PREVIEW: Strange Darling (2024 Horror Film)

 

Prepare yourself for a clever and relentless thrill ride that defies audience expectations at every turn. Strange Darling, the latest horror-thriller from the renowned producers of Late Night with the Devil and Barbarian, takes viewers on a wild journey where nothing is as it seems. What starts as a twisted one-night stand quickly spirals into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

Boasting a star-studded cast including Willa Fitzgerald (Reacher, Scream series), Kyle Gallner (Smile, Scream 2022), Ed Begley Jr. (Better Call Saul, A Mighty Wind), and Barbara Hershey (Black Swan, Insidious, The Last Temptation of Christ), Strange Darling delivers standout performances that bring this flawlessly constructed, fresh take on the cat-and-mouse genre to life.

Distributed in the UK and Ireland by Icon Film Distribution, Strange Darling is a Miramax and Spooky Pictures Production. The film is produced by Bill Block, Roy Lee, Steven Schneider, Giovanni Ribisi, and Chris Ivan Cevic, with Giovanni Ribisi also serving as the Director of Photography. Spencer Pollard of Icon Film Distribution expressed his excitement about the upcoming release, stating, “We are thrilled (literally) to be releasing Strange Darling in the UK later this Autumn. It is such a clever film that twists and turns itself inside out and leaves the viewer surprised, enthralled, and on the edge of their seat all the way through this glorious piece of cinematic beauty.”

The film has already garnered critical acclaim, with Variety hailing it as “Destined to become a cult classic,” Bloody Disgusting calling it “Jaw-dropping,” Dread Central praising the “Epic performances,” and The Hollywood News giving it four stars, describing it as “A clever modern throwback to the Grindhouse era.”

Strange Darling will have its European Premiere at FrightFest London on 24 August, before hitting UK cinemas from 20th September, courtesy of Icon Film Distribution. This highly anticipated film promises to surprise, enthrall, and leave audiences on the edge of their seats, making it a must-watch for horror-thriller enthusiasts. Don’t miss your chance to experience the suspense and excitement of Strange Darling this Autumn.

Black Water Pictures Announces the World Premiere of "Members Club" at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest

Black Water Pictures has announced that their latest horror comedy, Members Club, will celebrate its world premiere at this year's Pigeon Shrine FrightFest on August 24th. The film, both written and directed by Marc Coleman, showcases an array of prominent British actors.

The cast includes Dean Kilbey (ManFish, Boiling Point (2023), Top Boy), Perry Benson (Love Honour and Obey, This is England, Benidorm), Barbara Smith (EastEnders, Call The Midwife, Casualty), Juliet Cowan (Culprits, Cuckoo, Motherland), Mark Monero (Sid and Nancy, Free Fire, Happy New Year Colin Burstead), Steve Oram (Sightseers, The World's End, Aaaaaaaah!), David Schaal (The Inbetweeners, EastEnders, Down Terrace), Alan Ford (Snatch, Cockneys vs Zombies, Toast of London), Liam Noble (Peep Show, ManFish, Bridgerton), and Peter Andre (Dragged Up Dirty, On The Other Foot).

Members Club tells the story of Wet Dreams, a group of middle-aged male strippers who are struggling with a series of failed performances. As they contemplate disbanding, Alan, the group's optimistic leader, takes control and books them for a mysterious and lucrative gig in rural Essex. However, the night takes a sinister turn when they become entangled in a plot to resurrect a murderous 16th-century witch.

The film promises a journey from the mundane life of middle-aged strippers to an outrageous world filled with talking cheese and pineapple hedgehogs, whiskey-drinking toads, and OnlyFans for pensioners. The highlight is Peter Andre’s most unconventional role to date, contributing to a finale unlike anything seen before on screen.

Marc Coleman, the film's writer and director, expressed his excitement about the premiere: "I’m really excited for the world to see Members Club. We’ve been working on this project from script to screen for over two years, and I can’t wait to show audiences what we’ve been up to. It's a middle-aged ‘Magic Mike’ meets a British ‘From Dusk Till Dawn.’"

Producer Raghav ‘Gav’ Mukerji highlighted the film’s unique concept: "The world has been calling for a stripper-killing witch film for years, and we were brave enough to do it and make it as balls-to-the-walls mental as we could. It's a testament to our director's ability that there's enough substance, heart, and craft in the project to have the audience walk away feeling something too."

Kevin Harvey of Black Water Pictures also shared his enthusiasm: "When Gav and Marc approached Black Water with this project, we jumped at the chance to bring to market this highly original and frankly hilarious riot of a horror comedy."

