“Don’t Move” (2024) is a tense survival horror thriller directed by Adam Schindler and Brian Netto, and produced by Sam Raimi. The film stars Kelsey Asbille as Iris, a grieving woman who encounters a seemingly friendly stranger named Richard (played by Finn Wittrock) while contemplating suicide in the woods. Richard convinces her not to jump, but then injects her with a paralytic agent, giving her only 20 minutes before her body shuts down. Iris must now run, fight, and hide to survive before the toxin takes full effect. The film follows her desperate race against time, battling her physical limitations and the elements as she tries to signal for help and evade Richard. The movie keeps the pace up with constant twists and evolving stakes, making it a gripping and intense watch. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Iris and Richard adds layers of tension, as Iris’s physical condition deteriorates, heightening the sense of urgency. The secluded forest setting amplifies the suspense, creating an atmosphere of isolation and dread. The narrative delves into themes of survival, trust, and the human will to live, making Iris’s journey both thrilling and emotionally resonant. With strong performances from Asbille and Wittrock, “Don’t Move” captures the relentless and terrifying ordeal of a woman fighting against time and a relentless predator. The film’s blend of psychological horror and physical endurance tests the limits of its characters, offering viewers a relentless and heart-pounding experience. (more…)
“Smile” (2022) is a psychological supernatural horror film directed by Parker Finn. The story follows Dr. Rose Cotter, a therapist played by Sosie Bacon, who witnesses a traumatic incident involving a patient at the hospital where she works. The patient, Laura, dies by suicide in a gruesome manner, and Rose is deeply affected by the experience. As Rose tries to cope with the trauma, she starts experiencing disturbing visions and hallucinations of Laura, who appears with a sinister smile. These visions begin to escalate, and Rose becomes increasingly convinced that Laura’s spirit is haunting her. The film explores themes of trauma, mental health, and the impact of witnessing a traumatic event. As Rose’s mental state deteriorates, she seeks help from her colleagues and friends, but the entity continues to torment her, leading to a climactic and terrifying confrontation. As the plot unfolds, Rose’s grip on reality weakens, and she becomes desperate to uncover the truth behind the haunting. Her investigation leads her to discover a pattern of similar cases, each connected by the chilling smile that haunts her. The tension builds as Rose races against time to find a way to end the curse before it consumes her completely. The movie offers a chilling look at the effects of trauma and the struggle to maintain one’s sanity. With its eerie atmosphere, compelling performances, and thought-provoking themes, “Smile” (2022) promises to be a memorable addition to the horror genre. (more…)
“Oddity” (2024) is an Irish horror film directed by Damian McCarthy. The story follows Darcy Odello, a blind medium and curio shopkeeper, who is still grieving the death of her twin sister, Dani, a year prior. When a wooden mannequin from Darcy’s collection becomes crucial to her quest, she sets out to uncover the truth about her sister’s murder. The film opens with Dani being brutally murdered while renovating her and her husband Ted Timmis’s newly acquired country house. Olin Boole, one of Ted’s former patients, warns Dani about a stranger infiltrating the home, but she is found dead shortly after. Olin is later found murdered, and Ted is suspected of arranging both killings. A year later, Darcy, who has psychometric powers, receives a mysterious crate containing a life-sized wooden mannequin. As she investigates, strange occurrences unfold, leading her to discover unsettling objects inside the mannequin, including photographs of Dani and Darcy, locks of hair, a tooth, and a vial of blood. The film builds tension as Darcy and Ted confront each other, revealing hidden truths and dark secrets. The movie delves into themes of grief, revenge, and the supernatural, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere. With its intriguing plot and chilling twists, “Oddity” promises to be a captivating and terrifying experience for horror fans. (more…)
“The Jack in the Box Rises” (2024) is a horror film directed by Lawrence Fowler. The story revolves around a creepy Jack-in-the-Box discovered and opened on the grounds of an exclusive girls’ school. When the box is opened, it unleashes a demon that terrorizes the students. Six brave students must band together to fight the demon in a thrilling battle for survival. As the demon’s power grows, the students face increasingly terrifying challenges and must confront their deepest fears. The film combines elements of supernatural horror and suspense, keeping viewers hooked as the students confront the unleashed entity. The school’s eerie atmosphere and the relentless pursuit by the demon create a sense of dread and urgency throughout the film. Each student brings unique skills and strengths to the fight, and their camaraderie and determination are tested as they work together to defeat the evil force. The narrative explores themes of courage, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil, offering a blend of intense action and psychological horror. The visuals and sound design enhance the chilling experience, making “The Jack in the Box Rises” a spine-chilling experience for fans of the horror genre. (more…)
“Lovely, Dark, and Deep” (2024) is a psychological horror film directed by Teresa Sutherland in her feature-length debut. The story follows Lennon, a new back-country ranger, who takes on a job in Arvores National Park, a place haunted by the mysterious disappearances of fellow rangers and visitors. Lennon is driven by a personal tragedy from her childhood when her younger sister, Jenny, vanished in the woods. As Lennon starts her new role, she keeps track of the missing people in her ranger cabin. During a hike, she becomes lost, and her handheld transceiver’s batteries die. Despite this, she hears distorted sounds and messages over the device. She is eventually found by fellow ranger Jackson, who guides her back and questions her reasons for joining the park rangers. Lennon evades the question, but soon after, another hiker, Sarah Greenberg, goes missing. Ignoring orders to stay at base camp, Lennon ventures into the woods to search for Sarah. Determined to uncover the truth, Lennon hikes through the park, experiencing disturbing visions and hearing Jackson’s voice over the transceiver, even though the batteries are dead. Lennon’s journey becomes increasingly surreal as she encounters visions of her sister Jenny. The film builds tension and suspense, exploring themes of loss, guilt, and the supernatural. With its eerie atmosphere and strong performances, “Lovely, Dark, and Deep” offers a chilling and thought-provoking experience for horror fans. (more…)
