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Til Death Do Us Part – 7 Killer Couples in the Movies

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Ah, Valentine’s Day. While many couples celebrate this Hallmark holiday with a romantic dinner or an exchange of short-lived gifts (how long do flowers and chocolate really last, anyways?), others will satisfy their carnal cravings with some good ol’ fashioned thrills. Now, before your mind goes too deep in the gutter, I’m obviously talking about a marathon of horror movies here.

There’s something deeply romantic about the splatter of blood and spirited fury of a good horror movie. Whether you’re rooting for the heroes to survive (and thrive!) or for the maniacs to get the job done (decapitation!), you can count on horror to get your blood pumping.

So this Valentine’s Day, I want to take a look at some killer movie couples who make the most of their shared passion. They keep the romance alive by taking the lives of others. Yes, these deadly duos make for some rather extreme relationship goals.

Heathers (1988)

via TV Line

Heathers provided the foundation for my swooning crush on Christian Slater, and I will be forever grateful. I will also be forever jaded because of the unrealistic relationship expectations that developed. What brooding teenager didn’t want a love like JD and Veronica’s?

Like most teenage romances (I assume), their love blooms from a mutual hatred of the obnoxious and popular cliques that stalk the hallways of their high school. Veronica (Winona Ryder) was initially part of the “cool” crowd, but their generally shitty behavior turned her off from their friendship. Enter Jason “JD” Dean (Christian Slater), the new boy in town with a saucy sardonic streak and a real knack for murder.

Their partnership shows that they know how to recognize and support each other’s strengths. For Veronica, it’s her knowledge of the student body and skill at forging their handwriting. For JD, it’s creative murder disguised as suicide. Such a perfect pair!

Bride of Chucky (1998)

via Universal

Chucky and Tiffany are the killer couple. Any time horror lovers are mentioned, it’s pretty well guaranteed their names will be on the list.

Both accomplished killers in their own right, when these two are together they’re damn near unstoppable. Like, spread-out-over-several-films unstoppable. Chucky and Tiffany share a passion that’s unrivaled.

But let’s not forget that they each have their own deadly flair. Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly) is all about the creative and innovate kills – she’s the Martha Stewart of murder. Chucky (Brad Dourif) is retro-classic, favoring the quintessential simplicity of a good stabbing.

That being said, it’s important to note that they learn from each other. They constantly push each other to do more – to move outside of their killing comfort zone and grow as (truly psychotic) individuals. There’s a healthy ambition in their deeply unhealthy relationship.

The People Under The Stairs (1991)

via IMDb

Apparently the best way to make a marriage last is by imposing very strict rules on all visitors and children in your household. At least, that’s what we learn in The People Under The Stairs. I guess a lot of murder helps, too? Also, make sure your dog is highly trained. Secrets to success.

Mommy (Wendy Robie) and Daddy (Everett McGill) rule their home with an iron (and leather) fist. When you’re running such a stringent household, it’s easy to let small disagreements add up and crumble your efforts. But they’re all about teamwork – trusting and supporting one another through their violent efforts.

Even with the whole town against them, Mommy and Daddy present a united front. They’re quite the power-couple.

Natural Born Killers (1994)

via IMDb

It may be a stretch to call Natural Born Killers a horror movie, but I’ll be damned if Mickey and Mallory haven’t earned their place on this list.

These crazy kids love mass murder about as much as they love each other – which is to say they love it a whole damn lot. Their troubled pasts brought them together and formed an inseparable bond, bound by their deadly delights.

Despite their trials and tribulations (not to mention their prison time), Mickey (Woody Harrelson) and Mallory (Juliette Lewis) stuck through it all. As a prime example of “your crazy matches my crazy”, these two are ride-or-die royalty.

Hounds of Love (2016)

via IMDb

Evelyn and John have a complicated relationship. That’s the “putting it mildly” summary of Hounds of Love, an Australian film that follows a young girl’s abduction and abuse at the hands of one malicious couple.

John (Stephen Curry) and Evelyn (Emma Booth) are entwined in an intense and unhealthy game of manipulation that runs through the veins of their relationship. They share a twisted jealousy and practiced obsession that keeps them tied together with rapt devotion.

As we learn through the film, their passion is fueled by the regularly-occurring torture and murder of young girls. I guess they didn’t try couples counseling?

Sightseers (2012)

via Studio Canal

Sightseers is a delightful little gem of a dark comedy that shows how quick and easy it can be to find a new passion in life. It just so happens that – for Chris and Tina – their newfound passion is murder.

The lovers traverse the quaint and quirky sights of England in a caravan, encountering some frustratingly pretentious and disgustingly rude strangers along the way. Chris (Steve Oram, A Dark Song) and Tina (Alice Lowe, Prevenge) are living their best lives, disposing of whoever aggravates them along their sightseeing journey.

If you’ve ever been annoyed by the actions of a stranger, this movie should be oddly gratifying. Chris and Tina are a perfect match because of their perception of what is unforgivable behavior – and how they choose to deal with it.

The Loved Ones (2009)

via Destroy the Brain

The Loved Ones may have one of horror’s more… unconventional couples, but there’s a lot of love between the killer ‘Princess’ and her beloved Daddy.

Part of what makes The Loved Ones such a fascinating and unsettling film is the relationship dynamics between the two. Daddy (John Brumpton) would do anything for his little girl, and Lola (Robin McLeavy) is all too pleased to receive the attention. Their scenes drip with a very uncomfortable tension.

Lola has a voracious need to be loved, and her father feeds this appetite by bending to her every whim. As though he were picking up a new toy (and, essentially, he is), Daddy finds the latest plaything on Lola’s list and drags him home to grant her wildest wishes.

The small peek we have into their home life makes you wonder which came first. Was it her jealous and violent impulses, or his thorough understanding of how to kidnap and torture? Either way, they are a productive pair.

 

Who are your favorite star-crossed lovers? Tell us in the comments below!

For more on Valentine’s Day, check out our Late to the Party review of My Bloody Valentine!

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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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