“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…)
“1 Million Followers” (2024) is a thriller directed by Harvey Lowry. The story follows Karissa, a small-town girl from Idaho, who is invited by a popular influencer to a luxurious mansion in Thailand. There, she joins a group of social media influencers as they work to build her following to one million. However, things take a dark turn when they discover the true identity of the event’s sponsor. The influencers’ seemingly glamorous life quickly unravels as they are thrust into a deadly game of manipulation and deceit. As the tension escalates, Karissa must navigate the dangerous world of social media fame, uncovering hidden truths and facing moral dilemmas about the price of popularity. The film explores themes of fame, deception, and the dark side of social media, offering a suspenseful and thrilling narrative. The stunning visuals of the Thai mansion contrast with the sinister undertones of the influencer culture, creating a gripping atmosphere. With its intriguing plot and intense atmosphere, “1 Million Followers” promises to keep viewers engaged, questioning the lengths one would go for fame and the dark consequences that may follow. The characters’ journey through fear, ambition, and survival adds depth to the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining watch. (more…)
“Am I Racist?” (2024) is a satirical documentary comedy film directed by Justin Folk and starring conservative political commentator Matt Walsh. The film lampoons the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement by following Walsh as he poses as a “bumbling DEI trainee” and uses subterfuge to interview experts and attend anti-racism workshops. Walsh’s undercover antics include convincing passersby to sign a petition to rename the Washington Monument the “George Floyd Monument” and raising it by 30% and repainting it black. The film culminates in a workshop where Walsh condemns his uncle for a racist joke made twenty years ago and encourages self-flagellation as a solution to white guilt. The film has been described as a mockumentary in the style of Borat and explores themes of race, identity, and the DEI industry. The movie combines humor, satire, and social commentary, creating a provocative and controversial narrative that challenges the audience’s views on race and societal norms. With its bold approach and comedic elements, “Am I Racist?” aims to spark conversations and reflections on the complexities of racial issues and the effectiveness of DEI initiatives. This film promises to deliver a mix of humor and thought-provoking content that will engage and entertain viewers. (more…)
“Slingshot” (2024) is a psychological thriller. The story follows astronaut John, who awakens from a hibernation cycle on the spacecraft Odyssey 1, en route to Saturn’s moon, Titan. The mission’s goal is to collect natural resources, such as methane, and return to Earth. However, John begins experiencing disturbing hallucinations and memory loss due to the potent drugs used for hibernation. As the crew prepares for a critical “slingshot” maneuver around Jupiter to reach Titan, John’s mental state deteriorates, and he struggles to maintain his grip on reality. Tensions rise among the crew, especially with Nash, an aeronautics expert who becomes increasingly paranoid about the ship’s structural integrity and the mission’s safety. Nash tries to convince John to mutiny against Captain Franks, but John ultimately sides with the captain. The film explores themes of isolation, trust, and the psychological effects of long-term space travel. The crew faces both external and internal threats. The plot of “Slingshot” delves into the deeper psychological strains of space exploration, highlighting the fragile human psyche under extreme conditions. The suspenseful narrative is augmented by the confined, claustrophobic setting of the spacecraft and the vast emptiness of space, creating a gripping and immersive experience. (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…)
“Conclave” (2024) is a mystery thriller film directed by Edward Berger and based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris. The story revolves around the secretive process of electing a new pope after the unexpected death of the current pope. The film stars Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, who is tasked with presiding over the conclave. As the cardinals gather in seclusion at the Vatican, they are cut off from the outside world and must cast their votes in the Sistine Chapel. The film delves into the intense political maneuvering, scheming, and secrets among the cardinals as they vie for the coveted position. Each candidate has their own hidden past and ambitions, leading to a series of dramatic revelations and power struggles. The plot thickens when an unknown cardinal, Vincent Benitez, arrives unexpectedly and plays a pivotal role in the election. As the votes are cast and secrets are unveiled, the film explores themes of ambition, faith, and the human nature of those in positions of power. The tension builds to a gripping climax as the new pope is finally chosen. The atmosphere is filled with suspense and intrigue, making it a captivating watch for fans of political dramas and thrillers. The film’s detailed portrayal of the conclave process and the complex characters involved adds depth to the narrative, ensuring that “Conclave” is not just about the election but also about the people and their motivations. (more…)
“Alien Country” (2024) is a sci-fi action-comedy. The story follows Jimmy Walker, a demolition derby driver, and his pregnant girlfriend Everly. While dealing with the news of the unexpected pregnancy, they accidentally open a mysterious portal, releasing biologically engineered alien creatures into their small town of Blue River. As the town descends into chaos, Jimmy and Everly must put aside their differences and work together to stop the alien invasion before it’s too late. The film combines humor, action, and heart as the couple navigates the challenges of saving their relationship, their town, and potentially the entire galaxy. Along the way, they encounter quirky townsfolk, face-off against increasingly bizarre alien species, and discover hidden strengths in themselves and their partnership. The movie blends elements of classic sci-fi with a modern twist, offering plenty of laughs and thrilling moments. With its unique premise and engaging characters, “Alien Country” promises to deliver an entertaining and out-of-this-world adventure that appeals to fans of both comedy and science fiction genres. The film’s blend of romance, action, and extraterrestrial intrigue creates a dynamic and enjoyable viewing experience that stands out from typical alien invasion stories. (more…)
“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…)
“Inside Out 2″ (2024) continues the story of Riley Andersen as she navigates the complexities of adolescence. Directed by Kelsey Mann, the film explores Riley’s mind undergoing a major renovation as she enters puberty, introducing a new emotion: Anxiety. Alongside Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust, Anxiety must find her place in Riley’s emotional landscape. The film delves into Riley’s struggles with growing up, balancing school, friendships, and family expectations, while her emotions work to help her adapt to these changes. The dynamic between the emotions becomes more intricate as they try to support Riley without overshadowing each other. As Riley faces new challenges and experiences, each emotion plays a crucial role in guiding her through the highs and lows of teenage life. With Amy Poehler reprising her role as Joy and new voices like Maya Hawke as Anxiety, the film promises to be a heartfelt and humorous journey through the ups and downs of teenage life. Riley’s internal world becomes a bustling hub of activity as her emotions learn to coexist and collaborate, highlighting the importance of each emotion in her overall well-being. The sequel expands on the original’s themes of emotional growth and resilience, resonating with both new and returning viewers. The narrative is rich with relatable moments and valuable life lessons, making it a poignant and entertaining film for audiences of all ages. (more…)
“Inside Out” (2015) is an animated comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Pete Docter, the film takes place largely inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley Andersen, who has recently moved with her family from Minnesota to San Francisco. Inside her mind, her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—are personified and work together to guide her through life. Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler) is the dominant emotion, always striving to keep Riley happy. However, things become complicated when Joy and Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith) are inadvertently ejected from the Headquarters, the control center of Riley’s mind, and must find their way back. Meanwhile, Anger, Fear, and Disgust are left in charge, and Riley struggles to adjust to her new life. As Joy and Sadness journey through various regions of Riley’s mind, such as Long Term Memory, Imagination Land, and Abstract Thought, they learn the importance of all emotions in creating a balanced and fulfilling life. The film beautifully explores themes of growth, change, and the complex nature of emotions, making it a poignant and heartfelt story that resonates with audiences of all ages. (more…)
