Starring:Odessa Young, Joe Cole, Siobhan Finneran, Rory McCann, Turlough Convery, Lewis Gribben
Genre:Horror/Drama/Mystery/Supernatural
Running Time:89 Minutes
Plot:
A 19th-century widow is tasked with making an impossible choice when, during an especially cruel winter, a ship sinks off the coast of her impoverished Icelandic fishing village. Any attempt to rescue survivors risks further depleting the starving villagers’ supplies.
Review:
In 2024, the movie season started with the terrible NIGHT SWIM - one of the several Blumhouse disappointments of 2024 that I don’t even remember or even want to rewatch. Fortunately things picked up throughout the year, but man did 2024 start out rough.
At least 2025 is kicking things off slightly strong with the independent horror film, THE DAMNED - a film I knew nothing about before blindly buying a ticket for it yesterday. Didn’t watch a trailer for it. I never looked at reviews. I just wanted an excuse to go to a theater, considering it’s a dead weekend, and this seemed like the only choice.
THE DAMNED has some good things going for it. The acting is pretty solid, especially lead Odessa Young. The cinematography by Eli Arenson is strikingly beautiful. Considering the film takes place in Iceland, you definitely feel the cold while admiring the gorgeous snowy location. And director Thordur Palsson crafts such a layer of a bleak and moody atmosphere that it would give Robert Eggers a chub the size of Nosferatu’s dong.
I also liked the themes of grief, guilt and isolation throughout, which is represented when the characters start seeing apparitions that may or may not relate to some local legend that haunt those who have sinned in some way while at sea. But then you start wondering if the ghosts even exist or is this all psychological due to hunger and cabin fever. THE DAMNED wants to create this rollercoaster of emotions for the characters, which really comes into fruition during the third act.
It’s a shame that the narrative is so thin and not all that interesting. The characters, besides Young’s “Eva” and Joe Cole’s “Daniel”, are pretty interchangeable at times. Hell, I don’t even know their names and I just watched this movie. The first act is pretty strong, but once the inciting incident happens, the middle portion of the film is such a slow burn that you’ll end up falling asleep. I personally had trouble keeping my eyes open during this portion. Thank goodness for those jump scare stingers to keep me from napping. And there are some unresolved things in the story as well that I wish were explained or explored more.
There’s even a twist at the very end that I’m on the fence about. The twist itself is not overly surprising, but there’s no real resonance when it happens. Certain characters react to it but then, the film just rolls into the end credits. Instead of feeling the effects of the reveal, you’re just left telling yourself - oh, that happened.
But THE DAMNED is a beautiful looking film that may please those looking for a slow burn horror-mystery with a short runtime. Just be in the mood for it and drink a lot of caffeine in case your eyes get drowsy during that middle portion. Worth checking out if this is your bag. Better start for the year than NIGHT SWIM at least.
Even though this blog has been quiet for most of 2024, that doesn’t mean I haven’t been watching 2024 horror films during my absence. I've been mainly posting quick reviews on my Instagram Stories and Letterboxd throughout the year. So I figured I might as well post those thoughts here.
I plan on posting future short reviews for movies monthly [unless I feel the film deserves a longer review] on the blog going forward.
Plot:FBI Agent Lee Harker is a gifted new recruit assigned to the unsolved case of an elusive serial killer. As the case takes complex turns, unearthing evidence of the occult, Harker discovers a personal connection to the merciless killer and must race against time to stop him before he claims the lives of another innocent family.
Review: Over hyped? Yes. Scariest movie of all time? Not even close. But LONGLEGS is still an unsettling film with cool visual shots and damn good performances [Maika Monroe, Alicia Witt and especially Nicolas Cage]. Lost me during the final act and never hits that SILENCE OF THE LAMBS or ZODIAC peak of greatness. But I was a long for the ride for a majority of it and those into thrillers and horror should really give this a shot, if you haven't already.
