An isolated island community experiences miraculous events - and frightening omens - after the arrival of a charismatic, mysterious young priest.
Starring: Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel, and Hamish Linklater
Directed by: Mike Flanagan
Written by: James Flanagan, and Mike Flanagan
Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...
A couple on a romantic getaway find themselves stranded at sea when a tropical storm sweeps away their villa. In order to survive, they are forced to fight the elements, while sharks circle below.
Starring: Alicia Silverstone, James Tupper, and Deirdre O’ Connell
Directed and written by: Le-Van Kiet
Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...
The witcher, Geralt, a muted monster hunter struggles to find his place in a world in which people often prove more wicked than beasts.
Starring: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, and Freya Allan
Directed by: Alik Sakharov, Charlotte Brandstrom, Alex Garcia Lopez, and more
Written by: Andrzej Sapkowski, Lauren Schmidt, Matthew D’Ambrosio, and more
Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...
In post-Civil War Arkansas, a young doctor is mysteriously summoned to a remote town in the Ozarks only to discover that the utopian paradise is filled with secrets and surrounded by a menacing, supernatural presence.
Starring: Thomas Hobson, Phil Morris, and Tara Perry
Directed by: Matt Glass and Jordan Wayne Long
Written by: Sean Anthony Davis, Jordan Wayne Long, and Tara Perry
The “Ghosts of the Ozarks” are lurking and ready to come for those who get out of line. James ‘Doc’ McCune (Thomas Hobson) is on his way to a new town to fill the role of doctor. As he gets close to the town, he encounters an unfriendly character that almost kills him, but he’s actually saved by something in the forest. It won’t be his last encounter, but first he’s welcomed to town by his uncle, Matthew McCune (Phil Morris). Matthew is in charge of the town, and appears to have things running smoothly.
Thomas spends some time getting the feel of being the doctor in town while also getting to meet the people. On the surface, the town seems to be working like clockwork, but Thomas starts learning there are rules to obey, and punishment for those who don’t. Punishment as in being thrown out of town, and into the forest with the ghosts of the Ozarks. The more time he spends there the more he figures out something else is going on there. He’ll face some tough decisions if he wants to stay in line, and away from the ghosts.
Horror fans get a lot of settings in the present, so it’s usually enjoyable to see a film that takes audiences back in time. This one is set in a small town giving the feel of almost a western. There are no showdowns at high noon, but still plenty of interesting characters. While the story follows James, one character that stands out in their few scenes is Torb (Tim Blake). He’s in charge of an inn along with his wife, and manages to do a great job even though he’s blind. His other senses are definitely heightened, and he makes it work for him very well. Not far behind him are Annie (Tara Perry) and her partner William (Joseph Ruud), who are hunters and maybe even trouble makers in this story.
The film does spend a good deal of time laying out these characters, and showing the dynamics of the town. All of it seems important as if they're making a statement about society, and government. Taking a step back, it became interesting to look at, and compare some of the things to what current society as gone through with COVID. The story might have been created pre-COVID, but still seems relatable in ways. With that said, it leaves the ghosts a little out of the picture. After a great scene early on with James and a stranger, there isn’t much besides a few nightmares by James. It isn’t until the final dramatic act that the ghosts really make their mark.
“Ghosts of the Ozarks” takes audiences back in time to tell a story, and make points about society and politics. It has some very intriguing characters that are brought to life by some strong performances all around. The film will definitely take its time showing how this society works, and what happens when it doesn’t. The final act brings on some good dramatics, and reveals what’s really going on in town. The only thing missing was maybe some more action from the ghosts before that final act. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood.
HorrO
More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2022/01/14/official-trailer-for-ghosts-of-the-ozarks-in-theaters-on-demand-digital-feb-3rd/
A devoted couple’s quiet weekend takes a bizarre turn when a nightmarish cult and their maniacal leader come to fulfill an apocalyptic prophesy.
Starring: Scout Taylor-Compton, Nolan Gerard Funk, and Kevin Ragsdale
Directed by: Rich Ragsdale
Written by: Robert Sheppe and Mark Young
“The Long Night” is only the start of doom that’s about to be unleashed. Grace (Scout Taylor-Compton) and Jack (Nolan Gerard Funk) are a couple who are looking to spend sometime together. Jack seems very busy with work, so Grace is the one who picks their vacation spot. They arrive only to find the person they’re renting the home from isn’t anywhere to be found. That doesn’t stop them from making themselves at home.
