COMPETITION: Win High Tension Blu-ray

Prepare for some pulse-racing, heart-pounding High Tension. The fantastic French horror from Alexandre Aja (The Hills Have Eyes (2006), Piranha 3D) gets a brand-new Limited Edition 4K/Blu-ray Dual Edition Box set release from masters in the field Second Sight Films 22 January 2024

And to celebrate we have a great competition and a copy on standard blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis

A new entry to the French extremity movement on its release in 2003, this fearsomely violent slasher stars Cécile de France (The French Dispatch, Around the World in 80 Days) and Maïwenn (One Deadly Summer, The Fifth Element), as two best friends whose sleepover goes shockingly awry. This  brutally violent, fear-fuelled cult classic arrives in the Limited Edition and Standard Edition 4K and Blu-ray versions, on 22 January 2024.

Alex (Maïwenn) and Marie’s (Cécile de France) study-weekend takes a savage turn, when a murderous maniac (Philippe Nahon – Irreversible), turns up on their doorstep. As Alex’s family is gruesomely picked off one-by-one, and one of them is taken hostage, a white-knuckle pursuit ensues… as Marie desperately battles to save them both from becoming his next victims.

Brimming with bloody violence and with a wicked twist in its tail, High Tension is one tense, terrifying terror ride you won’t be able to take your eyes off…

The brand-new box set is presented in a rigid slipcase with new artwork by James Neal with both discs featuring the film and bonus features. It comes with a 70-page book featuring new essays and the UHD is presented in HDR10+ and is the only approved HDR version of the film by the director. There’s also a host of brand-new interviews along with archive content.

Buy from Amazon at - https://amzn.to/47DXqWx

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 22-01-24

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

REVIEW: It's a Wonderful Knife (2023 Film) - Starring Jane Widdop

"It's a Wonderful Knife" presents a captivating deviation from the conventional Christmas film, interweaving horror, comedy, and holiday warmth with a thrilling and gore-infused twist. Directed by Tyler MacIntyre and written by Michael Kennedy, the movie adeptly navigates between chilling kills and heartfelt moments, offering a unique take on the cherished genre.

The plot follows Winnie Carruthers (Jane Widdop), a year after thwarting a psychotic killer on Christmas Eve, who, upon wishing she had never been born, finds herself in an alternate reality. In this nightmarish parallel universe, she discovers the dire consequences of her absence as the killer returns to wreak havoc. Teaming up with the town misfit, played by Justin Long, Winnie strives to identify the murderer and return to her own reality.

A notable feature of the film is its enthusiastic embrace of holiday-themed horror-comedy. "It's a Wonderful Knife" ingeniously twists traditional holiday movie tropes with blood-spattered creativity, providing a viewing experience that is simultaneously shocking and entertaining. Despite its horror elements, the film manages to encapsulate the true spirit of Christmas, blending charm, gore, and a touch of angst in a surprisingly cohesive manner.

The cast, led by Jane Widdop as Winnie, Joel McHale as David Carruthers, and Justin Long as Henry Waters, delivers compelling performances that elevate the overall appeal of the film. Widdop, in particular, shines as the lead, effectively conveying the emotional weight of her character's journey through the gruesome and fantastical events.

While excelling in delivering a captivating mix of horror and comedy, the film may not entirely satisfy hardcore horror enthusiasts seeking genuine scares. "It's a Wonderful Knife" prioritizes its holiday-themed narrative and character dynamics over relentless horror, catering to a broader audience that enjoys a fusion of genres.

In summary, "It's a Wonderful Knife" is a must-watch for those who appreciate a horror film during the Christmas season. With an 8 out of 10 score, the film successfully provides a fresh perspective on the holiday genre, blending festive charm with blood-soaked excitement. Include this in your holiday viewing list for a unique and entertaining cinematic experience.

Out Now on Amazon at https://amzn.to/46Im8Eo

And Apple TV at https://apple.co/47JO6Ry

REVIEW: A Haunting in Venice (2023 Film) - Starring Kenneth Branagh

Kenneth Branagh's 2023 film, "A Haunting in Venice," serves as a sophisticated directorial and production endeavor, where he reprises the role of Hercule Poirot following the 2022 release "Death on the Nile." Inspired loosely by Agatha Christie's "Hallowe'en Party," this installment ventures into unexplored territory, presenting a darker and spookier ambiance.

