Dead & Beautiful (Review)

Director: David Varbeek
Writers: David Varbeek, Hugh Travers
Cast: Gijs Bloom, Anna Marchenko, Aviis Zhong, Philip Juan, Yen Tsao
Year: 2021
Min: 98

A group of rich, spoiled, good-looking, young people take turns picking the next adventure or form of enjoyment that they will partake in. After their next hang out, they wake up and see that they have been turned into vampires. This begins to change the dynamic of not just their friendship and way they behave with each other, but also in the manner that they lead their regular lives. As they decide to seclude themselves, at least at first. As they slip further into vampirism, the question becomes how far will they go, what are they will to do, and how will it affect their relationship to each other.

Dead & Beautiful is a 2021 dramatic horror film from the Netherlands and Taiwan. Directed and co-written by David Varbeek, this movie offers some new rules to being a vampire. It achieves these goals with various degrees of success, though. But, at least it does it with a ton of style, making for a visually arresting viewing experience. 

You see from the get go, Varbeek gives us a truly beautiful looking movie. It's one that makes a great use of the film's widescreen aspect ratio, taking full advantage of all its scope. The cinematography is absolutely breathtaking. At times, though, this makes it comes off as a case of style over substance. 

Still, at the very least, it is too gorgeous a flick to ever be considered truly boring. This despite the fact that the pacing is very slow. The emphasis, you see, is more on drama than genre content. It isn't until the third act, that it finally gets going. Or at least, it seems that way, for every time it gets moving the story stops again losing any momentum that it has built up. 

While low on actual horror, there are some good genre moments. For example, there is one genuinely creepy part, as one of them stalks a pretty girl who he sees working at a store. There are also some moments of humor, a couple of which are wonderfully dark. Another highlight is a simply marvelous scene where they go to a club, which might be my favorite part in the entire movie. The script by Varbeek and Hugh Travers is actually pretty ingenious adding some nice twists and turns. All of this fits the story that is being told, but it might piss off some of the more closed minded genre fans watching. Take this as a fair warning to those like this. I, for one, really like the sure to be divisive ending, though.

Since this movie focuses on rich assholes, its hard to like any of the characters. In fact, there are moments where they come off as the worst people ever. This is at first, though. For, as the tale advances, and we get to know them better, most of them become more likable. This adds complexity to their characters which fall under shades of grey, as opposed to being purely good or simply shitty individuals. The acting that brings these characters to life is very good. Philip Juan as Bin-Ray is particularly enjoyable in his role, adding humor to the flick. He comes off as funny and fun, especially after his turn into a vampire. Also, there is definitely a deeper context of the morality or lack there of spoiled, rich young folk like our main characters. As well as how they do things without thinking or caring and the results that those actions might have. 

Dead & Beautiful is one of the most visually stunning movies of the year. It is filled with stylish, gorgeous shots and an equally beautiful cast. Aside from fitting the second half of the title, the cast also do a solid job with their characters, which are complex and not always the most likable. That being said, it suffers from its  very slow pace. Anytime the flick looks to be picking up speed, it stops in its tracks all over again. Regardless, the flick does makes for a sometimes interesting morality tale. The script also has some creative twists and turns and ends on a high note, though not everyone will feel that it does. The movie might displease those looking for more straight up horror, something this movie is low on. The more open minded should give it a look, though, which they will be able to when it starts streaming on Shudder on November 4, 2021. 

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Streaming in November 2021 on Shudder

 WHAT’S STREAMING THIS NOVEMBER ON SHUDDER

NEW SHUDDER ORIGINAL & EXCLUSIVE FILMS

Dead & Beautiful – Premieres November 4

View Trailer HERE

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) 

Five rich spoiled Asian twenty-somethings (Gijs Blom, Aviis Zhong, Yen Tsao, Philip Juan, Anechka Marchenko) are suffering from upper class ennui, unsure how to spend their days when so little is expected from them. In search of excitement, the five friends form the “Circle,” a group where they take turns designing a unique, extravagant experience for the others. But things go wrong when the privileged urbanites awaken after a night out, to find they have developed vampire fangs and an unquenchable thirst for flesh, blood, and adventure at any price.

