Connect with us

TV Series

‘Calls’: The Sound of Horror

Published

on

Writer and director Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead 2013, Don’t Breathe 2016) has revolutionized the horror genre once again with his new series Calls on AppleTV+. The newly released series consists of 9 intertwining episodes, none of which are over 20 minutes long.

‘Calls’ creator Fede Alvarez

These episodes feature flawed and heart wrenching characters, creating a world of chaos and dismay. Some of the celebrities who have offered their voices to the brave new venture include; Jennifer Tilly (Bride of Chucky 1998), Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian 2019), Stephen Lang (Don’t Breathe 2016), Judy Greer (Halloween 2018), and even a cameo by the show creator himself.

It’s a new era where COVID-19 has removed our ability to watch movies with other fans in darkened theaters. Directors and writers have to face the unexpected challenge of becoming more creative in their art. New mediums and outlets have to be explored, and Alvarez has done just that.

Alvarez has taken a fresh new approach, which when you think about it is not new at all. The show creator has returned to how we first used to enjoy stories; by word of mouth.  To drive this point home, all he displays on the screen are sound waves of the characters speaking.

Before television, before movie theaters, even before the radio we were told stories and kept them alive by reciting them to others around campfires, or to children at bedtime. Eventually this morphed into radio dramas. Perhaps the most well known radio drama being Orson Welles’ War of the Worlds first broadcasted in 1938.

The release of this radio drama was taken literally by many listeners, ensuing panic by the frightened public. The story telling coupled with outstanding performances and a solid storyline made for a captive and believing audience. This all blended beautifully to create a story of the mind.

Our imaginations conjure images that are much more frightening than any special effect can generate.

Calls brings this magic back to the forefront of the entertainment world.  Alvarez delivers the message many of us forgot a long time ago; all you need is a good story, dedicated actors, and a method of delivery to captivate and please an audience.  No big budgets, no flashy special effects, just a story.

While COVID-19 has taken away many forms of entertainment we once used to enjoy, it has also reminded us where the source of horror really comes from to an audience hungry for entertainment. Calls will certainly satisfy your thirst for something new from the genre.

Read more about Fede Alvarez’s Don’t Breath 2 here!

Listen to the trailer for Calls and let us know what you think!  Available now on AppleTV+

 

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

News

Exclusive Sneak Peek: Eli Roth and Crypt TV’s VR Series ‘The Faceless Lady’ Episode Five

Published

on

Eli Roth (Cabin Fever) and Crypt TV are knocking it out of the park with their new VR show, The Faceless Lady. For those unaware, this is the first fully scripted VR horror show on the market.

Even for masters of horror like Eli Roth and Crypt TV, this is a monumental undertaking. However, if I trust anyone to change the way that we experience horror, it would be these two legends.

The Faceless Lady

Ripped from the pages of Irish folklore, The Faceless Lady tells the story of a tragic spirit cursed to wander the halls of her castle for all of eternity. However, when three young couples are invited to the castle for a series of games, their fates may soon change.

So far, the story has provided horror fans with a gripping game of life or death that doesn’t look as if it will slow down in episode five. Luckily, we have an exclusive clip that may be able to satiate your appetites until the new premiere.

Airing on 4/25 at 5pmPT/8pmET, episode five follows our final three contestants in this wicked game. As the stakes are raised ever higher, will Ella be able to fully awaken her connection with Lady Margaret?

The faceless lady

The newest episode can be found on Meta Quest TV. If you haven’t already, follow this link to subscribe to the series. Make sure to check out the new clip below.

Eli Roth Present’s THE FACELESS LADY S1E5 Clip: THE DUEL – YouTube

To view in the highest resolution, adjust the quality settings in the bottom right corner of the clip.

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Continue Reading

News

Perhaps the Scariest, Most Disturbing Series of The Year

Published

on

You may have never heard of Richard Gadd, but that will probably change after this month. His mini-series Baby Reindeer just hit Netflix and it’s a terrifying deep dive into abuse, addiction, and mental illness. What is even scarier is that it’s based on Gadd’s real-life hardships.

