Ayvianna Snow Brings Horror to Life in Rumpelstiltskin and St. Patrick’s Day Massacre

 

British horror star Ayvianna Snow is set to terrify audiences once again with two chilling new films, Rumpelstiltskin and St. Patrick’s Day Massacre. Known for her commanding presence in independent horror, she continues to cement her place as one of the most exciting talents in the genre. Both films, arriving this March, promise to deliver gripping suspense, eerie atmospheres, and the kind of fear that lingers long after the credits roll.

In Rumpelstiltskin, a fresh take on the terrifying childhood tale, Ayvianna plays a deadly Succubus who lures unsuspecting men to their doom. The film follows a young woman who strikes a dangerous bargain with a sinister creature, only to realise too late that her first-born child is at stake. Director Andy Edwards, who previously worked with Ayvianna, was certain she was the perfect fit for the role, bringing an alluring yet menacing energy to the screen. The film is set to have its world premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival on 8th March, promising audiences a haunting reimagining of a well-known fable.

Meanwhile, in St. Patrick’s Day Massacre, she takes on a very different but equally unsettling role. Ayvianna plays Kendra, a college student whose night out with friends takes a deadly turn when they are lured into staying at a strange Irish tavern. As the night unfolds, a vengeful undead killer begins picking them off one by one. With Kendra’s obsessive need for cleanliness pushing her to take a late-night shower, the question looms, will this simple act seal her fate? Directed by Steve Lawson, the film promises high tension and brutal slasher thrills, set for release on 10th March.

Ayvianna Snow has spoken about her deep connection to the horror genre, describing how fear is one of the most primal human emotions, reaching places that other genres cannot. Her reputation for intense, captivating performances has solidified her as one of the most compelling figures in British horror, and with two very different but equally terrifying films on the way, her presence in the genre is stronger than ever. Whether seducing victims into the flames in Rumpelstiltskin or fighting to survive a relentless killer in St. Patrick’s Day Massacre, she is set to deliver performances that will leave horror fans breathless.

Review: Wolf Man (2025) – A Haunting Reimagining of a Horror Classic

 

Leigh Whannell’s Wolf Man delivers a bold and unsettling reimagining of the classic werewolf myth, merging raw family drama with unnerving body horror. Set in the remote wilderness of rural Oregon, the film builds an atmosphere thick with isolation and creeping dread, grounding its supernatural terror in an intensely personal story. While it doesn’t always strike the perfect balance between horror and emotional depth, its commitment to character-driven storytelling sets it apart from more conventional monster fare.

Christopher Abbott takes centre stage as Blake Lovell, a man struggling with both his past and an inexplicable transformation. His performance is nothing short of captivating, capturing the slow and painful descent from loving father to something monstrous. The film takes its time in revealing his metamorphosis, a choice that allows for a deep emotional connection to his character, though some may find the pacing a little too patient. Opposite him, Julia Garner delivers a standout turn as his wife, Charlotte, who is forced to confront the terrifying reality of her husband’s affliction while trying to protect their daughter, played with compelling innocence by Matilda Firth.

One of Wolf Man’s greatest strengths lies in its use of practical effects, a rare feat in an era dominated by CGI. From the earliest signs of Blake’s infection to the moment of full transformation, every stage is realised with remarkable detail, making for an unnervingly tactile experience. The creature design leans into gritty realism, presenting a werewolf that feels genuinely animalistic, stripped of any unnecessary embellishments that might have lessened its impact.

Whannell’s direction is sharp and methodical, crafting an atmosphere of mounting unease. The film relies more on suspense and psychological horror than outright jump scares, with moments of shocking violence carefully placed for maximum effect. The setting plays a crucial role, with the Lovell family’s isolated farmhouse and the surrounding dense forests creating an ever-present sense of vulnerability. The body horror elements are handled with skill, striking a balance between grotesque transformation and restrained terror, making the horror feel all the more visceral.

Despite its many strengths, Wolf Man isn’t without its flaws. The slow-burn approach to Blake’s transformation, while effective in building character depth, risks frustrating audiences eager for a faster descent into horror. The story occasionally feels underdeveloped in places, particularly in its supporting characters, with figures like Derek and Grady serving little purpose beyond brief plot progression. Themes of generational trauma and the struggle to outrun one’s past are present but not fully explored, leaving a sense of untapped potential.

At its core, Wolf Man is a film that values emotional resonance as much as it does horror. It takes a familiar concept and reshapes it with modern sensibilities, resulting in a film that feels both intimate and deeply unsettling. While it doesn’t fully stick the landing, it offers enough tension, strong performances, and striking visuals to make a lasting impression.

