THE FOREVER ROOM REVIEW

 

Claire wakes one day to find herself chained in a basement. Her horror is amplified when she discovers that her captor is her own mother. Helen assures Claire that the situation is necessary and “for her own good.” And to add to Claire’s terror, in the days and nights to follow she is beset by strange apparitions and frightening experiences, finding herself precariously balanced on a razor’s edge between reality and insanity, and ultimately forced to face a dark truth. 

Starring: Kevin Hicks, Vickie Hicks, and Samantha Valletta

Directed by: Kevin Hicks

Written by: Vickie Hicks

  “The Forever Room” isn’t a place anyone wants to be. For Claire (Samantha Valletta) it really might be the only place for her whether she wants to be there or not. She has been locked in a basement for awhile now by someone a little surprising…her own mother Helen (Vickie Hicks). Even though Helen has her daughter locked up, and still treats her well. She brings her food and drink, and is willing to help her with baths.

  Claire resists eating and cooperating with her mom. She has no idea why she has been locked up, and just wants her mom to let her go. Of course mom isn’t about to do that, nor will she let Claire know the real reason for what’s going on here. It’s something that Claire and the audience will have to figure out on their own.

  Having Claire trapped in the same room for most of the movie certainly helps out an indie horror film budget wise. However, it puts a lot of pressure on the actors to keep things interesting, and that becomes a problem here. Some of the back and forth between mother and daughter is alright, and other times it’s too slow. Later they try to spook Claire and the audience with some visitors. They might be ghosts or just her imagination, but probably won’t get the audience jumping out of their seats. Either way, they’re a big clue to what’s really going on here.

  When the big twist is revealed it isn’t too bad. It finally puts some action into the movie that the audience needs having watching Claire mostly in the room. It won’t be the most shocking twist ever, but probably a little more extreme then expected. Again the issue is keeping the audience entertained and engaged getting to this twist, and it just doesn’t do enough of it. With that, I give “The Forever Room” 1.5 pools of blood.

  

  HorrO

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/08/08/the-forever-room-arriving-on-demand-on-august-24-from-chinimble-lore-freestyle-digital-media/

BEHEMOTH REVIEW

 

A desperate father will risk anything, even his soul, to save his terminally ill daughter.

Starring: Josh Eisenberg, Paul Statman, and Jennifer Churchich

Directed by: Peter Szewczyk

Written by: Derrick Ligas and Peter Szewczyk

  “Behemoth” screams a big bad ass monster is coming, but it might take some patience here. Until then, Behemoth is the big bad company that is probably doing more harm than good in the world, but no one can prove otherwise. Enter Josh (Josh Eisenberg), who used to work for the chemical company, but now he’s doing more of accusing them of releasing toxins on people. More specifically, he blames them for his young daughter getting sick, but he’s having a hard time proving it. 

  Time is running out for his daughter, but instead of being with her he’s trying to take down his former boss, Dr. Woeland (Paul Statman). His best plan becomes his worst plan when he attempts to confront the bossman after a speech. With his friends Keeley (Jennifer Churchich) and Dominic (Richard Wagner) by his side, he tries once again to get Dr. Woeland to confess, but things go wrong. In the chaos, they end up kidnapping Dr. Woeland, but Josh is shot in the process. Now they’re all in a situation that they’re not ready for, and time is running out for his daughter and maybe even himself.

  

  So there’s the obvious good and not so good parts of this film. Lets start with the not so good, which is the story and how it comes across. The overall idea with the story is fine, but the execution isn't. Early on it’s constantly reminding the audience that his daughter is sick and Josh wants answers, which gets old quick. Then there's the kidnapping scene, and what follows. Yes, it's supposed to be chaotic, but they don't seem to make it a naturally chaotic scene. Once it gets past that it does start to come together better when the doctor tries to split up the group.

  What it really needs to help push the story along is more of the what stands out in the film...the special effects. There’s some really good special effects creatures here, but the audience will never get enough of them. While all of the story is unfolding the audience will just be wondering when they'll see them next. The audience sees an unusual ram chase scene early on, and that’s it for too long. Then there’s another amazing creature while the group hides, but it’s gone too quick as well. Even in the ending scene, another awesome creature appears, but the biggest scene in the movie is still too short.

  What this probably means is that “Behemoth” doesn’t have a behemoth sized budget to make everything work here. It seems like that put too much pressure on the writing, and maybe the actors as well. A bigger budget might have allowed for more creature time, which could have filled in the story better. They do manage a nice twist, but the road getting there is just too bumpy. In the end, the creature effects are the best, and that’s not a surprise with the director’s history. With that, I give it 2 pools of blood.