“Trap” (2024) is a psychological thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film stars Josh Hartnett as Cooper, a father who takes his teenage daughter, Riley, to see the beloved pop artist Lady Raven perform live. However, Cooper soon realizes that the concert is actually a trap set by the FBI to catch him. Cooper, who is secretly a notorious murderer known as “The Butcher,” must navigate this dangerous situation while trying to protect his daughter. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Cooper’s past is catching up with him, and he must use all his cunning and resourcefulness to evade law enforcement and keep Riley safe. The tension heightens as Cooper’s dual life is revealed, showing the stark contrast between his role as a caring father and his identity as a cold-blooded killer. The film explores themes of deception, trust, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. The dynamic between Cooper and Riley adds emotional depth to the high-stakes thriller, as Riley remains oblivious to her father’s dark past while he struggles to maintain his facade. With its blend of action, mystery, and drama, “Trap” (2024) promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking thriller that will keep audiences guessing until the very end. The film’s intense atmosphere, combined with strong performances and unexpected plot twists, ensures a gripping cinematic experience. (more…)
“Halloween II” (1981) picks up right where the first film left off. Directed by Rick Rosenthal and written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, the sequel follows Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, as she is taken to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital after surviving the attacks of Michael Myers. Meanwhile, Dr. Sam Loomis, portrayed by Donald Pleasence, continues his relentless pursuit of Michael, convinced that he is still alive and poses a significant threat. As Michael makes his way to the hospital, he begins to eliminate anyone who stands in his way. The hospital, now a place of supposed safety for Laurie, turns into a nightmarish battleground as Michael relentlessly hunts her down. The film delves deeper into Michael Myers’ origins. The atmosphere remains tense and suspenseful, with the hospital’s dark corridors creating an eerie backdrop for the horror. The film retains the minimalist approach and chilling score of the original, while ramping up the intensity and body count. “Halloween II” expands on the mythology of Michael Myers, solidifying his status as an unstoppable force of evil and continuing the legacy of one of horror’s most iconic franchises. (more…)
“Halloween” (1978) is a classic slasher horror film directed by John Carpenter. The story follows Michael Myers, who, at the age of six, brutally murders his teenage sister on Halloween night in 1963. He is institutionalized for 15 years, but escapes on October 30, 1978, and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois. Michael stalks teenager Laurie Strode, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, and her friends while being pursued by his psychiatrist, Dr. Sam Loomis, played by Donald Pleasence. The film builds tension through its eerie atmosphere, suspenseful music, and the relentless nature of Michael Myers. As the night progresses, Laurie must survive the terrifying encounter with Michael, who dons a white mask and wields a knife. The film’s minimalist approach, combined with Carpenter’s masterful direction and iconic score, creates a suspenseful and chilling experience that has resonated with audiences for decades. Michael Myers’ silent and emotionless demeanor adds to the horror, making him one of the most iconic villains in cinema history. “Halloween” establishes many tropes of the slasher genre, such as the final girl, the ominous holiday setting, and the unstoppable killer. The film’s success spawned numerous sequels, remakes, and a lasting legacy in the horror genre. Its influence can be seen in countless horror films that followed, solidifying its status as a quintessential Halloween movie that continues to thrill and terrify viewers. (more…)
“Carved” (2024) is a dark horror comedy that follows a group of friends who get trapped in a historical reenactment village on Halloween night. The village, Cedar Creek Pioneer Village, is filled with spooky decorations and actors portraying historical figures. However, things take a terrifying turn when they encounter a sentient and vengeful pumpkin that begins to hunt them down. The group, which includes a heartbroken teenage playwright, her younger brother, and other survivors, must band together to survive the relentless assault by the pumpkin. As they navigate the eerie village, they uncover the pumpkin’s origins and the dark history behind the village itself. The film combines elements of horror and comedy, creating a unique and thrilling experience for viewers. The sentient pumpkin uses its supernatural powers to manipulate its surroundings and terrorize the group. The friends must decipher cryptic clues and face their own fears while trying to break the curse before dawn. With each twist and turn, they are forced to confront not only the pumpkin but also the darker aspects of their own lives. The film’s blend of humor and horror provides a fresh take on the genre, offering both laughs and scares in equal measure. The quirky characters and unexpected twists make “Carved” a standout addition to the Halloween season. The movie delves into themes of friendship, bravery, and the supernatural, ensuring an engaging and entertaining watch. With its clever writing and atmospheric setting, “Carved” promises to be a fun and spooky ride. (more…)
“The Gorge” (2025) is an exhilarating science fiction romantic action film directed by Scott Derrickson, starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy as two elite snipers stationed on opposite sides of a mysterious gorge for a year-long mission. Their task is to prevent monstrous creatures called “The Hollow Men” from escaping the gorge, which is hidden by advanced cloaking technology. As they endure isolation and danger, the two operatives, Levi Kane and Drasa, defy strict no-contact protocols and begin to communicate, forming a bond that evolves into a romantic relationship. However, their situation takes a perilous turn when Levi falls into the gorge during a fierce attack. Determined to save him, Drasa parachutes in, and together they uncover the horrifying truth: the gorge conceals a World War II bioweapons research lab, and the creatures are mutated soldiers from past experiments. As they fight to escape the gorge and confront the monstrous inhabitants, the film delves into themes of survival, trust, love, and the human spirit. Blending intense action with emotional depth, “The Gorge” delivers a gripping narrative that captivates audiences with its thrilling premise and the chemistry between its lead characters. (more…)