Great White – Premieres November 11

View Trailer HERE

(Available on Shudder US and Shudder CA)

A blissful tourist trip turns into a nightmare for five passengers when their seaplane goes down near a shipwreck. Stranded miles from shore in an inflatable life raft, they find themselves in a desperate fight for survival as they try to make it to land before they either run out of supplies or are taken by a menacing pack of sharks lurking just beneath the surface. Great White stars Katrina Bowden (Piranha 3DD, 30 Rock), Aaron Jakubenko (Tidelands), Kimie Tsukakoshi (Riptide), Tim Kano (Neighbours), and Te Kohe Tuhaka (Love and Monsters, The Dead Lands). Written by Michael Boughen (Dying Breed), the film was featured directorial debut of Martin Wilson.

Prisoners of the Ghostland – Premieres November 19

View Trailer  HERE

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder UKI)

In the treacherous frontier city of Samurai Town, a ruthless bank robber (Nicolas Cage) is sprung from jail by a wealthy warlord, The Governor (Bill Moseley), whose adopted granddaughter Bernice (Sofia Boutella) has run away. Strapped into a leather suit that will self-destruct within five days if he doesn’t find the missing girl, the bandit sets off on a journey to find the young woman — and his own path to redemption.

 

The Strings – Premieres November 23

View Trailer HERE

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI, and Shudder ANZ)

In the dead of winter, Catherine (Teagan Johnston), a talented musician who, having recently broken up her successful band, travels to her aunt's remote coastal cottage to work on new material in solitude. Once there, she and local photographer Grace (Jenna Schaefer) spark up a budding romance while visiting an abandoned farmhouse with a disturbing past. Soon after, strange and seemingly supernatural occurrences begin to manifest at the cottage, escalating each night and dangerously eroding Catherine's sense of reality.

ONGOING SHUDDER SERIES 

 

The Boulet Brothers Dragula – Premieres every Tuesday

View trailer HERE

The groundbreaking Shudder Original series follows ten drag artists from around the world competing for a $100,000 grand prize – the largest in show history. Season four guest judges include Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical film series), Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows), Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones), Misha Osherovich (Freaky), Queer country music icon Orville Peck, pop metal star Poppy, Ray Santiago (Ash vs. The Evil Dead), Bob the Drag Queen (We're Here) and more. Season four cast details available here.

Behind the Monsters – Premieres every Wednesday

View Trailer HERE

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ) 

Behind the Monsters takes an in-depth exploration of the creation of favorite horror icons including Candyman, Chucky, Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger. No horror icon came out of a filmmaker’s first draft fully formed. There were early drafts, wrong turns, experimentation. Once made flesh (or latex), there’s presentation, impact, audience response and legacy. Each episode examines a horror icon who has broken free of the confines of the film from which it was born and become the stuff of legend.

NEW ADDITIONS TO SHUDDER’S MOVIE LIBRARY

November 1

• Wait Until Dark 

(Available on Shudder US)

A recently blinded woman is terrorized by a trio of thugs while they search for a heroin-stuffed doll they believe is in her apartment.

 

• Blood on Satan’s Claw

(Available on Shudder US)

Horror thriller set in 17th century England about the children of a village slowly converting into a coven of devil worshipers.

 

• The Velvet Vampire

(Available on Shudder US)

A newlywed couple is delighted to be invited to spend some time at their alluring neighbor's beautiful home, but the excitement quickly turns to horror when they discover that she is actually a predatory vampire.

 

• The Dark

(Available on Shudder US)

A haunting and deeply intense atmospheric film about love, monsters and revenge that is being compared to the spine-chilling 'Let the Right One In'.

