One thing that fans of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon can agree upon, is that The Book of Carol was a magnificent season of storytelling. One that dug deep into some powerful topics that horror rarely touches upon, and it harbored some amazing moments as well. That brought us to tears of sorrow and joy, and outright took our breath away. For it was a grand and sweeping, and impressive story that ended in a fascinating manner as well. But that, we will discuss deeper in tomorrow’s recap of the show, and for now, we need to talk about quite the gift from AMC.
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For shortly after season two wrapped, AMC dropped a magnificent sneak peek/first look at season three of show, alongside some amazing details regarding what season three is going to focus upon, and well… since you’ve got Caryl on the brain, now is the perfect time to share those goodies with you. As we begin the countdown to the next chapter of this incredible journey through Europe, with two absolute fan favorites from a series that we deeply love and adore.

‘AMC Networks debuted a teaser for season three of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon during the finale of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon - The Book of Carol on Sunday evening, November 3. Starring Norman Reedus and Melissa McBride as the beloved characters “Daryl Dixon” and “Carol Peletier,” the new season is set to premiere in 2025 on AMC and AMC+. Production of season three is currently underway in Madrid with extensive location shooting in the Galicia, Aragón, Catalonia and Valencia regions, each providing a new and unique backdrop for the post-apocalyptic world.
 
Season three will follow Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier as they continue their journey to somehow return home and to the ones they love.  As they struggle to find their way back, the path takes them farther astray, leading them through distant lands with ever-changing and unfamiliar conditions as they witness the various effects of the Walker apocalypse.
 
In addition to Reedus and McBride, Eduardo Noriega, Óscar Jaenada and Alexandra Masangkay join as series regulars in season three. Additional cast includes Candela Saitta, Hugo Arbués, Greta Fernández, Gonzalo Bouza, Hada Nieto, Yassmine Othman, Cuco Usín and Stephen Merchant, amongst others.
 
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon season three is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Showrunner David Zabel, Reedus, McBride, Greg Nicotero, Brian Bockrath, Angela Kang, Jason Richman, Dan Percival and Steve Squillante along with Silvia Aráez and Jesús de la Vega from Ánima Stillking.’

​Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Hysteria!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is quite a wonderful moment, when you realize that a television series that is loaded with unique and fascinating concepts is going to take its time in exploring said concepts in a supremely detailed manner. Simply because it means you’re going to get a quality story that truly is eager to offer up a quality lesson or lessons regarding something important, and that is why Hysteria! on Peacock and USA Network is a show that deserves our attention and praise. Because… it is that show. It wants us to properly understand how fear spreads and how it grows in strength, so we can try to stop the cycle of madness that keeps happening in our world, and it had plenty for us to ponder upon in its next episode.

For ‘Can I Play with Madness?’ took the time to further explore how fear spreads and in turn how it inspires movements and calls to action, something we’ve seen happen in our modern world and well… as it turns out… a lot of that is related to some key behaviors. Wherein scared individuals don’t feel as though their concerns are being heard, and since no one will listen, someone has to take action. So, they step up and push back and others who feel the same join them, and away we go… and this was put on display in the simplest manner, by way of Dethkrunch’s second concert. Which took place at the Campbell homestead and leaned hard into the order of the hour… which was Judith’s desire to be part of a cult.

Because during that concert, the one person that wanted no part of this, Tonya, pushed back upon what was happening because of those golden Midwest values, and was embarrassed by Jordy. Who wanted to teach Tonya a lesson for picking on her at one point and for not going with the flow, and that truly spoke to the lesson at hand and how it creates the problem at hand, as evidenced by the fallout of that moment. Since Tonya, spread fear and cried foul and demanded to be whole again, and this was further explored by Tracy Whitehead’s actions here. Who gathered townsfolk, including Linda, to talk about the evil in this town, and give it a face, which was Linda, and sadly… this plan did work and let fear breathe and grow and well, those were fine lessons for certain from a show that really is diving deep into such matters… while still scaring and unsettling us.

Because once again, the unexplainable took place here, and some questions were raised about Tracy and her role in the genesis of fear in this town. Since a surprise body part showed up in the Chief’s home, one he was looking for, and that seemed to awaken something in his own home. Not to mention poor Faith came to realize that her mother was lying to her. Because Faith realized the inhaler that Ryan used had been removed by her mom, and that it should be in the hands of the police. Which Tracy claimed she would turn in, after admitting that she removed it an effort to clean up the horror left behind from the kidnapping. But she didn’t, and that forced Faith to dig about the house and the town, and discover her mom bought a car from the very man that kidnapped her. Which was quite the shock and well, related to the central theme as well.

For there is always someone that wants to stoke fear and sow disdain to truly be heard and what better way to do that, then to force their concerns into existence if it gets them what they want. Which is a sad truth that leaves us wondering if any evil exists in this town, or if Tracy is the problem. But then again, the rash now appearing one people’s bodies, and what Chief Dandridge dealt with, keeps that wonder of something evil alive and well, all of these elements made for a great episode. One that truly explored its central themes to a tee and really set the stage for tough times in this town. Because everyone is on edge, everyone is vying to be heard and seen, and that is a recipe for disaster. One that we are steadily barreling toward as frustrations grow, and it will be interesting to see how this comes to a head in the weeks to come. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Finale of ‘Teacup’. To revisit the previous two episodes, click here.
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One particular answer we’ve heard to one particular question, one that we’ve even spoken… is that yes, we will do whatever we absolutely must for our family. Because they are everything to us, and if anything were to ever harm them or threaten them, we will do what we must. Which is said often to reinforce the wonder of family, and our dedication to it, and thankfully… few of us ever have to face that question or the worst-case scenario regarding it. Because few of us will ever be in the position where we have to ask ourselves if we can harm someone to keep our loved ones safe, and even fewer of us will have to ponder upon the possibility, that we will have to harm family to save family.

But if by chance, there was ever a curious corner of your mind that wondered what such an extreme moment might look like… well… horror has you covered. Because the Chenowith family was tasked with that quandary in the season one finale of Teacup on Peacock. That is… shortly after some unsettling stuff took place. Because ‘This Is Nowhere, Part One & Two’ took the time to play a horribly dark game in the household. Wherein everyone had to figure out where Assassin was, to neutralize this entity, and well… that was all a tough ask for Maggie and James. Because they weren’t sure if they could bring a person to death’s door, or kill them, to save their family, and that led to some powerful talks between the two of them. Open ones that spoke to maybe salvation for their marriage.

However, while everyone moved about with caution to find the monster, which was eerie since no one knew who was who, Ruben and Donald decided they couldn’t just stand around and wait for Assassin or potentially face someone they cared about. So, they opted to handle matters on their own, and ensure that there be no more attacks. All by heading out to the other farm to burn that tree, hoping to stop any more aliens from coming down from the stars. Which reunited them with McNab. Who helped them to wound the tree enough to end this and get them what they need, the goop that would let everyone cross the thin blue line. 

But alas, there was mention of a horrible quandary in this tale, and that came forth when Assassin made his move and jumped from body to body to get to Arlo/Harbinger and killed more along the way. Which meant, Maggie and James had to decide if they could harm their daughter. For Meryl was the new host and she had to be drowned to save everyone, and well… James decided he could not go that far. So, he let Assassin jump into him so Meryl could live. A move that while noble, still held the question in the air. Could Maggie harm her family to keep them safe and well, with Arlo’s help, the answer was: yes. Because this wouldn’t end unless they made it end, and that brought about a horrible fate for a transformed James. Wherein he was locked in a freezer with a limited air supply.
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Which meant, the clock was ticking to save him and that prompted so many to leave, and thanks to McNab and his knowledge, they did. To get help to free James and to get everyone patched up properly, with only Ellen staying behind to keep an eye on Assassin or see James off into the great beyond if time and air ran out. But rather than just end it there, the universe expanded. Since we learned in the final minutes that there are other people out there eager to help the bad aliens, and more good ones like McNab and now the family is in a quandary as they face a new chapter in this nightmare. One where we still don’t know if James will survive.

