As Above So Below
Beau Is Afraid - Ari Aster
Mother! (stylized as mother!) is a 2017 American fantasy drama[1] film written and directed by Darren Aronofsky, and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Domhnall Gleeson, Brian Gleeson, and Kristen Wiig. It follows a young woman whose tranquil life with her husband at their country home is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious couple.
In the burned-out remains of a large house, Him, an acclaimed poet struggling with writer's block, places a crystal object on a pedestal in his study, and the building morphs into a beautiful home in an edenic landscape. Mother, the poet's wife and muse, awakens in her bed and wonders aloud where He is. While renovating the house, she occasionally visualizes a beating heart within its walls.
One day, a stranger called Man turns up at the house, claiming to be an orthopedic surgeon at the local hospital and asking for a room. Him readily agrees, and Mother reluctantly follows suit. Late that night, Man suffers from dry heaves and Mother observes a wound on his side.
Man's wife, Woman, arrives the next day. Mother is increasingly frustrated by her guests, but Him begs her to let them stay, revealing that Man is actually a fan whose dying wish was to meet Him. However, when Man and Woman accidentally shatter the crystal object, which Him had forbidden them to touch, Him becomes angry and boards up his study. Mother tells Man and Woman to leave, but, before they can go, their two sons arrive unexpectedly and fight over Man's will. The oldest son, who is concerned about his impending inheritance, argues and fights with his younger brother, severely wounding him, and the older brother flees after having his head smashed against glass by Him, leaving a bloody gash in his head.
Him, Man, and Woman take the injured son to the hospital. Alone in the house, Mother cleans up and notices strange damage to the house, including a fly, a frog, and blood that will not stop dripping. She follows the blood to a tank of heating oil hidden behind the basement walls. Upon returning, Him informs Mother the son has died.
Mother and Him are roused that night when dozens of people arrive unannounced at the house to mourn the dead son. The visitors behave in rude and presumptuous ways that irritate Mother, and she snaps and orders everyone to leave when they break a sink, partially flooding the house. She berates Him for allowing so many people inside and ignoring her needs, but their argument leads to passionate lovemaking. The next morning, Mother announces she is pregnant, which elates Him and inspires him to start writing again.
Time passes. Mother prepares for the arrival of the child and reads Him's beautiful new poem. Upon publication, it is acclaimed and sells well. In celebration, Mother prepares a big dinner, but a group of fans interrupt. Though she asks Him to send them away, he insists he has to be polite and show his appreciation. Mother tries to lock the doors, but droves of fans pour into the house and begin to wreak havoc, stealing things as souvenirs and damaging the house. Due to the adulation he is receiving, Him is oblivious to what is happening, but a disoriented Mother watches helplessly as military forces turn up to battle members of the cult that has sprung up around Him and as his publicist organizes mass executions. Mother goes into labor and finds Him, who reopens his study, which he had previously boarded up, so she can give birth inside.
The Sixth Sense is a 1999 American psychological thriller film written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. It stars Bruce Willis as a child psychologist whose patient (Haley Joel Osment) claims he can see and talk to the dead.
Released by Buena Vista Pictures (through its Hollywood Pictures label) on August 6, 1999, The Sixth Sense received critical acclaim, with praise for the cast performances (particularly those of Willis, Osment, and Toni Collette), atmosphere, direction and surprise ending. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Shyamalan, Best Supporting Actor for Osment, and Best Supporting Actress for Collette.[3] The film established Shyamalan as a predominant thriller screenwriter/director and introduced the cinema public to his traits, most notably his affinity for twist endings.
It was the second-highest-grossing film of 1999, behind Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, making roughly $293 million in the US and $379 million in other markets.
Talk to Me is a 2022 Australian supernatural horror film directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, written by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman, and based on a concept by Daley Pearson. It stars Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji, Miranda Otto, and Zoe Terakes. The film follows a group of teenagers who discover they are able to contact spirits using a mysterious severed and embalmed hand, only for things to go too far.
Talk to Me premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival on 30 October 2022, and was released by Maslow Entertainment in Australia on 27 July 2023. The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised its story, direction, horror sequences, practical effects, sound design and performances, with Wilde and Bird receiving particular praise. It was a box office success, grossing approximately $91 million worldwide against a $4.5 million budget, becoming American distributor A24's highest-grossing horror film and second highest-grossing film overall. A sequel is currently in development.
The Fourth Kind is a 2009 science fiction-psychological horror-thriller-drama film[2] directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi and featuring a cast of Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Corey Johnson, Will Patton, Charlotte Milchard, Mia Mckenna-Bruce, Yulian Vergov, and Osunsanmi. The title is derived from the expansion of J. Allen Hynek's classification of close encounters with aliens, in which the fourth kind denotes alien abductions.
