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TIFF Review: ‘Synchronic’ is Inventive, Heartfelt Sci-Fi at its Finest

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Syncronic review

Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead are a talented team of filmmakers who have yet to disappoint. They burst onto the scene with Resolution in 2012, followed by SpringĀ and fan-favorite The Endless. Their latest film, Synchronic, works on a grand scale to unpack themes of presence, family, and loss, set against the backdrop of a sci-fi thriller.

Starring Jamie Dornan (The Fall, 50 Shades of Grey) and Anthony Mackie (Captain America: Civil War), Synchronic follows a paramedic team in New Orleans who are called to a series of scenes with bizarre and violent deaths. At each site, they find a mysterious new synthetic designer drug with otherworldly effects that could ā€“ somehow ā€“ be responsible.

Anchored by a genuine and heartfelt performance by Mackie, Synchronic is an exploration of humanity projected through a cosmic lens. Mackie perfectly balances his role with humor and grace, continually breaking your heart with his sincerity. The brotherhood between Steve (Mackie) and Dennis (Dornan) ties the whole film together, circulating around all the heavily loaded conversations they actively avoid.

The film meditates on how we interact with each present moment; how do we treat our relationships with friends and family, and how do we use the gift of time that we have. As thrilling and engaging as Synchronic is, it’s incredibly heartfelt; it’s a broad story with a very centered focus.

Justin Benson, Anthony Mackie, Jamie Dornan, and Aaron Moorhead via jeremychanphotography

Settingthe filmĀ in New Orleans allows us to explore locations that are rich in history. We venture into some underseen spaces ā€” like an abandoned Six Flags ā€” that add to the mystical energy of the film. As paramedics, Dennis and Steve often navigate dangerous situations that are enriched by the crumbling cityscape.Ā 

The decision to cast our two main characters as paramedics is a wise one; they have just enough power to realize something is horribly wrong, but no authority to actually stop it. Theyā€™re thrust in the middle of this epic mystery, but thereā€™s a degree of distance that keeps them from being officially responsible. Steve decides to act not because itā€™s his duty, but because he genuinely doesnā€™t want to see anyone else get hurt. Throughout the film and in many ways, he works to save others from pain. Itā€™s that sense of humanity that helps to tether the film to the real world when the story really takes off.Ā 

This sense of realistic humanity is exemplified by the use of long takes, which Benson and Moorhead utilize to striking effect. One particular scene is beautifully and meticulously choreographed to carry the audience through the pressure of a paramedic’s call. The duo make full use of the budget they have, creating intensive scenes with expansive sets that allow the scope of the story to flex and grow

What starts as a horror mystery ā€“ we don’t know what is causing these unexplainable deaths ā€“ expands into a thrilling and boundless quest. The unknown potential of a designer drug opens up a whole world of narrative possibilities.

I don’t want to dig too deep into the plot, because I firmly believe that this is a film in which it’s best to go in as blind as possible. There’s a certain joy in the films of Benson and Moorhead that comes from the gradual discovery of the story; the journey leading to a mysterious destination. Just sit back and let the film take hold of you; Synchronic wonā€™t give you a bad trip.Ā Ā 

 

For more on Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, you can read our interview on The Endless here.

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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 MartellĀ 

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 childrenā€™s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Panā€™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. Milneā€™s 1926 childrenā€™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 brothersā€™ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending thatā€™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 Brothersā€™ 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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