 

• The Closet

(Available on Shudder US)

Following the death of his wife and disappearance of his daughter, a successful architect enlists the help an exorcist to help him find his daughter. 

 

• Prom Night

(Available on Shudder US)

A masked killer stalks four teenagers who were responsible for the accidental death of a little girl six years earlier, at their high school's senior prom.

 

• Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II

(Available on Shudder US)

Thirty years after her accidental death at her 1957 senior prom, the tortured spirit of prom queen Mary Lou Maloney returns to seek revenge.

 

• Leatherface

(Available on Shudder US)

A teenage Leatherface escapes from a mental hospital with three other inmates, kidnapping a young nurse and taking her on a road trip from hell, while being pursued by a lawman out for revenge.

November 8

• Tailgate

(Available on Shudder US)

A cocksure, road-raging man on a family road trip finds himself pursued and terrorized by the vengeful van driver he chooses to tailgate.

 

• The World of Kanako

(Available on Shudder US)

As former detective Akikazu searches for his missing daughter, Kanako, he soon learns she has a mysterious secret life.

 

• The Visitor

(Available on Shudder US)

An intergalactic warrior battles alongside a cosmic Christ figure against a demonic 8-year-old girl and her pet hawk, as the fate of the universe hangs in the balance.

 

• Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

(Available on Shudder US)

Arriving in Chicago, Henry moves in with ex-con acquaintance Otis and starts schooling him in the ways of the serial killer.

 

• Darlin’

(Available on Shudder US)

Found at a Catholic hospital filthy and ferocious, feral teenager Darlin' is whisked off to a care home run by The Bishop and his obedient nuns, where she's to be rehabilitated into a "good girl" as an example of the miraculous work of the church. But Darlin' holds a secret darker than the "sins" she is threatened with; The Woman who raised her, equally fierce and feral, is ever present in the shadows of Darlin's psyche and is determined to come for her no matter who tries to get in her way.

November 11

• Honeydew

(Available on Shudder US)

Strange cravings and hallucinations befall a young couple after seeking shelter in the home of an aging farmer and her peculiar son.

November 15

• Kill List

(Available on Shudder US)

Nearly a year after a botched job, a hitman takes a new assignment with the promise of a big payoff for three killings. What starts off as an easy task soon unravels, sending the killer into the heart of darkness.

 

• A Dark Song

(Available on Shudder US)

A determined young woman and a damaged occultist risk their lives and souls to perform a dangerous ritual that will grant them what they want.

 

• The Hallow

(Available on Shudder US)

A family who moved into a remote mill house in Ireland finds themselves in a fight for survival with demonic creatures living in the woods.

 

• Pyewacket

(Available on Shudder US)
Feeling isolated and hopeless, Leah turns to Black Magic to release her anger. She naively performs an occult ritual found in a book on her bedroom shelf to invoke the spirit of a witch to kill her mother.

 

• The Isle

(Available on Shudder US)

When three shipwrecked sailors land on an island abandoned except for four sole residents, one sailor starts to question what happened on the island. He must uncover the truth while he battles to save his own life and escape the isle.

 

• Fender Bender

(Available on Shudder US)

A teenage girl who just got her driver's license gets into her first fender bender, innocently exchanging information with an apologetic stranger, a serial killer who stalks the streets, hungrily searching for his next unsuspecting victim.

November 16

• Blood Rage

(Available on Shudder US)

As kids, Todd is institutionalized for a murder whilst his twin goes free. 10 years later, on Thanksgiving, Todd escapes and a killing spree begins in his neighborhood.

 

• Etheria Season 1

(Available on Shudder US)

From post-apocalyptic westerns to demented comedies to terrifying horror and gore, ETHERIA serves up the perfect blend of mind-bending and panic-inducing excitement from the best emerging women genre directors in the world. Each episode showcases a vision of the fantastic in this new anthology series created to introduce amazing directors to devoted genre fans.

