In the thrilling realm of horror cinema, few films dare to delve into the unsettling psychology of love and violence as precisely as “Strange Darling.” Directed by JT Mollner and featuring at the 2023 FrightFest horror festival, the film unfolds over the course of a single day, painting a chilling portrait of a serial killer’s
FrightFest
“Cursed in Baja,” a film crafted by Jeff Daniel Phillips, weaves an intricate tale that explores the themes of entrapment, redemption, and cyclical patterns in life. The narrative begins dramatically with a prison guard leading the inmate Pirelli, setting the stage for what initially appears to be his execution. However, this moment quickly unravels into
An Taibhse, or The Ghost, directed and written by John Farrelly, is a film that intricately intertwines elements of psychological horror and coming-of-age narrative, set in the eerie confines of an old mansion during a frigid winter. Farrelly takes a bold approach by crafting a story predominantly in Irish, adding an authentic layer that is
In the cinematic landscape of horror and drama, few things resonate as powerfully as the intersection of haunting narratives and social issues. Parker Brennon’s film, *Hauntology*, encapsulates this dynamic by delving into the intricacies of LGBTQ identities amidst the eerie backdrop of Ohio’s ghostly heritage. The story begins with two sisters, Jazmine and Venus Price,
“Broken Bird,” a film masterfully crafted by Joanne Mitchell, plunges into the intricacies of unresolved trauma and the often-complicated relationship between life, love, and mortality. From its opening scene featuring a dead bird, the film immerses viewers in a world filled with the grotesque and the poignant, suggesting that beauty can lurk within desperation. Central
In the realm of psychological thrillers and horror films, the expectations of the audience can often serve as a guiding light, framing the viewing experience in familiar patterns of narrative progression. However, “Strange Darling,” directed by JT Mollner, audaciously dismantles these expectations right from its opening scene. The film begins with an unsettling question posed
The cinematic landscape has always been a reflection of societal fears and anxieties, morphing to suit the ever-shifting tides of public consciousness. Brian Hanson’s “The Bunker” serves as a poignant exploration of these themes within the framework of a science fiction narrative that intertwines the psychological with the extraterrestrial. Evoking a striking atmosphere amid existential
In the realm of modern cinema, few themes resonate as universally as the pursuit of connection amidst urban alienation. Joy Wilkinson’s debut feature film, “7 Keys,” serves as a poignant exploration of this theme, through the eyes of Lena, a single mother grappling with her own emotional entrapment. The film intricately weaves a narrative that
In the realm of supernatural thrillers, *Shelby Oaks* stands out as an engaging tapestry woven with the threads of personal trauma, familial connections, and the inescapable specter of fear. The film opens with a haunting declaration from Riley Brennan, portrayed by Sarah Durn, who expresses her feelings of being watched. There’s a compelling irony in
In the opening scenes of *Saint Clare*, we meet the troubled yet fiercely determined protagonist, Clare Bleecker, portrayed by Bella Thorne. As she lies in bed, mirroring an inverted version of the iconic Jesus Christ pose, she delivers a haunting mantra that shapes her character throughout the film: “Everything I have said and done has