The tension between Abel (Eoin Slattery) and his wife Grace (Rebecca Palmer) is palpable, but their strained relationship takes a back seat when the titular creature comes calling in the U.K. horror short The Thing That Ate the Birds. It’s obvious from their terse interactions that the couple has had problems for a long time, […]
In the following review for syndication, director Chris Bell talks about familial horror influences, his South London ‘hooligangster’ phase, and learning new lockdown skills, ahead of the U.K. Digital release of THE HEIRESS on March 15, 2021 courtesy of the Movie Partnership, in association with Old Way Film & Television, and its U.S. and Canadian […]
Writer/director Mark Sheridan’s Irish feature Crone Wood (2016) combines folk horror elements with stuck-in-the-woods fright-fare basics. The result is an interesting effort that doesn’t cover a lot of new ground, but does offer an entertaining 86-minute ride. The film is shot in a cinéma vérité style with multiple handheld cameras. As I have mentioned in […]
Arrow Video FrightFest Glasgow holds its 16th edition online from March 5–7, 2021, with six scintillating films from the United States, Canada, and France. From the divisive school-shooting thriller Run Hide Fight to the stylish film noir elements of The Woman with Leopard Shoes (La Femme Aux Chaussures Leopard) to the folk horror of The […]
Two young brothers drive their mother crazy in Bedtime Story (El Cuento), a Spanish horror short from cowriters/codirectors Lucas Paulino and Ángel Torres, but that’s nothing compared with what the night ahead holds for the trio. This atmospheric slice of supernatural fear fare is gripping from the beginning, and boasts an eerie, unsettling atmosphere of […]
Attack of the Killer Scarecrow delivers exactly what the title promises. Written, directed, and edited by teenager Octavian Kaul — who also stars as one of the three leads — this Canadian horror short has a nice 1980s vibe that doesn’t overdo that angle. On Halloween night, Aaron (Kaul) and two of his fellow high […]
Norwegian/U.S./U.K. production Mortal is a breathtaking origin story boasting engaging characters and performances, a wonderfully crafted story, rich visuals, and impressive special effects. Director André Øvredal (Troll Hunter, The Autopsy of Jane Doe, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark) returns to Scandivian mythology and crafts a dark take on a man coming to grips […]
No matter where you stand on killer doll movies, prepare to give your heart — or whatever piece of your anatomy the titular animated evil stuffed toy wishes to take — to Benny. Benny Loves You is a riotous, grue-heavy U.K. horror comedy that is the winning result of a five-year labor of love for […]
Australian short film Abduction combines social messages regarding shaming and victim blaming with a science-fiction setting. Frances Elliott’s screenplay and Paul Komadina’s direction masterfully balance these two elements, not allowing the science fiction elements to overpower the serious messages and vice versa. Mathilda (Alexandra Nell) enjoys a night out drinking and listening to live music […]
Among the many fine selections during Arrow Video FrightFest’s October digital edition is director Neil Marshall’s excellent return to the horror genre, the supernatural tale The Reckoning. Gruesome Magazine is pleased to share this Arrow Video FrightFest interview with Marshall about the making of this new chiller, his connection with the film festival, and more. […]
Arrow Video FrightFest, the United Kingdom’s biggest horror and fantasy film festival, celebrates its 21st year by getting physical and returning to Cineworld Leicester Square in London. The fest has announced that it has scheduled a mind-blowing 34 new feature films, including 7 world premieres. Following is the fest’s official press release and lineup. Following […]
Breakfast is a gripping Australian shocker short blending body horror with another fright-fare aspect that would be criminal to spoil here. Written by Paul Beattie and codirected by Beattie and Melanie Rios, Breakfast delivers an eerie tale featuring differing character perspectives and a chilling atmosphere throughout. Katherine (Rebecca Smee) has been sick and bedridden for […]
Four years ago, Train to Busan was voted the most popular FrightFest Closing Night film ever. This year, the hotly anticipated stand-alone sequel Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula will open this year’s Arrow Video FrightFest October event, courtesy of STUDIOCANAL. The film is scheduled to play on Thursday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m. across three screens […]
Writer/director Finn Callan’s U.K. short film Guest is rich in spine-tingling atmosphere, from the bandaged appearance of its protagonist Mary (Melania Crisan) to the heavy sense of dread throughout to the decidedly creepy reason why Mary is in her current state. Mary has entered, uninvited, the home of a woman (Jessica Munna) after being pursued […]
Arrow Video FrightFest, which is presenting a mouth-watering digital edition this year, has announced its short film program, which will be available for U.K. viewers to watch on demand from 6:00 pm August 27th until 9:00 pm August 31st. Following is the fest’s official press release. The films may be short, but there is no […]