All of which brought forth, an amazing finale. One that was dark, bleak, devastating and powerful, all at once. Courtesy of a story that truly asked some ugly questions and truly tasked the Chenowith parents to do some horrible things. In fact, at times this finale was tough to watch because of how far they had to go to save their family. But perhaps, if the situation was that dire, that would be the final call. That would be what we have to do. Which made for some powerful storytelling, that we want more of. After all, this finale did open the door to a bigger universe and a bigger galactic battle at play here, and hopefully this series gets a second season and more if needed. To see if this family can be reunited and healed and to see how this fight between good and evil ends.

Caution: This article contains some spoilers for the Short Feature, ‘Meat Cleaver’.
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Stories that examine the afterlife and everything it might entail, follow a pretty specific formula. In that, those who ascend to heaven, quickly find themselves to be enlightened. For now, they see the universe as it stands and understand it in a manner they never did before, and the love they feel for everything makes them tempered and joyous. Of course, on the flip side of that, those who go to hell in these stories, suffer greatly and are filled with pain and regret. Because… well… they’re in hell, and that sucks. Plain and simple. But what’s interesting is how little these stories deviate from that, and that’s odd. Because it might not be the correct way to explore the afterlife.

After all, if one goes by what the good book says, we were made in the image of the almighty, and if that’s the case… then why wouldn’t what lie beyond, resemble our own world? Wherein our flaws were on full display, and our proclivities and quirks were present as well. Because that… would make more sense and that… would make for an easier transition to what lie ahead. Well, it just so happens, that a macabre horror comedy that is wrapping up its festival run, ponders deeply upon what that might look like for both halves of the equation, and well… we absolutely need to celebrate Meat Cleaver! and all the wonder it sends our way, since is shows us… what could be considered… the real afterlife.

A feat that this story accomplishes by introducing us to Wendy, at a very unique time in her life. For she’s entered an office she is not familiar with, and she is being asked to do paperwork that doesn’t make any sense. Oh, and she also has a freakin’ meat cleaver in her head. Which leads to contention and confusion and eventually, an understanding, that this is the afterlife, and she has been dead for some time now with a traumatic injury because you know… meat cleaver. But that aside, Wendy is indeed struggling to understand the sudden nature of her death so she asks the lady in charge, known as G, if she can by chance… reach out across the void and understand why this happened to her, by speaking with the monster that made it happen.

Which really does showcase, an afterlife that would reflect that ‘in thy image’ concept. Since the good G is like so many we’ve known. Smart, direct, and eager to resolve problems, and well the afterlife simply looks and feels like our world. Since we’ve all been in offices that confuse us, and if there is one thing we hate above all else, it’s not having the answers. Which leads to some quirky and hilarious moments as well. That kind that explores the flip side of the coin, in a manner that is impactful and perfectly balances out what Wendy is experiencing, complete with a Lord of Darkness that you swear looks like Jerry or Larry down in the shipping department and yet, that too works. Because it fits that a guy like that… would be downstairs.

All of which brings forth an utterly hilarious and twisted comedy short. One that really does present the afterlife in a meaningful and fun way that we’ve not seen in film or horror for that matter. Which is a testament to writer/director Jared Asher Harris’ work. For he truly brings forth a beautifully fleshed out world. One that just makes sense and that you’ve likely noticed we’ve only touched upon detail wise. Mainly because, we don’t want to spoil all the surprises in this for you, because it is that good, and you need to experience all the wonder of this story of your own accord. But the good news is, you can see it on CryptTV now or at FilmQuest if you’re there, and we hope you give it a look. Because it really is quite the brilliant feature, one that finally informs us that what lies beyond… is pretty normal.

