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 MoreHell of a Summer (2023)
Hell of a Summer, directed by Billy Bryk and Finn Wolfhard, offers a familiar blend of slasher horror and comedy with a modern twist. The film centers on Jason Hochberg, a 24-year-old camp counselor who feels out of sync with his younger colleagues at Camp Pineway. However, his sense of disconnection soon takes a backseat when a masked killer starts picking off the counselors, leading to a tense, bloody showdown in the woods.
Read More825 Forest Road (2025)
Stephen Cognetti’s 825 Forest Road arrives with the weight of expectation, given his cult-favorite Hell House LLC series. As his first departure from the found-footage genre, one would hope for a fresh take on the haunted house formula. Unfortunately, despite some promising elements, the film struggles to make a lasting impact and ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.
Read MoreSoul Reaper (2024)
Soul Reaper, directed by Janella “Nella Writes” Northern and written by Shacqeal Sanders, presents a unique blend of supernatural storytelling with an urban aesthetic. Produced by Poetic Stories, this ambitious short film introduces audiences to a world where witches and warlocks walk among us, surviving for centuries by stealing souls. Set against the backdrop of North Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, the film crafts an intriguing premise that, while not without its flaws, shows great potential for expansion into a full-length feature.
Read MoreBorderline (2025)
Jimmy Warden’s Borderline kicks off with an electrifying introduction that sets the stage for the chaotic and often surreal thriller to follow. Much like Warden’s previous work, Borderline thrives on blending horror, comedy, and an almost dreamlike absurdity, creating an experience that feels as unpredictable as it is entertaining. From the outset, the film exudes a strong early Coen Brothers vibe—simple yet effective, weird yet compelling.
Read MoreConveyance (2024)
House hunting is terrifying enough without supernatural interference, but Conveyance—a sharp and engaging short film from writer-director Gemma Creagh—adds an extra layer of dread to the process. This well-crafted horror-comedy follows young couple Brian and Suzanne as they finally land their dream home after a string of disappointments. The catch?
Read MoreUnspeakable: Beyond The Wall of Sleep (2024)
Chad Ferrin’s Unspeakable: Beyond The Wall of Sleep is a film that defies conventional critique. It’s bizarre, grotesque, and at times nonsensical, yet it fully embraces its nightmarish aesthetic with a fearless commitment to practical effects and Lovecraftian madness. If you’re a fan of chaotic, low-budget horror oddities that revel in rubbery creature effects and unhinged storytelling, this is one for the books.
Read MoreI Heart Willie (2024)
Alejandro G. Alegre’s I Heart Willie is a film that knows exactly what it is—a campy, gore-filled fever dream loosely inspired by Steamboat Willie. While it borrows heavily from horror classics like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, this twisted slasher tale still manages to stand out with its absurdity and unexpected moments of brilliance. Despite some obvious flaws, I Heart Willie is a fun and bizarre ride that horror fans should check out—just don’t expect Scorsese.
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