For all its imperfections, Wolf Man is an ambitious and haunting take on the werewolf mythos. It may not stand as Whannell’s best work, but it’s a memorable and gripping entry into the genre that deserves recognition. A solid 6.5 out of 10.

Now in cinemas.

PREVIEW: Invitation to a Murder (2024) – A Classic Mystery with a Modern Edge

 

Get ready to put your detective skills to the test as Invitation to a Murder is now available on UK digital platforms. This gripping whodunnit boasts a stellar ensemble cast, led by Mischa Barton (The O.C., The Sixth Sense), alongside Chris Browning (Westworld), Seamus Dever (Castle), and Bianca A. Santos (Ouija). With its blend of suspense, intrigue, and period charm, the film promises an enthralling mystery from start to finish.

Directed by Stephen Shimek and written by Gérard Miller, Brian O’Donnell, and Jerome Reygner-Kalfon, Invitation to a Murder transports viewers to the 1930s, setting the stage on a secluded island estate in the south of England. A mysterious billionaire gathers six strangers at his lavish home under cryptic circumstances, drawing them into a puzzle where every guest harbours secrets. Among them is Miranda Green, played by Mischa Barton, an aspiring detective with a keen eye for detail. Her intrigue turns to alarm when one of the guests is found dead, forcing her to unravel a tangled web of deception before the killer strikes again.

The film pays homage to the golden age of detective fiction, capturing the allure of classic murder mysteries while weaving in unexpected twists that keep audiences guessing. Its atmospheric cinematography, sharp storytelling, and strong performances create a thrilling and immersive experience. Each character brings their own suspicions and hidden agendas, ensuring no one is above suspicion until the final reveal.

With its richly detailed setting and tension-filled narrative, Invitation to a Murder is the perfect watch for fans of classic whodunnits. If you’re in the mood for a night of suspense and intrigue, step into the mystery and stream it now on UK digital platforms.

On UK digital platforms OUT NOW

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PREVIEW: Rumpelstiltskin (2025 Film) Spins a Dark New Tale in a Twisted Fantasy Horror

 

The classic fairy tale gets a wickedly entertaining reinvention in Rumpelstiltskin, a bold new fantasy horror from writer-director Andy Edwards. Set to make its World Premiere at FrightFest Glasgow on 8 March 2025 before landing on digital platforms on 7 April, the film offers a gruesome and darkly humorous take on the legendary trickster. With a fearless female lead, striking visuals and gruesome special effects, Rumpelstiltskin promises a nightmarish thrill ride that lingers long after the credits roll.

Starring Hannah Baxter-Eve, Joss Carter and Adrian Bouchet, the film follows Evaline, a miller’s daughter caught in a web of deceit after her father boasts that she can spin straw into gold. When the King demands proof of this miraculous talent, she finds herself locked in a tower with no way to deliver on the promise. That is until a mysterious, masked creature appears with an offer of assistance, but his price is steep. As greed takes hold and the stakes escalate, a deal is struck that will have horrifying consequences. With the Devil himself entering the fray, the tale spirals into a chaotic and brutal fight for survival where no bargain comes without a cost.

With a mix of grotesque fantasy, razor-sharp wit and unsettling horror, Rumpelstiltskin reinvents the well-known story with a fresh and fiendishly fun approach. Packed with gnarly practical effects, a sharp script and an unpredictable descent into madness, this is no bedtime story.

Premiering at FrightFest Glasgow on 8 March before its digital release on 7 April, Rumpelstiltskin is set to leave audiences spellbound with its twisted take on a classic tale.

PREVIEW: Good Neighbours (2025 Film) A Tense and Terrifying Sci-Fi Horror Thriller

 

Preview by Jon Donnis

Independent horror fans have something new to sink their teeth into with Good Neighbours, a micro-budget sci-fi horror film now available to stream on Prime Video. Blending psychological tension with eerie sci-fi elements, the film takes the simple premise of a dinner party and transforms it into a gripping battle for survival. With a small but talented cast and an unsettling atmosphere, Good Neighbours offers a slow-burning sense of dread that builds to an intense and shocking climax.

The story follows married couple Tamesha and Luke Ellery, played by L.A Rodgers and Karl Kennedy-Williams, who extend a warm welcome to their new neighbours by inviting them over for dinner, after an awkward encounter at their front door. But their guests, played by Dani Thompson and Judson Vaughan, are not quite what they seem. As the evening unfolds, strange tensions rise, and what starts as polite conversation soon turns sinister. As the true nature of their visitors is revealed, the Ellerys find themselves trapped in a nightmare, fighting to make it through the night.

With a supporting cast including Param Patel, Caitlin Cameron, Chrissie Wunna, Hayley Bellamy, and Kayley Rainton, Good Neighbours thrives on its intimate setting and escalating paranoia. The film leans into its sci-fi horror roots, using its small-scale production to create a claustrophobic and unsettling experience that keeps audiences on edge.