Plot:While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
Review: For a film that was meant to be a Hulu exclusive, I’m glad ALIEN: ROMULUS got a chance at a theatrical release because this is one of the better films in this franchise. I liked the young cast [Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson are fantastic]. Fede Alvarez continues to be one of the better modern horror directors, as ROMULUS has a super solid visual presentation. In particular, this is the first time in a long time where the aliens are actually treated as creepy, scary and as threats to the protagonists. And yes, ROMULUS is a movie built on fan service and it never shies away from that. The Easter Eggs - oh boy, you’ll be doing that DiCaprio point meme quite a lot. I’m glad this film did well enough for Disney/Fox to greenlit another installment. Really dug this and look forward to whatever is next in this series.
BLINK TWICE (2024)
Directed By:Zoe Kravitz
Starring:Channing Tatum, Naomi Ackie, Adria Arjona, Alia Shawkat, Liz Caribel Sierra, Trew Mullen, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, Kyle MacLachlan
Score:3 Howls Outta 4 (7 out of 10)
Plot:When tech billionaire Slater King meets cocktail waitress Frida at his fundraising gala, he invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. But despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne, and late-night dance parties, Frida can sense that there’s something sinister hiding beneath the island’s lush façade.
Review:BLINK TWICE is a solid directorial debut by Zoe Kravitz, who brings a psychological thriller full of tension and intrigue until the very end. While not totally original, it does possess a message that’s uncomfortably necessary about toxic masculinity and the treatment of women by toxic men. Naomi Ackie brings a multilayered performance, while Channing Tatum feels natural in his role and has a memorable monologue in the film’s wild final act. Adria Arjona is also really great in her supporting role. It doesn’t all work, but BLINK TWICE makes me eager to see more projects from Kravitz. I think this is a film that’s worth your time.
THE CROW (2024)
Directed By:Rupert Sanders
Starring:Bill Skarsgard, FKA twigs, Danny Huston, Josette Simon, Laura Birn, Sami Bouajila
Score:1.5 Howls Outta 4 (4 out of 10)
Plot:Soulmates Eric and Shelly are brutally murdered when the demons of her dark past catch up with them. Given the chance to save his true love by sacrificing himself, Eric sets out to seek merciless revenge on their killers, traversing the worlds of the living and the dead to put the wrong things right.
Review: I was expecting much worse from this new CROW adaptation. The acting by everyone [especially Bill Skarsgard and FKA twigs] is fine. Some of the action sequences are alright. The soundtrack is cool. But other than that, this is a pretty soulless and charmless reboot. No atmosphere. The plot is super messy. And the villains aren’t all that interesting [Danny Huston deserves better material]. I also felt the love angle didn’t feel all that natural or organic either. If you’re a fan of THE CROW, I would check this out only if you’re curious. Otherwise, stick to the much better 1994 adaptation. You’re not really missing anything here.
STRANGE DARLING (2023/2024)
Directed By:JT Mollner
Starring:Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Madisen Beaty, Bianca A. Santos, Steven Michael Quezada, Ed Begley Jr., Barbara Hershey
Score:3.5 Howls Outta 4 (9 out of 10)
Plot:Nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree.
Review:STRANGE DARLING is one of my favorite films of 2024. Twisted, quirky, weird and pretty intense at times, this film makes you believe the story is going one way and it just gives you a middle finger while sending you another way. Scream King Kyle Gallner is great, but Willa Fitzgerald steals the whole damn show. The film is shot in 35mm and looks great [thanks to actor Giovanni Ribisi, who did the cinematography]. This is one of those thrillers where the less you know, the better. One of the best surprises of 2024.
AFRAID (2024)
Directed By:Chris Weitz
Starring:John Cho, Katherine Waterston, Keith Carradine, Havana Rose Liu, Lukita Maxwell, Ashley Romans, David Dastmalchian
Score: 1 Howl Outta 4 (3 out of 10)
Plot:Curtis Pike and his family are selected to test a new home device: a digital assistant called AIA. AIA observes the family’s behaviors and begins to anticipate their needs. And she can – and will – make sure nothing – and no one – gets in her family’s way.
