Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett (Devil’s Due, Southbound, Ready or Not)
USA.
Slasher/Horror/Mystery
What its about
A sequel to Scream 4 and basically a relaunch (re-quel) of the series. It’s eleven years after the last installment, and 25 years since the initial murders. The legacy characters have moved on with their lives when someone suddenly dons the Ghostface mask and targets a new class of teens in Woodsboro promising to unleash a dark secret of the past, reviving the Ghostface legend. A new team of characters must figure out who the killer is with the help of original characters, former Deputy Sheriff Dewey, Gale Weathers, and of course, Sidney Prescott.
What I Thought
NO SPOILERS – I Loved it! I’d watch this again. I think it’s possibly the best of the Scream sequels. Despite being the first one NOT directed by Wes Craven, it still had his flavor all over it. The film honored the original vision of Craven with the added bonus of a brand new storyline. I loved catching up with the original characters and seeing how their lives played out. I enjoyed watching a new mystery and chapter unfold. There was a perfect balance of humor and horror, which is part of the reason I enjoy this franchise so much. It’s just incredibly fun to watch. I was engaged and on the edge of my seat throughout. I let out a few audible “Oh No!”s, and “Holy Crap!”s. I applauded at a couple of scenes. I even found myself tearing up in a few parts. Who cries in a horror movie?
I enjoyed watching a new cast of characters piecing together this new mystery pulling elements from previous installments. I loved the character of Mindy, played by Jasmin Savoy Brown (Yellowjackets). She was essentially the new Jamie Kennedy of the bunch, explaining the subtleties of horror movie formulas, and how “re-quels” work. They were all highly believable and engaging. I loved how they tied the original story to the new cast. It all leads back to the beginning.
Final Thoughts
5/5
The very fact that the original cast members, Neve Campbell, David Arquette and Courtney Cox all agreed to be part of the film 25 years after the original script says a lot. Horror fans seem to be in agreement that Scream 5 delivers. It hits every nail a good horror movie needs to. It was exciting, enjoyable and just delightful to watch. If you’re a big fan of the franchise, you’ll get the update and closure you’re looking for. The directors paid homage to Craven beautifully. I think he would be proud.
Where to find it
Currently only in theaters. After that, you’ll be able to stream it on Paramount+ and rent it on Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes and YouTube.
Photo: IMDB
*I also write short fiction. My short story, The Buck, was recently published with Horror Addicts. You can read it here.
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Brian and I review the first season of Showtime’s Yellowjackets!
I wrote previously about how much I LOVED Yellowjackets. I’ve promoted this show through every single one of my channels. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, WordPress, and now YouTube.
I sat down with Brian from the Fandom At Random Podcast and we geeked out about how much we loved this series. Check it out down below and be sure to follow the Fandom At Random Podcast. You can also find them on Instagram @brianatrandom AND @fandomatrandompodcast.
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A high school girls’ soccer team is on their way to Nationals when their plane crashes in the Ontario wilderness. The teens are forced to make some difficult choices to survive over a period of 19 months. The story follows the events from 1996 to present-day as the survivors cope with their shared trauma, while someone threatens to reveal all their secrets from their time in the wilderness. Starring Melanie Lynskey, Christina Ricci, Juliette Lewis and Tawny Cypress while a younger cast play their teenage counterparts. Very loosely based on the story of the Andes flight disaster of 1972, where a Chilean soccer team were forced to survive harsh conditions and hardships, ultimately resorting to cannibalism to survive over a course of 72 days.
What I Thought
Although not a movie, this was such a good series I am spreading the word through the horror community. I haven’t been this excited for a show since Lost in 2004. I love everything about this series. From its grungy opening theme, to the story, the acting and the writing, which is noteworthy. Hooked from the first episode, I devoured this series in a few days and now I’m left waiting a year for the next chapter. Season two has been greenlit by Showtime and fans are excited!
The cast of characters.
Each character is meticulously crafted and perfectly cast with each actor in this series clinching it.
Christina Ricci steals every scene, as is often the case with Ricci (fabulous!). Her character, Missy, is so deliciously awkward and unnerving as her younger counterpart, Sammi Hanratty, flawlessly executes the 1996 socially inept Missy.
Melanie Lynskey is always delightful to watch. Her character, Shauna, harbors a lot of guilt over the death of her best friend, and over a dead marriage. Although seemingly the logical one, over time we learn she’s harboring more than guilt. She has her own secrets and demons. Young Shauna is portrayed by Sophie Nélisse, a Canadian Genie award winning actress for her role in the film adaptation of the best selling novel, the Book Thief- Monsieur Lazhar.