Set against the backdrop of 1947, the narrative unfolds with Poirot in retirement in Venice. The aging detective becomes entangled in an enigmatic Halloween soirée at the lavish residence of opera singer Rowena Drake (Kelly Reilly). The story weaves a complex tale intertwining wartime trauma, paranormal phenomena, and a perplexing murder that disrupts the Halloween festivities.

Branagh leads an ensemble cast, including Kyle Allen, Camille Cottin, Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, and others. While their performances contribute to the film's allure, some actors are unfortunately underutilized, offering a nuanced critique within an otherwise outstanding ensemble.

Cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos, known for his expertise, skillfully crafts the visual tapestry of "A Haunting in Venice." He captures the allure of the city and the palpable haunting atmosphere within the palazzo's twisting walls. The cinematography dances between elegance and eeriness, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

The plot revolves around mystery writer Ariadne Oliver (Tina Fey) convincing Poirot to attend a Halloween party and séance at Rowena Drake's palazzo to expose the medium Joyce Reynolds (Michelle Yeoh) as a fraud. The film expertly blends classic whodunit elements with a nuanced infusion of horror, as Poirot navigates the haunted palazzo, revealing layers of supernatural occurrences, wartime trauma, and psychological unraveling.

Despite its strengths, the film struggles in character development, leaving some ensemble members overshadowed by the central mystery. The atmospheric narrative comes at the expense of fully exploring certain characters' backgrounds and motivations. The film misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the nature of spiritualist mediums and the physical séance, potentially benefiting from expert consultation in these aspects.

Where the film excels is in its empathetic portrayal of post-war grief. Characters grapple with haunting memories, and the psychological toll of wartime experiences adds emotional depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond a mere murder mystery to a poignant exploration of the human psyche after conflict.

In conclusion, "A Haunting in Venice" is a commendable addition to the Poirot series. While it may not surpass its predecessor, "Death on the Nile," the film explores a darker and more complex side of the iconic detective. With skillful cinematography, a compelling fusion of genres, and a notable cast, despite some underutilization, the movie secures its place as a noteworthy installment in Hercule Poirot's cinematic universe. I give "A Haunting in Venice" a respectable 8 out of 10.

Pre-order on Blu-ray now at https://amzn.to/46pixLo

Watch at Apple TV at https://apple.co/3MRv3MA

REVIEW: The Puppetman (2023 Film) - Starring Alyson Gorske

"The Puppetman," directed by Brandon Christensen, unfolds as a captivating 2023 horror film that seamlessly blends psychological thriller and supernatural horror elements.

An undeniable strength of the film lies in its unique premise, centered around Michal (Alyson Gorske), the daughter of a notorious killer who claims to be under the control of an evil force. As mysterious deaths surround Michal, viewers embark on a suspenseful journey to uncover the truth behind her father's assertions and the haunting curse of The Puppetman. The enigmatic nature of the protagonist's intentions adds a layer of curiosity, ensuring the audience remains captivated.

The film excels as a horror experience, featuring intriguing concepts and well-crafted set pieces. As the horror intensifies, the audience is treated to two impressively shot, brutal kill sequences that inject vitality into the narrative. The third act, skillfully overcoming pacing issues, delivers a gripping and satisfying conclusion.

A central theme of a supernatural presence taking control of characters at any moment contributes to a pervasive sense of unpredictability, heightening tension throughout the film effectively.

However, "The Puppetman" is not without its shortcomings. Pacing issues, particularly in the initial hour, may test the patience of some viewers, and occasional lapses in performances hinder complete emotional connection. The film briefly ventures into the realm of a coming-of-age drama, creating a slight disconnection from the horror elements.

While the writing generally proves effective, occasional clunkiness detracts from the overall experience. Notably, the lack of a thorough explanation regarding the Puppetman Killer stands out as a drawback. While the film introduces the events that set the story in motion, it falls short in providing a satisfactory rationale for why the central characters succumbed to the dark forces. Offering more context on what made them susceptible to the malevolent force could have enriched the narrative.

In conclusion, "The Puppetman" emerges as a surprisingly decent horror film with engaging ideas, well-executed set pieces, and a compelling third act that compensates for initial pacing issues. While not flawless, the film effectively maintains tension through its supernatural elements and chilling atmosphere.

I would rate "The Puppetman" a decent 7.5 out of 10.