Review: I think ChatGPT actually wrote AFRAID, which is about an evil AI device. The actors are fine, I guess. But they’re not fine enough to save this film. The dialogue is atrocious. Things happen in this film with no real repercussions. There are barely any horror moments that are memorable. The last few minutes of AFRAID are super ridiculous. Thankfully, the film is only 84 minutes. And while terrible, this movie made me unintentionally laugh at times over how stupid it is. So I can’t say I was bored. But if you’re looking for another M3GAN, this ain’t it.
SPEAK NO EVIL (2024)
Directed By:James Watkins
Starring:James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Francosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough
Score:3 Howls Outta 4 (7 out of 10)
Plot:When an American family is invited to spend the weekend at the idyllic country estate of a charming British family they befriended on vacation, what begins as a dream holiday soon warps into a snarled psychological nightmare.
Review: While 2024’s SPEAK NO EVIL is an unnecessary remake of the 2022 film of the same name, damn if it isn’t a fun time. James McAvoy is having the time of his life playing an intimidating villain who makes the protagonists super uncomfortable any chance he can get. The first two acts are similar to the original, but this version takes a more Hollywood thriller finale. The original film upset me more and is more of a gut punch. But this is a solid watch and worth a look just for McAvoy.
THE SUBSTANCE (2024)
Directed By:Coralie Fargeat
Starring:Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
Score:4 Howls Outta 4 (10 out of 10)
Plot:A fading celebrity decides to use a black market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
Review: For a film I had barely heard of prior to its theatrical release in September, it’s funny how THE SUBSTANCE became one of my favorite films of 2024. Demi Moore has never been better, playing an aging Hollywood actress who takes a serum to be an “enhanced version of herself” [played by a superb Margaret Qualley], Dennis Quaid is also great as a sleazy and gross producer named “Harvey”. With beautiful cinematography and gross special effects [mostly practical], this is right up my alley. If you enjoy body horror with strong commentary on female aging and the effects of staying relevant in Hollywood, definitely check this out on Mubi or on VOD. The only film this year to get my highest recommendation, so far.
WEREWOLVES (2024)
Directed By:Steven C. Miller
Starring:Frank Grillo, Katrina Law, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jimmy Cummings, Lou Diamond Phillips, Kamdynn Gary
Score: 2 Howls Outta 4 (5 out of 10)
Plot:A year after a supermoon’s light activated a dormant gene, transforming humans into bloodthirsty werewolves and causing nearly a billion deaths, the nightmare resurfaces as the supermoon rises again. Two scientists attempt to stop the mutation but fail, leaving those exposed to the moonlight to once again become feral werewolves. Chaos engulfs the streets as the scientists struggle to reach one of their family homes, now under siege by the savage creatures.
Review: Did you ever watch THE PURGE and wish instead of murderous humans, you got lycanthropes instead? Well then, WEREWOLVES is for you! Hell, they even cast Frank Grillo [star of two PURGE films] as the lead. This should totally work, right?
Unfortunately, WEREWOLVES is just an average action-horror film that has a ton of potential but never takes all the interesting elements about the film to make it truly succeed. I like the idea of a supermoon unlocking wolf powers. I like the idea of communities so scared that they’re quarantining themselves during full moons. I like the idea of trying to find a cure for this gene. I even like badass Frank Grillo doing all he can to protect his sister-in-law and niece from a werewolf home invasion. But the premise is more interesting than any of the bland archetypes we’re supposed to care about. And Steven C. Miller is good with action, but there’s barely any tension because we hardly have any time with these characters, especially when the two major subplots go back-and-forth so quickly, all flow and momentum is gone.
I will say the werewolves look pretty great though, as they seem like a mix of both practical and CGI effects. Some of the gore effects are pretty gnarly. And Grillo does what he does best, playing a cool hero who has a ton of agency. And despite feeling disappointed by WEREWOLVES, I’m happy to see a B-movie get some A-list attention in theaters for a change, even if it didn’t light the box office on fire. This will probably be worth mooning over on streaming.
NOSFERATU (2024)
Directed By:Robert Eggers
Starring:Lily-Rose Depp, Bill Skasgard, Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson
Score:3 Howls Outta 4 (8 out of 10)
Plot:A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.
Review: Shout-out to the people laughing, snoring and walking out of NOSFERATU (2024). It didn't help my viewing experience at all...
