As a seasoned horror enthusiast with over three decades of immersion in all things eerie, I must say that the latest offerings from the world of horror are truly a treat for my terrified taste buds!
Hello! Step inside the realm of Horror Discoveries, your guide to this month’s top horror movies, series, books, and more chilling delights that are definitely worth exploring. I’m William Earl, the editor at EbMaster.com, and a passionate connoisseur of all things spine-tingling. If you stumble upon something frightfully fascinating for our next edition, feel free to reach out at wearl@variety.com!
Marquee Madness
After a long wait of several decades, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (now playing in cinemas courtesy of Warner Bros.), was met with applause at its Venice debut. Critics have described it as a delightful dose of nostalgia. While this fresh installment may not revolutionize the genre, the 1988 original had such a profound impact on Millennial horror enthusiasts that it’s definitely worth watching (You can read EbMaster‘s comprehensive review here.).
“The Front Room” (now playing in cinemas courtesy of A24) is the highly anticipated directorial debut from the Eggers brothers, who are also the siblings of Robert Eggers, director of “The Lighthouse”. In this film, Brandy portrays a pregnant woman struggling to look after her difficult stepmother. The trailer suggests that this stepmother, with apparent racist leanings, may clash severely with the new caregiver. Furthermore, there are indications that she intends to steal the unborn child! Critical reception has been varied, but it’s said that the plot holds some unexpected turns. (You can read EbMaster‘s full review here.)
“The Substance” (hitting theaters on September 20th from Mubi) has been garnering praise at film festivals as a thought-provoking body horror with intellectual depth. Demi Moore takes on the role of Elisabeth Sparkle, a well-known TV figure who gets let go and decides to try an unconventional anti-aging treatment. This movie delves into social commentary and offers plenty of suspenseful moments in its cautionary tale about the perils of vanity. (For EbMaster‘s detailed review, click here.)
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating Halle Berry’s return to the horror genre with “Never Let Go,” hitting theaters on September 20, distributed by Lionsgate. This heartfelt supernatural thriller is directed by Alexandre Aja, who has a knack for creating visually stunning scenes in films like “High Tension” and his remake of “The Hills Have Eyes.” However, this tale about a mother safeguarding her sons from sinister forces lurking in the woods seems to tread on the sentimental side for Aja. Nevertheless, since he’s also behind the excellent, uncomplicated alligator thriller “Crawl,” another survival story, perhaps Berry can help him summon that captivating essence once more.
Furthermore, I’d like to recommend taking a look at “Alien: Romulus” (now playing in cinemas from 20th Century Studios), especially as we approach its final stage. Despite some mixed feedback, this installment offers plenty of thrills for horror enthusiasts. It’s clear that director Fede Álvarez has a deep affection for the horror genre, which is reflected throughout the film. Moreover, the immersive sound design and many scenes are optimized for the cinematic experience, creating an atmosphere that may not be fully appreciated at home. (You can read EbMaster‘s full review here.)
Are you eager to catch “Trap” without hitting the theaters? Lucky for you, it’s now available on VOD (via Warner Bros.). Although M. Night Shyamalan’s latest offering leans more towards dark comedy than a traditional thriller, it boasts an exceptional performance by Josh Hartnett and some mind-blowing twists that are hard to predict. (For a detailed review, check out EbMaster‘s take here.)
Off the Beaten Path
The “Red Rooms” (currently playing from Utopia) is a chilling blend of a dark thriller and a critique on the fascination with true crime. A captivating young woman, portrayed by Juliette Gariépy, delves into the trial of a man accused of murdering women online for an audience. As her obsession deepens, hidden truths come to light, leading us on a visually stunning and progressively unsettling journey into the depths of heinous acts. It’s not an easy viewing experience, but it packs a punch. (You can read EbMaster‘s full review here.)
This summer saw the release of the daring movie titled “Crumb Catcher” (available on VOD through Music Box Films), and it’s definitely worth another watch for those who appreciate cringe comedy. A romantic trip for a young couple takes an unexpected turn when an uninvited guest attempts to sell them on a peculiar gadget, leading to events that become increasingly bizarre and unsettling. The film serves as a fascinating example of the offbeat paths indie cinema can take when just a handful of characters are confined within a limited setting. (Feel free to read EbMaster‘s complete review here.)