The crux of the story is about a man named Donny Dunn played by Gadd who wants to be a stand-up comedian, but it’s not working out so well thanks to stage fright stemming from his insecurity.

One day at his day job he meets a woman named Martha, played to unhinged perfection by Jessica Gunning, who is instantly charmed by Donny’s kindness and good looks. It doesn’t take long before she nicknames him “Baby Reindeer” and begins to relentlessly stalk him. But that is just the apex of Donny’s problems, he has his own incredibly disturbing issues.

This mini-series should come with a lot of triggers, so just be warned it is not for the faint of heart. The horrors here don’t come from blood and gore, but from physical and mental abuse that go beyond any physiological thriller you may have ever seen.

“It’s very emotionally true, obviously: I was severely stalked and severely abused,” Gadd said to People, explaining why he changed some aspects of the story. “But we wanted it to exist in the sphere of art, as well as protect the people it’s based on.”

The series has gained momentum thanks to positive word-of-mouth, and Gadd is getting used to the notoriety.

“It’s clearly struck a chord,” he told The Guardian. “I really did believe in it, but it’s taken off so quickly that I do feel a bit windswept.”

You can stream Baby Reindeer on Netflix right now.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Continue Reading

Trailers

HBO’s “The Jinx – Part Two” Unveils Unseen Footage and Insights Into Robert Durst Case [Trailer]

Published

on

the jinx

HBO, in collaboration with Max, has just released the trailer for “The Jinx – Part Two,” marking the return of the network’s exploration into the enigmatic and controversial figure, Robert Durst. This six-episode docuseries is set to premiere on Sunday, April 21, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, promising to unveil new information and hidden materials that have emerged in the eight years following Durst’s high-profile arrest.

The Jinx Part Two – Official Trailer

“The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” the original series directed by Andrew Jarecki, captivated audiences in 2015 with its deep dive into the life of the real estate heir and the dark cloud of suspicion surrounding him in connection with several murders. The series concluded with a dramatic turn of events as Durst was apprehended for the murder of Susan Berman in Los Angeles, just hours before the final episode was broadcast.

The forthcoming series, “The Jinx – Part Two,” aims to delve deeper into the investigation and trial that unfolded in the years after Durst’s arrest. It will feature never-before-seen interviews with Durst’s associates, recorded phone calls, and interrogation footage, offering an unprecedented look into the case.

Charles Bagli, a journalist for the New York Times, shared in the trailer, “As ‘The Jinx’ aired, Bob and I spoke after every episode. He was very nervous, and I thought to myself, ‘He’s gonna run.’” This sentiment was mirrored by District Attorney John Lewin, who added, “Bob was gonna flee the country, never to return.” However, Durst did not flee, and his arrest marked a significant turning point in the case.

The series promises to showcase the depth of Durst’s expectation for loyalty from his friends while he was behind bars, despite facing serious charges. A snippet from a phone call where Durst advises, “But you don’t tell them s–t,” hints at the complex relationships and dynamics at play.

Andrew Jarecki, reflecting on the nature of Durst’s alleged crimes, stated, “You don’t kill three people over 30 years and get away with it in a vacuum.” This commentary suggests the series will explore not only the crimes themselves but the broader network of influence and complicity that may have enabled Durst’s actions.

Contributors to the series include a wide range of figures involved in the case, such as Deputy District Attorneys of Los Angeles Habib Balian, defense attorneys Dick DeGuerin and David Chesnoff, and journalists who have covered the story extensively. The inclusion of judges Susan Criss and Mark Windham, as well as jury members and friends and associates of both Durst and his victims, promises a comprehensive perspective on the proceedings.

Robert Durst himself has commented on the attention the case and the documentary have garnered, stating he is “getting his own 15 minutes [of fame], and it is gargantuan.”

“The Jinx – Part Two” is anticipated to offer an insightful continuation of Robert Durst’s story, revealing new facets of the investigation and trial that have not been seen before. It stands as a testament to the ongoing intrigue and complexity surrounding Durst’s life and the legal battles that followed his arrest.

'Civil War' Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Continue Reading