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‘Down a Dark Hall’ is an Exquisite Paranormal Thriller

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A couple of weeks ago, Down a Dark Hall quietly made its way onto Amazon and other Video on Demand services. I remember seeing it available and thinking that I would get to it eventually.

This weekend, I finally did and I could kick myself for waiting so long.

Based on the novel of the same name by Lois Duncan, the woman behind the novel on which I Know What You Did Last Summer was based, Down a Dark Hall tells the story of Katherine “Kit” Gordy (AnnaSophia Robb), a troubled young woman whose mother and stepfather have decided to send to an elite boarding school in the hopes that it will turn the girl’s life around.

Upon arriving, Kit and her fellow students soon begin to flourish in ways that they never expected excelling in art, music, literature, and mathematics where there had been little talent before.

Of course, there’s a catch to this sudden excellence, and as they delve into the secrets of the school and their mysterious headmistress, Madame Duret (Uma Thurman), they find themselves in a fight for their lives against forces far more powerful that they expected.

Madame Duret (Uma Thurman) with faculty and staff in Down a Dark Hall (Photo via IMDb)

Down a Dark Hall is, at its core, an original, genuinely creepy thriller with an embarrassment of riches both in front of and behind the camera.

Writers Michael Goldbach (Mary Kills People) and Chris Sparling (The Atticus Institute) plumb the depths of Duncan’s source material, updating elements to bring the 1973 novel into the 21st century while never losing its unsettling, slowly building tension.

Meanwhile director Rodrigo Cortes, who previously wowed audiences with his paranormal thriller Red Lights, once again showcases his attention to detail and his gift for drawing impressive performances from his actors. Every moment leads organically to the next without a step missed.

And then there’s that amazing cast!

AnnaSophia Robb proves once and for all that she has grown into the talent that was present from the first time we saw her in films like Because of Winn-Dixie and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She is at once confident and vulnerable, raw and reserved, completely open and shielded.

In her hands, Kit becomes a complex and capable protagonist standing against Thurman’s Madame Duret.

Speaking of Uma Thurman, it was good to see her throw caution to the wind and really become the villain of the film. Duret could easily have been a caricature, stalking the halls and demanding the students bend to her will. Instead, she turns in a measured performance, balancing moments of quiet, predatory power with over-the-top, scenery melting treachery and somehow makes it all seem believable.

Isabelle Fuhrman, Victoria Moroles, Taylor Russell and Rosie Day round out the cast as Kit’s fellow students, working together as a talented ensemble, though Furhman (who fans might recognize as Esther from Orphan) and Moroles could easily steal any scene with a look or turn of phrase.

The students arrive in Down a Dark Hall (Photo via IMDb)

As you must have realized by now, Down a Dark Hall is a story about women, and it was refreshing to see characters who were more than stereotypes. Of course, there is conflict, but it never felt out of place nor as though it was written because “that’s how women/girls act”.

It also evened out the playing field to have a female villain whose womanhood wasn’t the sole source of her villainy. Don’t get me wrong, Madame Duret is plenty evil, but that evil is rooted in power and wealth in much the same way that we’ve seen male villains written in the past.

Does that make the film more socially progressive? I’m not certain, but I am certain that it will be the topic of discussion after many socially-minded viewers watch this film!

I would remiss in this review if I did not bring up the film’s brilliant score composed by Victor Reyes (Grand Piano). It is decadent and lush and harrowing, amplifying the fear one moment while softly underscoring the tenderest feelings of love and loss in the next.

In fact, one of the most memorable moments in the film comes when Kit sits down at a piano, overcome by the power surrounding her and begins to play a wild and maniacal waltz that would make Liszt green with envy. The music, in that moment, is utterly transcendent of time and space and radiates emotion far more powerful than words could express.

And then there’s the school itself!

Its palatial presence is foreboding; its shadows keep secrets, and its twisting hallways are dizzying and as the title implies, sinister and dark. Every good haunted house film needs an excellent location and Cortes hit a gold mine here.

Down a Dark Hall is currently available to rent on Amazon, Fandango Now and iTunes. Check out the trailer below and watch it today!

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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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

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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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.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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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.

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