Now available on Prime Video, Good Neighbours is a must-watch for fans of indie horror looking for a tense, unpredictable, and darkly compelling story.

Watch at https://amzn.to/40Yx5kf

Kraven the Hunter Review: A Ferocious Yet Flawed Adaptation

 

Kraven the Hunter, directed by J. C. Chandor, marks the latest entry in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, bringing one of Marvel’s most intriguing villains to the big screen. Aaron Taylor-Johnson takes on the role of Sergei Kravinoff, a hunter-turned-vigilante battling both his fractured family and his own animalistic transformation. While the film attempts to balance a faithful adaptation of the comics with a self-contained story, it struggles to find solid footing.

At the heart of the film is Sergei’s tumultuous relationship with his father, Nikolai, played with venomous charm by Russell Crowe. A traumatic childhood incident involving a lion leaves Sergei on the brink of death, only to be saved by Calypso, a mysterious healer portrayed by Ariana DeBose. Years later, he emerges as Kraven, a brutal yet principled predator hunting down criminals while attempting to escape his father’s long shadow. His path leads to confrontations with his estranged brother Dmitri (Fred Hechinger), the menacing Rhino (Alessandro Nivola), and the hypnotic Foreigner (Christopher Abbott), all entangled in a narrative of family betrayal and moral ambiguity.

Taylor-Johnson delivers a compelling performance, capturing both Kraven’s primal ferocity and his internal struggle. His portrayal gives the character a sense of raw intensity, making Sergei feel more than just another antihero. Crowe, meanwhile, commands attention as Nikolai, exuding ruthless authority that makes their father-son dynamic one of the film’s strongest elements. DeBose’s Calypso, while serving as an emotional counterbalance, ultimately feels underdeveloped, her presence more a tool for exposition than a fully realised character.

The action sequences are fast-paced and often thrilling, with standout moments such as a buffalo stampede-turned-battle and Kraven’s clash with Rhino providing bursts of excitement. However, the film’s visual effects are inconsistent, with some rushed CGI work and choppy editing that dull the impact of key confrontations. This lack of polish becomes particularly distracting in moments that should feel grand and visceral but instead come across as unfinished.

Chandor successfully captures a grim and gritty atmosphere that suits Kraven’s world, but the script’s predictability undercuts its emotional weight. The fractured family dynamic between Sergei, Dmitri, and Nikolai, which should be the emotional core of the story, feels underexplored, and many of its revelations lack the necessary dramatic punch. Meanwhile, The Foreigner, despite being an intriguing antagonist, is frustratingly sidelined, making his eventual showdown with Kraven feel underwhelming.

For fans of the comics, Kraven the Hunter delivers a mostly faithful take on the character, staying true to his complex morality and relentless drive. However, for those unfamiliar with Kraven’s legacy, the film may feel like an odd, somewhat inaccessible addition to Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. While it avoids some of the pitfalls of previous entries, it ultimately feels more like a stepping stone than a definitive success.

In the end, Kraven the Hunter is an uneven experience. Strong performances and engaging action sequences offer glimpses of what could have been a truly compelling character study, but the film is weighed down by inconsistent pacing, a lack of narrative depth, and underwhelming visual effects. It’s a serviceable adaptation for dedicated fans but unlikely to leave a lasting impression on a wider audience. A generous 7 out of 10.

Out Now in Cinemas and on Apple TV - https://apple.co/4fnALBs

PREVIEW: The Containment (2025 Film) A Supernatural Horror That Pushes the Limits of Fear

 

By Jon Donnis

Black Mandala’s The Containment is set to deliver a chilling blend of psychological terror and demonic possession. Directed by Jack Zagha Kababie and Yossy Zagha, the film explores the horror that unfolds when a young girl becomes the target of a terrifying entity. As the malevolent force tightens its grip, her mother searches for answers, turning to doctors, exorcists, and so-called experts, but none can stop the darkness spreading within her child.

As the horror intensifies, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural begin to blur. A devout nun steps forward to confront the evil, determined to free the girl from its grasp. But as she uncovers the truth, she realises that the greatest danger does not come from the demon itself. Something far more insidious lurks beneath the surface, a force beyond the reach of prayer. With a screenplay by David Desola and Yossy Zagha, and cinematography by Antonio Riestra, The Containment promises an unsettling and immersive horror experience. 

Starring Fernanda Romero, Jack Gouldbourne, Alice Coulthard, Roger Cudney, Darren Clarke, Gia Hunter, and Edmund Dehn, the film is set to leave audiences questioning the nature of true evil. Music by Edy Lan adds to the eerie atmosphere, ensuring that The Containment lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Coming Soon