Out Now

Watch for Free with a 7-day trial of Shudder https://amzn.to/47b6MJH

Also available on Apple TV - https://apple.co/3G6aGYp

REVIEW: Deliver Us (2023 Film) - Starring Lee Roy Kunz

"Deliver Us," the 2023 religious horror film directed by Lee Roy Kunz and Cru Ennis, presents a chilling and atmospheric exploration of the timeless struggle between good and evil. Earning a solid score of 7.5 out of 10, the film adeptly combines moody cinematography, practical gore effects, and a captivating premise to craft an engaging viewing experience.

Set in a Russian convent, Sister Yulia faces the unexpected revelation of an immaculate conception, leading to the prophecy of her twins embodying the Messiah and the Antichrist. In response to the threat from the Vox Dei sect, Father Fox and Cardinal Russo embark on a perilous journey to protect Yulia, eventually finding refuge in Estonia at the estate of Laura, the priest's fiancée. However, their sanctuary is disrupted by the malevolent twin's sinister actions.

The film skillfully intertwines elements of religious horror, psychological tension, and supernatural occurrences, guiding Sister Yulia, Father Fox (Lee Roy Kunz), and Cardinal Russo (Alexander Siddig) through the treacherous path set by the Vox Dei sect. Notably, "Deliver Us" distinguishes itself by eschewing typical jump scares, opting for a deliberate and atmospheric approach that instills a pervasive sense of unease.

The cast, led by Lee Roy Kunz and Maria Vera Ratti as Father Fox and Sister Yulia, delivers commendable performances, fostering a strong emotional impact as the narrative explores themes of faith, family, and destiny. However, the film is somewhat hindered by the absence of a formidable antagonist, affecting the overall narrative impact.

Visually, "Deliver Us" impresses with its stunning backdrop and cinematography, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the film. The practical gore effects are executed with finesse, contributing a visceral and unsettling quality to the horror elements. While the character development may fall short, the film maintains audience engagement through its cinematic beauty and promising premise.

While "Deliver Us" doesn't necessarily break new ground in the religious horror genre, it successfully captures the essence of classics like "The Omen" while introducing its own unique twists. With effective atmospheric tension, visually striking scenes, and a blend of horror elements, the film earns its 7.5 out of 10 rating. Despite some character development shortcomings and the lack of a formidable antagonist, "Deliver Us" stands as a worthwhile addition to the horror genre, offering a satisfying and chilling experience for fans of the macabre.

Out Now at

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3MO1yva

Apple TV - https://apple.co/3SMY2oL

REVIEW: The Killer (2023 film) - Starring Michael Fassbender

In 'The Killer' by David Fincher, audiences are thrust into the compelling world of a seasoned assassin, brilliantly brought to life by the talented Michael Fassbender. The film skillfully weaves a narrative that captivates viewers with its calculated precision and high-stakes tension.

Under Fincher's expert direction, the film maintains a top-tier quality, complemented by an exceptional cast that crafts a clever and engaging story. Fassbender's portrayal of the lead assassin adds depth, offering a chilling exploration into the psyche of a character navigating the perilous realm of his profession.

The plot unfolds around a meticulously planned sniper job in a Parisian hotel gone awry, as the assassin mistakenly targets the wrong person. This misstep sets off a chain of perilous events, transforming the hunter into the hunted. In his quest for truth and revenge, the assassin confronts his handler, played by Charles Parnell, unraveling a web of betrayal.

Navigating a hazardous path to uncover those behind the attempts on his life, the assassin faces a diverse array of adversaries, each encounter laden with tension. The film's high-stakes confrontations unfold in various locations, leading to a thought-provoking showdown with the initial client, portrayed by Arliss Howard.

Tilda Swinton and a strong supporting cast deliver standout performances, painting a vivid and intricate picture of the assassin's world, blending deception and strategic maneuvers.

While 'The Killer' provides a tension-filled experience, some viewers may find the scarcity of intense action sequences and occasional predictability in the plot somewhat lacking. Nevertheless, Fincher's masterful direction, Fassbender's gripping portrayal, and the overall execution establish 'The Killer' as a compelling addition to the thriller genre.

I would rate 'The Killer' a fair 7.5 out of 10.

Out now on Netflix.

https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80234448

NYX UK launches FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan Jones

 

Starting January 20th, NYX UK will feature a special treat for horror enthusiasts with the debut of "FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan Jones." In this brand-new show, the beloved genre critic, author, and broadcaster, Alan Jones, takes viewers behind the scenes of some of his favorite films. Through personal anecdotes, revealing lesser-known facts, and discussing why these films have left a lasting impression, Alan provides a unique and engaging perspective.