Tawny Cypress portrays adult Taissa. She’s a lawyer, she’s a problem solver, she’s running for office, and she’s experiencing problems at home with her partner and child. Taissa struggles to maintain poise while trying to keep her secrets buried. Jasmin Savoy Brown (Scream 2022) plays her younger counterpart trying to maintain normality and civility, attempting a leadership role while she figures out her sexuality.
Juliette Lewis plays adult Natalie, she hasn’t fared as well as the others often turning to substances and sex to cope. Young Natalie is played by Sophie Thatcher, she’s headstrong, independent, and fearless.
Think of this like a modern-day Lord of the Flies… Only with teenage girls… and written by Stephen King. Yes, it’s THAT good.
Each episode was better than the previous. The story grew and pulled you in deeper as it progressed. The horror scenes were done exceptionally well, and every episode left my mouth agape. Whether it was from shock, or something new and juicy was revealed. This was an insanely good watch.
Final Thoughts
5/5
If you’re looking for something new and different to sink your teeth into. This is it. If you went to high school in the 90s, this is for you. If you enjoy stories like Lord of the Flies, Alive, or survival stories in general, you’ll probably enjoy this. It’s not often a series hooks me like this. It’s definitely worth the money to pay for a subscription to Showtime JUST to watch this series and I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting season two.
Where to find it
Showtime.
Photo: IMDB
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It was late August when Arthur noticed the new neighbors rolling up to the house that had lay empty next door for so long.
Four years ago, a young family moved into 291 Eden Road. They seemed like any other family. The husband/Dad, Andre, seemed nice enough. He worked at the hospital as an anesthesiologist, and his wife Molly worked at the Dentist’s office as an assistant. Pretty thing, with a welcoming smile, always bubbly, cheery; often came over to Arthur’s with a container of fresh muffins or cookies she had baked. She was a real sweetheart. Then there were the girls. Sadie was nine and Carrie was six. Little blonde cherubs with masses of unruly curly hair and big ponds of blue eyes. Arthur liked to watch the little ones play outside in the summer. Full of energy, full of life.
The Popovs got along nicely next door for a good year or so before the town turned into a media circus when the family simply vanished. Andre never showed up for work at the hospital, Molly never made it into work and the girls never made it to school. No one had seen or heard anything from the family since. They found the father’s empty SUV driven down an embankment near the river, doors open. There was no forensic evidence to be found other than the family’s own fingerprints and hair. There was no closure for the town and every so often they’d mention the mysterious event on the local news hoping for new leads. There didn’t seem to be any signs of struggle or any traces of blood in the Popov home either. People started to speculate that the family was murdered, or that Andre had been involved with some shady dealings, but there was no hard evidence to support either theory. It was just a random mystery.
The girls. They were so sweet. Arthur thought of them often. Arthur would lie in bed with his memories until he drifted off.
***************
The next day he was shuffling out to get his mail when a man emerged from the home next door.
“Hi there neighbor.” He approached with a hand held out, Arthur took it and shook it. “We just moved in yesterday, the name’s Dan.”
“Yeah I saw you unloading yesterday. The name’s Arthur. That house has been empty for a while, it’ll be nice to have some life next door again. You have little ones?” Arthur asked.
“Yeah, two girls, nine and five, Lucy and Shelby, I’m sure you’ll hear ‘em outside.” Dan gave a little chuckle.
“Where you working Dan?” Arthur inquired.
“I’m a software engineer, I work a lot from home. Which is great, I get to spend time with the girls while Deanna is at work. That’s my wife, she’s a nurse. Long shifts.” Dan pursed his lips in a what are you gonna do kind of way whilst giving his shoulders a shrug.
“Anyhoo, pleasure to make your acquaintance Art, I gotta run out for supplies, thinking about having a barbecue this weekend, we’d love to have you if you’re free.”
Arthur secretly resented being addressed as Art, it seemed demeaning, less dignified and less respectful. Like he didn’t win all those medals, seeing his fellow men slaughtered while killing a few men himself over in Panama and the Gulf. But he smiled nonetheless and accepted the invitation. He didn’t get many home cooked meals these days.