  

  HorrO

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/08/26/behemoth-howls-into-theaters-and-digital-platforms-aug-27/

NO MAN OF GOD REVIEW

 

In 1980, Ted Bundy was sentenced to death by electrocution. In the years that followed, he agreed to disclose the details of his crimes, but only to one man. NO MAN OF GOD is based on the true story of the strange and complicated relationship that developed between FBI agent Bill Hammier and an incarcerated Ted Bundy in the years leading to Bundy’s execution.

Starring: Elijah Wood, Luke Kirby, Aleksa Palladino, and Robert Patrick

Directed by: Amber Sealey

Written by: Kit Lesser

  Well it’s pretty safe to say Ted Bundy (Luke Kirby) is “No Man of God.” It’s hard to image many prisoners on death row doing anything important on their way out, but it appears Ted Bundy might have. In the time leading up to his death day, FBI agent Bill Hammier (Elijah Wood) volunteered to speak with Ted in hopes of getting inside the mind of a killer. Bill and the FBI hoped to learn things that will help catch killers in the future. Not a bad idea, but first Bill would have to earn Ted’s trust, which wasn’t going to be easy.

  Well Bill managed to get Ted to agree to a first meeting, and intrigued him enough for an eventual second meeting. Bill had to play it very carefully to start because at anytime Ted could refuse to see him, and that would be it. He even lets Ted know that Ted is the more educated of the two, almost giving him the power in the room. However over the course of their conversations things become more balanced, and they certainly have an effect on each other by the end.

  When it comes to Bundy, it might seem like audiences would want to explore him finding and killing his victims. However, that has been done many times over, so credit this film for trying a different angle. There’s a lot to Ted’s life, and a part where he might have done something good shouldn’t be ignored. The film supposedly is based off of notes and interviews Bill had from their conversations. 

  Of course this puts most of the film on the shoulders of Elijah and Luke. Not only do they have to fit into the roles, but they also need to form whatever bond Bill and Ted seemed to have formed. At first it didn’t seem like Elijah was going to fit, but that was probably more to do with his character being a younger agent. He couldn’t come off as someone who knew everything, and was out to prove he’s smarter than Ted. On the other hand, Luke plays it more measured throughout. Looking at him, the audience wouldn’t think he’s in jail, but the longer the conversations go on the more there will be an uneasy vibe coming from him. The two actors do seem to grow into the roles well as their characters spend more and more time together, and get into the more interesting topics of conversation.

  As the audience watches the two men do their back-and-forth it might strike memories of Dr. Lector and Clarice playing their own cat and mouse game. It’s clear to see “The Silence of the Lambs” picking up on the same theme here. Whether it truly happened or not, it’s interesting to see the true test Bill is under having to go through process. A man of faith, he’s definitely challenged by everything Ted has done, and says to him. It’s also intriguing to see how their relationship comes to an end obviously with Ted’s death sentence coming to an end. Maybe not the ideal direction for a Ted Buddy movie, “No Man of God” is one that works because of two strong performances, and watching an unusual bond form between two different men. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood.

  HorrO

NO MAN OF GOD is available In Theaters, On Demand and Digital August 27

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/07/09/official-trailer-poster-for-no-man-of-god-starring-elijah-wood-luke-kirby-in-theaters-on-demand-digital-august-27/

POPCORN FRIGHTS REVIEW: NIGHT AT THE EAGLE INN

 

Fraternal twins spend a hellish night at the remote inn their father disappeared from the night they were born.

Starring: Amelia Dudley, Taylor Turner, and Grey Schweers

Directed by: Erik Bloomquist

Written by: Erik Bloomquist and Carson Bloomquist

A Popcorn Frights Film Festival Review

  A “Night at the Eagle Inn,” Holiday Inn, Ranch Inn, Boulder Inn, or whatever Inn probably isn't going to end in a lot of rest time! Fraternal twins Sarah (Amelia Dudley) and Spencer (Taylor Turner) seem to have that special bond that many twins have. As much as they're bonded as brother and sister their missing that bond with their parents. Apparently their mother died after their birth, and their father went missing not long after. Now the twins are united in their mission to find out what happened to them.

