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4 Unexpected Tear-Jerking Moments in Horror Films

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We generally have an idea of when a movie is going to make us cry. Usually it’s a drama about cancer or an epic film where characters die while shouting heroic speeches. Occasionally, however, we’ll be watching a horror film when something happens that causes our chins to quiver and our eyes to mist up. “What’s going on here,” we might say. “This is a horror movie! I’m not supposed to be getting all choked up! This wasn’t supposed to make me cry!” Here are four such moments. (This article contains SPOILERS.)

mama cliff scene edited4. Mama
In Mama, a man having a meltdown on a murderous rampage kidnaps his two daughters, Victoria and Lilly. After driving his car off the road, they end up in an abandoned home in the forest. Here he intends to kill the little girls. They are saved by a ghostly woman, Mama, who spends the next five years as their protector deep in the wilderness. When the girls are brought back to civilization to live with their uncle Lucas and his girlfriend Annabel, Mama follows.

Raising the girls, whose development and vocabularies have been stunted by life in the wild, proves a major challenge even without the interference of a malevolent spirit. They have a hard time trusting Annabel as a new mother figure—as does Mama herself. Mama tries to make herself the girls’ sole guardian, and she’ll stop at nothing to get her way. Eventually, Victoria, being the older and wiser of the two girls, realizes that Mama is wrong, and Annabel’s actions toward the girls have earned her the chance to be their permanent guardian. Lilly, on the other hand, is still attached to Mama. The conflict climaxes at the edge of a cliff, where Mama has taken the girls and plans to bring them with her to whatever lies beyond the living. Annabel fights for them, and grabs hold of Victoria and won’t let go. Victoria wants to stay, but Lilly remains in Mama’s grasp. Lilly tearfully, with limited vocabulary, makes a plea to Victoria to come with her and Mama. But Victoria knows better. The two little girls reach for each other, sobbing as their guardians separate them. Eventually, Mama wraps Lilly in her arms and takes her to the other side.

Why it’s unexpected: Lilly essentially dies. The two sisters were inseparable throughout the film, and it’s a sad twist to see them torn apart from each other in such a profound manner.

evil dead david and mia edited3. Evil Dead (2013)
2013’s remake/reboot/quasi-sequel Evil Dead included a fresh twist on the “cabin in the woods” horror trope. Instead of featuring a group of friends simply out to have a good time far from the rules of society, the characters in this version are on a mission: Save their friend (and sister), Mia, from herself. Mia is a drug addict, and this cabin trip is a tough love effort to cut her off from her supply and help her through the intense withdrawal phase that will follow. No one knows Mia’s struggle with addiction quite like her brother, David. After a rough childhood with a mentally ill mother, her addiction has been threatening to bring further ruin to their small family.

When demons are unleashed on the group by the Necronomicon, Mia is the unfortunate recipient of the most powerful demonic possession. As her friends’ bodies pile up, Mia soon finds herself fighting for her soul. David, desperate to save his sister, realizes that the only way to drive out the demon inside her is to go to extremes by burying her alive. He restrains his sister and places her in a shallow grave, all the while being taunted by the abomination residing in her body. After he completes the burial, the fire on the tree next to him flames out. Quickly, he digs his sister from the ground and, using a makeshift defibrillator, tries to restart her heart. Believing he has failed, he morosely walks away, defeated. But then: “David?” His sister’s voice weakly calls to him, and he turns to see her standing up, fear in her eyes. He runs to her and they share a tearful embrace. They have had to endure so many battles throughout their lives, but none more intense than the literal battle for Mia’s soul. Finally, it appears, the worst is over, and these two loving siblings can move on and be the support for each other that they have needed their whole lives. This moment is even more heartbreaking when it comes to a violent end minutes later.

Why it’s unexpected: Fans of the original Evil Dead films may not have gone into the latest iteration expecting a powerful sibling relationship to be at the heart of a story where kids get possessed and killed by demons. The film also features many intense scenes of blood and gore, and tender moments between siblings don’t typically follow such action.

odd thomas together2. Odd Thomas
Odd Thomas tells the story of Odd, a small-town cook whose clairvoyance and communication with the dead have earned him quite a reputation. He works with the local police chief to solve crimes, either by getting help from victims or by predicting the future. His girlfriend, Stormy, with whom he is destined to be together forever, helps him along this weird journey. The arrival of a strange man, plus increased sightings of wicked creatures from another dimension that enjoy watching carnage unfold, disturbs the pair. Something horrifying is on the horizon.

Odd and Stormy eventually unravel the mystery and find out that a mass shooting is going to take place at the town mall, where Stormy manages an ice cream shop. Odd does not arrive in time to stop the shooting from beginning; however, he manages to ensure the safety of the mall’s patrons and employees, including Stormy.

Odd is badly wounded, but is hailed as a hero. Once he is fully recovered, he is sent home, or, rather, to Stormy’s home, where they proceed to canoodle and spend every waking moment with each other. Then comes the sucker punch to the heart. The police and a friend enter and tell Odd that it’s time to leave here, because the coroner has released Stormy’s body. WHAT?! Odd turns and sees Stormy, who now has tears streaming down her pretty face and is wearing the outfit she wore in the mall that fateful day—when she was shot to death by the killer. Odd had been able to still be with her because of his remarkable abilities to communicate with the dead, and he subconsciously didn’t want to let her go. The two share one last hug and tearful goodbye before she walks off into the ether of the afterlife.

Why it’s unexpected: The film is a fun horror-comedy. Although it has plenty of scary moments, it has a lightheartedness that betrays the heartbreaking finale. Plus, the filmmakers do a great job of hiding the reveal from us by showing Stormy at Odd’s side throughout his recovery, without anything looking out of the ordinary. A second viewing confirms, however, that she never said a word to anyone during that time, keeping with the rules the film established about the dead not being able to speak.

bubba ho tep still have my soul1. Bubba Ho-Tep
Bubba Ho-Tep has an outlandish premise: Elvis Presley and JFK are both still alive spending their twilight years in a nursing home, which is being terrorized by a soul-eating mummy. Oh, and JFK is black (“They dyed me this color!”). While the premise, and indeed much of the film itself, is comedic and absurd, Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis, as Elvis and JFK, respectively, ground it with heartfelt performances. Larger than life personalities aside, these are two old men who’ve suffered through loss and heartbreak, now living dull existences peppered with scheduled meals and awkward nurses visits. When they discover the terror lurking in the halls, an evil Stetson-styled mummy who preys on the souls of the elderly, they team up to figure out its mystery and try to stop it. Finally, they once again have a purpose—something to really live for. Plus, in each other they have found not only a partner, but a friend.

During the final battle outside on the nursing home grounds, JFK has died in action. It is up to Elvis alone now to stop this mummy from devouring his soul and those of anyone else it terrorizes. He succeeds, but not without suffering the ultimate price. Laid out on his back, mortally wounded, he knows his time is about to expire. “I still have my soul,” he declares. “Folks up there, at Shady Rest—they have theirs, too. And they’re gonna keep ‘em. Every single one.” He looks up to the night sky. Stars rearrange themselves and spell out a hieroglyphic message for him as the music softens to a gentle piano melody. The message is subtitled, and it reads, “All is well.” These two men, who previously thought themselves lost and forgotten, have just saved the souls of countless people. Because of their heroics, all is well. Elvis works up enough strength to speak his last words: “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

Why it’s unexpected: Re-read that premise. Would you go into a movie like that expecting a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes at the end? The viewer enters the film expecting a silly and fun ride, which they receive, but not without a massive pull to the heartstrings.

 

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

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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

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