THE HORROR CROWD REVIEW

Revealing, intimate documentary spotlighting the Hollywood horror community.

Starring: Lin Shaye, Greg Grunberg, and Russell Mulcahy

Directed by: Ruben Pla

  Whether on Twitter or on the podcast, we often talk about being a part of a horror community. Just a bunch of us out there talking about horror on social media, on podcasts, or creating anything from books to movies and art. We talk about it from a fan stand point in awe of the people out there creating big time horror movies. But in these conversations we rarely stop to consider…hey these people are a part of the horror community, or in this case crowd, as well.

  “The Horror Crowd” takes fans into the world of the Hollywood horror community. It’s brought to us by Ruben Pla, who has found himself part of this crowd after being in movies like “Insidious,” and “Big Ass Spider!”. He uses his connections to talk to many familiar faces in the horror crowd, and takes a fan friendly approach to it. He presents this documentary in a way of asking some things fans would want to know about these people, and reminding fans that just because they’re in Hollywood they’ve been fans of horror and still are.

  He starts with the showing where horror began for the likes of Darren Lynn Bousman, Lin Shaye, and Oren Peli. What was their first exposure to horror, first movies they watched, ideas they had, and what got them hooked on horror. As some might expect, many got exposed to horror because of their parents, and the first horror movies they watched. Some talked about books or comics that also appealed to them.

  One of the biggest things that brings horror fans together is Halloween. Ruben asks the crowd about their first experiences with Halloween, and the costumes they wore. It’s definitely funny to hear, but there are also some serious conversations. They talk about race relations in movies especially “Night of the Living Dead.” Also, they talk about women in horror, and some of the changes for women in horror movies. Eventually Ruben brings it altogether showing a place where the horror crowd liked to gather. A cafe where they could all go, and always meet a familiar face. 

  People can take different things away from documentaries. Some may watch this and enjoy hearing stories from their favorite writers, directors, or actors. Some may like the insight on some of the movies that they talk about. For me, I think that this documentary shows how similar horror fans, and “The Horror Crowd” are. Many in the crowd learned to love horror in the same ways, and help each other out just like we do on social media. For us fans, we hope can only hope to be a part of the crowd one day. With that, I give it 2.5 pools of blood!

  HorrO

The Horror Crowd received its world premiere on 29 August at FrightFest Digital Edition 2020

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/08/05/the-horror-crowd-world-premiere-at-frightfest-digital-edition-august-29/

FANTASIA 2020 REVIEW: THE DARK AND THE WICKED

On a secluded farm in a nondescript rural town, a man is slowly dying. His family gathers to mourn, and soon a darkness grows, marked by waking nightmares and a growing sense that something evil is taking over the family.

Starring: Marin Ireland, Michael Abbott Jr., and Xander Berkeley

Directed and written by: Bryan Bertino

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

“The Dark and the Wicked”… 

“The Dark and the Wicked”… 

“The Dark and The Wicked!” Get to know this title and movie as soon as you can. Without a doubt it lives up to it’s name starting off dark, and ending very wickedly. Prepare yourself to join this family on a week long journey of true terror!

  Louise (Marin Ireland) and Michael (Michael Abbott Jr.) have come back to their parent’s farm to help their mom (Julie Oliver-Touchstone) take care of their dying dad (Michael Zagst). Dad is basically stuck in a comma, and apparently there’s an evil presence just waiting for him to pass away. Their mom makes it clear she didn’t want them there, and soon enough they see why. The spirit finishes toying with mom, as she dies horribly, and now it’s ready to play with her kids.

  

  This movie will give the audience that unsettling feeling from the beginning. Everything’s set on a farm with more farm animals around than people. The house always seems dim no matter what time of day it is, and it’s especially dark at night. Sounds of the wind passing through, and some howling in the distance won’t calm anyone’s nervous. 

  The stage is set, and now it’s time for the movie to get darker and a whole lot wicked. There are some brutal scenes starting with mom. Lets just say anytime someone has a knife, or sharp object get ready. There's a scene with a neighbor that's freaky as hell, and then there’s an absolutely heart breaking death that shows just how tricky this presence can be. One of the best things about this spirit is that it's never given a true form. It’s never seen, and instead ends up taking control of people. And even when this becomes apparent the audience will never know what it’s intentions are. Sometimes it’s there to scare, and other times to kill.