November 22

• Exorcist III

(Available on Shudder US)

A police Lieutenant uncovers more than he bargained for as his investigation of a series of murders, which have all the hallmarks of the deceased Gemini serial killer, leads him to question the patients of a psychiatric ward.

 

November 29

• Wake in Fright

(Available on Shudder US)

A British schoolteacher’s descent into personal demoralization at the hands of drunken, deranged derelicts while stranded in a small town in outback Australia.

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Seance (Review)

Writer/ Director: Simon Barrett 
Cast: Suki Waterhouse, Madison Beaty, Inanna Sarkis, Ella-Rae Smith, Stephanie Sy, Djouliet Amara
Year: 2021
Min: 92

At a prestigious all girl academy, a clique of girls, led by the popular and mean Alice (Inanna Sarkis), attempt a séance to contact the spirt of a girl named Edelvine. She was a former student who, according to urban legend, committed suicide. But, the séance, itself, ends up being a prank that they are playing on their classmate Kerrie (Megan Best). She subsequently runs away, and ends up falling out the window of her dorm room and dying. A new student named Camille Meadows (Suki Waterhouse) takes Kerrie's place and moves into her dorm, where she eventually notices ghostly shit happening. She also quickly befriends Helina (Ella-Rae Smith), who had shown her the dorm room, upon her arrival. Camille also runs afoul of the same group of girls, from the beginning, and gets into a fist fight with them. This leads to all of these girls getting detention, together. There, they attempt yet another séance, this time to contact Kerrie. And, soon, there after, one by one, the girls get taken out by an unseen force.  

Seance is a 2021 horror movie that marks the directorial debut of You're Next and The Guest screenwriter Simon Barrett, who also wrote this script. It mixes the ghost/ haunted house movie with some slasher elements, as well as a heavy dose of mystery. This mix of subgenres ends up working well and makes for an overall enjoyable, viewing experience.

At first, the movie doesn't feel very original. It follows many of the tropes and clichés of the ghost/ supernatural horror flick. Fuck, it even has some really annoying jump scares that, for the most part, don't work. Although, to be fair, a few of them do hit their mark. Still, the movie is certainly never boring and keeps one entertained on one level or another. 

It also succeeding in keeping me interested enough to keep watching and not wanting to stop the movie. Yes, I realize it is my duty to watch the whole flick, as I am reviewing it. But, I actually cared and wanted to, as opposed to having forcing myself. Through his directing and script, Barrett manages to keep the mystery interesting, even when it might not feel wholly original. Watching this you might think that it is the same old shit that you've seen a million times before. However, you should still do yourself a favor and keeping viewing it. You see, the flick has one hell of a payoff, as it leads to a fun and thrilling climax. At this point, the film suddenly becomes quite sanguinary, which is something I wasn't expecting at all. 

Barrett was, I feel, knowingly playing with these tropes and expected plot developments. It achieves in making you think it is yet another crappy and generic haunted house (err, school) flick, only to come out swinging and end up being a shit load of fun. Seeds are planted sporadically in the movie, hinting at it being a little more than the expected, including an exciting and nicely shot kill scene involving dancing and throat slitting. 

The acting from the cast is really strong. It's one of the aspects that really helps to elevate the movie's quality. Especially good in her role is beautiful, British actress Suki (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) Waterhouse, as lead protagonist Camille. Her character is very likable and easy to get behind, which is a great thing since most of the other girls are far too bitchy and mean to be likable. That being said, the actresses portraying them do a very good job with their characters. The only other truly likable character is that of Helina, the girl she befriends. Well played by the lovely Ella-Ray Smith, she is bought to life in a believable and charming manner. The young ladies in this flick are all beautiful. And, yes, I realize that isn't important to the flick's quality, but it most certainly doesn't hurt it.

Another plus is the film's solid score, handled by Tobias Vethake (here credited as Sicker Man). It further contributes to raising the bar on this movie. For example, the opening scene feels pretty generic but is elevated by the somber score. There are some beautiful tracks contained within the movie, an even some John Carpenter influence, in at least one track, further adding to my enjoyment of it. 