  Of course their journey takes them to the Eagle Inn, where they’re set to stay for the night in search of some clues to the past. On the surface the place looks like a typical inn, but the night manager (Greg Schweers) seems a little odd. He almost seems too eager to book their stay giving it to them free, but making them sign a guest book. Even while showing them around the inn he seems to be up to something. It seems the twins are on the right path to their family mystery, but it’s probably not going to end the way they expect it to.

  Sometimes fans notice that a movie could have been trimmed down about 15-20 minutes, and it would have done wonders for their viewing experience. Whether on purpose or not, this film seems to play right into that coming in at about 70 minutes long. There’s no wasted time as it starts with a tease of what happened at the inn years ago, introduces the twins, and gets them checked in. Soon enough the twins get into their investigation, and the mystery and horror fans want to see starts to unfold. 

  At the first sight of danger the twins do the smart thing for once and try to escape, but find their is no escaping the inn. Now they’re looking for clues about their family history, and a way out of this mess. Things get worse when television sets around the inn start showing horrible things happen to past guests. It’s here where most of the horror of the film lies, and fits the story well. It’s enough to maintain that creepy vibe, and keep the twins and audience on edge for what’s coming. And what’s coming is a most welcomed twist for the audience, but not so much the twins.

  Not knowing much about the film, “Night at the Eagle Inn” turns out to be a pleasant surprise on many levels. Amelia and Taylor make a great brother and sister combination. The audience will be right on board with their mission, and be pleased the film decides not to waste time going overboard in their introduction. The audience learns everything about them they need along the way, especially when the maintenance guy (Beau Minniear) comes across them. Beau also plays his character just the way that’s needed, and mixes well with Amelia and Taylor. Before they know it, the Eagle Inn becomes dark, creepy, and more horrifying than first imagined with what happens on the t.v. sets. The story of what happened to their parents is good, but nothing like the mystery this story unfolds for the twins. With that, I give it 3.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

“Night at the Eagle Inn” played as part of the 2021 Popcorn Frights Film Festival.

FANTASIA 2021 REVIEW: THE SADNESS

 

After a year of combating a pandemic with relatively benign symptoms, a frustrated nation finally lets its guard down. This is when the virus spontaneously mutates, giving rise to a mind-altering plague. The streets erupt into violence and depravity, as those infected are driven to enact the most cruel and ghastly things they can think of. Murder, torture, rape and mutilation are only the beginning. A young couple is pushed to the limits of sanity as they try to reunite amid the chaos. The age of civility and order is no more. There is only “The Sadness.”

Starring: Regina Lei, Tzu-Chiang Wang, and Berant Zhu

Directed and written by: Rob Jabbaz

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  “The Sadness” only showed its face when the movie had to come to an end. Kat (Regina Lei) and Jim (Berant Zhu) wake to just another day in their lives. Each has their plans for the day, as they slowly get ready to leave their apartment. While Jim gets ready he has a show on talking about the potential for the current pandemic to spiral out of control. For the time being it’s been equal to everyone getting the flu.

  Well the ‘time being’ is about to run out! Jim stops at a diner for some breakfast, as the audience gets a few more clues how life has been. However, that’s not really going to matter once this person comes into the diner, attacks people, and causes chaos to spill into the streets. Jim can’t believe his eyes as he makes a run for his life. With Kat on his mind, he heads back home to figure out what’s going on, and how he can get to Kat.

  Bloody! Brutal! Depraved! Immoral! Sick! Savage! Gory! And yet all so beautiful to any fan of blood and guts! The scientist early on tried to warn people, and boy did this go wrong in a hurry. These people don’t turn into slow moving zombies out for brains. The infected here want people to suffer as much pain as possible before dying. In one scene a subway train car becomes painted blood red with death after death. 

  To add to the madness is that not only are the infected inflicting the pain, but they’re laughing and expressing the joy at what they’re doing. There’s also planning going on like when several of them are torturing a guy on a basketball court. Sometimes they will go after a specific individual like the infected businessman (Tzu-Chiang Wang) who becomes obsessed with Kat. He follows her from the bloody subway to a clinic that’s eventually overrun. In the process he commits a vile act to a woman Kat saved only for her to go on to get revenge on someone herself. It’s just absolutely wild how much carnage takes place.

  Wearing masks and deciding to take a vaccine or not is child’s play for how bad things could get like in “The Sadness.” Kat and Jim are just trying to make it as a couple in a relatively calm pandemic. Before they know it they’re on different sides of a city that is quickly becoming a test ground for who can commit the most disgusting act. Both of them will have to battle for their lives, and a chance to see the other in the end. There will be stabbings, broken bones, 

lost fingers, rape, clawing, bloody sex, fowl language, biting, shootings, and rivers and rivers of blood. Actually many beautiful pools of blood like the 5 pools of blood I’m giving this film! 

  HorrO

“The Sadness” is playing as part of the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival. 

More information at: https://fantasiafestival.com/en/film/the-sadness

POPCORN FRIGHTS REVIEW: THE NIGHT HOUSE

 

A widow begins to uncover her recently deceased husband’s disturbing secrets.

Starring: Rebecca Hall, Sarah Goldberg, and Vondie Curtis-Hall

Directed by: David Bruckner

Written by: Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski

A Popcorn Frights Film Festival Review

  “The Night House” is beautiful during the day, but not the place for a widow at night! Beth (Rebecca Hall) has just lost her husband to a tragic suicide, and is left to grieve in their house by a lake. A nearby neighbor, and a good friend try to be there for her, but it’s hard being alone. That is…if she’s really alone. 

  While trying to keep busy at night she starts to feel like something or someone is there with her. Either that or grief has her losing her mind. Maybe it’s her husband trying to communicate with her from the other side. Surely she would want that on some level, but then again maybe not after she starts to find some of the secrets he’s been hiding. She’ll need to figure out what the big secret is before whatever it is in the house makes its intentions known.

  Lots of horror fans are looking at this movie because of the potential scares so lets start there. There’s no doubt there will be enough attempts to scare the audience if it can. Being a movie with a ghost or entity, there are a few moments where something appears to move all of the sudden. It may or may not get fans, but if they see it in theaters they will definitely hear that scare happening. The sound is amped up, and certainly helps one of the best scares when a radio goes off. If not scary, the final act will be full of tension, and have plenty of dramatics.

  While the effectiveness of the scares might be a matter of opinion, it’s probably fair to say most fans will have praise for Rebecca Hall’s performance. While not the most important scene, she sets the stage for what her character is feeling in an awkward yet funny parent-teacher exchange. It’s also telling of how her character interacts with others, and she’s great again when Beth has to deal with a woman who’s involved with her husband. Then there are the moments when Beth is battling something that’s not there, and Rebecca brings out every terrifying moment of that experience, especially in the final act.

  Audiences are looking at “The Night House” for scares, and there will be plenty coming their way. Some may jump, while others start to get sucked into the building tension and mystery. Actually there might be a little too much mystery, as the story may not be so easy to follow. Regardless of scares, or how the story plays out, audiences will definitely be treated to a performance worth seeing by Rebecca. With that, I give it 3.5 pools of blood. 

  HorrO

“The Night House” played as part of the 2021 Popcorn Frights Film Festival.

FANTASIA 2021 REVIEW: GLASSHOUSE

 

Confined to their glasshouse, a family survives The Shred, a toxin that erases memory. Until the sisters are seduced by a Stranger who shatters their peace and stirs a past best left buried.

Starring: Jessica Alexander, Kitty Harris, Anja Taljaard, and Adrienne Pearce

Directed by: Kelsey Egan

Written by: Emma Lungiswa De Wet and Kelsey Egan

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  A “Glasshouse” can easily be broken, and this one is no exception to that. The world has changed because of a toxin in the air that erases memories. It has forced people permanently indoors, or having to wear a mask when outside. The family unit here has made the most of a glasshouse to protect themselves against this airborne enemy. They’ve developed rules and ways of daily life in order for them to survive, and keep their memories alive.

  In no way is that easy, but Mother (Adrienne Pearce) is strict in her ways. She’s tasked with looking over Bee (Jessica Alexander), Evie (Ania Taljaard), Daisy (Kitty Harris), and Gabe (Brent Vermeulen). Each have roles to play within the home, and even outside. Yes, they have special masks that allows them to go outside, and make use of the resources around the house. They also have someone stand guard at times making sure no one comes near them. It appeared to be working fine until Bee shoots someone, but instead of leaving them to die she brings them inside. The Stranger (Hilton Pelser) might end up being a friend, or threaten the entire order of their home.

  At first glance, this starts like just another story of people having to survive under a much different set of circumstances. The audience might focus on this airborne virus, but that’s just the cause of everything, and not what’s ultimately important here. The rituals might seem odd at first, but don’t dismiss them. They are the starting point at figuring this out along with every time one of the family members takes the time to remember something, or looks at their possessions. Once the audience figures out what the family is truly trying to preserve they can have appreciate the complexities to this story.