  

  After many of the scares the movie gives the siblings, and audience a chance to regroup. They have several conversations about their parents, and what’s happening. It’s hard for them to take in what’s going on, and really have no where to turn. They aren’t even sure what to do with a priest (Xander Berkeley) that shows up because their family has never been religious. It becomes very easy to feel sorry for them because the situation continues to become more ominous as the week progress.

  “The Dark and The Wicked” is brought to horror fans by Bryan Bertino, writer and director of another amazing movie, “The Strangers.” In some ways he uses a similar formula to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. He presents two characters that the audience will root for, and put them in a situation that looks more dreadful by the day. As opposed to three strangers, this time they’re tortured mentally and physically by something no one can see. It will be even more merciless than the strangers, as it makes their world collapse. This presence is dark, wicked, brutal, and unforgettable without giving it a true face. And to bring it all together are great performances by Marin, Michael, Xander, and everyone who plays a role in this scarefest! Again, it’s dark, it’s wicked, it’s a must see, and it’s easily earned 5 pools of blood!

  HorrO

“The Dark and The Wicked” is playing as part of the Fantasia 2020 Virtual Festival.

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/08/27/official-trailer-for-the-dark-and-the-wicked-in-theaters-on-demand-digital-november-6th/

FANTASIA 2020 REVIEW: THE BLOCK ISLAND SOUND

Something terrifying is happening off the coast of Block Island. A strange force is thriving, influencing residents and wildlife alike.

Starring: Michela McManus, Neville Archambault, and Jim Cummings

Directed and written by: Kevin McManus, and Matthew McManus

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  “The Block Island Sound” sets up a lot of strange happenings, but will give the audience plenty to think about once it concludes. Harry (Chris Sheffield) might not be perfect, but like any good son he loves his father (Neville Archambault). He kind of ignores some of his father’s odd behavior, and just thinks it’s him getting older. His father’s behavior isn't the only thing odd in Block Sound, as there have been changes in the environment and animals discovered dead all over the place. 

  Audry (Michaela McManus), Harry’s sister, comes back to town to visit, but also to investigate some of the animal deaths. She has brought along her young daughter to see her grandfather, but that’s short lived when he disappears. When he’s later found dead, Harry is enraged. He wants answers, especially knowing more about his dad’s weird moments leading up to his death than anyone else. Soon enough he finds himself on the same path as his dad.

  While the cast does a good job overall, Neville Archambault is definitely a standout. His character gives out these creepy sounds while hiding in the corners, and he does it perfectly. The more he does it, the more his image will be ingrained in the audience’s head. He’s also in Harry’s head, who is trying to fight off whatever is happening to him. 

  Trying not to spoil what’s happening, but something interesting is going on out on the open water. The further anyone goes out there, the more they can hear a loud noise that might be at the center of everything. It causes something crazy to happen to anyone out there, and will give the audience an idea of what this is all about. The real payoff is why, and thinking about if this really could happen.

  Again there’s a lot of strange happenings in this town. Animals are dying, and people like Harry and his dad start acting bizarre. Everything leads up to a very dramatic ending that will explain everything. The conclusion to “The Block Island Sound” gives the audience plenty to think about, and probably shows where the idea for the movie came from. They manage to come up with an interesting, and freaky story that makes a big statement. With that, the sound you hear is me giving this film 3 pools of blood.

  HorrO

  

“The Block Island Sound” is playing as part of the Fantasia 2020 Virtual Festival.

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/08/21/focus-on-fantasia-2020-the-block-island-sound/

FANTASIA 2020 REVIEW: DOPPELBÄNGER REVIEW

In a future where your robotic double, known as your Doppelsynth, goes to work in your stead, humans are rapidly approaching obsolescence. George, a struggling writer holding out hopes that the bots won’t take over literature for another decade, is also a very sexually frustrated human being. Luckily there’s an underground industry of Doppels reprogrammed for just the kind of fun he’s looking for. But things don’t go as planned when the Doppel in his bed malfunctions. Hiding the illegal lovebot before his own Doppel comes home, George must now make the call of shame to the broken bot’s owner. When she comes to collect her property, the awkward meeting results in improbable but undeniable sparks flying between them.

