Author: Kstrouse

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.

Ramblers, Let’s Get Rambling

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:

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!

Haunt-Tober offers a perfect opportunity to revisit and marvel at the brilliance of the iconic Hitchcock classic, Psycho.

It’s time to check in.

From the shocking early scene that removes our leading lady from the picture, to the jaw-dropping twists and Hitchcock’s signature style, this film never fails to astound.

When Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) arrives at the Bates Motel with $40,000 she has stolen from her boss, she has no idea the horror that awaits her. Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), the proprietor of the motel, harbors his own dark secrets and desires, ready to be unleashed.

Janet Leigh, one of the original scream queens, is a true gem on screen. Her portrayal is a delicate balance of innocence and mystery, captivating the audience with every scene.

Hitchcock, the master of suspense, expertly weaves together elements such as lighting, production design, and camera angles to create an unparalleled sense of tension. Psycho seamlessly blends elements of slasher and psychological horror, delving deep into themes of identity and mental illness. Its cultural impact cannot be overstated, forever altering the course of horror history.

Absolutely, the screenplay by Robert Bloch and Joseph Stefano is a crucial element that shouldn’t be overlooked. Their writing and story creation are stellar, serving as the backbone of the project and allowing the talents of the actors and director to shine. The screenplay sets the stage for the suspense and psychological depth that Psycho is renowned for, making it a truly memorable and impactful film.

Anthony Perkins delivers an exquisitely creepy portrayal of Norman Bates, his shy smile hiding layers of depth and deception. The impeccable direction and skillfully crafted suspense are magnificently complemented by spine-tingling moments that will be always remembered.

Is Psycho worth the continued hype? Absolutely.

Stay tuned for more Haunt-Tober articles (one a day in fact) and more giveaways!

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!

This was an intriguingly twisted little indulgence. In the most unsettling way, it had me captivated, unable to tear my eyes away from the screen while wearing a visible grimace. Once When Evil Lurks establishes its rhythm, there’s no turning back; it devours characters without a hint of mercy, all in a brilliantly strange (and chillingly morbid) manner.

In the film, two brothers, Pedro (Ezequiel Rodríguez) and Jimmy (Demián Salomón), make a startling discovery in the nearby woods, setting off a thrilling chain of events. From its gripping opening to its stunning conclusion, the movie maintains an electrifying and suspenseful atmosphere throughout.

Soon, a small group of townspeople must grapple with the challenge of disposing of the “rotten ”, a demon that is afoot, and it must be cleansed to prevent danger to them all, but following the necessary rules for this task proves to be no easy feat.

This rotten is like a festering wound, gruesome and queasy. There are several unforgettable sequences and images that will burrow deep into your psyche. This isn’t a film for the faint of heart by any means. 

Pedro emerges as the driving force, desperately striving to rescue his children and his ex-wife as things take a dark turn. What unfolds is a tangled web of distressing and emotionally harrowing events.

Directed by Demián Rugna, this film has the potential to be profoundly terrifying. Its tension is established early and its palpable ferocity never wanes. The supporting cast, including Luis Ziembrowski, Silvia Sabater, and Marcelo Michinaux, are all terrific. Each scene builds dread and enhances the eerie vibe.

This possession movie successfully breathes new life into the subgenre of horror, daring to take risks and delivering the kind of audacious and innovative experience that we crave.

When Evil Lurks doesn’t shy away from the horrific, keeping viewers on edge with a surplus of discomforting moments. It’s a film where you never truly feel anyone is safe. It’s bold and intensely bleak, and it is one of my favorite horror films of the year.

Stay tuned for more Haunt-Tober articles (one a day in fact) and more giveaways!

Today’s winner: