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.

COMPETITION: Win The Exorcist Untold on DVD

On the 50th anniversary of one of the most legendary and influential horrors of all time, Robin Bextor (Oppenheimer: The Real Story) sheds fascinating new light in The Exorcist Untold. The documentary is set for its home entertainment bow this December, arriving on DVD and digital on 11 December 2023, courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and a copy on DVD to give away.

Synopsis

Uncover the bloody and beating heart of film history with The Exorcist Untold – an electrifying new documentary that delves into the legacy and influence of this groundbreaking, revolutionary and revered masterpiece. 

The Exorcist is a cultural phenomenon that changed the face of cinema, paving the way for numerous films that followed in its terrifying footsteps. It continues to haunt and captivate audiences and its legacy can still be seen across the cinematic sphere today, 50 years on.

By exploring the motivations of the creators, the genesis of this pivotal film and the historical and cultural contexts surrounding The Exorcist's enduring influence, Bextor’s film unveils the remarkable story behind its creation, the challenges faced during production and the profound impact it had when it hit theatres on Boxing Day, 1973.

Featuring fresh insights and commentaries from industry experts, historians, scholars and designers, including Dan Perri (Star Wars, Taxi Driver), Rich Cline, Dr. Sarah Crowther, Prof. Chris McGlothlin, Nat Segaloff and more, the film also presents rarely seen archive footage of William Peter Blatty, the Academy Award®-winning screenplay writer who penned the original book – which sold over 13 million copies – along with interviews with his wife, Julie Blatty. It also features seldom-seen footage of world-famous director William Friedkin (The French Connection, To Live and Die in LA) and is a must-watch for any horror fan.

Prepare to be possessed by The Exorcist Untold.

On DVD and UK digital 11 December 2023

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

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who directs The Exorcist Untold?

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 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.

COMPETITION: Win Werewolf Santa on DVD

Santa Claus is coming to town and he wants more than milk and cookies...

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on DVD to give away.

Synopsis

Santa is out for flesh, blood and mayhem. Having received its World Premiere at FrightFest 2023, this bloody brilliant comedy horror from Airell Anthony Hayles (Punch, Midnight Peepshow) – and featuring a cameo from the venerable Joe Bob Briggs (Casino, Face/Off) – is out on DVD and digital now, courtesy of Miracle Media.

Angsty teenager Lucy (Katherine Rodden – The Outer Circle) hosts a failing YouTube show dedicated to finding evidence of natural monsters. But, as she travels home to spend Christmas in Hastings with her bickering, divorced parents Carol (Emily Booth – The Reverend) and Charlie (Mark Arnold – Blade Runner 2049), her luck is about to change...

On Christmas Eve she witnesses Santa being bitten by a werewolf before turning into a lycanthrope himself. As Werewolf Santa starts wreaking bloody havoc in Hastings, Lucy, her friend Dustin (Charlie Preston) and her family set off on a madcap adventure to save their town from the bloodthirsty beast.

Armed with a rusty ice skate, a camera and a vague understanding of how werewolves operate, can Lucy save her town from becoming season’s eatings?

Keep an eye out for Werewolf Santa this holiday season for a blood-soaked, playfully demented, joyously unique Christmas horror feast.

Buy from Amazon at - https://amzn.to/3sYn7Th

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who directs Werewolf Santa?

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 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.

Horror channel NYX UK reveals a Simon Rumley Season for December

 

Indie film enthusiasts and fans of acclaimed filmmaker Simon Rumley are in for a treat this December with NYX UK premiering three of Rumley’s exceptional works. Screen International hails Rumley as one of the great British cinematic outsiders. The lineup includes Rumley’s intense and disturbing feature debut, "THE LIVING AND THE DEAD," featuring Roger Lloyd-Pack, the brutal slack revenge thriller "RED, WHITE & BLUE," starring Amanda Fuller, Noah Taylor, and Marc Senter, and the shocking short film ‘Bitch,’ part of the acclaimed Brit-horror anthology "LITTLE DEATHS." The screening will be followed by a special presentation of one of Rumley's early short films, "THE HANDY MAN," starring Greta Scacchi.

These three films are set to screen on Friday nights at 9 pm throughout the month. In January, NYX UK will continue the Rumley celebration by showcasing "FASHIONISTA."

NYX UK's December premieres also include Axelle Carolyn’s haunting feature film debut, "SOULMATE," starring the riveting Anna Walton. There's also the WW2 vampire horror "RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE" with Bela Lugosi, Roger Corman’s B-movie sci-fi adventure "ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTER," and two superior Brit sci-fi fantasies: "THE HYBRID" and "THE CRAWLING EYE." Silent Sundays at 6 pm feature Paul Leni’s classic silent movie "THE MAN WHO LAUGHS" and the remarkable 1911 version of "DANTE’S INFERNO."

On Christmas Day, viewers can enjoy a classic seasonal genre film, BLACK CHRISTMAS, directed by Bob Clark in 1974.

To celebrate Barbara Steele’s birthday on December 29, NYX UK will be screening "BLACK SUNDAY" at 9 pm, followed by Cronenberg’s "SHIVERS" at 11 pm.

Giallo fans can indulge in Dario Argento’s "THE CAT O’ NINE TAILS," Umberto Lenzi’s "SEVEN BLOOD-STAINED ORCHIDS," and Chris Alexander’s neo-giallo slasher "GIRL WITH A STRAIGHT RAZOR."