Starring: Gibson Frazier, and Annapurna Sriram

Directed and written by: Sofian Khan

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  “Doppelbänger” starts right off with a bang, or some banging going on. George (Gibson Frazier) is having sex with a robot, and it’s gotten so good that the robot malfunctions. Of course this isn’t good for him because his night of fun is over, but soon enough puts him in an awkward situation. He has to call the owner of the robot, Cecilia (Annapurna Sriram), to come over and fix it. It might take a second or two to realize that he’s basically calling the person he was just having sex with. Yes, that’s going to set up an interesting situation, but he’s got something else to worry about.

  The reason he’s home to begin with is that he has a doppelgänger robot of his own, who has gone to work for him. Unexpectedly this robot has finished work early, and come home to recharge. It pretends not to notice what’s going on, especially when Cecilia gets there, but it does and now must do what it's programmed to do. It looks like George’s robot problems have just begun.

  A lot of shorts are stand alone films, but then there the ones that are made in hopes of something bigger like a series. “Doppelbänger” is definitely a great set up for a larger series. It creates an intriguing period of time where people are being replaced robots leaving the question of what are humans are supposed to do in the meantime. George is hoping to hold onto his past life, but his mistake in the bedroom may have cost him. On the other hand, it also introduced him to someone who can relate to his struggles in a new world. His robot adds a nice touch of creepiness to the story, but the situation created by the opening scene is gold. The audience will definitely be left wanting to know what happens next!

  HorrO

“Doppelbänger” is playing as part of the Fantasia 2020 Virtual Festival.

FANTASIA 2020 REVIEW: KRIYA

KRIYA is the nightmare odyssey of a young DJ named Neel who is picked up one fateful night by the beautiful Sitara, only to be thrust into a hallucinatory world of ritual magic surrounding the imminent death of her father.

Starring: Avantika Akerkar, M.D. Asif, Noble Luke, and Kishan Bahurupiya

Directed and written by: Sidharth Srinivasan

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  Oh “Kriya” is definitely a nightmare for Neel (Noble Luke). He’s out one night just being a DJ at a club, meets an attractive woman named Sitara (Navjot Randhawa), and is excited to be going home with her. Maybe he should have taken her to his house because his life changes the second he walks into the house. Instead of spending time with her, he comes into a room where her father lies dying with several family members around him.

  Of course this is a very uncomfortable situation to be in so he wants to leave. However, they’re bound by many traditions and rituals, and ask him to stay and participate. At least that’s what it seems they want, as there’s some back and forth between the family. Actually there’s a lot going on in this early scene, even things that might be confusing. There are some disagreements on what to do with the father, and what Neel should be doing. Eventually Neel decides to stay in support of Sitara, but he should’ve trusted his first instincts to leave.

  

  Everything that happens here starts with a curse on this family. They haven’t had a son in the family, and they need one to properly perform the last rights on the father. Well that’s where Neel comes in. He gets to be the honorary son like it or not. He has several strange moments with different family members, and one really creepy vision that haunts him before the ceremony.

  While it might seem like a lot of confusing ritual and religious goings-on, after the ceremony is performed a big reveal is made. It better explains why everything that just happened played out that way. It brings to light the curse better, and why certain characters did what they did. Some characters get a coming of age story in a good way, but unfortunately for Neel his story is just beginning, and not for the better.

  It might be easy to get lost in some of the rituals, and religious traditions in “Kriya,” but there will be plenty of horror in it by the time it ends. Maybe some of the religious stuff is confusing because there is a statement about religion being made. Once some of the early religious talks pass, Neel will almost go into a trance, and so will the audience. They will live out his nightmare along side of him, and be haunted by what he sees. Just like him, the audience will want to trust certain members of the family, but know they're probably up to something. The ending is very sad for Neel, but it gives a horrifying and satisfying conclusion to this story. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood!

  HorrO

“Kriya” is playing as part of the Fantasia 2020 Virtual Festival.