***************
Arthur had frequent nightmares about the Popovs. The unresolved mystery hit the town hard and it was on the news constantly for a good year or so. It was traumatic for the entire community. In Arthur’s dreams he saw the youngest Popov girl, Carrie- his favorite. Her long messy curly blonde hair would sometimes float above him when he woke in the middle of the night. She would be staring down at him, loose dirty curls hanging down low enough he thought he could feel them tickle his nose. It was her face that startled him. It wasn’t right. Her face was distorted and blackened, her throat-gashed wide open to show putrefying bone and cartilage beneath, and there were two empty black holes where her eyes should be. She was often screaming out, he couldn’t hear the scream, he merely saw her face contorted in fear, but mostly rage. On those nights Arthur would have to get up and shuffle to the bathroom to splash some cold water on his face. One night as he did so, he saw the lovely Molly appear briefly in the mirror behind him. Her face black and blue with decomposition, throat slashed open in the same manner as Carrie’s, that same rageful empty scream. Carrie definitely had her mother’s eyes and Molly’s were black empty sockets as well. That was the night Arthur decided to go see a doctor. “Maybe some sleeping pills would help.” He muttered to himself as he shuffled back to his bed.
***************
When he was able to get in to see Dr. Stern, it was explained to him that he may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, with the time served in the army, and being so close to the victims of such a horrific crime. It clearly impacted him. The good doctor also mentioned something about night terrors and offered a prescription to help him sleep. Arthur doubted the jackass’s mambo jumbo but he filled the prescription and took three that night before bed and slept like a log. No dreams, no floating angry decaying children.
***************
Later in the afternoon Arthur sat out on his deck sipping a cold root beer watching the new neighbor girls play. The small one was already his favorite. Full of sass, dancing like no one’s looking. The older girl was off doing cartwheels when the little one fell and started crying.
Arthur grabbed a couple of cold root beers out of his cooler he kept beside his deck chair and lumbered across the yard gently getting down to one knee as laid the cold root beers down.
“I think you’ll live, don’t you darlin’?” Noticing her striking eyes he handed her a cold can of rootbeer and popped the top which alerted the attention of the older girl. “So which one’s Lucy and which one’s Shelby?” Arthur asked as he handed the older girl a cold beverage.
At that moment a very frazzled mom came tearing out of the side door, screen door banging against the side of the house. “Jesus what happened?” She demanded.
“I think the little one took a tumble, she’ll be ok, you know kids.” Arthur responded.
“Where did you get the root beers?” She asked both girls.
“The nice man gave them to us, nice and cold!” Answered the older girl.
“Hi.” The mom stuck her hand out. “I’m Deena, this little one is Shelby, the superstar over there is Lucy.” Lucy had sat her root beer down and had resumed her cartwheels. Arthur watched the little girl bounce and giggle. He smiled.
Deena interrupted his thought when she mentioned, “We’re having a barbecue this Saturday, we’d love it if you could join us. Is there a Mrs….?” She asked.
“Nader. The name is Arthur Nader. And no there is no Mrs. Nader, she passed away some years ago. We have a son, Ethan, he serves his country, so we only get to see each other a few months out of the year when he vacations. Watching the little ones makes me smile. I’d love to come to your barbecue, Deena.” He thanked her and shook her hand. He began to lumber his way back over to his own property before taking his off and waving it over his shoulder.
“Have a nice day ladies.” He shouted behind him.
***************
“I asked that nice man, Arthur, next door to the barbecue Saturday.” Deena told her husband at dinner. She passed a bowl of corn to Shelby. Lucy talked eagerly about her day at school. While both Deena and Dan pretended to listen as they continued their own side conversation.
“Oh yeah, I met him outside. Seems pleasant enough. It would be nice to get to know our neighbors.” Dan agreed.
***************
That night Arthur tossed and turned in his bed. His thoughts kept fleeting back to the day’s earlier events. Pretty blonde Lucy doing her cartwheels. Little Shelby’s glassy green eyes, wet from crying. There was something just so innocent about a little girl crying.