Broadcasting twice a month, the series kicks off with Mario Bava’s classic giallo, "BLOOD ON BLACK LACE," at 9pm on Saturday, January 20. Breaking new ground for a live streaming Fast TV channel, Alan will not only introduce the film but also take charge of the ad breaks and conclude the event after the screening. The second film in the series is William Castle’s "13 GHOSTS," airing at 9pm on Saturday, January 27, and produced by FrightFest’s Ian Rattray and Greg Day.

Alan Jones expressed his excitement, stating, “When NYX offered me the opportunity to discuss some of my favorite titles from their impressive library, I eagerly accepted. This FrightFest-produced show allows me to share memories, fun facts, and rarely reported information. Above all, I hope to delight the NYX audience, making 'FrightFest Saturday Night Scares with Alan Jones' a must-watch event.”

Additionally, the channel commemorates John Carpenter’s birthday on January 16 with a screening of his underrated supernatural shocker, "THE WARD," featuring Amber Heard. "Hammer Sundays" continues with popular films, including the final pairing of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing in the Hammer Dracula series with "SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA" on Sunday, January 14.

January's lineup also includes thrilling features such as the Norwegian found-footage chiller "TROLL HUNTER," Jess Franco’s provocative erotic horror "FEMALE VAMPIRE," Lucio Fulci's "THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY," and Ruggero Deodato's "THE HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF THE PARK," known for his controversial film "Cannibal Holocaust."

Freeview 289 / Channelbox App / TCL TVs / Distro TV

Films in transmission order:

Sat 13 Jan @ 21:00 – TROLL HUNTER (2010)

One of the most original found footage movies of recent times, Troll Hunter takes the genre to the next level. A group of university students have decided to investigate the story of a bear poacher and find the suspected hunter, Hans. But whilst following and filming Hans, they discover that he hunts down something far more deadly.

Sun 14 Jan @ 21:00 – SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA (1973)

Part of Hammer Sundays

Set in 1970s London, Scotland Yard investigator Murray (Michael Coles), enlists the help of occult expert Lorrimer Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) and his granddaughter (Joanna Lumley) to uncover a mysterious and powerful Satanic cult led by the enigmatic D.D. Denham. As they delve deeper, they discover that Denham is none other than Count Dracula (Christopher Lee), who has returned to unleash a deadly plague upon humanity.

Tues 16 Jan @ 21:00 – THE WARD (2010)

To celebrate John Carpenter’s birthday

Set in the 1960s, Kristen (Amber Heard), is a young woman who is involuntarily committed to a psychiatric institution after setting an abandoned farmhouse on fire. As Kristen struggles to come to terms with her new surroundings, she encounters a group of fellow patients, each with their own distinct personalities and histories. Soon, the patients begin to experience terrifying encounters with a malevolent ghost haunting the ward.

Fri 19 Jan @ 23:00 – FEMALE VAMPIRE (1973)

Countess Irina von Karlstein (Lina Romay) , a mute vampire, sustains herself not on the blood, but on the sexual energy of her victims, leaving them drained of life force, reaching their deaths in a state of orgasmic bliss, marking an erotic twist to the vampire trope. Irina's life takes a dramatic turn when a journalist, Raymond (Jack Taylor), comes to the island.

Sat 20 Jan @ 21:00 – BLOOD AND BLACK LACE *Channel premiere

Part of FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan Jones

Max Morlan runs a fashion house, which becomes the scene of a series of gruesome murders. When a young model is killed, her diary, filled with damning secrets about her colleagues and employers, disappears, and the subsequent victims are those whose unscrupulous activities were detailed in the diary. As the body count rises, the authorities scramble to unmask the mysterious, faceless killer.

Tues 23 Jan @ 21:00 – THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY(1981)

The Boyle family - Norman, his wife Lucy, and their young son Bob, move from New York to a quaint house in New England, only to discover that it hides a grotesque history of murder and mystery. When strange, inexplicable occurrences begin to happen, and Norman's research into the house's previous owner uncovers a nightmarish reality, the family finds themselves trapped in a vortex of terror.

