PREVIEW: SHED (2026 Film) - Directed by Steven J. Mihaljevich

Preview by Jon Donnis

Black Mandala is set to bring SHED, a survival horror film directed by Steven J. Mihaljevich, and it already carries the feel of something intensely focused and deliberately restrained. Built around a single, confined perspective, the film centres on a young girl trapped in a situation she cannot fully understand, which immediately gives it a more intimate edge than most entries in the genre.

The story follows ten year old Mia, played by Mani Shanks, who is accidentally locked inside a farm shed on Christmas Eve. What begins as a simple accident quickly turns into something far more dangerous when a violent stranger arrives at the property. Unable to escape and with only fragments of what is happening reaching her, Mia is left to face hunger, fear, and the growing sense that something terrible has happened to her family.

Alongside Shanks is John Jarratt, a familiar face for horror audiences, known for his role in Wolf Creek. His involvement alone hints at the kind of grounded, unsettling tone the film may be aiming for, especially within such a contained setting.

From the details available, SHED appears to lean into vulnerability, isolation, and a slow build of tension rather than spectacle. The decision to keep the perspective tightly fixed on Mia suggests an experience shaped by what she can hear, sense, and piece together, rather than what is directly shown. That approach points towards a more immersive kind of horror, one that places the audience inside the situation rather than observing it from a distance.

The film has already picked up recognition, winning Best Horror Feature, with Mihaljevich awarded Best Screenplay and Shanks taking Best Actress at the UK Film Awards. It also premiered at Screamfest LA, signalling early attention within the genre space.

On the surface, SHED looks like a tightly controlled horror built around a simple but effective premise. A child, a locked space, and a threat just outside reach. If it delivers on that idea, it could be one to watch for those drawn to more contained and character driven horror stories.

Coming Soon

PREVIEW: ZombieCON Vol. 1 (2026 Film) - Stars Erin Áine and Manny Luke

 

ZombieCON Vol. 1 arrives with a simple but chaotic hook. A group of comic convention regulars get more than they bargained for when their world suddenly shifts from playful fandom into full blown horror. What begins as celebration quickly spirals into survival, as costumes and roleplay give way to real danger in a city overrun by the undead.

Directed by Kyle Valle and co-written with its lead stars Erin Áine and Manny Luke, the film leans hard into its identity. It is not just a zombie story. It is a love letter to cosplay culture, packed with knowing humour and an obvious affection for the people who live and breathe it. The setup wastes little time. Rocket, Claire, Punkie, and Javier are riding high after winning a major cosplay prize, only for a clash with a group of bullies to push Claire into making a reckless wish that changes everything.

When that wish becomes reality, the tone flips fast. The city descends into chaos as zombies swarm the streets, forcing the group to rely on their creativity and fandom inspired skills to stay alive. Homemade weapons and pop culture instincts become their only real advantage as they fight their way across town, driven by the urgent need to rescue Rocket’s mother. It is a premise that feels both ridiculous and strangely grounded in the tight bond between the characters.

The film mixes anime influenced action with sharp satire and plenty of gore, never straying far from its playful roots even as the body count rises. There is a clear sense that this is made for fans who enjoy spotting references as much as they enjoy the carnage itself. Following a strong reception in the US, ZombieCON Vol. 1 lands on UK digital platforms on 27 April 2026 from Miracle Media, bringing its chaotic blend of humour, horror, and fandom energy with it.

Apple TV - https://apple.co/41DeU4o

COMPETITION: Win She Killed in Ecstasy on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray

From Severin Films comes this Jess Franco follow-up to VAMPYROS LESBOS.

This is the worldwide UHD Premiere. Released on two-disc 4K UHD / Blu-ray Edition, complete with stunning packaging and a slew of special features on 30 March 2026.

And to celebrate we have a copy  to give away!

Synopsis:

In her greatest role, and one of her final performances before her tragic death, the luscious Soledad Miranda stars as a vengeful widow who seduces and murders the men and women responsible for her husband’s suicide. 

Howard Vernon (THE AWFUL DR. ORLOFF), Paul Muller (LADY FRANKENSTEIN), Ewa Strömberg (VAMPYROS LESBOS) and Jess himself co-star in this EuroCult masterwork “that truly shows what a creative genius Franco could be when he is at the top of his form” (Classic Horror), newly scanned in 4K from the original camera negative with Special Features that include an archival interview with Uncle Jess and an all-new instalment of In the Land of Franco.

Pre-Order from https://amzn.to/4s0u1jg

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who directs She Killed in Ecstasy?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

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

1. Closing date 13-04-26

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.

PREVIEW: Scream Therapy (2026 Film) - From Writer-director Cassie Keet

 

Preview By Jon Donnis

Cassie Keet’s absurdist horror feature Scream Therapy arrives on UK digital on 6 April, bringing with it a loud, chaotic mix of dark comedy and female-led horror. Following its US premiere, the film makes its UK debut through Miracle Media, setting the tone for something that leans fully into its wild premise.