The film is a pseudodocumentary—purporting to be a dramatic re-enactment of true events that occurred in Nome, Alaska - in which a psychologist uses hypnosis to uncover memories of alien abduction from her patients, and finds evidence suggesting that she may have been abducted as well. At the beginning of the film, Jovovich informs the audience this entire movie is actually real, that she will be playing a character based on a real person named Abigail Tyler, and that the film will feature archival footage of the real Tyler. The "Abigail Tyler" seen in the archival footage is played by Charlotte Milchard, and at various points throughout the film, the archival footage scenes and accompanying dramatic re-enactments are presented side by side.
The film received negative reviews and grossed $47.7 million worldwide.
Knock at the Cabin is a 2023 American apocalyptic psychological horror film written, directed and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, who wrote the screenplay from an initial draft by Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman. It is based on the 2018 novel The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul G. Tremblay, the first adaptation of one of his works. The film stars Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Kristen Cui, Abby Quinn, and Rupert Grint. In the film, a family vacationing at a remote cabin is suddenly held hostage by four strangers, who ask something unimaginable.
Knock at the Cabin premiered in New York City at the Rose Hall on January 30, 2023, and was theatrically released in the United States on February 3, 2023, by Universal Pictures. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and has grossed over $54 million worldwide.
Seven-year-old Wen is vacationing with her fathers, Eric and Andrew, at a remote cabin in rural Pennsylvania. She is approached by a stranger named Leonard, who explains that he needs Wen and her parents' help to save the world. Three other individuals break in with makeshift weapons and tie them up. Struggling to fight them off, Eric sustains a concussion.
Leonard and his companions—Sabrina, Adriane, and Redmond—claim that they have no intention of harming the family. However, in the past week, they have been driven by visions to find the family. They foresee an impending apocalypse in which oceans will rise, a pandemic will spread, and the sky will fall. The only way to prevent this is for the family to sacrifice one of their own. If they do not make a choice, they will be the last people standing.
When the family refuses, the intruders sacrifice Redmond by fatally striking him with their weapons. Eric sees a figure of light as Redmond dies. On television, news reports show devastating megatsunamis. Andrew believes Redmond is Rory O'Bannon, a man who had been arrested after assaulting Andrew in a bar years prior. He thinks Rory tracked him down for revenge. Leonard, Sabrina, and Adriane grapple with guilt, but reveal that Redmond's death has unleashed the first judgment of humanity. The next day, the intruders sacrifice Adriane. Meanwhile, a deadly variation of the flu virus spreads across the world.
Andrew escapes and shoots at Sabrina with his gun until she flees. As Leonard is being held at gunpoint, Sabrina breaks in and is fatally shot by Andrew. Leonard decapitates Sabrina, and afterwards Andrew finds Redmond's wallet and proves to Leonard that he was Rory. Andrew confronts Leonard in the bathroom, but Leonard overtakes him and grabs Andrew's gun. A TV broadcast reveals that hundreds of spontaneous plane crashes have occurred around the world.
Realizing their time is nearly over, Leonard informs the family that after his death, they will only have a few minutes to make a decision. He then slits his throat. Upon his death, lightning causes fires and more planes to crash. Eric now believes the events are real, and that the intruders represent the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Not wanting Wen to grow up in a destroyed world, he offers himself as the sacrifice and envisions an older Andrew and an adult Wen thriving in the future. He feels that their family was chosen to make the sacrifice because their love is so pure. Andrew reluctantly shoots and kills Eric.
Andrew and Wen find the visitors' truck with belongings that corroborate their stories. They drive to a crowded diner, where they watch news reports confirming that the disasters have subsided. The radio plays "Boogie Shoes" by KC and the Sunshine Band, coincidentally the song that Eric had played for them before. The duo drives off. As the closing credits fade out, seven distinct loud knocks are heard at the very end of the film.
Released in 2008 and directed by Bryan Bertino, "The Strangers" is a spine-tingling home invasion thriller that has cemented its place as a classic in the horror genre. With an uncompromising commitment to building suspense, an eerie atmosphere, and the power of relentless simplicity, this film has stood the test of time and continues to terrify audiences more than a decade later.
The film's premise is deceptively straightforward yet profoundly effective. It revolves around a young couple, Kristen (Liv Tyler) and James (Scott Speedman), who retreat to a secluded vacation home for the night. Their peaceful evening takes a nightmarish turn when they find themselves at the mercy of three masked intruders. The film's strength lies in its ability to wring suspense and terror from the simplest of elements, often leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of "The Strangers" is the absence of a traditional musical score. This decision by the director, Bryan Bertino, adds an unsettling layer to the film's already tense atmosphere. The lack of music makes the audience acutely aware of every creak, every whisper, and every ominous sound within the house, enhancing the feeling of vulnerability and isolation.