Fri 26 Jan @ 21:00 – THE HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF THE PARK (2011)

Alex (David Hess) and Ricky (Giovanni Lombardo Radice), are two disturbed and violent small-time crooks who operate a car repair shop by day, engaging in random acts of violence by night. When a wealthy and sophisticated couple brings in their car for repair, Alex and Ricky seize the opportunity to infiltrate an exclusive party at the couple's upscale suburban home. Once inside the party, Alex and Ricky take the guests hostage, initiating a night of terror and degradation.

Sat 27 Jan @ 21:00 – 13 GHOSTS (1960)

Part of FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan Jones

When occultist Dr Plato Zorba leaves a huge ramshackle house to his nephew Cyrus and his impoverished family, they are shocked to find the house is haunted. Their new residence comes complete with Doctor Zorba’s housekeeper, Elaine Zacharides, plus a fortune in buried treasure and twelve horrifying ghosts. However, there is someone in the house who is also looking for the money and is willing to kill for it…This infectious supernatural horror is directed by William Castle and stars Charles Herbert, Jo Morrow, Rosemary DeCamp, Martin Milner and Donald Woods.

Interview with T. R. Napper - By David Kempf

 
T. R. Napper is a multi-award-winning science fiction author, including the prestigious Aurealis three times. David caught up with him for a chat.

You can also check out some of his books at https://amzn.to/48cHtqQ

When did you first see the original Alien?

After I’d read the Aliens tie-in novel by Alan Dean Foster, and watched Aliens the film. Which is to say, I can’t precisely remember, as my most formative experience with the universe was the second film. I read the tie-in novel first, because I was too young to see Aliens, and my consolation prize was being allowed to read the novelisation.

So, it wouldn’t have been until the 90s that I watched Alien. My only regret is I never got to see it fresh, uncomprehending the horror of what was about to happen during the chestburster scene at the dinner table on the Nostromo.


Why do you think it was such a great twist that Bishop turns out to be the good guy in Aliens?

James Cameron sets it up well. Bishop (seemingly) has the same obsession over the xenomorph as Ash, and as such, anyone who has seen the first film will deduce that Bishop is going to go the same way. But having said that, I found the Bishop character had a gentle warmth, imbued by the performance of Lance Henrikson, whereas Ash always felt cold, calculated, distant.

Bishop’s arc within Aliens is significant, in some ways the most significant of the movie. He goes from being despised by Ripley and peripheral to the needs of the marines, to being trusted by her at the end, and absolutely central to the survivors making it out alive.


When did you first become interested in books?

Forever. As long as I have memory, books were part of my life.


When did you write your first story?

Not until my mid-thirties (not including the stories I was compelled to write in primary or high school). I never thought I could or would be a writer. My parents were working class, no-one in my family had been to uni, and art – be it music, books, paintings – was largely absent from our household. The expectation on me growing up was that I would do something practical, preferably something that would involve going to university (and thus change social classes), such as engineering.

So when I say I didn’t think about being a writer, I mean it quite literally. The thought did not cross my mind. It was never a secretly harboured ambition. Despite my love of books, I never conceived that I would be writing one.

I cannot remember the spark that made me write my first story (my first published short story came out in 2014). The urgent need was suddenly there, and I did it. That first story would have sucked, without doubt. But still, I never looked back, once the words started to flow.

When did you publish your first novel?

2022. My debut is titled 36 Streets. It’s a cyberpunk novel set in Vietnam in the year 2100. 36 Streets won both the major spec-fic awards here in Australia (the Aurealis Award and the Ditmar Award), and has done well abroad, as well (in fact my audience seems primarily to be in the UK and the US). All of which has been a massive fucking relief.


Why do you think horror books and movies remain so popular?

Look, I think there are an entirely different set of motivations depending on the reader or viewer. Some thrill at being scared, having the heart thump in the chest. Some have a fascination with the macabre. Some use horror as a means to explore trauma. It’s a genre that goes so far beyond the stereotype of gore and splatter: it can be contemporary, can easily speak to modern fears.


What are some of your favourite horror movies?

1) The Thing (1982)
2) Alien
3) Rosemary’s Baby
4) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
5) The Exorcist
6) 28 Days Later
7) Dawn of the Dead (1978)
8) Evil Dead 2
9) Predator
10) The Babadook

What are your current projects?

Aliens: Bishop has just come out, of course. I have two original works coming out next year: Ghost of the Neon God, and The Escher Man. Both are set in the same world as 36 Streets. Ghost of the Neon God is a novella, I pitched it as Mad Max meets Johnny Mnemonic. It’s about a rogue AI, a couple of petty crooks, and a terrifying escape across the Australian outback.

