Wonderfully Weird & Horrifying
Indulging in the strange and horrific in all of pop culture (and beyond!)
Fancy a stroll through a haunted historical area? We do.
Meet our new supporter who has kindly donated for the 31 days of giveaways: American Ghost Walks!
They offer haunted history tours in Chicagoland, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, Coastal Maine, Twin Cities, Wisconsin, and New Orleans. For more information click here.
We will be giving away 8 tickets to haunted tours! Enter here now!
There’s plenty more of Haunt-Tober to come!
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
Midnight Mass is more than a vampire story. It’s a human one. While there have been other fantastical narratives that provoke thought or explore philosophical themes, what sets Midnight Mass apart is its ability to make you almost forget its supernatural elements.
Two pivotal figures that will greatly impact the survival of Crockett Island have recently made their way to the town. The first is Father Paul Hill (played by Hamish Linklater), a new priest who takes the place of the beloved Monsignor Pruitt. The second is Riley Flynn (portrayed by Zach Gilford), the son of locals Ed (Henry Thomas) and Annie (Kristin Lehman). Riley’s return follows his release from prison, where he served time for a tragic accident that occurred while he was driving under the influence and his girlfriend lost her life.
A multitude of characters add depth to the story, each with their own distinctive motivations and intricately crafted personalities. Among them is Erin Greene (Kate Siegal), Riley’s former flame. Additionally, the town’s sheriff, Hassan (Rahul Kohli), plays a crucial role in the unfolding events.
I am particularly fond of the setting—a small town or island community—as it allows us to intimately acquaint ourselves with each inhabitant. Their motives are meticulously examined, and their relationships, whether positive or negative, are laid bare.
This new addition to their congregation has a secret, and brings with him a mysterious case. It’ll change the townspeople and invite an evil disguised as a gift.
This series grapples with profound questions: What gives life meaning, and how does death intersect with it? Does mortality possess a moral dimension, or is it simply a matter of survival of the fittest? The search for solace lies at the heart of this tale, a quest that resonates deeply.
Fear possesses the power to drive individuals to commit atrocious acts. It has the ability to metamorphose a person, rendering them unrecognizable. When utilized for manipulation, fear becomes an exceedingly dangerous tool. When misguided, particularly when intertwined with religious elements, an individual may succumb to it, even embracing death and murder as unknown allies.
It’s an unsettling, but beautiful rumination. Midnight Mass has some entrancing scenes, poetic monologues and fantastic performances. Flanagan crafts this with the utmost care, casting light on the human moments while aptly tingling the spine during its darkest. There are some creepy sequences, intriguing questions raised and heartfelt moments that truly hit home.
The casting in Midnight Mass is nothing short of exceptional, featuring many familiar faces from Mike Flanagan‘s previous works. This series weaves a beautiful yet bittersweet symphony, exploring themes of forgiveness, morality, and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit. A resonating tragedy, Midnight Mass is another must see and benefits from multiple viewings.
Streaming on Netflix!
Today’s winner:
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
Magic. I say this word often and with good reason. Movies, in all of their delicate glory, are pieces of pixie dust sprinkled through our television screens.
The three silent films from 1900-1903 that I am about to discuss conjure such a word. These moving pictures are our history, our start, and they are feats of ingenuity and creativity.
In a sense the first three all feel like a magic show. The way the ghosts appear and reappear or woman is severed in half. For their time the editing and design are fantastically eerie and doesn’t require a word. All three are from various places around the world.
This is a one minute short and it works like a single line story would on camera. It isn’t flashy but this story, based on a play, provides depth in a small dose.
Sometimes less is more. This inspires more mystery and questions than anything but its question mark is an enticing one to contemplate.
When a man tries to convince another to behead a woman and he refuses, he takes her place.
This US production isn’t the most stylistic or expansive, but it still leaves a mark on its viewer.
My favorite of the trio, The Haunted Curiosity Shop is a ghostly delight.
It seems that there are some spirits amidst the store. These hauntings weave in and out and strike quite the curiosity from the store owner.
It’s a simple enough premise that never feels that way. Sometimes, a gentle apparition based tale is enough. The fact that Walter R. Booth was a magician is no surprise this UK film serves as a bewitching experience and showcase for the performer.
This fun little number feels somehow more fantastical than the others, a rich lineup of moments that pop off the screen. The set design is a lively renaissance looking background.
The cauldron is getting fed as a demon throws three individuals inside. When they turn into flames they seek revenge and chase the demon down. Eventually, it feasts on one more as he leaps inside.
This French silent film boasts imagination that would inspire many a horror and fantasy to come.
As trailblazers for cinema to come, each deserves a watch, and all three are easily available to track down online!