I dug the acting in this for the most part, even if I thought some actors were overdoing it a bit. I liked the gothic and Victorian vibe. The film may be a bit too long and the pacing is a bit slow and off at times. I also wasn't a fan of Count Orlok's new look, although I respect Eggers wanting to change it up for his adaptation. I might like it more when I stream it at home. But right now, it's a soft 3 Howls.
Even though this blog has been quiet for most of 2024, that doesn’t mean I haven’t been watching 2024 horror films during my absence. I've been mainly posting quick reviews on my Instagram Stories and Letterboxd throughout the year. So I figured I might as well post those thoughts here before the year is over.
I plan on posting future short reviews for movies monthly [unless I feel the film deserves a longer review] on the blog going forward..
LOVE LIES BLEEDING (2024)
Directed by:Rose Glass
Starring:Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Ed Harris, Dave Franco, Jena Malone
Score:3 Howls Outta 4 (8 out of 10)
Plot: Reclusive gym manager Lou falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Las Vegas in pursuit of her dream. But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family.
Review: While flawed, LOVE LIES BLEEDING is a fun time. Very good direction by Rose Glass, solid performances [Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brian and Ed Harris are especially great] and has weird moments that make you wonder where the story is headed. If you enjoy crime-thrillers with a tinge of strange supernatural aspects that come out of nowhere, this might be up your alley. One of the better films of 2024 so far.
IMAGINARY (2024)
Directed by:Jeff Wadlow
Starring:DeWanda Wise, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, Betty Buckley, Tom Payne
Score:1.5 Howls Outta 4 (4 out of 10)
Plot: When Jessica moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter Alice develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear named Chauncey she finds in the basement. Alice starts playing games with Chauncey that begin playful and become increasingly sinister. As Alice’s behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.
Review: Probably one of the more forgettable horror films of 2024, IMAGINARY [another Blumhouse production that has disappointed me this year] is a waste of potential and probably a waste of one’s time. Despite a title that promises more inventive things, IMAGINARY has to be one of the most generic, lackluster and non-scary PG horror films I’ve seen all year. It has no shame in showing its influences on its sleeve, taking elements from better movies such as CHILD’S PLAY, THE SHINING and HELLRAISER II, making you wish you were spending time rewatching those films instead. DeWanda Wise is a very good actress and deserves better material than this, as I’m surprised that her back wasn’t in pain carrying this movie all by herself. I felt so badly for Betty Buckley in this as well, as the script just embarrasses her during the final act. Not much imagination in this one.
IMMACULATE (2024)
Directed by:Michael Mohan
Starring:Sydney Sweeney, Alvaro Morte, Simona Tabasco, Benedetta Porcaroli, Giorgio Colangeli
Score:3 Howls Outta 4 (8 out of 10)
Plot: An American nun embarks on a new journey when she joins a remote convent in the Italian countryside. However, her warm welcome quickly turns into a living nightmare when she discovers her new home harbors a sinister secret and unspeakable horrors.
Review: When I watched trailers for this and considering I had just watched Sydney Sweeney in MADAME WEB, I wasn’t expecting much out of this movie. But lo and behold, the first of many horror films this year tackling religion that ended up being a gnarly Nunspoloitation flick! In 2024 on the big screen, mind you! Sweeney isn’t the best actress, but she does some quality work here as a young nun who quickly becomes involved in the evil schemes of the convent she’s staying at. Mohan’s imagery is also pretty striking and memorable, with some memorable horror moments I wasn’t expecting in the film’s second half. The ending, in particular, is one of my favorite endings of 2024. I’m sure it’s still being debated about, considering our current social climate over childbirth. Definitely one of my favorite horror films of 2024 and worth a look if you’re a fan of Sydney Sweeney playing against type.
Plot: In the near future, on a decimated Earth, Paul and his twin sons face terror at night when ferocious creatures awaken. When Paul is nearly killed, the boys come up with a plan for survival, using everything their father taught them to keep him alive.