Seance looks to be a been there, done that flick that one should discard. But, if you stick with it, you will enjoy it. The end result is actually an entertaining, good time, that you'll want to check out. The climax is exciting and rousing, as well as featuring a shocking uptick in the gore content. Also, strong is the acting, especially from leading lady Waterhouse. Add, in a great score, and you have a movie that far surpassed my expectations. It's a very pleasant surprise that you will be able to enjoy for yourself, when it starts streaming on Shudder on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.

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Cerebral Rot- Excretion of Mortality (Album Review)

Musicians: Cerebral Rot
Album Title: Excretion of Mortality
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Release Date: June 25, 2021

Seattle death metal act Cerebral Rot are back with their second LP, Excretion of Mortality. And, from the very start it is a nasty and decay filled musical attack. 

Like their debut album, Odious Descent into Decay, this record is incredibly heavy and is full of putridness. The production feels grimy and crushing. The gruesome sound and lyrics make the album drag you into the most disgusting and vile of bowels.

Chainsaw guitars riff away in the opening of the title track, which sets up the tone perfectly. It has a suffocating and heavy sound that is accompanied perfectly by the inhuman and guttural vocals of signer/ guitarist Ian Schwab. Mostly a slow and almost doomy track, it speeds up every so often, including an almost Slayer like lead break. It is followed by the slicing and dicing sounds of "Vile Yolk of Contagion", my favorite track on the record. After its fast opening, it drags you down in the gutters of hell, itself, with its air of all consuming rot. The blistering "Spewing Purulence" sounds vile and reeks of decay, as well as having unrelenting moments of face smashing brutality. The album's most daring and complex track, "Crowning the Disgustulent (Breed of Repugnance)" is saved for the closer. The song starts out with an atmospheric intro in which you can feel the bile and heaviness simmering, until it explodes with its furious drumming and pulverizing riffs. It gathers more and more speed and driving brutality, throwing in blast beats and more Slayer-like leads. For the most part, it looks to be an instrumental, then around the six minute mark the vocals kick in. We get some sick and merciless breakdowns that slow it down further making it sound that much sicker! At a killer eleven plus minutes it is an epic song that shows the band heading into more progressive, but still disgusting sounds.

Excretion of Mortality from Cerebral Rot is the year's most repulsive release, and I mean that in the best way possible. Heavy and grotesque sounding, it successfully mixes crushing doom with the grossest of death metal. While, I definitely enjoyed their first release, this is an even better release and excites me for the nightmares they will be spewing forward in the future.

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Shudder to Present "Elvira's 40th Anniversary Very Scary, Very Special Special" on September 25th

HORROR ICON ELVIRA MAKES LONG-AWAITED RETURN TO THE SMALL SCREEN WITH ELVIRA’S 40^th ANNIVERSARY, VERY SCARY, VERY SPECIAL SPECIAL DEBUTING SEPTEMBER 25 ON SHUDDER

 

A New Addition to Shudder’s “61 Days of Halloween” Lineup, the One-Night Event

Hosted by the One and Only Mistress of the Dark, Features a Four-Film Marathon, Including Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, House on Haunted Hill, The City of the Dead

and Messiah of Evil

 

Shudder Also Releases New Promo for the Special

 

 

NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 – Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streamer for horror, thriller and the supernatural, welcomes the beloved Halloween queen of camp Elvira (Cassandra Peterson) for a one-night movie marathon event, Elvira’s 40^th Anniversary, Very Scary, Very Special Special.  Joining Shudder’s annual “61 Days of Halloween” lineup, the special debuts Saturday, September 25 at 8pm ET in the US and Canada via the Shudder TV feed within the Shudder app and will also be released on demand to all Shudder platforms (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand) and AMC+ beginning Monday, September 27. Similar to the cult classic, late-night television series Elvira’s Movie Macabre, which debuted in 1981, Elvira will lend her own blend of witty commentary to a horror movie lineup that includes Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, House on Haunted Hill, The City of the Dead and Messiah of Evil.