Today’s winners:
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
Ah, the perils of science fiction, inflated egos, and of becoming too intelligent for our own good…
The Envoy revolves around two colleagues who were once inseparable, but have now been burdened by jealousy and competitiveness. These two brilliant minds, who were best of friends during their college days, have embarked on different paths in their respective careers. However, in the captivating world of Envoy, their destinies intertwine once again.
Meet Steven Allard and Ben Raines, both esteemed men of science. Steven, driven by the pursuit of financial gain, channels his focus into finding cures for life’s afflictions, such as cancer. On the other hand, Ben Raines, having tragically lost his wife to cancer, is on a relentless quest to establish a means of communication with the departed.
While The Envoy incorporates fresh themes and incorporates elements from other sources, it manages to retain an enthralling sense of novelty. The vivid colors and mesmerizing artwork employed in the book serve as masterful tools in constructing the atmosphere, while also providing distinct visualizations for each character. Our two protagonists, though distinct in their individuality, are equally captivating and driven in their own unique ways. The rivalry between these two goes from moderately safe to wildly unhealthy, and fast.
They make contact with an extraterrestrial and also get success in testing this strange blue box that seems to cure cancer. How? Why? Maybe we don’t need to know…
It’s a clever concept, one that feeds our science fiction fix while also delving into some horrifying depths.
The comic is more dialogue heavy than many and could use more entertainment driven sequences. It never feels too talky, but it borders it. Still, the artwork is fantastic, and the character work is top notch.
With electrifying cover art (pun intended) that smartly ensnares the reader, you’re immediately intrigued.
The narrative brings a lot of exposition and yet leaves a lot mysterious which can challenge a reader who needs to know each distinct detail. The artwork by Esparza is mesmerizing though, and I only wish there were more action to show it off.
John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction: The Envoy is a valued addition to the lineup of work with a clever story and transportive designs.
Today’s winner:
Stay tuned for more coverage and winners!!
We’re so excited to share with WW&H Filmmakers & Film Lovers alike the 2023 KINO Short Film Fest. Proudly sponsored by Panavision & Final Draft. Applicants and filmmakers from all over the globe can submit short films in all genres.
The winning filmmakers will receive one of two top prizes:
The Judge’s Choice of $25,000
The People’s Choice of $5,000
Other prizes awarded:
Best Drama Short
Best Comedy Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Documentary Short
Best LGBT Short
Best Horror Short
Best Sci-Fi Short
Best Animated Short
Best Student Short
Films are also eligible for consideration for KINO (a film finance company) to collaborate with a filmmaker to make their feature film. No other film festival offers this. Each category will be adjudicated by a series of working professionals specializing in that genre (i.e. Animation = Pixar Animator. Horror = SAW Franchise Writer etc.) Winners will be announced live in Los Angeles on January 31st, 2024 at the historic Hollywood Legion Theater.
APPLICANTS CAN SUBMIT HERE.
Discount Code: ‘WW&H’ for one-time submission for WW&H Filmmakers.
OR a KINO Pro option at $12.99/mo (this one is great if filmmaker has more than one short as multiple submissions are included + industry workshops, events and more)
For more information, check out:
KINO Website
KINO Instagram
KINO PRO is a community and a network of filmmakers that collaborates and builds the future
of film together. We connect the right people to epic opportunities.
Part of KINO’s MISSION is to build a network of creatives while championing and supporting emerging filmmakers. Beyond submitting your short, you’ll be able to create a public profile and include each cast/crew that participated on your short film. This creates the opportunity to celebrate each role on a film set and get noticed for your work outside of this competition. KINO is creating the bridge from emerging to working filmmaker. We look forward to seeing how YOU tell stories.
Questions?
Don’t hesitate to reach out.
brit@kino.studio
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
When it comes to taking on a canon like this, a film needs to truly stand out, and The Invisible Man certainly achieves that. Adapted from the classic H.G. Wells novel, this film cleverly infuses a modern flair into the story by exploring themes such as domestic abuse, gaslighting, and the impact of technology on our lives, all while maintaining its ability to frighten.
Our protagonist Cecilia Kass played by the remarkable Elisabeth Moss, manages to escape the clutches of her abusive husband, the wealthy optics engineer and businessman Adrian Griffin (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). It requires her to go to extraordinary lengths to disappear, and even after she discovers that he is supposedly “dead,” her instincts persistently tell her that he is still relentlessly hunting her down.
She stays with her childhood friend, Detective James Lanier (Aldis Hodge), and his teenage daughter, Sydney (Storm Reid).
Moss’s performance exhibits incredible depth, portraying her character with unwavering intensity and strength, despite her crumbling circumstances. The antagonist, too, is menacing, intelligent, and maniacal, embodying a mad scientist whose mind-boggling inventions serve to further his own agenda of control.