It is definitely safe to say that excitement for Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, on AMC, only continues to grow. Simply because we have to know what lie ahead for Rowan after that epic season one finale and slowly but surely, we’ve been getting some solid first looks. Courtesy of updates from the network and some lovely first-look photos now and again. But truly, what we all want is a juicy trailer and well… at long last… we are finally getting what we want the most.
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For earlier today, AMC released a delightful trailer for the series. One that informs us of the stakes that Rowan is going to face and the great challenges she is going to overcome, and well, you don’t have to take our word for it. Since AMC was kind enough to share the trailer with us as well, so we can in turn share it with you and help build more excitement for this magnificent show, one that is clearly going to offer up one amazing season of storytelling.

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

Happy Halloween everyone! We here at NTG hope your spooky day will be filled with tricks and treats, and we are also eager today, to spotlight some top-notch spooky stories with all of you. Because today is the big day, when ghouls and ghosts roam about, and when they get home with their candy, they’re going to want to watch something eerie to keep the vibe going, and we recently discovered that there is a delightful Halloween series on YouTube playing out now, that you can binge and enjoy. 
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For Secrets of the Shadows is currently running on Dhar Mann Studios’ channel on YouTube, and for the past few days, they’ve been counting down to tonight’s big candy filled evening by offering up digestible episodes that the entire family can watch, that just so offer all the best parts of the season. Since you’ll find stories that feature vampires, ghosts, and everything in between. All of which really is designed to offer up some wholesome Halloween entertainment that is in the vein of Goosebumps but catered to today’s audience. 

Plus, since they’re only about 20-30 minutes long, they can be easily binged and the quality of these tales will make that possible and as an added bonus, there will be quite the treat at the end of the binge. For tonight marks the show’s finale, because hey, it’s Halloween. So, your kids and you can go right from enjoying the primary stories into one grand finale and hopefully you give it a look. Because it is always a treat to settle in on Halloween and enjoy a good ol’ fashioned spooky story, and well, to help you decide, here is the trailer for Secrets of the Shadows, and some details on the show so you can be ready to enjoy it, in all of its glory, when the sun goes down and the ghouls come out.

“Secrets of the Shadows” – A Spine-Tingling New Series for the Whole Family
Secrets of the Shadows takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the unknown. Premiering October 21 on YouTube, this suspense-filled saga introduces a hidden world brimming with vampires, werewolves, witches, zombies, ghosts, and more. As the mysteries unfold, fans will watch twists and turns that blend chills with the heartwarming, inspirational messages they’ve come to love. Don’t miss out on the shocking surprises lurking in the dark—watch new episodes every weekday, culminating in a jaw-dropping finale on Halloween night.

About Dhar Mann / Dhar Mann Studios 
Named the “Moral Philosopher of YouTube” by the New York Times, Dhar Mann is the #1 digital scripted content creator in the world with more than 120M+ followers across platforms. In 2018, Dhar founded Dhar Mann Studios, the digital media company with a mission to share inspirational narrative content that makes a positive impact on people across the world. Today, the company produces and publishes several hours of media every week with messages of compassion, kindness, and altruism that resonate with viewers of all ages around the globe. Dhar Mann Studios partners with leading companies such as Meta and Universal to execute high impact brand integrations and live event activations. The company also operates 5th Quarter Agency, a creator services business that works with top creators to leverage their IP to further monetize on YouTube. Dhar has been recognized as a Favorite Male Creator nominee at the 2024 Kids Choice Awards, a Telly and Shorty award winner, and acknowledged by YouTube as the 2nd Top Creator on YouTube in 2021.

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis of the season finale of Teacup. Which debuts on Peacock tomorrow!

Ep 107:  This is Nowhere, Part One (Streaming Oct. 31)
Written By: Zoe Cooper 
Directed By: Kevin Tanchareon 
Logline: Suspicions abounds as the group contends with the realization that one of the group is a danger to Arlo and no one knows who that someone is. Donald joins Ruben on a mission to take care of some unfinished business at the Navarros’.
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Ep 108: This is Nowhere, Part Two (Streaming Oct. 31)
Written By: Ian McCulloch 
Directed By: Kevin Tanchareon 
Logline: After discovering who among them is after Arlo, Maggie and James resort to the unthinkable to save their son and themselves..