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/07/31/stunning-first-trailer-poster-for-kriya-from-the-producers-of-in-fabric-free-fire-world-premiere-fantasia-digital/

THE SHED REVIEW

A hunter gets bitten by a vampire and runs into a shed to avoid sunlight. Stan, a 17 y.o. on probation, and his supervisor grandpa live next to it. Stan’s bullied high school buddy can use a monster.

Starring: Jay Jay Warren, Cody Kostro, and Sofia Happonen

Directed by: Frank Sabatella

Written by: Jason Rice, and Frank Sabatella

  So how harmful could a shed be? Well it could be the source of tools to use against someone, but that might be about it…or not. What if something evil decides to hide in it? That’s where the problem starts in “The Shed.” Oh the horror that is about to come to such a small space!

  Instead of hiding what’s in the shed, they show the audience what’s in there, and how it got there right off the bat. A man is out in the woods just before daybreak when he’s bitten by a vampire. Before the vamp can feast the sun comes out to fry it. The man realizes that’s about to happen to him too, but he’s able to make it to the shed for cover. And what happens to a vamp stuck in a shed…it gets hungry.

   A troubled teen, Stan (Jay Jay Warren), is living in the house next to the shed with his grandpa. His grandpa isn’t the nicest grandpa around to say the least. Stan’s troubles aren’t just at home, but also with the local police, and bullies in school. While he tries to deal with them, he’s about to find more than trouble in the shed. 

  Stan’s plagued with nightmares before the problems with the shed, and they get even worse for him after he encounters the vamp. The nightmares are a nice touch of scares while the movie builds on the bullying. Yes, in the middle of the darkness, the effects of bullying shines through. Not only Stan, but his friend Dommer, (Cody Kostro) are picked on by Marble (Chris Petrovski) and his friends. 

  Things come to a head when Dommer gets the opportunity to do away with his tormentor by sending him in the shed. Chaos ensues setting up for a little bit of an unexpected ending. Not going to give anything away, but more classic vampire rules come into play. Speaking of that, there’s one that’s overlooked or I missed it, otherwise it all seems to work out. 

  Overall, “The Shed” offers a good vampire film set up in a different way. It might have been nice to hide what’s in the shed from the beginning, but then again that might have been too predictable of a way to go. Instead they manage to give the audience their fill of vampire horror, and show what happens to bullies. The story comes together well, and the acting is good enough to pull it off. Best of all, there’s just enough blood and guts spilled to overlook the earlier moments of teen drama. With that said, I give it 3 pools of blood.

  HorrO

More information about the film can be found at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/08/26/the-shed-comes-to-shudder-august-27th/

FANTASIA 2020 REVIEW: BLEED WITH ME

During a winter getaway at an isolated cabin, a self-destructive young woman becomes convinced that her best friend is stealing her blood.

Starring: Lee Marshall, Lauren Beatty, and Aris Tyros

Directed and written by: Amelia Moses

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  “Bleed with Me” sets up in the very familiar horror setting of a cabin out in the woods, and a group of young people taking time to relax there. Emily (Lauren Beatty) and her boyfriend Brendan (Aris Tyros) have come there after some tough times for Emily, and a chance for them to work on their relationship. However, that becomes a little challenging because Emily has brought along a new friend, Rowan (Lee Marshall). She’s a shy young woman who tries to fit in as a third wheel.

  They spend the first night together getting to know each other better, and dropping the first clues of the strangeness that’s coming. Rowan tells an odd story or two before getting drunk and passing out. The next morning things get a little more deadly as they go for a walk, and see something unexpected in the trees. Night comes again, and they continue with some of the strange stories. When they retire for the night, Rowan apparently has a dream that seems very real because it looks like Emily coming in her room. The next morning Brandon notices blood on Rowan’s arm making her wonder if she was really dreaming or not.

  Without a doubt this is a slow burn feature. While at first it seems like Rowan is the third wheel, it’s really Brandon that takes a backseat to these two peculiar ladies. Both have issues, and things from their past that has lead them to this point. It’s all in the eye of the beholder here as far as what the two of them see in the other, and what the audience sees in them. One thing about Emily is how she wants to take care of Rowan no matter what. Is she doing stuff to Rowan that makes her need help? For Rowan, her social awkwardness makes her hard to read at times. She continues to battle with thoughts of Emily taking blood from her, but she’s never sure. Why is she having these dreams, and getting so easily sick?

