Dead Mail, directed by Joe DeBoer and Kyle McConaghy, is a gripping and unique addition to the horror-thriller genre, weaving together elements of suspense, dark comedy, and a hefty dose of '80s nostalgia. Premiering exclusively on Shudder as part of their Halfway to Halloween celebration, the film brings a chilling, analog-inspired atmosphere that immediately draws the viewer into its unsettling world. The plot begins with a blood-stained cry for help that makes its way to Jasper, a seasoned 'dead letter' investigator at a post office in rural 1980s America.
Read MoreFreaky Tales (2024)
Set in the vibrant yet gritty landscape of 1987 Oakland, Freaky Tales is an anthology film that blends nostalgia, chaos, and urban folklore into a genre-bending experience. Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the film delivers four interconnected narratives—teen punks defending their turf against Nazi skinheads, a rap duo fighting for hip-hop immortality, a weary henchman on a quest for redemption, and an NBA All-Star seeking retribution. With its eclectic mix of action, humor, and heart, the film is as much a love letter to the Bay Area as it is a cinematic mixtape of underdog stories.
Read MoreThe North Side Killer (2024)
Khamla Savathphoune, known for Escape Room and Grey Area, makes his feature-length debut with The North Side Killer, a micro-budget thriller that blends urban tension with an intimate character-driven narrative. Clocking in at just under an hour and seventeen minutes, the film tackles heavy themes of fear, isolation, and the fragility of human connection, all against the backdrop of a killer terrorizing the north side campus and targeting vulnerable homeless drug users. The story follows Ted, a self-proclaimed ladies' man and mail carrier, and Sally, a barista of some sort navigating a new relationship amidst escalating fear and paranoia
Read MoreBlind Escape (2024)
Chris Kinzie’s Blind Escape is a striking debut feature that captures the grit and moral ambiguity of a world in decay. Streaming later this month through FilmHub with worldwide distribution, this independently produced crime thriller manages to punch above its weight, despite the challenges of working with a young, unknown cast and limited resources. Ambitious in its storytelling and bold in its stylistic choices, Blind Escape is an indie gem worth discovering.
Read MoreOpportunity (2024)
Opportunity is a quirky, indie gem that brings humor, heart, and grit to the table in a uniquely entertaining way. Directed by Rusty Rehl, this film tells the story of Patrick Getty, a 30-something man living in his van, who dreams of owning a home but gets pulled into a chaotic world of crime by his reckless best friend, Donnie. Together, they face off against an unusual gang of Mormon gangsters, making for a wild, unexpected ride.
Read MoreBeauty Grace Malice (2024)
Beauty Grace Malice, directed by Terry Spears and produced by Kris Young, is a gripping tale of betrayal and empowerment that delivers on both drama and emotional resonance. The film takes us on a journey through the tumultuous life of Grace Green, portrayed compellingly by TaJa Brittaney. A single mother framed for a crime by those closest to her, Grace’s struggle to clear her name and regain custody of her son, Logan, is a powerful narrative of resilience and maternal strength.
Read MoreRed Rooms (2023)
Red Rooms is a powerful companion to films like the recent breakout horror release LongLegs. Directed by Pascal Plante, the film centers on the concept of justice and explores the lengths one might go to achieve it, delving into the obsessive pursuit that risks losing oneself in the process. The atmosphere will captivate fans of crime thrillers and dramas, creating a bleak and tense environment that scrutinizes the ethics surrounding true crime consumption through an exceptional script and extreme personalities.
Read MoreCloak & Dagger (1984) #RetroReview
Richard Franklin’s Cloak & Dagger from 1984 is a childhood fave for many of us who grew up during the Cold War. Watching it now, it feels like yet another example of how much heavier PG fare was in the ‘80s. Since it celebrates its 40th anniversary on August 10th, I figured I’d take a look back!
Read More