With its world premiere at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest, Members Club is set to captivate audiences with its blend of horror and comedy, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Broken Bird (2024 Film) - Gripping Horror UK Cinema Release Date Confirmed as August 30

Catalyst Studios is set to captivate audiences with their latest gothic horror film, BROKEN BIRD, which will be released in UK cinemas starting 30th August 2024. The film is poised to make a grand entrance with its world premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, serving as the opening feature for this year's Pigeon Shrine FrightFest.

BROKEN BIRD marks the feature directorial debut of Joanne Mitchell, a seasoned horror storyteller with nearly 15 years of experience in the genre. The film is a full-length adaptation of the 2018 award-winning short film SYBIL, co-created with Tracey Sheals, and features a screenplay by Dominic Brunt.

The story of BROKEN BIRD revolves around Sybil Chamberlain, a quiet and creative individual with a penchant for taxidermy and poetry. Working in a funeral parlor, Sybil finds comfort in the company of the deceased, who seem to understand her in ways the living cannot. Her life took a tragic turn at the age of ten when a devastating accident claimed the lives of her beloved family, leaving her to grapple with profound loneliness.

As the narrative unfolds, Sybil's reality begins to unravel, and her dark desires become increasingly insatiable. Her fascination with the dead takes a sinister turn, leading to a horrific gothic climax where she finds a twisted sense of happiness and contentment among the deceased.

Rebecca Calder, known for her roles in Kandahar and Memory, delivers a riveting performance as Sybil, capturing the character's eccentricities and unsettling behavior with nuance. The film also features an impressive supporting cast, including James Fleet (Four Weddings & a Funeral), Sacharissa Claxton (Avenue 5), and Jay Taylor (Misfits).

With BROKEN BIRD, Catalyst Studios offers a haunting exploration of loneliness and the human psyche's darkest corners. As the film prepares to hit UK cinemas, audiences can anticipate a beautifully disturbing cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Witness the Rise of Saint Clare: A Haunting Thriller at FrightFest

 

This August, prepare to be gripped by the chilling intensity of Saint Clare, a blood-soaked thriller set to make its UK premiere at London's FrightFest. Starring Bella Thorne, known for her roles in Blended, Midnight Sun, and Scream: The TV Series, this film promises a mesmerizing performance from the actress as she takes on the eponymous lead in a spiritually charged tale. Imagine the unholy blend of American Psycho meeting Joan of Arc in a small town, and you get a glimpse of what’s in store.

Saint Clare is an adaptation of the novel by Don Roff, brought to the screen by the visionary Italian director Mitzi Peirone, acclaimed for her work on Braid. Peirone co-wrote the screenplay with Guinevere Turner, renowned for her writing on American Psycho, ensuring a narrative that's as sharp and unnerving as it is profound.

The film boasts a stellar cast, including Ryan Phillippe (Crash, Cruel Intentions), Rebecca De Mornay (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Risky Business), Frank Whaley (Broken Arrow, Pulp Fiction), and Bart Johnson (High School Musical). Enhancing the film's eerie atmosphere is an original soundtrack by Zola Jesus, whose haunting melodies perfectly complement the movie's dark themes.

Set in a small town, Saint Clare follows a solitary young woman, Clare, haunted by voices that drive her to eliminate those with malicious intents who believe they can act with impunity. However, her final assassination plunges her into a nightmarish world of corruption, human trafficking, and otherworldly visions. As she spirals deeper into this dark abyss, the film questions whether Clare can save herself from the unimaginable horrors that her quest for vengeance unearths.

Don't miss the UK premiere of Saint Clare at FrightFest on 25 August 2024. For those who can’t attend, the film will be available digitally later this year, with the release date to be announced by 101 Films.

Prepare yourself for a journey into darkness and redemption, and witness the rise of Saint Clare.

COMPETITION: Win The Last Breath on Blu-ray

The Last Breath is out now on Digital Platforms and DVD & Blu-ray. Distributed by Signature Entertainment

And to celebrate we have a great competition for you and 2 copies on Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis:

A treasure hunting crew bites off more than they can chew in this underwater white-knuckle thriller. Levi, a British expat diver, has been searching for the wreck of the USS Charlotte for his entire life. Assisted by US college graduate Noah, the pair may have finally made a breakthrough in the wreck’s location. Their crew expands after Noah’s college friends visit the duo, but as the group find themselves trapped in the darkness of the USS Charlotte’s interior, air rapidly running out, they discover that their dwindling oxygen supply is the least of their fears. 