  The movie will force the audience to pay attention to each of them very closely. The back and forth between them makes it hard to truly figure out who is the good guy, and who is the bad guy here. If it’s as simple as yes Emily is taking Rowan’s blood then there’s the answer. However, the way things play out it never appears that simple. The audience is given reasons to distrust both of them, and yet feel sorry for them. Lee and Lauren deserve credit for carefully bringing these characters to life, and not letting their performances reveal what their characters are hiding.

  Slow burns aren’t for everyone, but the key is not making it so slow that the audience losses attention. As both ladies reveal more and more about themselves, the most important details are never answered. Both leave tons of questions about themselves unanswered, which might leave the audience stunned in the end. Even the final shot might make the audience pause, and say, “that can’t be all!” Again, that might not sit well with everyone, but it worked for me. The mystery that’s left behind is what made had me stick around for this journey. I might not want to bleed with you, but I’ll give “Bleed with Me” 3 pools of blood!

  HorrO

“Bleed with Me” is playing as part of the Fantasia 2020 Virtual Festival.

FANTASIA 2020 REVIEW: DON'T TEXT BACK

A hilarious portrayal of online dating, DON’T TEXT BACK is the story of a naive young woman who seeks the help of an energy healer to rid herself of a cursed necklace that strangles her every time she doesn’t text back her bad Tinder date.

Starring: Danielle Lapointe, and Nancy Webb

Directed and written by: Mariel Sharp, and Kaye Adelaide

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  Many people have experienced the horrors of online dating. Sometimes you find that person that isn’t your type, but you can’t get rid of them. In “Don’t Text Back,” Kelly (Danielle Lapointe) is having trouble ditching a guy she met on Tinder. It should be as easy as not texting back, but unfortunately for her she put on a cursed necklace that strangles her if she doesn’t text him back. This story begins when she visits Jaren (Nancy Webb), an energy healer, for help. 

  Jaren is definitely an interesting character, as she’s a straight shooter, and set in her unusual ways. Kelly isn’t ready for this, and wants to go before revealing the necklace. Almost on cue, she gets a text, and begins to be choked before texting back. It’s a little awkward, but it peeks Jaren’s interest and should do the same for the audience. They talk a little more about how this all happened, and who this guy is. For very unexpected reasons, Jaren is now all in on helping solve Kelly’s problem.

  In order for this short to work, a lot of it is going to fall on the shoulders of Danielle and Nancy, and they do a fabulous job of nailing their characters. They play off of each other so well, and certainly are helped by the differences in their characters’ personalities. It had to be hard for Nancy to keep her character so serious with some of the funny things she says. Danielle’s blank expression in response to many of those things just adds to the humor of it all. To top things off, “Don’t Text Back” creates a great ending very fitting of the characters, and reason that this all happened. There’s no doubt that this film will be a hit at Fantasia, and the many other festivals it will be playing at. 

 HorrO

“Don't Text Back” is playing as part of the Underground Section at Fantasia 2020 Virtual Festival.

More about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/08/17/queer-horror-short-dont-text-back-to-screen-at-fantasias-underground-section/

UNCLE PECKERHEAD REVIEW

When a punk band scores their first tour, life on the road proves tough when they are joined by a man-eating demon as a roadie.

Starring: David Littleton, Jeff Riddle, Chet Siegel, and David Bluvband, 

Directed and written by: Matthew John Lawrence

  Lots of people think of starting a band when their young. Some get to play in their garage with dreams of touring one day. That doesn’t usually work out for many, but lets imagine it does. They get a chance to go on what can hardly be called a true tour, but they’ll take what they can get. They couldn’t be more excited except for the fact that their number one fan is a demon who they can’t ditch. 

  Judy (Chet Siegel) is the leader of the three person group, Duh, and closet thing to an adult in the band. They’re on their last pennies, and hoping to score a big gig to have their group seen by a much more popular group. She’s set up a few places to play to get some experience, but nothing that will bring them fame. Just has they’re headed to their van it gets reposed. They need a new ride, but have no money to offer anyone. Then they have a run in with Peckerhead (David Littleton), who offers to be the driver on their tour. With little choice and knowledge of who he is, they all hit the road.