The Escher Man is set five years after the events of 36 Streets, but nonetheless is a stand-alone novel. That one is set in Macau. I think I pitched that as Total Recall meets Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

If you like your fiction dark, hardboiled, existential, violent, and high-octane, then I’m probably your guy.


Who would win in a fight between Bishop and David?

Much like in the cricket, when England plays Australia, Bishop - like England - would be the moral victor. Which is to say, Bishop would get smashed.


Please in your own words write a paragraph about yourself & your work.

I am a multi-award-winning science fiction author, including the prestigious Aurealis three times. My short fiction has appeared in Asimov’s, F&SF, Interzone, and numerous others, and has been translated into Hebrew, German, French, and Vietnamese.

Before turning to writing, I was a humanitarian aid worker, having lived throughout Southeast Asia for over a decade. I was also a resident in the Old Quarter in Ha Noi for several years, the setting for my debut novel, 36 Streets.  

Currently I live in Australia working as a DM, running dungeons and dragons campaigns for young people with autism for a local charity.

My fiction is cyberpunk. Which is to say it’s punk: anti-corporate, anti-elite, counter-cultural, and firmly on the side of the marginalised. It’s cyber: ice-cool tech, weaponised by the power for social control. It’s true cyberpunk: the literature of defiance.

Twitter: @TheEscherMan
Website: http://nappertime.com
Instagram: trnapper
Bluesky: @trnapper.bsky.social
Facebook: trnapper

Interview with Simon Rumley

Ahead of NYX UK’s season of Simon Rumley films in December, the award-winning director talks candidly about therapy in filmmaking, his past fear of contracting AIDS/HIV and being kicked of out BAFTA.

Q: Simon, how pleased are you that NYX UK, the country’s only free-to-air horror channel, are presenting a season of your films?
Very! I've spoken to a few festivals over the years to do a small retrospective of my films, but it's never panned out. So, it's great to see all the films curated and playing under one umbrella.

Q: A tricky question, but which is your personal favourite?
Ha. Indeed. Impossible to say, of course! I love them all (which I wouldn't say about every film I've made) and they all have different qualities and, actually, I'm proud of the fact that they're all so different from each other - visually, stylistically, narratively, aurally.

Q: Is it true that THE LIVING AND THE DEAD is partly influenced by events in your personal life?
Indeed, it was 'inspired' by watching my mother die of cancer which happened only a few months after my father died of a heart attack. I wrote it initially as a nightmare, a way of trying to communicate the emotions I went through during this time. But as a few investors read it, I made it more grounded in a reality before going to the nightmare/crazed extreme that it does go to. But yes, it was a kind of therapy for me and very cathartic.

Q: RED, WHITE and BLUE is a controversial film which you described as a horrific descent into revenge, terror and tragedy. What inspired you to make it?
Well, this was also personal in its own way and came from my fear of contracting AIDS through having one-night stands. Back then, 2009, when I wrote the script, AIDS/HIV wasn't quite the death sentence it was in previous years, but it was still close. I also loved the reaction to The Living And The Dead which we premiered in Rotterdam and then played at many non-horror festivals. The question I got from almost everyone was 'Is this a horror film?' I liked that duality of the film's existence and wanted to do something similar with RWB - a horror film which isn't obviously a horror film...

Q: One of the powerful themes of RED, WHITE AND BLUE is the relationship between sex and death – which you again take on with ‘Bitch’ in the horror anthology LITTLE DEATHS. What drew you to the story?
Well, as above, but with RWB, I wanted to get across that contradiction of doing something that is supposed to be very enjoyable (sex) being also something that could kill you. With Little Deaths, the story is more a perverse revenge story so less about the death aspect and more about how love goes bad.

Q: Your short film THE HANDY MAN, draws you into the world of serial killers. Was it this theme that attracted you to the project?
The theme and the well written script. I didn't write it, but it won a British Short Screenplay Competition as judged by Kenneth Branagh. It was a neat, twisted, twisty, self-contained script which was a perfect vehicle for two great actors. It also had that timeless American Gothic feel to it and reminded me of paintings by Grant Wood and Andrew Wyeth. It was very evocative, therefore, too, and I felt we could have a lot of fun with it.

Q: What was it like directing Greta Scacchi?
Fantastic, as you'd hope and expect. She was a great collaborator, asked good questions, brought her own identity and interpretation to the character. As with all world-class actors, every take was compelling, and the hardest thing was deciding which ones not to use rather than which one to use.