He got up to use the loo at some point in the night. As he reached for the towel to dry his hands he saw a ghastly sight peering back at him in the mirror. This time he saw the face of Sadie Popov. She was floating there in pajamas. The nine year old’s face was dry and cracked looking. Black holes where eyes should have been. She opened her mouth and let out a dire scream that made Arthur clasp his ears. A loud audible scream. The medicine cabinet, all its contents and the mirror shook in response. With Sadie’s mouth agape, torrents of maggots started pouring out of her eye sockets and mouth. They started plopping into the sink making black cruddy smears in the white porcelain. They were covered in something grotesque. Decomposition. Arthur started to shake as one landed on his hand. He screamed and shook it off. His clothes were drenched in sweat. He tried to settle himself. Telling himself he was just dreaming, but here he was standing in the bathroom. He heard the floor creak behind him. The old pine floors made audible creaks when you walked on them. This was coming from behind his bedroom door. He sat up, his heart was racing. He didn’t like this feeling. Feeling scared. The door swung out and closed with a bang. This made Arthur jump and yell. “You get the hell out of my house! I have guns!” A figure slowly walked forward and in the moonlight coming in through his window he could see Molly’s face. Lovely Molly. She approached in a yellow sundress, smiling at first with a basket of muffins. Arthur rubbed his eyes, and when he opened them her face was an inch from his. No longer lovely but angry. Her eyes were black. Her mouth open revealing two rows of long razor sharp teeth. He felt ice cold hands around his throat and as her face bent backward revealing those horrendous teeth, ready to seemingly eat his face- he awoke. This time the phone was ringing. It took him a moment to realize what was going on, whether he was truly awake or still in this nightmare with the Popovs.
“H…H… Hello?” Arthur’s voice shook as his eyes danced furiously around the bedroom. It was daytime now.
“Dad? Dad, are you alright? You sound weird.” It was Ethan, Arthur’s son.
***************
Arthur slid on an argyle knit vest over his collared shirt for the barbecue. He felt it made him look smart. As he approached the property he could smell grill smells. Propane, meat, sweet sauce. It made his mouth water. Making his way into the yard his eyes were immediately drawn to the children. Lucy and Shelby were hopping excitedly up and down with a few other kids he hadn’t seen before.
“Art!” Dan waved with a beer in one hand, spatula in the other.
Ugh, Arthur grumped to himself but returned a forced smile and hesitant wave while gritting his teeth. “Hey Dan, nice day for a cookout.” Arthur responded. He walked up to Deena who was setting out condiments on the patio table. She wore a green halter sundress that matched her eyes and and her long auburn hair tied up in a ponytail. She looked… Lovely.
Everyone was introduced and Arthur learned that the extra people at the barbecue happened to be a co-worker of Dan and his wife and their son and the other couple was Deena’s sister, her husband and their two daughters. Arthur played the kindly neighbor well. No one really knew him. Not even his wife, June, really knew him. Ethan knew him better than his wife. Arthur learned Dan had a business trip coming up which would coincide with Ethan’s visit. He was eager to introduce the girls to his son.
As Deena cleared plates, the kids all retreated to a tent that was propped up in the backyard. The women went to the kitchen to clean up the dinner dishes and the men were gathered around the beginnings of a campfire. Arthur took it upon himself to walk towards the tent at the back of the yard, just out of sight of the men and their fire.
“BOO!” Arthur yelled to five squealing kids. When they realized it was just the nice old man they stopped and a couple of the girls giggled. Lucy told him, “Mr. Nader! You scared us! You could have been a real monster!” The kids all started to giggle as Arthur made a funny face at them.
“A monster? Oh I’m no monster my dear.Sleep tight, don’t let the devil bite.” Arthur sang out to the children as he turned away.
“Bedbugs.” It was Shelby’s sweet melodic voice. “Don’t let the bedbugs bite Mr. Nader.”
Arthur hesitated, looking back over his shoulder. “Right… Right… Bedbugs. Good night kiddos.” He made his way to the kitchen to see Deena before he’d make his way home.
“That was a great meal Deena, I thank you very much for having me.” He looked into her green eyes. He loved green eyes. It was the very same eyes that sweet Shelby had.
“Well we’re glad you came to join us Art, is that OK? That I call you Art?” She was polite enough to ask.
“Of course Dear, you can call me Art, just don’t call me late for dinner.” He laughed, exposing yellowing crooked teeth. It gave Deena the willies.
“OK, well, have a good night Art.” She ushered him out feeling suddenly uncomfortable.
“You too my dear.” He responded melodically. While he walked away he licked his lips nervously and uncontrollably. Like a man who hasn’t had a drink in days. He felt that excitement again. The excitement that made him keep going.