  Soon enough they discover that Peckerhead is some kind of monster. Well, he’s only a monster at certain times, and it works out well for them until it doesn’t. Monster or demon, Peckerhead is definitely an interesting character. He seems to be a very nice guy, and goes out of his way to fit into the group. However, he doesn’t keep his monstrous self hidden like he says, and the band can’t handle his killing anymore. And what fun killings they are. Heads are ripped off, blood is spilled, and even another more disgusting surprise later on. 

  He definitely supplies the horror in the film, but also adds some comedy. Much of it comes from his awkwardness, and need to do whatever he can to stay on the good side of the band. His name is obviously pretty funny, but many of the names in the film are laughable. “Duh” the band, the Metalheads, Jen Jennings, and more. There’s also the ridiculous band the tries to take Duh’s place on tour. They certainly get what they deserve especially their unusual lead singer.

  “Uncle Peckerhead” is a well balanced horror comedy, and more. It’s obvious when it’s time for horror, and the comedy is well timed. Certain things aren’t taken seriously, which adds to the fun. The film also gives the audience a small group of people to root for from the start. Their struggles are relatable to people who have tried to join a band, had big dreams, or just trying to make it to the next day. Sometimes those people let demons get in the way of their dreams, and unfortunately Duh comes across a demon of their own.  He’s also trying to find his way in the world, and might end up pulling the plug on the band. With that said, it’s time to cue the music because I give it 3 pools of blood!

  HorrO

More about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/08/25/uncle-peckerhead-now-on-vod/

FANTASIA 2020 REVIEW: DETENTION

In 1962 Taiwan during the White Terror martial law period, Fang Ray Shin, a female student at the hillside Greenwood High School is attending  counseling with teacher Mr. Chang, and they gradually fall in love. It was a dangerous period where sensitive books were banned and free speech were restricted, Mr. Chang secretly organized a study group for banned books, together with fellow teacher Miss Yin and male student Wei Chong Ting.

Starring: Gingle Wang, Meng-Po Fu, and Jing-Hua Tseng

Directed by: John Hsu

Written by: Shih-Keng Chien

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  “Detention” creates a creepy atmosphere similar to “Silent Hill,” and somehow manages to weave a beautiful love story in the middle of all the madness. It starts with what might seem like a military base, but is really a high school. While there are teachers present, there are also soldiers making sure that certain books and free speech are banned. Everything is strictly monitored, but a small group manages to secretly read these banned books. This book club wants to do what students are meant to do, which is to learn, but something happens to change their lives forever.

  Fang Ray Shin (Gingle Wang) isn’t a part of this club, but has found herself at the center of the story. She wakes up in what is another reality. It’s her school covered in darkness, and haunted by a giant creature. People are no longer who they were, including an eerie figure that looks like her. She does get help from fellow student Wei Chong-Ting (Jing-Hua Tseng), who has also found himself there. As the two try to find a way out, the audience is treated to how the book club was discovered, and what love has to do with it.

  The military like school presents a bad vibe to start, and it only gets worse in the alternate reality. One of the scariest things about “Silent Hill” is the Pyramid Head guy who walks around with a giant sword. There’s also a pretty creepy creature who lurks this school that no one will want to see. As it should be, the final scene in an auditorium tops off the creepiness. With bodies all around the room, Fang is pushed to the brink with her fate on the line in both worlds.

  As this story begins it never seems like this would turn into a love story. However, it’s carefully crafted in the middle of all the madness. Fang was in love with her teacher, Mr. Chang (Meng-Po Fu), and we know teachers shouldn’t get involved with students. It’s their love, jealousy, and a special set circumstances that puts this all in motion. It will probably shock the audience when they see the actually set of events that happened, and how the book club was found out. When the cloud of darkness is lifted there’s a very touching ending.

