Shudder
Film Review – Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on the Exorcist
Whilst there have been many iconic films over the history of genre cinema, few have had such an impact and lasting appeal as The Exorcist. Whether that’s through the number of scenes which have become entrenched in popular culture or the whole controversy it generated upon release. Whilst Mark Kermode’s favourite film is now almost …
Film Review: Blood Vessel
Over the years, Nazis have proved very popular in horror movies. Obviously, it’s easy to hate one of Hitler’s minions but the rumours around occult obsessions and nefarious medical experiments make for rich pickings. Then there’s the fact that the Third Reich was inherently evil. This has resulted in a raft of popular films, including …
Film Review: Random Acts of Violence
Violence is seemingly everywhere in the modern world, seeping into every aspect of our culture. In our books, comics, video games, films, TV and all over the internet. Turn on the news and you’re never too far away from it. The argument that violent movies, comics or computer games act as catalysts for barbarism has …
Film Review: La Llorona
It’s easy when you sit in a place of privilege to look at horror as simply being the unknown and unexplained. Whether that’s vampires, spectres and other spooks of the night or something not quite of this Earth. All too often, the things that cause the most terror in us are much closer to home. …
Film Review: In Search of Darkness
We’re currently living in a rare period for genre cinema. Suddenly, it has moved into the mainstream and filling multiplexes around the globe. Films like Get Out, It Follows, Midsommar, Us and Hereditary have proved to be critically and commercially successful; becoming almost instant cult classics. However, the golden age for horror films was undoubtedly …
Film Review: Impetigore
Catered for in the UK by Tartan Films (RIP), the turn of the century saw an explosion of Asian cinema across our shores. Whilst this new wave spanned a number of genres, it was perhaps in horror where the region has made the most significant impact. Whilst Japan and Korea initially led the way, film-making …
Film Review: The Beach House
The unknown can be scary. As humans, we are programmed to look for, even demand, explanation. When it’s not forthcoming, it can leave us with a hollow uncertainty. There’s a fine balance within storytelling between mystery and contrivance. Often, as much of the work of H.P. Lovecraft attests, ambiguity can leave the longest lasting impression. …
Film Review: Scare Package
As any good horror movie fan knows, there are many, many tropes which have been prevalent within the genre for decades. More often than not, it’s the depressing case of a directors lazily copying what has gone before. However, increasingly we’re seeing intelligent, innovative and inspired takes on familiar themes. This is a particular popular …
Film Review: The Wrath
Whilst being cursed today would probably either involve a string of invective or uncontrollable laughter, it was no joking matter only a few hundred years ago. Especially in some of the more superstitious societies, and very few could equal Korea during the Joseon period. It is an era captured frequently in films and on TV. …
Film Review: DeadTectives
Anyone of a certain age is likely to have a vivid memory of 31 October 1992. The BBC decided to air a very special live television experience to celebrate Halloween. Those who saw Ghostwatch were probably haunted by that experience. Whilst it was a spoof, it paved the way for paranormal television. The most famous …