Q: You’ve been described by Screen International as one the great British cinematic outsiders. Does this chime with you?
Ha. Well, it's nice to be called 'great'. And I'm thinking that some of the other great British cinematic outsiders would include Ken Russel, Powell and Nic Roeg. They were all summarily ignored by the greater part of our industry and if I'm lumped in with them, then very happy. And, yes, given the amount of support I've received from the industry at large, it does chime with me, and I was even kicked out of Bafta because I was too busy writing/producing/directing RWB in Austin to pay my membership on time.

Q: You’ve just written your first novel, THE WOBBLE CLUB. Are you pleased with the reception?
Yes, very much so. It turns out it's a lot harder to get 'official' reviews for novels than it is for films but so far, the few I've got have been overwhelmingly positive which is gratifying. And I recently received the first reporting and have already sold half the first print run in about five weeks so much better than I was expecting!

Q: it deals with the very tricky subject of eating disorders. How challenging was it balancing sensitive issues with a darkly comic undertone.
Well, I was reading Martin Amis' The Information during some of the writing and that was quite informative in its own way. A lot of his humour comes from word play and there's a fair amount of that in my novel but it's also been fantastic to hear people tell me they've had laugh out loud moments with The Wobble Club. There's a laconicism to the humour, I think, and it's never directed at the characters; I wanted them to maintain their dignity throughout.

Q: What projects are you currently working on?
Well, I have a few films in development/at casting stage. A couple are horror, a couple revenge type thrillers, a crime noir. Come January, I'm hoping to return to novel-writing if none of the films happen and that's more obvious horror than The Wobble Club...

Fri 8 Dec @ 21:00 – RED, WHITE AND BLUE (2010) *Channel premiere

Fri 15 Dec @ 21:00 – THE LIVING AND THE DEAD *Channel premiere

Fri 22 Dec @ 21:00 – LITTLE DEATHS (2011) *Channel premiere

Following all three films is a special presentation of THE HANDY MAN.

nyxtv.co.uk

Freeview 289, Channelbox App, Roku, DistroTV

COMPETITION: Win Creepshow: Season 4 on Blu-ray

Tune in to Creepshow in all its gory glory as Season 4 gets its home entertainment bow this December – alongside a brand-new Season 1 – 4 Box set. Based on the seminal 1980s cult classic from horror dream team, maestro George A. Romero and virtuoso Stephen King, this critically acclaimed TV series is an essential purchase for those in need of some blood-soaked, playfully dark and irresistibly eerie seasonal viewing.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 3 copies of Season 4 on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis

Following its huge success on Shudder, Creepshow Season 4 and Creepshow Season 1 – 4 Box set are set to arrive on Blu-ray, DVD and digital on 11 December 2023. The Box set comes packed with special features, including in A Creepshow Animated Special, which sees Kiefer Sutherland (Designated Survivor, 24) star in Survivor Type based on the short story by Stephen King and Joe King (The Kissing Booth, The Act) star in Twittering from the Circus of the Dead, based on the short story by Joe Hill (NOS4A2). It also comes with A Creepshow Holiday Special starring Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect) and Adam Pally (The Mindy Project). Please see the trailers below.

 

Produced by Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead), the series features a slew of unique horror vignettes from some of the most lauded talent around, including Stephen King, as well as his son, writer Joe Hill (NOS4A2), Primetime Emmy® award-winning Rob Schrab (Rick and Morty, Monster House), Josh Malerman (Bird Box) and more.

 

Creepshow comic books come to life in this anthology series of terrifying tales hosted by the silent ghoul. There’s haunted dollhouses, werewolves, murderous goblins, villainous trick-or-treaters, the dead and medical marvels… just a few of the things to watch out for – you never know what shocks await you in the next chapter. Viewers will be immersed in a chilling world of suspense and gore over all four series.

 

Season 4 promises an exhilarating scare-fest like never before, as a fresh selection of spine-tingling stories are presented over six episodes. There are tales of stranger danger, immersive virtual worlds and everything from vampires and zombies to artistic sacrifices. It's an all-out rollercoaster of frights just waiting to be experienced.

This gorgeously gruesome series is the perfect homage to horrors of old. Good gory fun at its most entertaining, set the channel to Creepshow for a horror feast to sate your appetite for fear.

Buy from Amazon at - https://amzn.to/3R9T56S

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 18-12-23

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.