us do not want to face, in some capacity or another, is that each and every one of us… are going to die. And we don’t want to face that… simply because… we fear death. We are utterly terrified of the prospect that our own life will come to a close, and we don’t know what lies beyond. Not to mention, it is difficult to reconcile that people we love are going to die and disappear from our lives, and we don’t know if we can handle the reality that there will come a day where we wake up and we can’t text them or see them. So, we put it all out of sight and out of mind and do our best to live and never deal with that reality, only to learn… we are going to face it whether we like it or not.
​
Sometimes the universe forces us to do so by having us endure a brush with our own mortality, or a loved one comes to close to the end… or outright dies. Forcing us to deal with it all, our worst fear really, and that is why mankind continues to do the absolute most… to ensure we don’t have to face death. By making medicine more effective, and the science to save lives more efficient, and there are even people working to outright end death through science. Giving future generations a chance at immortality. But should we be trying to engineer the death of death? Because while we hate it and fear it, it does teach us a great deal and has value to the world and for proof… well than look no further than a brand-new movie on Shudder. For birth/rebirth is a motion picture that explores why death is important, in the most unique manner possible. 

For this is a story that introduces us to a mother named Celie who loses her daughter in a shocking manner, through meningitis, and while she is grieving, she comes to learn that something suspect happened to her daughter’s body. For it never arrived at the Medical Examiner’s office, and Rose, the pathologist at the hospital where they both work and where little Lila died, has been acting quite skittish. Which prompts Celie to force her way into Rose’s home, only to learn, her little girl is alive. For Rose decided Lila was the perfect test subject for something she’s been working on for a long time… a cure for death. And if Celie gives it time and is willing to pay the price, her little one will be back to normal in no time. But it is that price that puts Celie at quite the crossroads, for the cure requires fetal tissue to work and that means… Celie will have to cross some ethical lines at the hospital to cheat death and give her daughter a second chance at life.

Which at first glance, doesn’t seem to be a plot grounded in why death matters so much. Instead, it seems akin to a fresh re-telling of Frankenstein, and there is merit to that. Since Rose in many ways, is the new version of that good doctor and eager to use her genius to cheat death and progress the world into a new era, and there’s even iconography that reflects that original classic. Through various metal staples in flesh and even through Lila who is quite monstrous at times. But all of those elements are really designed to give the story a horror foundation that unsettles the viewer so the real exploration can get underway. Which is indeed about how death is important to all of humanity and why we shouldn’t try to cheat it.
​
Simply because… what we don’t often acknowledge about death, at least… until we’ve faced it and dealt with it and reconciled it… is that it is what gives life meaning. For our days are numbered from birth and that reality should drive us… to enjoy every single second we are here. Because we don’t know when our time is up, and we don’t want to leave this plane of existence with regret in our hearts over having not really lived. Not to mention, death teaches us to cherish life period, and to savor being able to share those precious moments with people that matter and well, if we removed that from our lives and if we lived forever… there’s a very good chance we will no longer value life or understand the gift of it we’ve been given. Which… could make us quite cruel in nature, as evidenced by how this film ends.

All of which makes… for a supremely bleak and powerful horror feature. One that genuinely shocks you in ways you never thought possible, courtesy of the fact that Rose and Celie come to not value life anymore and see only their goals in its stead, and that is what truly generates the terror in this film. Because they are shells of their former selves by the end, and their special brand of twistedness is brought to life by a pair of powerful performances from Marin Ireland (Rose) and Judy Reyes (Celie). Who sell the moral grayness of the story and hammer home the need… to cherish those precious seconds we never get back and celebrate the lives we do lose. For to do otherwise, puts us down a scary path from which there is no return, one full of fear and darkness and a coldness that rivals that of death itself.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Shining Vale’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
It is definitely safe to say that the hit STARZ series, Shining Vale, offers up consistent masterclasses in how to pay proper homage to a genre, and it also features… some downright brilliant writing. Courtesy of the amazing tributes to the great films of the horror genre it offers, with an emphasis on The Shining of course… heck… it’s even in the title. But it also harbors the best aspects of horror, courtesy of smart scares and powerful commentary regarding modern concerns in our world, and observations about very real issues that we face, and it often takes the time to showcase all of that in just about every single episode it sends our way.

But you’ll note we didn’t say every episode and there’s good reason for that. For one of the smartest horror shows around understands that sometimes… you need to lean into the scares and the story, and set the stage for bigger moments ahead, and that’s precisely what this week’s episode sent our way. For ‘Chapter 15: Coven’ was all about advancing the plot and setting up future surprises, some of which involved both Gaynor and Terry. Since Gaynor came to learn there’s a chance Ennio is something supremely supernatural in nature since he basically disappeared and no one seemed to remember too much about him, and Terry… well he made his bid for mayor known and got the town to listen to him, courtesy of a great speech written by Gaynor. All of which set up so much for the future.

But in between that… there was the whole matter of what Pat discovered regarding her time in the Asylum. For now, that she knew she was possessed during that period of time, and likely wrote her book under the influence of whatever spirit jumped into her body, and she was genuinely concerned that a spell was placed into her book and that more foul things would come from it. Which prompted her to return to the spiritual shop in town to speak with Zeth, to understand the truth to stop the evil from spreading. Since he was really the only expert on such affairs and well, he was less than forthcoming about offering help or information as to what might be going on. Mainly because of how the evil within helped freak him out, but she tried her best.