The quirky, grisly “Hell Hole,” now streaming on Shudder, offers a unique twist on the creature feature genre, with the Addams Family-esque vibe making it stand out. This low-budget production by filmmakers behind projects such as “Hellbender” and “Where the Devil Roams,” skillfully exploits the B-movie premise to its full potential. The result is a horde of parasitic monsters that lead to an abundance of dramatic, gory human explosions. What more could one desire?
The movie ‘Doctor Jekyll’ (available on demand through Hammer Films) is an enjoyable platform for the renowned Eddie Izzard, who portrays both Jekyll and Hyde. Although the script may be light, it’s delightful to see Izzard darting about a grand estate, with eerie occurrences happening at night, reminiscent of Hammer’s golden era.” (You can read EbMaster‘s complete review here.)
The economical horror film titled “Consumed” (available on VOD through Brainstorm Media) gains a boost with the captivating portrayals of Courtney Halverson and Devon Sawa as an intense wendigo tracker. While it might benefit from reducing some human-centric elements in favor of increased wendigo chaos, it offers a gripping depiction of a terrifying camping excursion.
Actress Samara Weaving stars in the title role of the upcoming film “Azrael“, set to hit theaters on Sept. 27 from IFC Films and Shudder. In this movie, monstrous entities are drawn to sound, but unlike the “Quiet Place” franchise, the storyline of “Azrael” delves into biblical themes, exploring faith, survival, and vengeance. As expected, Weaving delivers a strong performance. (You can read EbMaster‘s full review here.)
Killer Series
Every Week on Shudder: Unveiling Horror’s Greatest” – This engaging documentary series delves into conversations with numerous horror industry legends, dissecting the genre by various categories, exploring the impact of common themes, the symbolism behind colossal monsters, and other thought-provoking aspects.
“Monsters: Unveiling the Menendez Brothers’ Story” (Available from Sept. 19 on Netflix) – After the success of the gripping 2022 series “Dahmer – The Jeffrey Dahmer Monster Story,” Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan delve into another real-life crime sensation that captivated the media. This time, they focus on the story of Lyle and Erik Menendez, siblings who murdered their parents in their Beverly Hills residence back in 1989. Was their reason years of abuse or a desire to claim the family fortune? This Netflix series promises to uncover all the grisly particulars.
Originating from season 3 (available on MGM+ starting September 22nd) – Hailing from an enigmatic platform (previously Epix, now MGM+), this chilling tale set in a small town is definitely worth exploring. The inhabitants of this village find themselves inexplicably confined, living among riddles such as the nighttime creatures that transform into familiar faces before savagely attacking. With compelling characters and an increasingly complex plotline, this series has garnered praise from horror maestros like Stephen King, making a visit to this town a must.
Grotesquerie” (Air date: Sept. 25 on FX, streaming next day on Hulu) – Here comes another chilling production by Ryan Murphy, featuring a detective and a nun duo in pursuit of a serial killer. The ensemble boasts some impressive names (Niecy Nash! Courtney B. Vance! Lesley Manville!) and the trailer offers an entertaining twist to Murphy’s signature style. However, viewers might shudder at the thought of experiencing the most frightening aspect: Travis Kelce’s dramatic acting debut! Oh, the terror!
Bloodcurdling Books
Pay the Piper” by George A. Romero and Daniel Kraus (now obtainable from Union Square & Co.) – The master of horror keeps his fans on edge with this posthumous work, penned by “Night of the Living Dead” director’s co-author. Daniel Kraus discovered this half-completed novel in Romero’s archives, and although it diverges from the author’s usual zombie narratives, it offers a delightfully engaging southern tale. This story is set in the Louisiana bayou, where an eclectic group of townspeople must unite when a cosmic force starts abducting and murdering children. The narrative is grotesque, inventive, and provides a captivating glimpse into a community that appears to be stranded in time.