​Please enjoy this sneak peek of Episode 303 of Wicked City. Which debuts on ALLBLK, tomorrow, 10/31/24!

One particular tale from the Bible that continues to captivate people in this day and age, is the Book of Revelation. For it is a dark chapter in a book about hope and love, and it features some terrifying imagery for certain. The kind that speaks to a world that we hope to never see, since people suffer and toil as evil rules the land before the Messiah returns to save all of mankind. But what’s interesting about this chapter, is how little is outlined regarding what that period would look like. Which is unique simply because the Bible outlines so much to a tee, leaving some to wonder if that means we could potentially change course and avoid the surge of evil outlined in the book or if by chance… it is up to us to imagine how bad things could get. To ensure we avoid being left behind in the Rapture.
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But such vagueness has of course, gone beyond imagination and brought about examination in popular media as well. Since some have ambitiously tried to fill in the blanks and create winding stories of good versus evil that feel very modern to make it relatable. While others have opted to tell far more grandiose interpretations of this book. Since Stephen King threw science into the mix in The Stand to shake up the mythos of this ancient tale. But what’s interesting is that few of these stories really showcase the suffering, the terror, of what this period in time is supposed to look like in the Bible. But that recently changed, thanks to the arrival of a brand-new horror feature on Shudder, Azrael. Which truly ponders upon the what the world would look like during that dark chapter.

A feat that it accomplishes by taking us into the heart of the Earth, long after the Rapture has taken place and well… those left behind are so stunned and so shocked by the fact that the Bible was real after all, that society collapses and humanity retreats to corners of the world to live in solitude to try and avoid the evil beings that now roam the countryside. While others… hope to appease them in the chance of being rewarded. Which is who we meet in this story, a colony of humans that are eager to offer sacrifice to fallen angels to keep the peace and perhaps find salvation. But one particular sacrifice, does not want to be fed to evil, and does her best to break free, and what follows for her, is a savage battle for survival, one grounded in revenge and a desire to see one more day in a hopeless world. 

Which is a plot that perfectly fills in the blanks in question, and well, we come to learn that if we applied some real-world rules to the Bible (because despite our discussions of its gravity here, it is not confirmed to be real… we must make that clear), we learn that a life, post-Rapture, would be awful. One that would be filled chaos because well… humanity simply would not be able to process the gravity and the reality of the situation and the ending that awaits all, and this is a stroke of genius storytelling wise. Because it tends to reflect some real-world truths about us when we are at our lowest and it paints a terrifying picture of a terrifying book that just about everyone has read in some capacity.
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But of course, this is more than just an examination of what that world would look like, it’s a horror story as well and there is plenty of that to be found here. Since the ‘demons’ that roam the woods are outright terrifying and savage and truly chill you to the bone with their appearance and hunger for human flesh. And since this story showcases us at our very lowest, we are privy to just… ugly… ugly moments of savagery. Of a humanity no longer concerned with the rules or taking the high road because it all doesn’t matter in the end. Giving rise to a horribly bleak horror film, one that also does not skimp on the gore or the scares, courtesy of our brutality and courtesy of those hideous monsters that roam the countryside. 

All of which makes for an amazing horror film. One that deserves our awe and our applause. For it truly is a hardcore feature, one that holds nothing back in its portrayal of the dragged-out end of everything for the wicked that the Bible has promised us, and it also forces us to sink into the horror of the moment through the use of silence, since few people speak in this tale. Which allows for Samara Weaving to shine as Azrael and sell everything through raw emotion and truly, this is that rare horror feature that unsettles you so deeply… that you are left listless when it is done. Because of its devastating nature and its stark reminder that we are indeed capable of great cruelty and when it takes root in our world… so many suffer.