The Invisible Man is a thought-provoking thriller that expertly utilizes suspense to keep the audience in the dark. The cinematography skillfully employs angles and effects to emphasize the concept of invisibility, further immersing viewers in the experience.
The film masterfully blends psychological horror, jump scares, and an ongoing sense of unease, continually leaving you on edge, wondering when and if the invisible man will reveal himself. Is he watching at this very moment? Lurking in the shadows? The terror experienced in this film extends beyond Moss‘s exceptional portrayal, as the keen direction creates a palpable paranoia that sends shivers down the audience’s collective spine.
The script doesn’t waste a moment. There’s no excess and each scene and line of dialogue or purposeful lack thereof is thrilling. Writer/director Leigh Whannell has really honed his craft and this is just another stunner to add to his filmography.
And let’s not forget to mention the absolutely stellar visual effects that truly add to the film’s overall impact, and push this film into an inherently unsettling place: the idea of being watched.
The Invisible Man is an intelligent and creepy adaptation that is anchored by one of Moss‘ best.
Today’s winner:
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
The Ring, a remake of the Japanese film “Ringu,” is a standout among remakes, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. Directed by Gore Verbinski, the film masterfully captures the unsettling nature of a killer video tape.
The story follows journalist Rachel Keller (played by the talented Naomi Watts) as she delves into the investigation of a disturbing and cursed video tape after her niece’s gruesome death. The tape, rumored to claim the lives of those who watch it within seven days, becomes a ticking time bomb for Rachel and her young son.
Naomi Watts delivers a performance that is both complex and relatable, immersing the audience in Rachel’s fear and genuine reactions to the mounting terror. The haunting line “seven days” uttered by a mysterious voice over the phone after watching the tape sends chills down your spine, leaving you with an ominous sense of impending doom.
What sets The Ring apart is its ability to create a genuinely creepy and unique atmosphere without relying on tired horror clichés. The film finds simplicity in its eerie tone, successfully blurring the line between reality and the paranormal. It skillfully plays with supernatural elements while maintaining a sense of believability, ensuring that the concept of a deadly video tape never feels silly.
The film’s dark visuals, accentuated by a haunting musical score, effectively build tension and keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The color scheme, with its prevalent blue and gray tones, adds to the overall sense of unease, creating an atmosphere that feels as murky as the well that houses the young girl, Samara.
And who could forget the unforgettable twist ending? The implications of the twist leave you with more questions and speculations, deepening the impact of the film. There are also some visceral moments (including the montage of how people look when they die) that terrifies.
The Ring captivates audiences with its original concept, atmospheric horror, psychological thrills, compelling characters, and a twist ending that resonates long after the credits roll. It is a film that leaves you unsettled, bone deep, and eager to unravel its mysteries.
Todays winner:
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
Cobweb proved to be a delightful horror discovery in 2023. Despite its lack of advertising, I was still surprised to learn that it had not gained much recognition among the masses.
However, that is about to change.
Under the masterful direction of Samuel Bodin, this film exudes a wickedly lovely Halloween season vibe. The story revolves around young Peter, portrayed by the talented Woody Norman.
Right from the beginning, it becomes apparent that something is amiss in his household with his mother, Carol (Lizzy Caplan), and father, Mark (Antony Starr). Their refusal to allow him to partake in trick-or-treating and the unexplained moments of tension create an aura of mystery.
As the plot progresses, the odd occurrences intensify. Knocking sounds emanate from the walls, and Peter’s parents dismiss them as figments of his imagination. Yet, the tension continues to build, enveloping the home and the film itself, akin to a tautly coiled rope moments away from snapping. However, the true nature of the darkness lurking within remains concealed until later.
When the knocking morphs into a voice claiming to be his sister trapped within the walls, Peter begins to listen. Initially, this newfound presence bolsters his courage, but soon paranoia and manipulation take hold.
At school, Peter suffers from frequent bullying. However, with the assistance of his supportive teacher, Miss Devine (Cleopatra Coleman), and his newfound friend residing in the wall, he takes action. Unfortunately, this results in violence and his return home to continue his education, which only heightens his already troubled mind. The script adeptly maintains suspense, escalating as the story gains momentum and introduces potential red herrings.
What secrets are his parents concealing? Can Peter trust them? Can he trust the little girl within the wall? Amidst it all, Miss Devine senses that something is awry and endeavors to protect Peter, often encountering obstacles from Carol.
While some of the musical choices may not hit the mark, and certain effects may occasionally go a step further than necessary, these minor flaws do not detract from the film’s overall entertainment value.
In its final act, Cobweb wholeheartedly embraces its supernatural and peculiar elements. I especially thought the psychological torment depicted and the unexpected twists and turns were intriguing.