***************
Arthur retired to his bed that night thinking of the faces and eyes of Deena and young Shelby. He imagined restraining them and looking deeply into those hypnotizing green eyes. He bent down to reach the box. His special box. Inside he removed a lock of blonde curly hair and inhaled deeply. He placed it back in the box and removed another lock of hair, and another, and another. Smelling them all individually. It brought back so many fond memories. The faces of children smiling, laughing, crying, dying. So much joy.
***************
That night Arthur would pass away in his sleep but not before being visited by each of his victims. Mostly little girls with a few mothers sprinkled in. In his last moments, he thought about his son, Ethan. He thanked him for being a good son. He shared a special bond with his son that not many men get to experience with their sons.
Once the body was found and removed, police found the box of trinkets Arthur had kept for so long. Photos of little girls, locks of hair, and most disturbing of all, several human eyeballs. Perfectly preserved in little containers. It would take Forensics and Missing Persons a while to figure out who each individual victim was. One thing they found however was a photo, a little blurry, but it was clear who it was. Carrie Popov.
***************
When the news of his father’s death reached Ethan overseas, he was eager to get home. He had a box of his own that needed burying.
***************
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A different kind of coming of age movie. Two sisters, Justine and Alexia, are attending Veterinary school, the same school their parents attended. This is Justine’s first year. After having been raised vegetarian, the young freshman gets a taste for meat, boys and flesh.
What I Thought
After watching Titane (2021) I was intrigued enough to check out some of Julia Ducournau’s other work. I kept hearing about Raw so I finally sat down to watch it and I was exceptionally impressed.
This film is full of symbolism so don’t take everything at face value. That’s the beauty with Ducournau’s writing. One could argue that the real subject here is not actually cannibalism, but rather, becoming a woman. The changes in your body, in your mentality, noticing and feeling the consequences of your actions and coming into your carnal sexuality. Justine develops lustful feelings for her dormmate and best (gay) friend, the handsome Adrien, which result in some very memorable scenes. Hauntingly poignant scenes. Scenes you won’t soon forget.
Ducournau takes a different approach to this taboo subject. It’s not gory for gore’s sake. It serves purpose and the focal point is not on the actions themselves, but rather the characters’ reactions to the horrific things happening around them.
Yes, it’s graphic. That being said, it’s done exceptionally well. Having watched other cannibal genre films I can honestly say, this is far superior than others. It has a well written and engaging story. Watching the controlled straight “A” Justine slowly lose control of herself as the film progresses was harrowing. The immersive atmosphere, the flawless performances of both the female leads, Garance Marillier and Ella Rumpf, the impeccable writing of Ducournau, and the subject material will hook you in even if you think it won’t. I didn’t pause this movie once. I found myself enthralled in the story, biting my fingers, (no pun intended), mesmerized by the lead actress, and feeling real empathy for Justine. Whenever she did something shocking or horrific, I wasn’t disturbed, instead I found myself feeling intense compassion for her.
The relationship between the two sisters gave me real Ginger Snaps vibes. Essentially one cannot exist without the other, even if they’re slowly destroying each other. The relationship itself was raw and visceral. Alexia, the older of the two, resents Justine’s brilliance and the fact that she’s the favorite daughter; at the same time she holds intense love for her and wants to help her.
Final Thoughts
5/5
This is one of those movies you won’t easily forget. That’s what I’m beginning to love about Ducournau’s work. It’s evocative, moving and just hauntingly beautiful. The ending of the film ties the whole movie together in a shockingly scandalous manner. My jaw literally dropped. Exceptional writing and exquisite acting mixed with a unique twist on the coming of age trope makes this a standout in the genre. Everything you’re looking for in a horror movie. Go back and check it out!
Where to find it
Crave, Starz, Apple iTunes, Google Play, YouTube.
Photo: IMDB
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Alexia is an emotionally disturbed child who grows into an emotionally unhinged adult. After suffering a car accident as a child, a titanium plate is fitted into Alexia’s skull. After the surgery, she rejects her parents and forges an unhealthy relationship with the car that almost killed her. Heavy tones of mechaphilia in this film, which is where one has an intimate, sexual relationship with a mechanical item such as a car or another type of machine. This obsession leads Alexia down a bizarre and dark path.