However, eventually Pat did get some of her answers, courtesy of a surprise baby shower at the house. Because… that baby shower was downright weird, and filled with creepy presents that didn’t totally make sense. Not to mention, there was mention of Pat being celebrated as some kind of deity, one that served another deity of darkness and well… the strange gifts she received and the outright creepy vibe of the whole party, prompted her to figure out a quick and easy way to get everyone out of her house. Simply because she needed to process everything she’d learned in the hospital and the strange behavior her friends were exhibiting in that moment and well, that brought about some unsettling discoveries. 
​
Because Pat took a good long look at her presents, one of which was a thick book about the comprehensive history of this town and its odd history. Specifically revolving around the town’s focus on mental health treatments for women, and as it turned out, this place was nothing short of a nexus for treatment. One that ‘helped’ so many women that the hospital had to expand into the surrounding area through fine homes, such as Pat’s, and well… bad things came out of that work. Giving the town a dark reputation for suffering, to the point where the secret rooms that Jake discovered were referred to as ‘The Portal to Hell’. Which of course, prompted Pat to investigate her own home and discover… that an entire network of tunnels connected nearby houses.

Giving rise to a labyrinth of terrors, one where Pat heard Ruth speaking about how this baby belonged to some other entity and of course… she knew Pat was near and well… that… and the fact that Jake walled the exit up, left Pat terrified for what lie ahead and left us… in awe of a perfect tale of horror. Because all of those elements were hardcore horror for certain. Courtesy of the reveal that so many in this town seem to be in on something greater, something evil really, and they’ve been playing Pat and her family, as pawns the entire time. And now it’s going to be up to Pat to figure out their true intentions, and who this monster is that they serve, so she can stop their plans before something horrible happens in a town where awful is the norm, and that should make next week’s season two finale about as explosive as season finales come. Since it will undoubtedly focus on the truth, and a fight to keep evil away from this world. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘SurrealEstate’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One particular truth about family life that each and every one of us can agree upon, is that family has a profound impact upon us. Now, whether that’s a good impact or a bad impact, is where our views on the matter begin to diverge, but one way or the either, there is an impact upon us and that impact… forges so much of who we are and who we will become and determines our relationship with our family. Since the good stuff brings us closer, while the bad stuff prompts us to keep them at arm’s length… or in some cases… prompts us to seek out knowledge, to understand why we endured such pain growing up. For we are beings that desire closure and peace and well… closure and peace are top of mind today, simply because that’s what Luke Roman set out to find in the next episode of SurrealEstate on SYFY.

But before we go into his important and powerful quest, we need to take a moment and discuss the other critical moments that took place in ‘Let Sleeping Dogs Lie’. Since Lomax deal with a different kind of family problem. One involving a Poltergeist-esque Pet Cemetery twist that allowed for the spirits of dead animals to infect a family that just moved into a nice home, and well… made them quite feral in nature. A problem she solved, by putting the dead to rest. With Phil’s help, who, also deal with the spoils and joys of early parenting in this tale. Since his little one taught him a great deal while she was consistently at his side. Plus, Zooey decided it was high time to see what was up with Susan and her lack of communication, and well… she dealt with a harrowing encounter with Susan’s house. One she thankfully survived, armed with the knowledge that this dream home happened to be quite deadly.

But in between all of those amazing moments, was… quite the critical journey for Luke. Because after spending some time to ponder upon what Phil brought to him in the season premiere, specifically, the whereabouts of his mother… he decided the time had come to seek her out. Because… he needed answers. He needed to know why she left the family behind, why she never bothered to reach out, so… he hit the road and made his way to her town. Wherein he learned, there were some traits mother and son shared. For Victoria Roman, was in real estate, and they both shared a love of older homes with the best of bones. But alas, that didn’t take this reunion all that far. Because despite making it clear quick that he had questions… she seemed unwilling to answer them. Which prompted Luke to try quite the gambit, and just walk away. Because if he couldn’t get her to talk on his own… she either had to choose to engage or leave things as messy as they were.

As it turned out, that was the right move to inspire answers. Because making it known that he wanted to talk and leaving the ball in Victoria’s court, prompted mom to seek him out and finally offer him the answers he so desperately sought. Such as the fact, that she left all those years ago, because she felt inadequate as a mother, and she felt she could never give Luke the peace or guidance he needed. Especially when it came to the pain, he endured from the voices he heard. So, she left, and spent every day filled with regret over that decision. For she did know her decision was selfish and silly, and that candor allowed for this duo to heal a bit, to begin to reconcile and it served as a fine reminder of the impact family has upon us and what that impact will motivate us to do when the time is right to have the peace we need.

But while it was wonderful to see Luke grow in this manner, and see his mother finally move their relationship in the right direction, this meeting also brought about quite the surprise. In that, somehow, the emotional power of this reunion… gave Luke his powers back. Which makes sense, since ethereal family trauma stunted them in the first place, so it only stands to reason that family healing would restore them, and well… that could not have come at a better time. For now… a battle ahead against whatever is ruling over Susan and her home awaits, and all of her friends will need Luke’s abilities to beat this evil entity. But as we wait for that battle to get underway, we can celebrate another amazing tale from this series. One that offered up some beautiful and powerful moments for Luke, the kind that were indeed life changing and moving, all because of the power of family. Until next time.