The film features several thrilling shockers and captivating imagery throughout. It often adheres to the “less is more” approach, but as it delves deeper into the narrative, it becomes increasingly gruesome and relentless. Moreover, it incorporates moments of hilarity or, at the very least, a charmingly awkward quirkiness that elicits laughter.
The performances in Cobweb are truly outstanding, reminding me of why I adore Caplan in such roles (more please!). Norman, too, excels as our innocent protagonist, effortlessly conveying his naivety and purity, which in turn accentuates the devilish and suspicious nature of his surroundings.
Cobweb is an absolute gem that warrants attention. It invites viewers into its uniquely creepy world, leaving them captivated throughout.
Today’s winner:
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
We all know and appreciate Quentin Tarantino at this point, but have you seen his earlier penned horror entry? One in which he has a supporting, uncomfortably creepy role? This is camp, this nightmare fuel, and it boasts a stellar cast. Yes, I’m talking about From Dusk Till Dawn.
One of my go-to horror comedies that never seems to run out of steam (or blood) is the uniquely wild Robert Rodriguez-directed mayhem fright fests.
It starts as a crime thriller with the Gecko brothers the brains Seth (George Clooney) and the disturbed Richie (Quentin Tarantino) being pursued by the law after robbery and murder. They decide to head to a place beyond the Mexican border: El Rey. But first, they need to meet at a local biker bar and find transportation to do so.
They find a family on vacation who seem like easy pickings to take hostage. Patriarch Harvey Keitel, his daughter Juliette Lewis, and son Ernest Liu are trying to reconnect after the passing of his wife.
But this journey has nothing easy about it. For where they are heading is a place where evil traps their prey.
It’s gonna be a long night.
This is a horror that doesn’t hold back from a tendency to lean into self-awareness and embrace the dark humor that Tarantino emphasizes with his dialogue. Each eccentricity is on full display, and it’s got a killer cast, including Salma Hayek.
The practical effects are delightful. The over-the-top phrases and kills are a blast and the combination of characters, forced into this violent confrontation of survival is wielded with ample parts creativity and silly, gory rampage.
From Dusk Till Dawn has stylish direction coaxing its genre-bending narrative, with bouts of dark hilarity, all centered by the charismatic George Clooney. This vampire jaunt has a one-of-a-kind bite.
Today’s Winner:
While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.
So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!
Storm of the Century is a captivating film that stands out in Stephen King‘s body of work. While not based on a book, King himself wrote the teleplay, showcasing his exceptional storytelling abilities. Presented as a miniseries, this production masterfully explores themes of isolation, the supernatural, and psychological introspection, leaving viewers with thought-provoking questions.
Set on Little Tall Island, Maine, the residents harbor deep secrets, guarding them with utmost care. However, this year, they face a snowstorm of unprecedented magnitude, with origins that extend beyond mere meteorology. As the storm rages on, an insidious evil emerges, ensnaring the community in a perilous and life-threatening situation.
At the center of this gripping tale is Mike Anderson, the island’s constable, portrayed brilliantly by Tim Daly. When a mysterious stranger arrives at the town hall, seeking something ominous, the stage is set for a harrowing sequence of events. Days pass, and the weather worsens, while the community becomes plagued by inexplicable occurrences and tragic deaths. The stranger possesses intimate knowledge of their darkest secrets, using it as a weapon to sow chaos and despair.
Storm of the Century unfolds within a claustrophobic and bone-chilling atmosphere, immersing the audience in a world of relentless dread. One of the standout performances comes from Colm Feore as the creatively menacing André Linoge, the villain of the story. Feore’s portrayal is wickedly devilish, and the dynamic between him and Mike Anderson is nothing short of captivating. It’s one of my favorite villains in any of King’s work.
Some of the supporting roles include Mike’s wife Molly Anderson (Debrah Farentino)and son Ralph Emerick “Ralphie” Anderson (Dyllan Christopher). There is also Robert Beals (Jeffrey DeMunn) the town manager and Alton Hatcher (Casey Siemaszko) as Mike’s best friend.
Beneath the surface, the story delves into profound questions of morality and the nature of evil itself. It challenges viewers to ponder what truly defines it, as Linoge’s horrifying request reveals the depths of human depravity. “Give me what I want and I will go away.”
Storm of the Century is a mesmerizing horror experience that combines atmospheric tension, compelling characters, and unsettling philosophical inquiries. It is a testament to Stephen King‘s storytelling prowess and shows the power of the human psyche when confronted with darkness.
It’s worth seeking out and remains one of the lesser seen of King’s resume. Don’t sleep on this one!
Today’s winner:
Wonderfully Weird & Horrifying 