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Mike Flanagan Creates a Beautiful Nightmare in the film “Before I Wake”

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Written by Shannon McGrew

I remember a few years ago a friend of mine sitting me down and saying I had to watch a film called “Absentia” by director Mike Flanagan.  I had no idea what it was about, but taking the advice from a trusted friend, I sat down and watched it.  To say I was blown away is an understatement.  I absolutely loved the film and since then I’ve been following Flanagan’s career closely.

Fast forward to 2016 and two out of three films Flanagan directed are released – Universal Picture’s “Ouija: Origins of Evil” and Netflix’s “Hush”.  Both films are fantastic and I highly suggest watching them, but what we are here to discuss today is his third film, “Before I Wake”.  iHorror reported back in August that the film was supposed to be released in September, but Relativity pushed it back indefinitely (due to the company becoming bankrupt) and sadly, the film may never get to see the proper light of day.

With all the chatter that was surrounding the film, I knew I had to find a way to see it.  Luckily, it’s available for purchase on Amazon Canada and the Blu-ray supports Region A players.  With that in mind, I bought the Blu-ray fully trusting that whatever Flanagan created in this film would be completely worth it and I eagerly awaited its arrival.  I’m happy to report that the wait was so worth it as this film now has become one of my favorites.

“Before I Wake” centers around a young couple who decide to foster an 8-year-old boy named Cody.  They soon come to realize that Cody is terrified of falling asleep, because when he sleeps his dreams begin to materialize. The couple are amazed at what manifests before them, but their awe soon turns to horror as they begin to witness the other side of the coin, as Cody’s nightmares begin to come to life.  The film stars Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, Jacob Tremblay and Annabeth Gish.

This film is more than just a horror film; however, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t terrifying images and/or themes presented throughout the movie.  Ultimately, this film is about love, about the bond between parents and their children, about sickness, death and loss and the ways we cope with that.  It’s an emotional film beautifully crafted with amazing performances and visual storytelling.  With all that said, there were still moments in this movie that scared the shit out of me, most notably the visual representation of Cody’s night terrors in the form of “The Canker Man”.

“Before I Wake” got under my skin in a way that few films have.  There were times when it literally terrified me and I could feel the anxiety building as I waited to see how certain scenes would play out.  I also found myself incredibly moved by the overall story that was unfolding.  Butterflies are heavily represented in this film and rightfully so, as they represent transformation and hope as well as life after death.  It’s heavy symbolism for a film that some may just write off as another “scary” movie.  It forces you to see past the superficial layer so that it can reveal the heart and soult of what it really is.

It makes me sad that this film didn’t get the proper promotion and distribution that it deserved.  “Before I Wake” is a unique and beautiful film that has the power to effect those that view it while also terrifying those that are looking for something that has quality scares to it.  It’s a unique juxtaposition that not many films can pull off, but Mike Flanagan does it perfectly with this.  If you want to see the film, do a solid and make sure you order it from Amazon Canada, please don’t resort to illegally streaming or downloading it.  If you are a fan of Flanagan’s other films than I can assure you, you will love this.

 

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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