Starring Julian Sands (A Room with a View), Alexander Arnold (Skins), Jack Parr (Masters of the Air), Kim Spearman (As I Am), Erin Mullen (Midsomer Murders), Maxime Durand (Coming Soon) and Arlo Carter (Doc Martin), The Last Breath is directed by Joachim Hedén (Breaking Surface) from a script written by Andrew Prendergast (The Courier) and Nick Saltrese (A Prayer Before Dawn).

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4cNLIvl

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 15-07-24

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.

Interview With JC Wylde By David Kempf

When did you first become interested in horror?

I've been interested in horror as far back as I can remember. I don't remember a time where I wasn't interested in horror. I do remember hints, bits and pieces of pop culture that led me to have a great interest in horror, but I cannot place the exact moment. I remember reading Cracked magazine at my grandmother's house in the early 80s and seeing a lot of cartoony horror characters, and since I am Canadian, we had the Hilarious House of Frankenstein which I also started watching at a very very early age which definitely influenced me greatly. It was a kid's show so I was allowed to watch it from the very start, maybe two or three years old. I was never scared of horror so my parents never outlawed or dissuade me from watching or reading stuff like that. Michael Jackson was also a huge influence on me both artistically and musically, so watching the Thriller video at about 3 years old was something indescribable, I watched it over and over and over, and then my parents bought the VHS of the making of Thriller, and I got to see Rick Baker doing the effects and makeup on MJ, I know that definitely burned into my brain and influenced me in countless ways. 

I also vividly remember taking regular trips to the video store with my mother, and making a direct beeline straight to the horror section even though I was only six or seven years old possibly younger, and wasn't allowed to rent any, I loved looking at the scary, creepy, and even funny horror covers, the artwork was SO amazing and fascinating it definitely influenced my future artwork.

When did you first create your own mask?

I created my first mask in 2007 after stumbling across a latex mask/bust website called Night Owl Productions owned and operated by Justin Mabry (Co-founder and co-owner of Trick or Treat studios) Justin has been a HUGE artistic influence and inspiration to me. over my 17 year career. To me Friday the 13th Part 7 specifically, that look and makeup of Jason Voorhees is the best makeup I have ever seen or at least my favorite. So when I stumbled across this website I couldn't believe this was a latex bust / mask, it looked exactly like the movie so until doing a little bit more research I was convinced it was a picture from the movie. 

Once I found out it was an actual piece of latex that an artist sculpted, I was hooked, it was like falling in love with a woman. No hyperbole or exaggeration, I had literally Fallen head over heels in love, and did everything I could to learn everything I could about sculpting, casting, painting and making latex masks/busts. It became an obsession. I began by ordering the full kit from monster makers, and began sculpting immediately, I will be honest and tell you this lol, I was awful for at least the first five years, many people told me I was terrible, and that I should just stop, I am not a quitter, so I kept going and improving and sculpting more and more and more, until finally after about 5 years I began to be recognized and complimented for my improved work.

When did you begin to sell masks?

I began selling my art immediately after sculpting my first piece, even though it was absolutely atrocious lol, The Mask Market was very new in those days and no matter how terrible my pieces were, people still bought them (Not too many though) because there were very few options.

But after 5 years, my sales began to be steady

Who are your favorite makeup artists?

As I mentioned in the second question, I think John Carl Buechler's makeup for Jason in Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood, is if not the greatest Horror/monster makeup of all time, is at least my favorite. The "Best" would Obviously be Rob Bottin's work on John Carpenter's "The Thing" I was very fortunate to be able to work on some cool movies in my career, Wolfcop 2, Stakelander 2, many independent horror films, and I even got to create a pumping heart for the movie "The Recall" with Wesley Snipes and RJ Mitte.

Dick Smith was actually not a conscious influence on me. I did not know any of his work, or was not educated on any of his work until I was in my late 30's and had already been doing this for several years. Subsequently I had educated myself on his work and had realized I had grown up watching his creations, he just wasn't a conscious influence.

Why do people like horror so much?

Horror has always been, and always will be popular because it is ingrained in our culture, society, psyches. It is a way for us to experience death and fear without actually having to physically experience it. Psychologically it is a very healthy outlet and studies show that it is beneficial for the human brain to experience horror and fear via the big screen.

I think people enjoy being scared because it is a way to get the blood flowing for some people who may not live a very exciting life?

I an a musician/songwriter as well as an artist, so my Inspirations come from everywhere, and I mean literally everywhere.