Caution: This article contains discussions of self-harm and suicide, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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One particular topic that is being broached often in popular media, is the power of grief. Simply because after decades of bad advice revolving around how we should best handle grief, we’ve come to understand that advice has no substance. Because people cannot just power through grief or ‘get over it’ in a matter of minutes. Because it is a nuanced experience that takes us on a range of emotions. To the point where we are fine one day and broken the next. Which means that in reality… grief requires great care, great support and an understanding that the healing process from it takes an incredible amount of time and work. Because one is healing the very fabric of their soul.

Which is why shows and movies are now presenting that truth in unique ways. Either through season long examinations on the subject or powerful movies that explore specific nuances of it. In fact, this is so widespread now that even the horror genre has made grief a popular monster, and rightfully so. Because it does transform us into people that are unrecognizable at times, and it does make us scary, and it scares us to our core as well. Since it forces us to face our own mortality, and we are seeing a bevy of scary stories now ponder upon this. Some of which don’t quite stick the landing unfortunately, while there are some… that explore its power and our need to address it in a powerful and compelling manner. Such as the one that recently debuted at the Austin Film Festival. A feat that The Fetch accomplishes by well, holding nothing back in its exploration of the power of grief.

Courtesy of a heartbreaking introduction to Charlie and Nicholas, a happy couple that experiences devastating tragedy when an accident near Halloween brings about the end of their son, Jacob. Which is a dark moment that plunges Nicholas into deep depression due to his grief, to the point where he attempts to cause harm to himself by hanging himself in the yard. Thankfully, Charlie saves him and when he returns home from stint in a pair of hospitals to heal his mind and his body, he attempts to pick up the pieces, alone. Minus some visits from a grieving Charlie and his doctor, Beaumont. Which leaves him in a difficult place mentally, simply because it doesn’t take long before he starts to hear and see things in his home, leading him to believe that he is being haunted by an ancient Irish demon known as the Fetch. A being that brings doom and feeds on grief, and now it will be a race against time to confirm its existence and find a way to defeat it, before it consumes Nicholas.

Which is a plot that at first glance, appears to be nothing more than standard ghostly fare with grief thrown in for good measure. But make no mistake about it, this is a powerful film about a powerful emotion and as good horror does, it uses the monster to serve as the allegory for its central theme. Which allows for this film to display and explore grief in a stunningly detailed manner. Since we see its power on display, we feel its creeping nature lurking about the shadows and we too, feel the fear that it sends our way and the power it has over us through Nicholas’ journey. Which is a brilliant stroke of storytelling from Director and Co-Writer J.C. Doler. Because he truly gives us a tangible and real understanding of grief in this story, one that is refreshing and bold and helps us to understand its dangers, and how to overcome it.
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Yet make no mistake about it, what J.C. has assembled here, is a horror film, and that too is put on display here in an epic manner. Courtesy of some gothic horror elements, and some amazing scare techniques. Since at times, less is more comes into play and that allows for a sour and unsettling vibe to come forth. Not to mention, the effects done here are practical and they’re so sublime you get lost in the moment, and the isolated setting only adds to the terror. But truly, the centerpiece is the horror of grief on display in this tale, for it truly is a sight to behold. To the point where it is safe to say, that this may be the most visceral and raw showcasing of grief ever captured in horror., and that leads… to a scary, unsettling film.

One that outright makes your skin crawl and leaves you with a grand understanding of a matter that ironically, has lurked in the shadows for far too long. For we do fear grief, and we do see it as a monster, and that makes for a brilliant story in the end. One whose purposeful ugliness is driven by some amazing acting as well. For Logan Donovan is simply electric as Nicholas and sells the pain with a realism that wounds us, and Aleksa Palladino is equally as moving as Charlie, since she sells the struggle of dealing with life as we grieve, and Robert Longstreet truly grounds them both as Beaumont, and all of these elements bring about, a magnificent horror feature. One that stays with you long after its ended. Since it reminds us, that there will come a day where we too… shall see our Fetch, and we must be ready to face it.

To watch ‘The Fetch’ please visit the Austin Film Festival website. Stay tuned for more coverage from this film, courtesy of our interview with Stars Logan Donovan and Aleksa Palladino, and Director/Co-Writer J.C Doler.