Written and directed by Keet, known for Abigail Before Beatrice, the film takes a deliberately exaggerated concept and pushes it to extremes. What begins as a therapeutic escape quickly spirals into something far more dangerous, blending humour with horror in a way that keeps things unpredictable.

The story centres on Avery, played by Harley Bronwyn, who is reeling after a messy breakup with her boyfriend of seven years. Looking for some form of release, she heads into the desert with her best friends for a girls’ weekend built around scream therapy, hoping for a sense of reset.

After a day of bonding exercises and a little experimentation, the trip takes a sharp turn. The group finds themselves confronted by a demonic incel cult with a strict deadline for human sacrifice, forcing them into a brutal situation where survival becomes the only priority.

As the threat closes in, the women are pushed into a fight for their lives. The balance shifts quickly, and the cult begins to realise they have chosen the wrong targets. What follows is a fast-moving clash filled with chaos, resistance, and revenge as both sides try to outmanoeuvre each other.

With its mix of horror and dark humour, Scream Therapy positions itself as a high-energy, female-led feature that does not hold back. It invites audiences to dive into the madness, bringing together friendship, fear, and a lot of screaming along the way.

Scream Therapy is available on digital platforms in the UK from 6 April through Miracle Media.

PREVIEW: Surrender to It (2026 Film) - Starring Daemian Greaves

 

By Jon Donnis

A weekend escape into the Welsh borderlands turns into something far more unsettling in Surrender to It, a new thriller from Tim Bryn Smith, arriving on UK digital platforms on 30 March 2026 through Miracle Media.

The story follows Dani, a grieving father struggling to process the sudden loss of his son. Hoping for some kind of release, he reconnects with his old drama workshop group for a retreat at Devil’s Bridge, a location steeped in folklore and quiet unease. It feels like the perfect setting to confront the past, though that sense of calm does not last long.

The group itself is anything but straightforward. Among them are an influencer, a Michelin star restaurateur, an ex-serviceman, an A-list Hollywood actor and a recovering drug addict. It is an unpredictable mix, and as personalities begin to clash, tensions slowly rise beneath the surface.

Surrounded by the striking hills and forests of the border, what begins as a reunion quickly spirals into something darker. Strange events start to unfold, and the atmosphere shifts from reflective to deeply unnerving. Each member of the group carries their own secrets, and as those secrets begin to surface, old wounds are forced open in ways none of them expected.

At the centre of it all is Dani, whose grief shapes the emotional core of the story. The trip offers the possibility of closure, but it also threatens to pull him deeper into something far more consuming.

Blending elements of mystery, horror, comedy and the surreal, Surrender to It promises an unpredictable journey where nothing stays buried for long. With its mix of character drama and creeping menace, it looks set to deliver a tense and unusual experience when it lands on digital this March.

On digital 30 March from Miracle Media 

Apple TV - https://apple.co/3NraRFa

PREVIEW: Itch! (2026 Film) - Starring Bari Kang

 

Bari Kang makes a striking entrance into horror with Itch!, a grim and tightly wound debut that first caught attention at Grimmfest. Now set for its digital release on 20 April 2026 via Seven Tales, the film arrives carrying strong early buzz and a premise rooted in both fear and human fragility.

Kang takes on multiple roles behind and in front of the camera, writing, directing, producing, and starring as Jay. That central performance gives the story a grounded core. Jay is a man dealing with loss, struggling through grief while the world begins to fall apart around him. It gives the film an emotional weight that runs alongside the horror.

At the centre of the story is a fast moving and deeply disturbing infection known as The Itch. It spreads rapidly, turning those affected into violent, unstable versions of themselves, driven towards destruction. As panic spreads across the city, Jay and his daughter, played by Olivia Kang, search for somewhere safe to hide.

They find temporary shelter in a convenience store, though safety quickly proves to be an illusion. The space becomes increasingly tense as more survivors gather, and suspicion begins to take hold. The threat is not just outside. It builds within the group itself, fuelled by fear and desperation.

As the infection draws closer and tensions rise, the film shifts into a more psychological space. Trust becomes fragile, and every decision carries serious consequences. The real danger begins to feel as though it lies in how people react when survival is on the line.

The relationship between Jay and his daughter remains at the heart of it all. Their bond is pushed to breaking point as they face impossible choices, forcing them to confront not just the situation around them, but each other. The story builds towards a conclusion that aims to challenge ideas of protection, sacrifice, and what people are willing to do for those they love.

With support from a cast that includes Patrick Michael Valley, Ximena Uribe, Mia Ventura Lucas, and Douglas Stirling, Itch! sets itself up as a bleak and intense addition to the outbreak horror space.

The film lands on UK digital platforms on 20 April, with a US release following on 21 April, offering a harsh and gripping experience that stays focused on both terror and the human cost behind it.

Interview with "Realm Drifters" By David Kempf

"Realm Drifters, your nightly portal to relaxation, ASMR, and the infinite cosmos of dreams."

1. When did you first become interested in horror?

I’ve been into horror media for as long as I can remember. Even as a young kid, I would embarrass my parents and grandparents on trips to Blockbuster; a six-year-old me running to the counter with a copy of A Nightmare on Elm Street or another slasher wasn’t unusual on a given weekend. The first TV show I remember truly looking forward to watching as it aired was Are You Afraid of the Dark?.