  With no knowledge of the game that “Detention” is based on it’s hard to guess how closely they followed it. Regardless, they certainly paint a picture similar to another movie based on a game, “Silent Hill.” They start off with some darkness, and scares before moving into a mystery about how the book club was discovered by the military. Before the audience knows it, they’ll witness a love story enter the picture, and reveal the answer to this mystery. After a very exciting and dramatic third act plays out, it all ends pulling on the audience’s heart strings one more time. I’m not usually one for love stories mixed with my horror, but I appreciated watching this mystery unfold. And just like my obsession with the Pyramid Head guy in “Silent Hill,” I quickly developed my own love story with the mirror faced creature in this film. With that, hopefully I won’t get detention for giving it 3.5 pools of blood!

  HorrO

“Detention” is playing as part of the Fantasia 2020 Virtual Festival.

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/08/13/focus-on-fantasia-2020-detention/

WHERE THE SCARY THINGS ARE EPISODE 59

Where The Scary Things Are Episode 59: HOST with JEMMA MOORE

We watch a lot of horror movies...this one might be one of our favorites. HOST, the hit sensation from SHUDDER is a 50min thrill ride all on ZOOM. Jemma Moore joins us on the show to discuss her role in the film. MonsterMash talks Beer and Movie Flashbacks. Muse gives us her Sinister6: Group Get Togethers Gone BAD! HorrO gives us all the horror news and discusses HIGH TENSION. Chris gives us an amazing review of HOST.  

Listen Here

wherethescarythingsare.com

Apple apple.co/32iTL0t

Spotify spoti.fi/3aZcQsA

IHeart ihr.fm/3gpfeKb

FANTASIA 2020 REVIEW: THE CURSE OF AUDREY EARNSHAW

A mother and daughter are suspected of witchcraft by their devout rural community.

Starring: Catherine Walker, Hannah Emily Anderson, Jessica Reynolds, and Jared Abrahamson

Directed and written by: Thomas Robert Lee

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  “The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw” sets the stage for witchcraft to ruin another town. While the world has progressed, this group of settlers has kept to their original ways of living simple, going to church, and farming. It worked until the night of an eclipse about 17 years ago, and then everything changed for the worse. It seems like that was the night a curse was born, and the town’s suffering began.

  Agatha Earnshaw has been keeping her daughter a secret of these 17 years, as her farm thrived leaving the town’s hate for her to grow. She spent all these years protecting Audrey Earnshaw (Jessica Reynolds) from the villagers, but after seeing her mom bullied by them Audrey decides it’s her time to protect mom. After the witches perform a creepy ceremony with Audrey, she asks one of them for help getting revenge. It’s the only time she really gets advice on being evil, but seems to do pretty well from this point on by herself. Her first target is Colm Dwyer (Jared Abrahamson) and his wife Bridget (Hannah Emily Anderson), who just lost their son.

  

  True horror begins to set into the town, and not even the town’s priest Seamus (Sean McGinley) can stop it. Nothing is done in a hurry, as the people seem to have to suffer a little more before lives are lost. It’s sad to see for the settlers, but since the audience doesn’t get a lot of time with many of them it doesn’t hurt too much. More time is spent watching the Dwyer family suffer particularly Bridget. One of the most disturbing scenes involves Bridget and a sheep. Maybe she got tired of counting sheep!

  As the suffering continues and Audrey’s power grows, the ultimate goal here is well hidden. Obviously there’s something especially evil about Audrey, but she seems to have a plan in motion early on that won’t come to light until the end. The final scene is sad for some, but for others they seem to get what they asked for. The town was doomed when the curse began, and the ending leaves the audience feeling that sense of dread is just beginning.

  

  “The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw” gets off to an odd start mentioning that it’s 1973, but very much acting like it’s the 1800’s for the most part. The audience might forget that as time goes on, but for those that remember might feel like the settlers should have gotten out of Dodge while they could. However it’s good they stayed so the audience could enjoy the horror that Audrey conjures up on them. The film takes a nice pace so that the audience could take in her coming of age story, and be left with a dreadful feeling by the end. While the film isn't perfect, the sick side of me enjoyed what they did with the sheep scene, and I can’t believe I didn’t see what was coming in the final moments. With that said, I give the film 3 pools of blood, and won’t be counting sheep anytime soon!

  HorrO

“The Curse of Audrey Shaw” is playing as part of the Fantasia 2020 Virtual Festival.