The masked intruders, with their eerie, expressionless visages, are unforgettable. Their motives and identities remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the pervasive dread that lingers throughout the film. As a result, "The Strangers" isn't just a typical home invasion thriller; it's a relentless game of cat and mouse that gets under your skin and refuses to let go.
Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman deliver powerful performances that are pivotal to the film's success. Their chemistry and emotional portrayals make it easy for the audience to connect with their characters, amplifying the terror as their world unravels around them. You genuinely feel their fear and desperation, which adds a layer of emotional depth to the film.
"The Strangers" played a significant role in the resurgence of horror as a respected genre in the late 2000s. It inspired a new wave of home invasion horror films and influenced the way directors approached building suspense and terror. It was a milestone in Bryan Bertino's directorial career, marking his debut with a film that demonstrated his ability to create an atmosphere of relentless fear and dread.
Over the years, "The Strangers" has achieved cult classic status. Fans have dissected every frame, developed intriguing theories, and quoted memorable lines. It remains a film that horror enthusiasts revisit time and again, finding new details and fears with each viewing.
In conclusion, "The Strangers" is an unrelenting masterpiece of horror that still haunts us to this day. With its exceptional ability to generate fear and suspense from the simplest of elements, an iconic directorial debut, and performances that keep you invested, it's no wonder that it stands as a classic in the genre. If you have a penchant for spine-tingling, nerve-wracking horror, "The Strangers" is a must-watch, and it's a testament to the lasting power of this bone-chilling gem from 2008.
The Evil Dead franchise, created by Sam Raimi, has been a beloved staple of the horror genre for decades. With a successful mix of horror and dark humor, it has garnered a dedicated fan base. Now, fans are eagerly anticipating the latest installment, "Evil Dead Rise," which takes the series in a fresh direction. In this review, we'll dive deep into the dark and blood-soaked world of "Evil Dead Rise" and examine how it stacks up against its iconic predecessors.
"Evil Dead Rise" takes a daring approach by moving away from the familiar cabin-in-the-woods setting and the iconic protagonist, Ash Williams, played by Bruce Campbell. Instead, it introduces a new set of characters facing off against the malevolent forces of the Necronomicon, the Book of the Dead. This shift in focus allows the filmmakers to explore new angles and expand the Evil Dead universe.
The story revolves around two estranged sisters, Ellie and Lyla, who are brought back together when they discover a dark family secret. As they confront the evil unleashed by the Necronomicon, they must rely on their wits and bravery to survive. The film does a commendable job of delving into their relationship and personal struggles, making the audience genuinely care about their fate. Their character development is a highlight of the movie, and the performances by the cast, notably Alyssa Sutherland and Lily Sullivan, are top-notch.
One of the hallmarks of the Evil Dead series has always been its gore and practical effects. "Evil Dead Rise" continues this tradition, delivering some truly gruesome and visceral scenes. The practical effects are a sight to behold, and the film's commitment to physical effects over CGI pays off. Gorehounds will not be disappointed, as the movie offers plenty of cringe-worthy moments that rival the goriest scenes from the franchise's past.
Director Lee Cronin, known for his work on "The Hole in the Ground," brings a unique vision to the Evil Dead universe. While the iconic cabin is absent, Cronin successfully creates an eerie atmosphere through his cinematography and set design. The dilapidated urban setting, combined with the gruesome practical effects, sets a dark and foreboding tone throughout the film.
"Evil Dead Rise" pays homage to its predecessors with subtle references and nods that will thrill long-time fans. While it's a fresh take on the franchise, it doesn't forget its roots. These callbacks are sprinkled throughout the film, offering a delightful nostalgia trip for viewers who have followed the Evil Dead series since its inception.
In "Evil Dead Rise," the filmmakers take a bold step away from the familiar and beloved elements of the franchise while maintaining the spirit of its predecessors. The result is a blood-soaked, character-driven horror film that successfully expands the Evil Dead universe in a thrilling new direction. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic horror franchise, and fans old and new are sure to find something to love in this latest installment. If you're a horror enthusiast with a taste for gore and dark humor, "Evil Dead Rise" should be on your watchlist. So, grab your chainsaw and prepare for a blood-soaked, demon-slaying adventure that will leave you craving more from the world of Evil Dead.