Soon enough Jack starts finding some strange things, and feels the need to leave. Grace, on the other hand, isn’t as bothered and has a motive for staying. They debate leaving until a cult arrives in the yard making it impossible to leave. Without knowing what they want the couple must figure out a way to make it through the night.
When things start to go wrong it seems like this might be a home invasion movie. However, it takes quite a while before the cult really makes their presence known inside the home. Instead, they’re pretty content on hanging out on the lawn looking rather creepy. Their ram looking masks do the job in scaring the couple, and that is only the start. The leader seems to have an unexpected power almost making it too unfair. Luckily the couple eventually does get to fight it out with a few of the cult members, and Grace provides one of the best moments beating the hell out of them.
Without giving too much away, the film enters into a very bizarre final act. A lot will be revealed to the couple, and the audience. The motive for why the cult is there is explained, and what the couple has to do with everything. It might seem a little far out there, but maybe not for a cult. Probably the best thing it does is leave the ending not so rosy, which more horror films should remember isn’t a bad thing.
Grace and Jack are in for “The Long Night.” Grace knew it wasn’t only some time alone that she was after, but definitely got more than expected. The cult is in no hurry to make any moves as long as the couple is stuck inside. They bring plenty of creepiness just standing around in their masks. Eventually the action picks up as the couple tries to fight to survive. To the film’s credit, it doesn’t go in the direction some might think. It gets weird as it dives into what the cult wants. It's definitely a film to watch if the audience doesn’t need a happy ending. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood.
HorrO
More information at: http://promotehorror.com/2022/01/13/well-go-usas-the-long-night-in-theaters-and-digital-on-february-4/
A boy deals with the loss of his mother by creating a dangers relationship with a monster rumored to live in the woods.
Starring: August Maturo, Mike Manning, and Libe Barer
Directed and written by: Jeremiah Kipp
“Slapface” starts as a game between brothers, but there will be no playing around by the time this one ends. Unfortunately, Tom (Mike Manning) and his younger brother Lucas (August Maturo) have lost their parents, and are left to live alone together. Tom isn’t ready for parental duties leaving Lucas a chance to find himself continually in trouble, and short on friends. Tom’s best parenting trick involves playing a game called slapface, where both brothers take turns slapping each other in the face.
It’s no wonder why Lucas searches out a group of girls for friendship. However, a pair of them decide it’s better to bully him around instead of becoming real friends with him. They convince him to go into a strange building that may be haunted. He takes their challenge and does find a monster living inside. While this monster might be dangerous to most, it finds a liking to Lucas that grows stronger over time. A liking that eventually becomes a problem for him and the people around him.
A big part of this film seems to be about the relationship of the two brothers and the situation they find themselves in, and certainly bullying. Tom loves his brother, but just isn’t prepared to take real responsibility of his brother. He thinks the game they play is for the good of both of them, but it’s clear to his girlfriend that the game is more abusive than anything. While the Tom might be dealing with the death of their parents a little better, it’s definitely weighing on Lucas. This is what opens up his search for friends, and even allowing himself to be bullied just to be liked. His abuse at home might make it seem like this is alright.
Everything he goes through also opens the door to his unusual relationship with the monster. It almost becomes a motherly figure for him, as it’s willing to protect him against anything. Horror fans will find what they’re looking for when the monster goes too far in protecting him. It doesn’t become overly bloody, but instead relies on keeping the monster as creepy as possible. There are definitely some great shots of the monster making the audience wonder how Lucas could ever be friends with it.
“Slapface” is a title that will get attention because it’s unusual, and get the audience thinking about what kind of monster they’ll see. The monster is dark, creepy, and will rack up some deaths. However the monster also has an unexpected motherly side, and befriends Lucas. The audience will get to see what Lucas goes through at and around home, and with the monster. Most likely they’ll feel for the boy, who struggles with bullying, and what to with a monster that appears to be his only true friend. In an age with lots of bullying, this is another horror film that does its best to highlight it. With that, I give it 3 pools of blood.
HorrO
More about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2022/01/20/whats-streaming-this-february-on-shudder/
After an au pair’s tragic death, Henry hires a young American nanny to care for his orphaned niece and nephew who reside at Bly Manor with the chef Owen, groundskeeper Jamie and housekeeper, Mrs. Grose.
Starring: Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and Amelia Eve
Creator: Mike Flanagan
Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...