 

“It’s always tough turning 40, but what better way to mark the occasion than a one-night stand with Shudder, the spookiest of streamers? It’s going to be the ultimate Hallow-anniversa-ween bash, and you don’t want to miss it,” said Elvira.

“Elvira is a legend who’s been lighting up our screens and delighting fans for 40 years, and we’re honored to celebrate the ‘Queen of Halloween’s’ fantastic career milestone with her new ‘very special’ special, the perfect treat for Shudder members this Halloween season,” said Craig Engler, GM of Shudder.

 

Elvira’s 40^th Anniversary, Very Scary, Very Special Special includes the following films:

 

Elvira, Mistress Of The Dark (1988)

Upon arriving in a small town where she has inherited a rundown mansion, a famous horror hostess battles an evil uncle, and townspeople who want her burned at the stake.

 

House On Haunted Hill (1959)

William Castle's gimmick-laden horror thriller is a fairground fun house come to life. Vincent Price stars as a suave eccentric millionaire married to a beautiful and greedy gold digger. Together they are hosting a party in a sinister haunted house. Five guests are invited to spend the night and each will get $10,000--but only if they survive until morning. The doors are locked at midnight. Will you make it out alive? 

 

The City Of The Dead (1960)

In this atmospheric classic, a professor (horror icon Christopher Lee) sends a student to Whitewood, Massachusetts, the site of 17th century witch burnings. Once there, she learns the satanic secrets that live on.

 

Messiah Of Evil (1973)

A young woman goes searching for her missing artist father. Her journey takes her to a strange Californian seaside town governed by a mysterious undead cult. William Huyck & Gloria Katz's hypnotic, unsettling independent horror is a must-see gem.

 

ABOUT SHUDDER

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com.

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Shudder Starts Off 61 Days of Halloween!

 SHUDDER SERVES UP ITS BIGGEST, MOST AMBITIOUS LINEUP

WITH “61 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN” BEGINNING TODAY THROUGH OCTOBER 31

 

New Seasons: Creepshow • The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula • Behind the Monsters

New Film Premieres: Superhost • Martyrs Lane • Séance • 
V/H/S/94 • The Medium • Horror Noire

Plus A New Last Drive-In Special • Four New Episodes of Slasher: Flesh & Blood • A New “Ghoul Log” • Essential Favorites Added to Shudder’s Library Including Brian De Palma’s Carrie and Tobe Hooper’s Poltergeist • Live Phone-In Recommendations from Shudder’s Curator • And More!

NEW YORK – September 1, 2021 – The “most wonderful time of the year” for Shudder kicks off today with its “61 Days of Halloween” annual event, featuring a slate of weekly new movie premieres and original series debuts, a new Halloween special with Joe Bob Briggs (and more specials to be announced), horror film favorite added to the Shudder library from Brian De Palma’s Carrie to Tobe Hooper’s Poltergeist, a new edition of Shudder’s beloved “Ghoul Log,” a 24/7 streaming jack-o’-lantern, and the return of Shudder’s Halloween Hotline, where members can receive live, personalized movie recommendations from Shudder’s head curator Samuel Zimmerman.

 

“Shudder is the ultimate destination for horror all year long, but every Halloween, we try to outdo ourselves. Last year, we supersized the season, expanding our celebration to 61 days, and this year, we’re going even bigger by bringing Shudder members an unbeatable lineup of new original series and exclusive movie premieres every week, along with new specials and timeless horror favorites, starting September 1. Whatever you’re in the mood for this Halloween—old or new, creepy fun or truly terrifying—Shudder has you covered,” said Shudder General Manager Craig Engler.

 

Below is an overview of the key programming for “61 Days of Halloween.” 