I couldn't even begin to make a list of who or what inspires me because it is all around me, but I will list a few people for fun:

Justin Mabry (Night Owl, Trick or Treat Studios), Bob Primeau (Scarewear), Michael Jackson, Zakk Wylde, etc etc.

What are some of your favorite horror books? 

For the most part I don't read fiction, I only read nonfiction. But my favorite Horror fiction, that I have read several times is 1984 by George Orwell, which as we all know as the years go by is no longer considered fiction.

What are some of your favorite horror movies?

Oh wow! I have so many favorites but I will name a few, the very first horror movie I ever watched in full was Child's Play when I was 9 years old in 1988 and that had a Monumental effect on me, so that is absolutely one of my favorites. The original Fright night, the Shining, the original first four Halloween movies as well as the latest three, yes I LOVED Halloween ends. 

My favorite horror series is Friday the 13th, Trick r treat, Back christmas, Nightbreed, The spookies, Hellraiser 1 through 4, the Thing, Suspiria, even the remake is amazing. Evil dead but only the first one. Killer clowns from outer space, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1,2 and 4, The Hunger, American Werewolf in london, House, Return to the living dead, They live, A Clockwork orange, Pin, and two of my favorite horror movies of all time House of 1000 corpses, and the devil's rejects.


What are your current projects?

My current project is that I am about to do a full line of large basketball size madballs called Wyldeballs, I have done a line of smaller softball sized versions, but I am embarking on a quest to do Large display versions for series collectors. I will definitely do a few classic Recreations of original madballs, but I plan on doing a bunch of horror versions of new characters.

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

I definitely love what I do, it is very therapeutic for me personally, I have been through many struggles with addiction in my life and have been able to turn everything around 180° with the help of music and of course my artwork. Sculpting, painting, and music are three of the greatest forms of therapy that I could ever suggest anyone try. They have helped me to stay sober for many many years and I thank them for that. My work is always improving, and even after 17 years I still have a lot to learn, as does every artist whether they think so or not. I don't think I will ever stop doing what I dox whether it's for a job or simply enjoyment, though I do have to scale down my work as I get older lol, I'm only 45 and in fantastic shape, however lifting 100 lb molds filled with 100 lb of latex is extremely taxing on the back and I'm definitely feeling the effects of it as the years go by. So I will be making smaller Creations in the coming years.

Check out more from JC at https://www.facebook.com/Creepingdeathpro/

COMPETITION: Win Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 1 and 2

With Rhys Frake-Waterfield's sequel to cult hit Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey being released on July 1st from Altitude Film Distribution, we thought what better way to celebrate than having a competition and giving away both films on Blu-ray to a lucky winner.

Synopsis:

Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey:

A horror retelling of A. A. Milne's 1926 book Winnie-the-Pooh, and follows the anthropomorphic characters Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet as they become bloodthirsty murderers when Christopher Robin abandons them for college.

Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey II:

Not wanting to live in the shadows any longer, Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Owl, and Tigger take their fight to the town of Ashdown, leaving a bloody trail of death and mayhem in their wake.

Order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4cdQJxp

Enter now for a chance to win.

Four actors play Christopher Robin in the two films, can you name all  four?

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 08-07-24

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.

NYX UK Announces Channel Premieres for July 2024

 

Images: NYX UK Press

By Jon Donnis

NYX UK is set to send chills down spines this July with an array of thrilling and spine-tingling channel premieres. With eight new films debuting, horror aficionados will be in for a treat, featuring a mix of retro-slashers, gory humor, and supernatural thrillers.

SEED

Headlining: Uwe Boll's "SEED"

The highlight of the month is undoubtedly Uwe Boll’s controversial retro-slasher SEED (2007). Airing on Tuesday, July 16 at 9pm, this film offers a divisive portrait of a serial killer, delving into the macabre and grotesque. SEED is a grim exploration of vengeance and the human capacity for cruelty, promising to leave viewers both disturbed and captivated.

DISCOPATH

A Disco Inferno: "DISCOPATH"

Kicking off the month's premieres with a blend of humor and horror is Renaud Gauthier’s DISCOPATH (2013). Set to premiere on Friday, July 5 at 9pm, this film transforms a local nightclub into a blood-soaked dance floor. With its unique mix of gore and humor, DISCOPATH is sure to offer a night of unexpected thrills.

Classic Giallo and More

For fans of classic Italian horror, NYX UK presents Silvio Amadio's AMUCK (1972) on Tuesday, July 9 at 9pm. This captivating giallo promises to intrigue with its blend of mystery and suspense.