2. Did you always enjoy writing or performing?

Writing remains my strongest creative outlet and I’ve enjoyed it for a very long time. Years back, I wrote short stories for r/NoSleep that were eventually picked up by the Creepypasta community. I was shocked, and honored, when narrators I personally listened to suddenly began reading my stories on their channels without me even submitting them. As for performing... that part is still somewhat new to me!


3. Do you prefer horror TV shows or films?

I prefer horror BOOKS! But if you make me choose between those two, it’s film, hands down. I think episodic shows (unless they are anthologies) can often dilute the underlying terror and dread that a film can sustain. That said, I love Black Mirror, and The Twilight Zone is one of the best shows ever made, even if they don't always fit the strict definition of "horror."


4. Is there another genre that you are interested in?

So many. Sci-fi, westerns, crime, historical/historical fiction, fantasy..good stories can be found in so many other ‘realms’ (forgive me).


5. When did you first start your YouTube Channel? - Realm Drifters

I launched it late last year, but I really found my footing just before Christmas of 2025. I consider the channel to have truly "started" about three months ago. It’s still so young, and I’m amazed at its growth. I just wanted a place to tell my stories, and I’m incredibly grateful there are people who want to listen and visit these worlds with me.


6. Do you do all production and editing yourself for your YouTube Channel?

Yes, it’s a one-man show! I think a lot of viewers assume there’s a full team behind the scenes based on the comments I read, but the truth is, it’s just me. Occasionally, I’ll reach out to a female friend for help with specific roles, as I can’t accurately portray certain voices and I really don't want to break the immersion for the listener.


7. Do you believe viewers need to have spoilers in order to enjoy your work?

No. However, I think the broadcasts and narrations are much more special when you’re already familiar with the "realms" we visit. It provides more context, and it’s fun to hunt for easter eggs. I deliberately avoid spoilers in my content; for example, Resident Evil Requiem dropped recently, and I’ve had to delete comments that might spoil the game for listeners who haven't finished it yet. I’ve also resisted making any Requiem-related episodes until people have had more time to play.


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

It’s fun to be scared. When we’re growing up, we’re scared of the darkness under our bed, the creepy bush or house we have to walk past on our way home from school every day, being the last one to go home after the sun has just set. The monster lurking around the corner, the witch who lives in the house at the end of our street.. or maybe the slasher movie we just watched isn’t just a movie..and something’s waiting for you at the end of the hall…

We lose that as we grow up. Those unknown and primal fears are replaced by something else. We’re scared of losing our jobs. We’re scared of not being able to pay for our insurance or our declining health. Returning to that primitive fear while knowing we are safe under the covers gives us a thrill; it somehow makes us feel more secure once the story is over.


9. Why do you think that people are obsessed with learning something new about classic films like JAWS or The Thing?

Well. One of those (JAWS) changed the way films are made and released forever. I believe JAWS is widely considered the first blockbuster movie. The Thing is now a cult classic..and as I understand wasn’t much of a hit when it was released.

I think JAWS draws both horror fans and film buffs alike. It has master-class acting as well as a hell of a story behind how it was shot and edited, which appeals to film buffs.

The Thing has an amazing original score..as well as gives the viewer this paranoid, isolated, claustrophobic feeling the entire time you’re watching the movie. It also has an ending that is still talked about and debated decades after its release.


10. Who inspires you?

In my personal life? My father.

In my creative work? So many..but if I had to pick a couple I’d say Stephen King and Rod Serling.


11. What are some of your favorite horror books?

How much time do you have? Off the top of my head, I have to mention It, Misery, Revival, The Hellbound Heart, The Road, and The Silence of the Lambs. However, the scariest story I’ve ever read might be King's short story, The Jaunt.


12. What are some of your favorite horror movies?

The Thing, Storm of the Century, Doctor Sleep, Alien, Evil Dead, 28 Days Later, Psycho, and the first two Hellraiser films.


13. What are your current projects?

Right now, I'm focusing on more "Nightline" broadcasts! These take place inside fictional universes we already love, everything from Resident Evil and Jaws to The Thing and Evil Dead. Listeners get to sit alongside radio broadcasters and emergency dispatchers as events unfold in real-time. It’s designed to be immersive whether you're driving or trying to fall asleep. My most recent project was Alien: Nightline, set aboard a ship in deep space.


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

I am the creator and voice of Realm Drifters, where I craft immersive broadcasts designed for entertainment, focus, and sleep. On a personal level, I’m a dog dad to a very stubborn dachshund, and have a ton of hobbies, including Chess and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I live and grew up in California. I value my privacy, so I prefer to let the work speak for itself. On the channel, we are all "Realm Drifters", I’m just the guide into these experiences. Some folks have started calling me "Mr. Drifter" or "RD," and while I'm not sure how to label myself yet, I’m just happy to be along for the ride.

Check Out Realm Drifters on Youtube at

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8fBHdfXYzHDfLozB7T3irg
And join their Patreon at

https://www.patreon.com/cw/RealmDrifters