Basket Case 2 is a 1990 American comedy slasher film written and directed by Frank Henenlotter, and the sequel to the 1982 film Basket Case.[1] It stars Kevin Van Hentenryck as Duane Bradley, who moves with his deformed, formerly conjoined twin brother Belial into a home for "unique individuals" run by their long-lost aunt, eccentric philanthropist Granny Ruth (played by Annie Ross).[2]
The film spawned another sequel, Basket Case 3: The Progeny, in 1991.
After falling from an apartment building at the end of the first film, Duane Bradley and his deformed, surgically-separated conjoined twin brother Belial are taken to the hospital. Their unusual situation draws media attention, making it impossible to lead a secret life. They are rescued from the hospital by Granny Ruth, who saw their story on the news. She takes them to her home, where she and her granddaughter Susan care for an extended family of similarly deformed individuals. Among these individuals is Eve, who is similar to Belial in that she is a bodiless torso. Traumatized by how she has been treated prior to Ruth rescuing her, Eve is mute and spends most of her time in the attic. A few years pass and as Eve and Belial fall in love, Duane's resentment of Belial grows. He hasn't forgiven Belial for Sharon's death and wishes to live a life without being surrounded by "freaks", as previously he had been unable to leave Belial due to their psychic bond.
During all of this a sleazy reporter named Marcie and her equally sleazy photographer Arty have been looking for the Bradley brothers in order to bring them to justice. Upon discovering the freaks Marcie decides that she will expose them to the world, forcing Ruth and the others to stop her. They kill Arty, as well as a private detective named Phil who was assisting Marcie. Duane tricks Marcie into allowing the freaks into her home under the guise that Belial wants an interview; Belial mutilates her face, turning her into a freak as well.
That night the freaks celebrate their victory while Eve and Belial consummate their relationship in the attic. Seeing this as an opportunity to finally be free of Belial, Duane approaches Susan and asks her to run away with him. She is horrified that he would leave his brother and reveals that she, too, is a freak. She has been pregnant for six years as her baby refuses to leave her womb; upon revealing this, a grotesque lamprey-like creature emerges from Susan's surgical wounds where failed cesarean sections have been attempted. This shatters the last of Duane's psyche and he kills Susan by pushing her out a window. He then goes to Belial and forcibly sews him to his body. The film ends as Ruth and the others discover what Duane has done, and stare at him horrified.
The year 2020 brought us a plethora of cinematic wonders, but few captured the imagination and suspense of viewers quite like "The Invisible Man." Directed by Leigh Whannell and based on the classic H.G. Wells novel, this thrilling reimagining of the story delivered a spine-tingling experience that left audiences on the edge of their seats. In this SEO post, we'll delve into the intricate web of this film's plot, its critical acclaim, and the lasting impact it has had on both the horror genre and cinema as a whole.
The Plot Unraveled: "The Invisible Man" follows the story of Cecilia Kass, portrayed brilliantly by Elisabeth Moss, who escapes from an abusive relationship with a wealthy and brilliant scientist, Adrian Griffin (played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen). After his apparent suicide, Cecilia suspects that Adrian has developed the ability to turn himself invisible and is tormenting her. As she struggles to prove her sanity and unveil the truth, a chilling game of cat and mouse unfolds.
Psychological Thrills and Real-World Relevance: One of the most striking aspects of this film is its ability to tap into the real-life horrors of domestic abuse and gaslighting. "The Invisible Man" doesn't just provide jump scares; it explores the psychological toll of abuse and the difficulties survivors face in being believed. This relevance to contemporary issues added depth and resonance to the film, elevating it beyond the traditional horror genre.
Critical Acclaim: Upon its release, "The Invisible Man" received widespread critical acclaim. Its taut storytelling, exceptional performances, and atmospheric cinematography were lauded by both audiences and critics. Elisabeth Moss's portrayal of Cecilia was particularly praised for her ability to convey fear, vulnerability, and determination, often simultaneously.
Impact on the Horror Genre: "The Invisible Man" marks a significant shift in modern horror cinema. It showcases that horror can be thought-provoking, socially relevant, and emotionally charged, rather than merely relying on cheap scares. This film, along with others like "Get Out" and "A Quiet Place," has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Future Prospects: The success of "The Invisible Man" has opened doors for more reimaginings of classic horror stories. Studios and filmmakers are increasingly exploring how to infuse familiar tales with contemporary relevance, ensuring that horror remains a relevant and evolving genre.
Conclusion: "The Invisible Man" (2020) is a cinematic gem that defies the conventions of traditional horror, offering a gripping narrative that resonates with real-world issues. Its ability to blend psychological thrills, exceptional performances, and contemporary relevance has left an indelible mark on the horror genre. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, this modern masterpiece serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and its capacity to engage, entertain, and enlighten. Don't miss your chance to experience the invisible terrors lurking just beneath the surface.