 

SHUDDER ORIGINAL & EXCLUSIVE FILMS

 

Superhost – Premieres September 2

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)

 

In Superhost, travel vloggers Teddy (Osric Chau, Supernatural) and Claire (Sara Canning, Nancy Drew) share their experiences in and around vacation homes with their subscribers while maintaining a moderate level of internet fame. When their follower count starts to dwindle, they pivot to creating viral content around their most recent host, Rebecca (Gracie Gillam, Z Nation). With all eyes turned towards their “superhost,” Rebecca, they slowly start to realize something isn’t right and as they investigate further, they unlock a horrifying truth. Written and directed by Brandon Christensen (Z, Still/Born). Starring Chau, Canning, Gillam and Barbara Crampton (Jakob’s Wife).

 

Martyrs Lane – Premieres September 9

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)

 

In this unsettling ghost story, Leah, 10, lives in a large, old house with her family but can’t quite work out why her mother seems so distant. At night she is visited by a mysterious guest, who might be able to give her some answers. With a new challenge every night, Leah is rewarded with bits of knowledge that, when pieced together, threaten to shine a dangerous light on both the truth in her nightmares and of the world she lives in. Directed by Ruth Platt (The Lesson). Starring Denise Gough (Colette, The Kid Who Would Be King), Steven Cree (Outlaw King, A Discovery of Witches), Kiera Thompson (His Name Was Gerry) and Sienna Sayer (Silent Night).

 

Seance – Premieres September 29

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)

 

Camille Meadows is the new girl at the prestigious Edelvine Academy for Girls. Soon after her arrival, six girls invite her to join them in a late-night ritual, calling forth the spirit of a dead former student who reportedly haunts their halls. But before morning, one of the girls is dead, leaving the others wondering what they may have awakened. Written and directed by Simon Barrett (You’re Next, The Guest). Starring Suki Waterhouse (Assassination Nation, The Divergent Series: Insurgent), Madisen Beaty (Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Ella-Rae Smith (Into the Badlands, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw), Inanna Sarkis (Boo 2! A Madea Halloween, After Franchise),  Seamus Patterson (Channel Zero) and Marina Stephenson-Kerr (Channel Zero).

 

V/H/S/94 – Premieres October 6

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)

 

A Shudder Original Film, V/H/S/94 is the fourth installment in the hit horror anthology franchise and marks the return of the infamous found footage anthology with segments from franchise alumni Simon Barrett (Séance) and Timo Tjahjanto (May the Devil Take You Too) in addition to acclaimed directors Jennifer Reeder (Knives & Skin), Ryan Prows (Lowlife) and Chloe Okuno (Slut). In V/H/S/94, after the discovery of a mysterious VHS tape, a brutish police swat team launch a high intensity raid on a remote warehouse, only to discover a sinister cult compound whose collection of pre-recorded material uncovers a nightmarish conspiracy.

 

The Medium – Premieres October 14

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)

 

A documentary team follows Nim, a shaman based in Northern Thai, the Isan area, and encounters her niece Mink showing strange symptoms that seem to be of inheritance of shamanism. The team decides to follow Mink, hoping to capture the shaman lineage passing on to the next generation, but her bizarre behavior becomes more extreme. From director Banjong Pisanthanakun (Shutter) and producer Na Hong-jin (director of The Wailing). Winner Best Film, Bucheon International Film Festival 2021.

 

Horror Noire – Premieres Thursday, October 28

(Available on Shudder US, Shudder CA, Shudder UKI and Shudder ANZ)

 

A new Shudder Original anthology film, Horror Noire is a follow-up to the critically acclaimed 2019 documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror and features new work from both established and emerging talents, showcasing stories of Black horror from Black directors and screenwriters. Anthology writers featured include Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, Victor LaValle, Shernold Edwards, Al Letson and Ezra C. Daniels. Cast featured include Lesley-Ann Brandt (Lucifer, Spartacus), Luke James (The Chi, Thoughts of a Colored Man), Erica Ash (Survivor’s Remorse, A Black Lady Sketch Show), Brandon Mychal Smith (Four Weddings and a Funeral, You’re the Worst), Sean Patrick Thomas (Macbeth, The Curse of La Llorona), Peter Stormare (American Gods, Fargo,) Malcolm Barrett (Genius: Aretha Franklin, Timeless) and Rachel True (The Craft, Half & Half), among others.

