Connect with us

News

“13 Views of the Suicide Woods” is a Masterpiece Collection of Sorrows and Horror

Published

on

Written by Shannon McGrew

When it comes to horror novels, it’s become harder and harder to find qualities ones. However, every now and then you stumble upon one that absolutely blows your mind. One of the books that I was most looking forward to cracking open this year was “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” by author Bracken MacLeod, as I had heard nothing but positive accolades from those within the horror community who had read it. This anthology of short stories perfectly delves into the horror that inhabitants the darkest corners of the mind where pain, terror, and heartache reside.

When it comes to anthologies, they can be hit or miss. More often than naught, there are a few stories that don’t seem to correlate with the overall theme of what the author is trying to convey. But that is something we don’t have to worry about with “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” since Bracken MacLeod hits the nail on the coffin every single time. Each and every story is just as capable of gutting you as the last while continuing to stay true to the essential topic on hand.

The stories range from supernatural horrors, such as vampires and spirits, to man-made terrors of murder, violence, and vengeance. Each story, without exceptions, packs a punch, and considering most of the stories have to do with how vile human nature can be, it leaves you questioning humanity and even those closest to you. A part of me wondered, how was MacLeod inspired and how was he able to get in the headspace to be able to write such vividly harrowing stories.

What I liked most about “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” is that there is something for every horror fan. There are enough stories to keep the attention of the readers from the moment they first open the book to the absolute finish, while also being unique in delivering each tale. This having been my first encounter with MacLeod’s writing, I was impressed to see that not every story conveyed that it was written by the same person (even though it was) as MacLeod was able to make each narrative different from the last. Because of that, it allowed me to be fully immersed into whatever was unfolding with each new story.

I wish I could pick a favorite story out of all the ones presented in this collection, but it’s incredibly hard due to how expertly crafted each tale of terror was. However, there were a few stories that stayed with me long after. The first being “Still Day: An Ending”. What I loved so much about this short was the incredible detail to the surroundings which gave a false sense of comfort for what was to come; only to then have it shattered by the slaughter of life. The juxtaposition between the two was done perfectly and is one of the best highlights of the entire anthology.

Along with “Still Day: An Ending”, I also enjoyed “Blood Makes the Grass Grow” as the narrative stereotype is flipped on its head and proves that no one is ever as they seem. Then there was “Pure Blood and Evergreen”, a new take on vampires that strikes an eerily similar chord to Hitler’s horrific reign, specifically in regards to concentration camps. Lastly, “Mine, Not Yours”, is a harrowing tale of human depravity, the sins of the Church, and just how far a father will go to seek vengeance for his daughter. In the end, each story will leave you shaken and disturbed for days to come.

Overall, “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” is an anthology I would recommend to everyone who is looking for fresh horror material to read. The stories are impactful and raw, never holding back where other might, but never being disrespectful or over-the-top towards some of the heavier themes presented. MacLeod is a true talent and a master at weaving incredibly detailed stories from beginning to end. He has an eye for detail which helps in bringing each tale to life in all it’s horrific glory. Mark my words, “13 Tales of the Suicide Woods” is one anthology you most certainly do not want to miss out on.

For more information or to order a copy of “13 Views of the Suicide Woods” visit Braken MacLeod’s site HERE.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

News

‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

Published

on

Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

Published

on

Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

Published

on

the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

Embed Gif with Clickable Title