“Sleep Tight” by J. H. Markert (Published on Sept. 10th from Crooked Lane Books) – This gripping thriller narrates the story of a detective, whose child is abducted by a notorious serial killer. In order to rescue her, she delves into the enigmas surrounding her investigative father, who previously apprehended another infamous small-town murderer, and uncovers how these two malevolent figures are linked. The novel “Sleep Tight” is quick-paced and cinematic, yet it never compromises on characters that elicit genuine empathy beyond the carnage. It’s an ideal choice for chilling autumn reading.
“Concerns Arising Over This Mysterious Box of Peril” by Jason Pargin (Published Sept. 24, St. Martin’s Press) – The author of “John Dies at the End” is back with another mind-bending story. In this tale, a driver receives an offer of $200,000 to transport a young woman accompanied by a box across the country. However, he remains unaware of its contents – though it could potentially be explosive. It’s a rollercoaster ride of suspense and sharp social commentary crafted by Pargin.
“Clown in a Cornfield 3: The Church of Frendo” by Adam Cesare (now obtainable from HarperTeen) – The concluding part of Cesare’s slasher trilogy leads readers on an alternate path as protagonist Quinn, the last girl standing, pursues vengeance stemming from the occurrences in the first two volumes. This finale effectively wraps up the series and is a crucial read for horror enthusiasts prior to the trilogy’s initial movie— currently undergoing post-production— hitting the screens.
Graphic Novels
The captivating and thought-provoking illustrated novel titled “Invader” (now accessible) offers an intriguing perspective: it presents an alien invasion tale narrated by the extraterrestrials themselves. Illustrated by talented comic artists Jock, this book is a visual and literary delight.
Aliens vs. Avengers is now out – ever imagined Hulk clashing with an Xenomorph or Spider-Man trying to free himself from a Facehugger’s grip? If so, here’s your chance! Marvel has given us a glimpse into this thrilling four-part comic crossover event by EbMaster, and it’s as chaotic and exhilarating as watching action figures fight. With half the story still to unfold, there’s no better time to dive into the mayhem!
Shop ‘Til You Drop … Dead
Terror Vision, located in Savannah, Ga., is an extraordinary company specializing in the distribution of films and music within the horror genre. Their mission involves rescuing and showcasing forgotten or overlooked titles from the past, such as “Linnea Quigley’s Horror Workout” (1990) and “Escape From Hellhole” (1983), as well as promoting recent independent works like “Malum” (2023) and the 2022 documentary “Blood, Guts and Sunshine.” For enthusiasts of the genre, their collection serves as a gold mine. Additionally, they offer vinyl editions of classic horror soundtracks, such as those from “The House on Sorority Row” (1982) and “Neon Maniacs” (1986), which come elegantly packaged. This dedicated small business is a fantastic choice for Halloween gifts for your friends!
Frightening Festivals
Fantastic Fest (Sept. 19 — Sept. 26)
The annual Austin gathering is a wonderland for genre enthusiasts. World premieres include:
*”In the third installment, titled ‘Terrifier 3‘, the character Art the Clown brings a chilling dose of holiday chaos to this chapter of the intense slasher franchise set during Christmas.
*’The Rule of Jenny Pen’ is a gripping thriller set in a nursing home, where Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow engage in a heated rivalry, directed by James Ashcroft.
*’V/H/S/Beyond‘” refers to the seventh installment of the “V/H/S” anthology, featuring six distinct stories crafted by directors such as Justin Long and Kate Siegel.
*’Mr. Crocket’: In the directorial debut of Brandon Espy, a protective mother takes action against a malevolent children’s show host in a chilling slasher film.
*”‘Mystery Reap: Hidden Homicide in the Interior Realm'” – This real-life, documentary-style film chronicles the extended manhunt for a Southern California serial killer known as Mr. Shiny.
Bonus: Check out the American debut of the gonzo ‘80s puppets freakout feature “Frankie Freako.”
Fright Fest (Sept. 13 — Nov. 3)
This year, the chilling mazes at Six Flags draw inspiration from famous horror series such as “Saw,” “Stranger Things,” and “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
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2024-09-07 19:22