What I Thought
I loved it. This was one of the most unique movies I’ve ever seen. The premise may sound bizarre but the movie really delivers, and frankly, I can’t stop thinking about it. Agathe Rousselle (Alexia) was captivating. She starts off as a model/dancer; auto shows are her specialty. She’s a seductive and dangerous loner. She sports a tattoo between her breasts that reads, “Love is a Dog From Hell.” This leads the viewer to understand that no one really gets close to Alexia. She’s emotionally detached and compulsive, both sexually and violently. Prone to brutal outbursts and leaving a trail of bodies in her wake, Alexia alters her appearance and picks up a new name going on the run. She assumes the identity of a boy who’s been missing for 20 years. The boy’s father, Vincent (Vincent London), overcome with grief and emotional problems of his own, accepts Alexia as his long lost son. The two form a bond offering Alexia the unconditional love and care she never experienced as a child. Will she be able to change? Will Vincent still accept her even when he learns the truth? Alexia is hiding a big secret and her body is going through unforeseen physical changes because of it. How long can she keep it up?
The body horror aspect isn’t just about the extreme murders she commits, it’s also about the physical changes Alexia endures, which mirror the emotional changes and growth she’s experiencing. Even though the movie is pretty gory in parts it serves the story. It’s not gore for gore’s sake. I find Ducournau (Raw 2016) exceptional in the body horror genre because she takes the approach of focusing on the character rather than the gore. It’s really about how the character is coping with horrific and often shocking changes.
The movie was so well rounded. It truly had everything you’re looking for in a horror movie. A solid unique story that flows well, impeccable acting, haunting imagery, disturbing scenes and flawless direction.
Final Thoughts
5/5
This is a movie you truly need to see for yourself. You won’t see anything like it this year- I promise you. I’m touting this as the first great watch, for me, for 2022. I liked it so much that I went and watched Ducournau’s Raw immediately after. Stay tuned for that review. This isn’t just another horror movie, it was thought-provoking, enthralling and just stunning to watch. It explores urges, vulnerabilities, grief and sexuality in a way I haven’t seen done before. Definitely a must watch.
Where to find it
Now available to buy or rent through Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple iTunes
Photo: IMDB
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Director: Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace, Hostiles)
Horror/Mystery
What its about
A middle-school teacher (Keri Russell) returns to live with her (Sheriff) brother (Jesse Piemons) at their childhood home in Cispus Falls, Oregon. A town that’s been plagued with meth addiction, poverty and crime. Julia (Russell) encounters a child in her class who seems to be suffering from abuse. Julia, struggling with her own demons of the past, hopes she can make a difference in the life of this little boy who’s harboring a dangerous secret at home.
What I Thought
I liked it. I waited a long time for this movie. I thought it grimly mirrored today’s world with its undertones of depression, addictions and hopelessness. I enjoyed seeing Keri Russell in the role of Julia. A woman plagued with trauma who has struggled with her own addictions because of it.
I found the movie thoughtful. The film is carried by three main characters with a welcome surprise by Graham Greene, who portrays the former sheriff of the town.
Julia (Russell) notices odd and disturbing drawings by her student, Lucas. She becomes determined to save the boy from what she suspects is abuse at home. It really was a reflection of her trying to heal herself. Julia’s character is emotionally fragile and Russell portrays that effortlessly.
Sheriff Paul Meadows (Jesse Piemons). This character represents the apathy in society. He doesn’t care for being the sheriff, it’s a lousy responsibility when society is breaking down. He treats every situation methodically and emotionlessly. There’s clearly tension between brother and sister, both being victims to abuse growing up, only Paul has buried and compartmentalized his feelings. Piemons is good at playing deadpan and emotionally detached characters.
Lucas (Jeremy T. Thomas). A chilling performance for a child. Stepping up to provide for his family makes him do and endure some horrific things. Usually child acting performances aren’t that noteworthy for me, but Thomas was flawless in his performance. You just want to comfort this kid. Excellent casting.
The horror elements were fantastic. It maintained an ominously dark and creepy vibe throughout. Good body horror and effects.
I did not pause this movie. It flowed well and the storyline was unique and intriguing. It didn’t rely on jump scares but rather the story itself.
Final Thoughts
4/5
This was originally developed from a short story called, The Quiet Boy written by Nick Antosca (Channel Zero, Brand New Cherry Flavor). I often find that when a film is adapted from a short story, there can be holes in the story line and underdeveloped characters. I would have liked to have seen more exploration of Paul’s backstory, but other than that, I thought this was a good horror movie. It was relevant to the times and will probably age well.
Watch it, you’ll like it.
Where to find it
Antlers was released in theaters in October, 2021. Available to rent on YouTube, streaming on Amazon Prime, ITunes and Vudu.
Photo: IMDB
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She Really Needs a Priest 