Connect with us

News

5 Film Festival Horror Movies to Look for in 2017

Published

on

Every year, major film festivals around the world host the premieres of many horror movies that may take time to reach larger audiences. For example, Osgood Perkins’s directorial debut February played festivals in 2015 but isn’t being released until January of 2017 under a new title (The Blackcoat’s Daughter). This can be frustrating for horror fans, but keeping up on festival films is the best way to find the best new films the genre has to offer in the (hopefully not-too-distant) future. Here are 5 horror movies to watch for in 2017 that made big impressions at film festivals in 2016.

 

2017 horror movies

Found Footage 3D (Official film site)

Found Footage 3D

Countless Blair Witch Project hopefuls have hit the big screen and home video since that film’s massive success, leading to a glut of “found footage” horror movies from big studios and independent filmmakers alike. The time has come for someone to give “found footage” the kind of treatment Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon gave to slasher movies: a smart, funny satire of the form that happens to double as an excellent example of it. Found Footage 3D follows an independent film crew trying to make a “found footage” movie that will stand out, so their producer comes up with a gimmick. But while shooting the world’s first 3D “found footage” movie, the lines between reality and the movie they’re shooting blur as tensions mount between the frazzled cast and crew. In addition to being very funny and having a fantastic cast, Found Footage 3D features some brilliantly inventive uses for its 3D. This is a 3D movie that absolutely must be seen on the big screen for maximum effect. The film had its world premiere at the 2016 Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival and was a hit at a number of other festivals around the world. Here’s hoping in 2017 more audiences get a chance to see the ultimate (and only) experience in 3D found footage horror!

 

2017 Horror Movies

Jungle Trap (Fantastic Fest)

Jungle Trap

While visiting cult filmmaker James Bryan to work on new releases for some of his films, the folks at horror zine and VHS/DVD label Bleeding Skull happened to find the tapes with the footage for Jungle Trap. Bryan informed them that he had completed shooting the film, but was never able to secure funding to finish it. Eager to help him get the film out into the world, they ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to raise money to complete the film in 2015. And so the finished version of Jungle Trap had its epically delayed world premiere at this year’s Fantastic Fest. Bleeding Skull commissioned a completely original score for the film that is absolutely note-perfect for this style of movie, and the result is a real treat for fans of 80s and 90s shot-on-video horror. Bryan’s frequent collaborator Renee Harmon stars as the head of a research group sent to retrieve a priceless artifact from a native tribe wiped out by industrial development. When they arrive they find a strange hotel deep in the heart of the jungle, and soon they learn the tribe may not be extinct after all. On top of all that, she also has to deal with her ex-husband and his new girlfriend. Jungle Trap is a weird, wild time capsule of a different era of independent horror filmmaking. Bleeding Skull will be releasing Jungle Trap in 2017, likely on DVD and limited edition VHS.

 

The Void

It’s seems like a very long time ago now, but there used to be a time when cosmic horror was actually scary. Now we live in a world where you can learn your ABCs with Lovecraft and his creations or snuggle up with a Hello Cthulhu plushy. Enter The Void, the latest feature from Astron 6 members Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski (Manborg). While Astron 6 is mostly known as a comedy group, much of their humor is exceptionally dark and unsettling. It makes perfect sense that when they decided to go all-out for their first serious horror film, they really went for it. Trapped in a mostly abandoned hospital, a small-town deputy and the hospital’s skeleton crew have to deal with a horrific supernatural force beyond human understanding. The Void plays out somewhat like a familiar siege thriller, but its phenomenal practical effects set it apart from other modern independent horror films. Gillespie and Kostanski also have a firm grasp on what makes the best cosmic horror so effective, making this one of the best horror films of its type since From Beyond. After a successful festival run in 2016, The Void was acquired by Screen Media Films for U.S. distribution and will hopefully be hitting big screens in early 2017.

 

2017 Horror Movies

A Dark Song (IMDB)

A Dark Song

There are countless horror films about the occult, but A Dark Song may be the first to approach the subject so methodically. Sophia (Catherine Walker) enlists the reluctant occultist Joseph (Steve Oram) to assist her in an extremely complicated and dangerous magick ritual that will require the two of them to be sealed in a remote home together for several months. As the two perform a seemingly endless litany of mentally and physically exhausting rites, reality begins to break down and their fragile partnership threatens to splinter. With incomprehensible forces bearing down on them, Sophia and Joseph must push through and complete the ritual or risk failure and a fate far worse than death. A Dark Song features a pair of spectacular lead performances by Walker and Oram, whose characters are put through grueling rites that test them physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It’s a slow burning, powerfully affecting horror drama that marks an impressive feature directorial debut for Liam Gavin. A Dark Song had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2016 and has been picked up for distribution by IFC Midnight, who will hopefully be releasing the film sooner rather than later in 2017.

 

2017 Horror Movies

Raw (IMDB)

Raw

This was a great year for debut feature directors: Raw is the third film on this list after Found Footage 3D and A Dark Song to be directed by a first-time feature filmmaker, and it’s one of the best horror films of the year. Garance Marillier delivers an amazing performance as Justine, an incoming freshman at the cut-throat veterinary school where her older sister Alexia (Ella Rumpf, also excellent) is an upperclassman. Their family raised Justine and Alexia to be strict vegetarians, but part of Justine’s hazing requires her to eat raw, bloody meat. What would normally be a more or less harmless gag triggers a physical change in Justine, who begins to crave blood and flesh–including other people. As Justine tries to keep her ever-increasing lust for raw meat under control, the relationship between the formerly close sisters curdles into a bitter rivalry. In some ways, Raw plays as an updated version of Ginger Snaps, another film that used violent, uncontrollable impulses to explore how burgeoning sexuality can cause rifts between close female siblings. Raw is more complicated and nuanced, though, shot through with a wicked streak of black humor but also more intimately observed. It’s a brilliant debut feature, and Focus Features will be distributing the film in 2017. Don’t miss it.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

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