 When the Stranger enters the picture it’s a bit of a distraction at first. Of course the audience and even the family will pay close attention to his intentions. Is he going to play along and find a role within this family, or does he have different motives here? He does set a divide amongst the young women, which ultimately unravels the big twist in this story. A twist that ties in with everything that’s at stake for the family.

  The glasshouse is a visual pleasure to look at from the outside, but what it holds inside is of greater importance. It’s also a symbol of just how fragile life is at this point, and how easily this family can be changed at any moment. The story has a big reveal, and credit everyone involved for how they build to that point. The cast has a bigger job than usual because some are playing characters that aren’t sure of their true selves. They really help bring out the mystery early on, and hammer home the dramatic conclusion. With that, I give “Glasshouse” 4 pools of blood.

  HorrO

“Glasshouse” is playing as part of the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival.

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/07/29/first-look-trailer-for-glasshouse-south-african-post-pandemic-love-triangle-premiering-at-fantasia/

POPCORN FRIGHTS REVIEW: SUPERHOST

 

With their follower count dwindling, travel vloggers Teddy and Claire pivot to creating viral content around their most recent “superhost,” Rebecca, who wants more from the duo than a great review.

Starring: Sara Canning, Osric Chau, Gracie Gillam, and Barbara Crampton

Directed and written by: Brandon Christensen

A Popcorn Frights Film Festival Review

  A host can be good enough, but be warned if you need a “Superhost.” Claire (Sara Canning) and Teddy (Osric Chau) are a couple who have created a vlog about vacation homes. They rate the home along with interviewing the 'superhost' who is renting out the place. The vlog had been pretty successful, but not long after arriving at their latest location they find they've been losing followers. Hopefully this will turn out to be a super trip where they can regain fans, and even become closer as a couple.

  Yea, that would all be nice, but horror fans know trips into the middle of nowhere rarely end well. The home they arrive at is beautiful inside and out, and at first glance should deserve a good rating. However, there’s a plumbing issue, and maybe a few too many security cameras inside. Oh…and then there’s Rebecca (Gracie Gillam). The awkward and overly friendly superhost, who is eager to please the couple even if it makes her uncomfortable. She will go above and beyond to get a good rating, and gives them a killer video for their channel.

  For a movie to be as good as this one is there needs to be something special about it, and that something special is Gracie Gillam. Her performance is absolutely fabulous. Director/writer Brandon Christensen described her character best when mentioning needing  someone who could work for Disney and put on that extra happy face, and then go to the other extreme. The audience will be staring at Rebecca trying to figure her out just like Claire and Teddy. She’ll make the audience laugh while making the couple scratch their heads. And then Rebecca will flip the switch and be someone you wouldn’t even want watching the Disney channel. As good as Gracie is early on, she's even more brilliant in the final act of the film.

  Of course that’s not to take away from any of the other performances. Sara and Osric mix well playing the couple. They’re especially fun to watch when they’re recording for the channel. Horror icon Barbara Crampton has a brief role, but makes every second count. Everyone plays their role just right to pull this story off. A story that will definitely take a shot or two at vloggers, and highlight the dangers of staying in other people’s homes. 

  “Superhost” is definitely a supermovie for many reasons. Gracie puts on a performance that horror fans will be buzzing about for a long time. If the audience thinks there’s something wrong with her early on just wait until she shows her true colors. Sara and Osric do exactly what’s needed to make their characters work, and it’s always great to have a horror icon like Barbara Crampton make even a brief appearance. The story sets up well with a couple that’s trying to grow both online and together, and finding both hard to maintain. So hard, they can’t realize the true danger hiding right in front of them. With that, I give this film 4.5 superpools of blood, and would 'like' and 'subscribe' many times over to see more of Rebecca!

  HorrO

“Superhost” played as part of the 2021 Popcorn Frights Film Festival. It will also be coming to Shudder in September.

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/08/12/superhost-checks-in-to-shudder-september-2/

FANTASIA 2021 REVIEW: KRATT

 

Children are left at grandma’s house without threat smartphones. Real life seems boring until they find instructions for kratt - a magical creature who will do whatever its master says. All they need now is to buy a soul from the devil.