Freeview 289 / Channelbox App / TCL TVs / Distro TV

Fri 1 Dec @ 21:00 – RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE (1943) *Channel premiere

Sat 2 Dec @ 21:00 – ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTRS (1957) *Channel premiere

Sun 3 Dec @ 18:00 – THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928) *Channel premiere

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

Sat 9 Dec @ 21:00 – THE HYBRID (2014) *Channel premiere

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

Sat 16 Dec @ 21:00 – THE CRAWLING EYE (1958) *Channel premiere

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

Sat 23 Dec @ 21:00 – SOULMATE (2013) *Channel premiere

Mon 25 Dec @ 21:00 – BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)

REVIEW: The Nun II (2023) - Starring Taissa Farmiga and Bonnie Aarons

 

Watch on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3MmtR3y

"The Nun II" proves itself as a worthy installment in The Conjuring Universe, offering a heightened dose of horror and suspense that surpasses its predecessor. Directed by Michael Chaves, the film effectively crafts an ominously chilling atmosphere, accentuated by its old-world European settings and gloomy cinematography.

A standout feature is the film's ability to induce genuine skin-crawling scares. Michael Chaves orchestrates terrifying chaos, especially with terrified young girls, maintaining an edge-of-the-seat experience. Taissa Farmiga's performance as Sister Irene Palmer and Katelyn Rose Downey's portrayal of Sophie are praiseworthy, culminating in a nail-biting and unforgettable finale. The suspense and jump scares are executed masterfully, consistently engaging and occasionally startling the audience.

However, "The Nun II" isn’t without its drawbacks. At times, the plot feels somewhat formulaic, following the standard trajectory of horror sequels. While scarier than its predecessor, it doesn't venture far into new storytelling territory. Additionally, some moments feel dragged out, affecting the overall pacing and the consistent tension.

The climax scene, despite a strong build-up, might feel rushed, potentially leaving room for a more satisfying resolution.

In terms of performances, Taissa Farmiga, Jonas Bloquet, and the haunting presence of Bonnie Aarons as the Demon Nun deliver effectively. Newcomers Storm Reid and Anna Popplewell seamlessly fit into the franchise.

The plot, though somewhat predictable, manages to offer a decent level of supernatural intrigue and horror elements. By expanding on Valak's mythology and delving into St. Lucy's legacy, the film weaves a compelling narrative that keeps the audience engaged.

Overall, "The Nun II" merits an 8 out of 10 for delivering a scarier and more engaging experience than its predecessor. While it doesn’t revolutionize the horror genre, it fulfills its promises, offering a chilling and suspenseful addition to The Conjuring Universe. Fans of the franchise and horror enthusiasts will find much to appreciate in this gothic supernatural horror film.

Watch on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3MmtR3y

REVIEW: The Exorcist: Believer (2023) - Starring Leslie Odom Jr, Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn

 

In cinemas now, and also available on digital at https://apple.co/3tYc6S8

And available to pre-order on home entertainment at https://amzn.to/49fnnNJ

"The Exorcist: Believer" marks the return of the iconic horror franchise in its sixth installment, directed by David Gordon Green and co-written with Peter Sattler. The film succeeds in continuing the legacy of the original 1973 classic, offering a compelling and visually striking story that emphasizes faith and community.

The plot centers on Victor, a grieving father who, after his daughter Angela and her friend return from a mysterious three-day disappearance with no memory, begins experiencing alarming behavior. Victor’s only hope lies in seeking help from Chris MacNeil, whose past with her daughter Regan might hold the key to combating a malevolent force.

A prominent feature of the film is its stunning cinematography, each frame masterfully crafted to immerse the audience in the eerie and unsettling ambiance.

The thematic emphasis on faith and community as tools to combat oppression adds depth to the narrative, elevating the film beyond typical horror fare. Leslie Odom Jr.'s portrayal of Victor adds emotional weight to the story.

Nevertheless, "The Exorcist: Believer" struggles to introduce innovative ideas and scares, relying on familiar horror tropes, missing an opportunity to inject freshness into the franchise.

The limited screen time for Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil remains a drawback, especially for fans anticipating more from her character.

Set in Haiti and Georgia, the plot unfolds a tale of supernatural horror surrounding photographer Victor Fielding's battle with faith after a tragic event in Haiti and his daughter Angela's possession, intertwined with her friend Katherine's plight. The narrative intricately weaves voodoo, possession, and a relentless quest for answers.

The ensemble cast, led by Leslie Odom Jr., Lidya Jewett, and Olivia O'Neill, delivers solid performances, with Linda Blair and Ellen Burstyn reprising their iconic roles, maintaining a connection to the original while allowing new characters to shine.

In summary, "The Exorcist: Believer" is a worthy addition to the franchise, capturing the essence of the original while exploring themes of faith and community. Despite some lapses in originality and screen time for pivotal characters, it manages to offer a satisfying horror experience for both devoted fans and new audiences.

Scoring a 7.5 out of 10, it stands as a meaningful installment in the Exorcist series.

In cinemas now, and also available on digital at https://apple.co/3tYc6S8

And available to pre-order on home entertainment at https://amzn.to/49fnnNJ