Review: A pretty okay dystopian flick that’s a mix of A QUIET PLACE, CHILDREN OF MEN and PITCH BLACK. While Nicolas Cage is top billing, he’s hardly in the movie as much as one would think, focusing more on the younger cast and how their characters deal with their bleak reality. While the younger actors do carry the story and emotional beats well enough, ARCADIAN could have used more Cage to really sell the absurdity of the entire situation. The creature designs are interesting enough to look at, even if they don’t always look great. But considering the low budget, I was still pretty impressed. And Benjamin Brewer does provide some tense moments through his visuals. Worth checking out on Shudder if you have time to spare.
ABIGAIL (2024)
Directed by:Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Starring:Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Alisha Weir, William Catlett, Kathryn Newton, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud, Giancarlo Esposito, Matthew Goode
Score:3 Howls Outta 4 (8 out of 10)
Plot: A group of criminals kidnap a teenage ballet dancer, the daughter of a notorious gang leader, in order to obtain a ransom of $50 million, but over time, they discover that she is not just an ordinary girl. After the kidnappers begin to diminish, one by one, they discover, to their increasing horror, that they are locked inside with no normal little girl.
Review: Radio Silence direct a really fun vampire flick that won’t reinvent the wheel. But with a super solid cast [especially Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens and a dynamic Alisha Weir as the title character], cool gore, nice special effects, and some tense and really funny moments, ABIGAIL is one of the better horror films of 2024. I wish this had done better at the box office to show those SCREAM producers what they messed up, but this will definitely be a cult hit for years to come.
TAROT (2024)
Directed By:Spenser Cohen, Anna Halberg
Starring:Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, Jacob Batalon, Humberly Gonzalez, Wolfgang Novogratz, Larsen Thompson, Olwen Fouere
Score:1.5 Howls Outta 4 (4 out of 10)
Plot: When a group of friends recklessly violate the sacred rule of Tarot readings, they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death.
Review: I drew the Fool card in my last Tarot reading, which would explain why I watched this soulless, cliched, generic, not-scary horror movie. TAROT does have some visually stylish moments and the actors aren’t terrible, as they’re doing what they can with an awful and boring script. A good horror flick is not in the cards with this one.
THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 (2024)
Directed By:Renny Harlin
Starring:Madelaine Petsch, Froy Gutierrez, Gabriel Basso, Emma Horvath, Richard Brake
Score:0.5 Howls Outta 4 (2 out of 10)
Plot: After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motives.
Review: I really hope someone tells these killers that Tamara is home so we can end this series. THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 gave me nothing. Nada. Zilch. The victims are stupid and have no agency. The killers aren’t scary or threatening in the slightest. There’s a lack of tension that was present in the previous films. If it wasn’t for the okay acting and decent looking picture, this installment would be a total dud. At least MADAME WEB made me laugh at how awful it was. This movie just made me angry, to the point where I wanted to walk out of the theater.
Can’t you tell I’m excited for CHAPTER 2??
THE WATCHERS (2024)
Directed By:Ishana Night Shyamalan
Starring:Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olwen Fouere, Oliver Finnegan, Alistair Brammer, John Lynch
Score:2 Howls Outta 4 (5 out of 10)
Plot: A young artist gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.
Review: Ishana Night Shyamalan’s feature film debut is a mixed bag. Shyamalan’s visuals and presentation are the best things about THE WATCHERS, as it has atmosphere and some decent tension at times. The movie looks really nice too. The actors [in particular Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell and Olwen Fouere] do fine with what they’re given. Unfortunately, the narrative starts off interesting and just deflates through too much exposition and predictable twists I figured out right away. Still, I’m willing to see Shyamalan direct another film that has a better script attached.
MAXXXINE (2024)
Directed By:Ti West
Starring:Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, Kevin Bacon, Simon Prast
Score:3 Howls Outta 4 (7 out of 10)
Plot: In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.
Review:MAXXXINE is the weakest of Ti West's X trilogy, but it's still a good time. Mia Goth is great as usual [with Kevin Bacon and Giancarlo Esposito behind her]. Loved the 80s aesthetic and soundtrack. Strong Brian de Palma vibes here. Too bad that final act is sloppy and silly as hell. Also, the mystery didn't work for me [figured it out pretty much right away]. Curious to see what Ti West does next though.