Starring: Mari Lill, Nora Merino, and Harri Marivoo 

Directed and written by: Rasmus Merivoo

A Fantasia International Film Festival Review

  What in the hell is a “Kratt?” Well siblings Mia (Nora Merivoo) and Kevin (Harri Merivoo) will eventually find out. First they have grandma (Mari Lill) to deal with, as their parents have left them with her for a few days. Grandma’s house isn’t a fun place for them because there’s a serious lack of internet at the house, or anywhere near there. That leaves them to listen to grandma tell them about the importance of doing chores around the house and farm.

  Boring! Mia and Kevin have little interest in the chores, and become increasingly desperate to get back on the internet. They meet a couple of new friends, who also crave some social media exposure. The best they can suggest is to use the computers in the local library. They’re still out of luck because the library is making some changes, and the computers aren’t working. The best they can do is find a book with some strange writing and symbols. There fun is finally about to happen at the hands of the Kratt.

  Before tackling the Kratt, the movie appears to be making a statement on the use of social media by kids. The kids are obviously obsessed with social media unlike past generations who spent more of their time doing chores. Grandma shows them the importance of the work around the place, but they just don’t get it. Some people also think kids will just find trouble on the internet, but these kids actually find trouble when they don’t have their phones to play with. 

  The kids use the book to conjure up the Kratt. They don’t do it exactly right and end up turning grandma into it instead. That should be a bad thing, but now grandma will be doing the chores while they try to have as much fun as possible. The Kratt is probably the last creature to use social media because it’s all about doing work. The kids have to continue to give it new chores, or its murderous side will come out. As expected, the kids get bored with Kratt eventually, and then the audience gets treated to an interesting pizza party.

  Mia and Kevin are likable kids regardless of their need for social media, and some in-fighting. They provide some amusement before the Kratt takes over. The audience might think to fear the Kratt, but grandma actually looks hilarious especially because of her hair. Then again, the audience will get a chance to see why people should be afraid of the Kratt when grandma helps someone else with a chore the Kratt took too seriously. In the end, “Kratt” is a fun movie despite chances to be darker, and maybe a few things that probably make more sense to an Estonian audience. I give it 3 pools of blood!                                                 

  HorrO

“Kratt” is playing as part of the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival. 

More information at: https://fantasiafestival.com/en/film/kratt

THE STAIRS REVIEW

What started as a week-long adventure with friends quickly turns into a terrifying fight for survival in The Stairs. 

Starring: John Schneider, Josh Crotty, Adam Korson, and Brent Bailey

Directed by: Peter ‘Drago’ Tiemann

Written by: Jason L. Lowe and Peter ‘Drago’ Tiemann

  Please don’t take the “The Stairs,” especially if they’re out in the middle of nowhere. The film opens with Grandpa Gean (John Schneider) preparing to leave home with his young grandson Jesse (Thomas Wethington). They say bye to mom and grandma, and head out into the forest for some hunting. Gean reminds Jesse of his teachings as they close in on a deer. Jesse gets separated from Gean when he finds a staircase to nowhere in the middle of the woods. He disappears while investigating it, and soon enough so does Gean.

   Now many years later a group of friends led by Nick (Adam Korson) and Josh (Brent Bailey) head into the same woods for a hike. Some of them are better cut out for the woods than others. It doesn’t help when one of them swears she sees a creepy looking woman. With no one in sight, they continue on only to find another odd man along with the woman. This encounter lets them all know there’s definitely something wrong going on in these woods.

    There seems to be no clear reason why strange things are happening in the forest, but that’s alright. Before getting to the stairs, the scary looking woman does a great job terrifying one of the hikers. It gets better and more bizarre when they run into the man who is now along side the woman and a baby. No spoilers here, but the audience will be just as freaked out as the friends. It's by far one of the best scenes of the movie!

  So about those stairs! While odd to look at in the middle of the woods, it turns out to be more about the doorway behind them. It sets the stage early on with Gean and Jesse, and has some twists and turns when some of the surviving hikers find it. Again no spoilers, but besides a twist it unleashes a final creature they will have to deal with too survive. The story here will interestingly enough come full circle.

  Admittedly it’s a little disappointing to see John Schneider get a limited role here. However, the cast of hikers does well to make up for it with some interesting personalities. The fun part is having one really unusual character that the others aren’t exactly pleased to be hiking with, and another who clearly shouldn’t be in the woods. Just as the group begins to grow on the audience both the group and audience will be in for some wild sights. “The Stairs” delivers on the getting creepy, and bizarre, and with that I give it 3.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2021/07/18/official-trailer-released-frightening-new-film-the-stairs-arrives-in-theaters-on-august-12-for-a-one-night-only-event/