Continuing the lineup, on Thursday, July 11 at 9pm, Dave Payne’s REEKER 2 (2008) will take viewers back to the prequel of the original Reeker, offering more of the eerie and grotesque.

On Friday, July 12 at 9pm, Sonja O'Hara’s 2022 horror thriller MID-CENTURY will provide a modern take on terror, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

The following week, Adrián García Bogliano’s BLACK CIRCLE (2018) will premiere on Thursday, July 18 at 9pm. This stunning Mexican-Swedish horror thriller is sure to mesmerize with its unique storytelling and chilling atmosphere.

Wrapping up the month of premieres, Alejandro Hidalgo’s Venezuelan supernatural thriller THE HOUSE AT THE END OF TIME (2013) will air on Friday, July 26 at 9pm, promising a night of supernatural suspense.

Celebrating Italian Horror Masters

July also marks the celebration of two Italian kings of terror. On Friday, July 19, starting at 9pm, NYX UK will celebrate Sergio Martino’s birthday with the stylishly graphic giallo TORSO (1973), followed at 11pm by his erotically charged murder mystery YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED ROOM AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY (1972).

Then, on Wednesday, July 31 at 9pm, Mario Bava’s relentless and macabre slasher A BAY OF BLOOD (1971) will premiere, followed at 11pm by the haunting and surreal THE HOUSE OF EXORCISM (1975), co-directed with Alfredo Leone and starring Golden Globe winner Elke Sommer.

With a diverse lineup of horror spanning decades and styles, NYX UK’s July premieres promise to deliver unforgettable nights of fright. Whether you're a fan of slasher films, supernatural thrillers, or classic giallo, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So mark your calendars and prepare for a month of chilling entertainment.

Competition: Win Stopmotion on DVD

Stop what you’re doing, it’s time for ‘a hellish immersive experience’ (Dread Central) like no other, as the highly anticipated Stopmotion makes moves on to Blu-ray, DVD and digital from Acorn Media International this summer, following its UK premiere on Shudder. 

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

Synopsis:

The Nightingale’s Aisling Franciosi gives another outstanding turn as a talented stop-motion artist who becomes completely consumed by the grotesque world of her horrifying creations – with deadly results.

 

Stopmotion has garnered praise and awards galore, including the best director prize at Fantastic Fest for the hugely talented Robert Morgan’s feature directorial debut. His truly original mind-melter brings nightmares to life before your very eyes and is set for its home entertainment bow on 1 July 2024.

 

Following the death of her overbearing mother, stop-motion animator Ella Blake (Franciosi – The Fall, Game of Thrones, God's Creatures), is struggling to control her demons. She embarks on a new film project; in the hope it will channel her creativity and help her escape her problems… but it soon becomes the battleground for her sanity. 

 

As Ella’s fragile mind starts to fracture, the characters in her movie take on a life of their own and things spiral into an unimaginable nightmarish hellscape.

 

Go beyond the screen and into the twisted, terrifying world of Stopmotion.

Pre-order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/4cdOIBc

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who stars as Ella Blake in Stopmotion?

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 08-07-24

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.

COMPETITION: Win Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum on Blu-ray

A reality show becomes all too real in Jung Bum-shik’s Korean found-footage fear-fest Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum. Now you can discover what really happened at the haunted hospital as Second Sight Films brings the acclaimed horror to Limited Edition and Standard Edition Blu-ray on 24 June 2024.

And to celebrate we have a great competition and 2 copies on standard Blu-ray to give away.

Synopsis:

An online horror show is desperate to build up its followers and what better way to do it than to send its team to film a live broadcast from a notorious haunted asylum? The presenters and crew pack up their kit and descend on the intimidating location… But, it’s not long before things take a terrifying turn and spiral into a living nightmare that's about to be captured on camera. The film stars Wi Ha-joon, Lee Seung-wook and Park Ji-hyun.

Discover Gonjiam for yourself and experience the harrowing horror like never before.

Pre-order from Amazon at https://amzn.to/3KRyaTj

Enter now for a chance to win.

COMPETITION CLOSED

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

1. Closing date 01-07-24

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.

Also check out the Limited edition at https://amzn.to/4c54EFY

The new collector’s edition is presented in a rigid slipcase with brand new artwork by Luke Headland and comes complete with a 70-page book with new essays and a fantastic haul of special features including: a new audio commentary and a slew of archive featurettes and more.