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Best 10 Horror Films Of 2018- Jacob Davison Picks

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As the year draws to a close, and we march toward the year 2019, ready to burst from the chest of 2018, it’s time to ask ourselves that age-old question: what horror movies were really, really, good this past year? 2018 proved to be a great time for the genre with plenty of new movies both mainstream, indie, and everything in-between. So, here’s my list of the ten best of the year, in no true order, though I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit I had a particular favorite…

Via IMDB

10. THE RANGER

In an era of ‘throw-back horror’ where everything old is new again, Jenn Wexler’s The Ranger is a slasher/punk ode that truly fits the bill. The simple premise of punks on the run hiding out in the woods and crossing a psychopathic park ranger feels like something from the early 80’s slasher boom. Thanks in no small part to the stellar performances of the cast and hitting every slasher trope from gory deaths to one-liners with love.

Via IMDB

9. A QUIET PLACE

A rather surprising debut directed/co-written/starring The Office/Jack Ryan’s John Krasinski and a mainstream horror hit with A Quiet Place. Genre films with such a specific quirk should by all means be difficult to pull off. A movie where the cast cannot utter a word! But instead of becoming a hinderance, it only amps up the tension as even the slightest noise could alert a deadly threat…

Via IMDB

8. OVERLORD

The horrors of war meet the horrors of mad science in this mash-up. Overlord follows a small contingent of American soldiers parachuting into a German occupied village just before D-Day. Beyond the atrocities committed by Axis soldiers, they discover there’s even worse acts of inhumanity being committed at the Nazi base. A well done combination of period World War II action and mad science gone awry, Overlord is a surprise genre piece that’s worth your attention.

Via IMDB

7. IN FABRIC

The latest from British horror maestro Peter Strickland, I was fortunate enough to catch it on the festival circuit before it gains a wider release next year. The story follows a popular department/clothing store where something sinister is occurring behind the scenes. Strickland’s use of surrealist horror combined with an ensemble cast including the likes of Gwendoline Christie make for a film that’s like being in someone else’s nightmare at the mall.

Via IMDB

6. LEPRECHAUN RETURNS

Another successful franchise revival in a year with plenty. A direct sequel to the original, Leprechaun Returns revolves around a sorority setting up shop on the farmstead where the Leprechaun was slain, leading to his accidental revival of the murderous imp. Despite series star Warwick Davis not returning, Linden Porco does a marvelous job of filling his shoes. Director/FX artist Steven Kostanski made a marvelous effort in bringing scares, gags, and lots of great practical blood and guts!

Via IMDB

5. HALLOWEEN (2018)

The Shape returns! This horror franchise resurrection from the unlikely duo of David Gordon Green and Danny McBride made for one of the best Halloween sequels in years and a shot of adrenaline back into Michael Meyers. A direct sequel to the original, disregarding the multitude of other continuation, follows Michael breaking out once again to stalk Haddonfield as a survivalist Laurie Strode attempts to protect herself and her family from the boogeyman. This one hits all the right beats and brings Jamie Lee-Curtis back and more badass than ever.

Via IMDB

4. SUSPIRIA (2018)

A recurring theme on this list, but another impressive remake/reboot/otherwise continuation of a horror classic. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the story follows the original as young Susie Bannon arrives in Cold War era Germany to attend the Markos Dance Academy, only to be wrapped up in the sinister strings of a diabolical coven. Featuring outstanding performances by Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton in multiple mesmerizing roles, beautiful cinematography, and a haunting score by Thom Yorke, fans of the original and newcomers will be pleased by this update.

Via IMDB

3. HEREDITARY

The feature debut of Ari Aster, and a devastatingly powerful horror drama that earned praise and comparisons to the likes of The Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby with good cause. The Graham family deals with the fallout of matriarch Annie’s mother dying, only for surreal and supernatural terrors to haunt the family thereafter. A masterclass in tension building and striking scenes of malice, this movie made tongue clicks terrifying. Toni Collete’s performance as Annie is a memorable one form beginning to end.

Via IMDB

2. ANNIHILATION

A science fiction horror epic that has stuck with me since I first saw it. The sophomore film by Alex Garland of Ex Machina, and based on the novel by Jeff VanderMeer, the plot revolves around ‘The Shimmer’ a strange area of the Pacific North-West where an extraterrestrial element landed and has slowly been mutating all life and expanding through the area. Natalie Portman plays Lena, a cellular-biology professor who ventures into the quarantine with a team of scientists and soldiers only to encounter otherworldly abominations. A thrilling and tense sci-fi/horror hybrid that deals with themes of loss, disease, and the most terrifying bear ever put to film.

Via IMDB

1. MANDY

While I love all the films listed and appreciate them in a variety of ways, MANDY is by and far my personal favorite this year. I saw it three times in theaters! The long awaited sophomore film by Beyond The Black Rainbow‘s Panos Cosmatos, and the opposite of his sci-fi opus in every way. Set in the early 80’s, Mandy follows Red and his girlfriend, the titular Mandy as they eke out a peaceful existence out in the wilderness only for a psychotic group of cultists led by a failed rock star attack, leading Red on a long and trippy road to revenge. A genre-buster like no other. With elements of action, horror, surrealism, and more featuring Nicolas Cage in one of his most memorable roles ever as the vengeance seeking Red. Featuring the final score of Johan Johansson that’s just as impactful as the amazing cinematography and scenery of the movie. Plus, chainsaw fights!

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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 Martell 

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 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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