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Review: ‘DOWNRANGE’ Is A Terrifyingly Modern Horror Movie

Published

6 years ago

April 25, 2018

While the horror genre has often been maligned by the mainstream, it cannot be denied that it has helped filter and address some of the darkest issues and anxieties plaguing our society. Most prominently perhaps being the new wave of horror films to hit in the fallout of the Vietnam War with Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and George Romero’s Night Of The Living Dead. Now, there is DOWNRANGE from director Ryuhei Kitamura (Midnight Meat Train, VERSUS).

Image via Youtube

The story follows a group of six friends on their way to a birthday party. Deciding to take the backroads of California, they end up with a flat on an isolated stretch of pavement surrounded by nature, with not another human soul for miles… so it seems. There’s a camo-covered sniper nearby armed with a hunting rifle, and he’s got his victims lined up in his scope. Now, the friends have to band together, use their wits, and try to find a way to survive this onslaught.

Image via Youtube

In many ways, DOWNRANGE is the logical extension of the slasher sub-genre, turning it into a ‘shooter.’ I was fortunate enough to attend a screening with Ryuhei Kitamura in person with the cast and crew, where he discussed the impetus of the project. Talking with his co-writer, Joey O’Bryan, they tried to think of what would be scary. Jason with a machete? Not as scary these days. A spree killer with a gun? Very scary these days. We’re given very little insight into “Rifleman”, his motives, even his voice. Seeing his eerie, piercing gaze as he looks upon the stranded prey and who to strike next, making for a deeply unsettling villain. Reminding me in some ways of John Carpenter’s early classic, Assault On Precinct 13 with it’s armed and dangerous Street Thunder. Though let’s say there’s a scene that’s like Assault On Precinct 13 times 13!

Image via Youtube

The pacing starts off fast and right into the action, slowing down at the beginning to introduce our fateful cast, the tension keeps going and amps up all the way to the end. The deaths are gory as all Hell, with distinct practical fx that make them all the more visceral and memorable. As well, the narrative is twisted enough that it’s hard to guess where things will go next… or how far. As with most slasher movies, the introduction dialogue from our fateful cast of potential victims can feel a little tired, but the characters themselves each stand on their own, such as new guy, Jeff (Anthony Kirlew) and military brat, Keren (Stephanie Pearson) among the group. Successfully avoiding the horror pitfall of unlikable characters, you don’t want to see them in the Rifleman’s cross-hairs. This is one movie that keeps you guessing, so try and go in as blind as possible.

All-In-All, DOWNRANGE is a bloody modern update to a classic sub-genre, and an adrenaline rush of a horror movie with an ending that will make your jaw drop. Watch it April 26th on the SHUDDER app/streaming!

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Movies

‘Longlegs’ Creepy “Part 2” Teaser Appears on Instagram

Published

3 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Timothy Rawles

Neon Films released an Insta-teaser for their horror film Longlegs today. Titled Dirty: Part 2, the clip only furthers the mystery of what we are in for when this movie is finally released on July 12.

The official logline is: FBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to an unsolved serial killer case that takes unexpected turns, revealing evidence of the occult. Harker discovers a personal connection to the killer and must stop him before he strikes again.

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Directed by former actor Oz Perkins who also gave us The Blackcoat’s Daughter and Gretel & Hansel, Longlegs is already creating buzz with its moody images and cryptic hints. The film is rated R for bloody violence, and disturbing images.

Longlegs stars Nicolas Cage, Maika Monroe, and Alicia Witt.

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

Published

4 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Cameron McFarland

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.

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 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.

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‘Blink Twice’ Trailer Presents a Thrilling Mystery in Paradise

Published

5 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Timothy Rawles

A new trailer for the movie formerly known as Pussy Island just dropped and it has us intrigued. Now with the more restrained title, Blink Twice, this Zoë Kravitz-directed black comedy is set to land in theaters on August 23.

The film is packed with stars including Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, Alia Shawkat, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Christian Slater, Kyle MacLachlan, and Geena Davis.

The trailer feels like a Benoit Blanc mystery; people are invited to a secluded location and disappear one by one, leaving one guest to figure out what is going on.

In the film, a billionaire named Slater King (Channing Tatum) invites a waitress named Frida (Naomi Ackie) to his private island, “It’s paradise. Wild nights blend into sun-soaked days and everyone’s having a great time. No one wants this trip to end, but as strange things start to happen, Frida begins to question her reality. There is something wrong with this place. She’ll have to uncover the truth if she wants to make it out of this party alive.”