 

SHUDDER ORIGINAL SERIES

 

Slasher: Flesh & Blood – New Episodes Premiere Every Thursday through September 16

Slasher: Flesh & Blood follows a wealthy, dysfunctional family lead by patriarch Spencer Galloway (David Cronenberg) that gathers for a reunion on a secluded island only to learn they’ll be pitted against one another in a cruel game of life and death, all while being stalked by a mysterious masked killer. Nothing is what it seems and no one is safe as the tension – and body count – ratchets up.

 

Creepshow Season 3 – Premieres September 23

Based on the 1982 horror comedy classic, the anthology Creepshow returns for a third season and is still the most fun you’ll ever have being scared! From showrunner Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead), a comic book comes to life in a series of vignettes, exploring terrors ranging from murder, creatures, monsters, and delusions to the supernatural and unexplainable.  You never know what will be on the next page. Guest stars include Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead), James Remar (Dexter), Johnathon Schaech (Legends of Tomorrow), Reid Scott (Veep), Hannah Fierman (V/H/S), King Bach (When We First Met) and Ethan Embry (Empire Records).

 

The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Season 4 — Premieres October 19

The groundbreaking Shudder Original series follows ten drag artists from around the world competing for a $100,000 grand prize – the largest in show history. Season four will feature a spectacular lineup of guest judges including Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical film series), Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows), Kristian Nairn (Game of Thrones), Misha Osherovich (Freaky), Queer country music icon Orville Peck, pop metal star Poppy, Ray Santiago (Ash vs. The Evil Dead), Bob the Drag Queen (We're Here), and more, with additional judges to be announced later. Dubbed one of “the 19 best LGBTQ+ shows everyone needs to watch” by Cosmopolitan, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula is
written and produced by the Boulet Brothers with Executive Producer David Sigurani and director Nathan Noyes.

 

Behind the Monsters — Premieres October 27

The new original docu-series Behind the Monsters takes a deep dive on cinematic horror icons, including Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Candyman, Chucky and Pinhead, and features interviews with horror experts and the writers, directors and actors from the original films that made each character the stuff of genre legends. Written and directed by Gabrielle Binkley and Anthony Uro and produced by Stage 3 Productions, Behind the Monsters is executive produced by Phil Nobile Jr., Kelly Ryan and Mark Shostrom.

 

SHUDDER SPECIALS

 

Joe Bob's Halloween Hoedown — October 8 at 9pm ET on Shudder TV

In what has become an annual tradition, iconic horror host and foremost drive-in movie critic Joe Bob Briggs returns with a special The Last Drive-In double feature just in time for Halloween, premiering live on the Shudder TV feed. You’ll have to tune in to find out what movies Joe Bob has selected, but you can count on something scary and perfect for the season, with special guests to be announced. (Also available on demand beginning October 10.)

 

“THE GHOUL LOG” – 2021 EDITION

 

The “Ghoul Log” is Halloween’s answer to the Christmas Yule Log: a 24/7 streaming jack-o’-lantern providing the perfect ambience for all your Halloween festivities. Fan favorites The Ghoul Log and Return of the Ghoul Log are back, along with a spooky new edition for 2021 premiering October 1.

 

SHUDDER’S HALLOWEEN HOTLINE

 

Every Friday in October from 3-4pm ET, members are invited to call Samuel Zimmerman, Shudder’s head of programming, to discuss all things horror: from their favorite genre films of all time to the most highly anticipated horror releases of the year.  From those conversations, Sam will then use his horror expertise to offer customized viewing recommendations from Shudder’s expansive film collection.

 

Fans can call Sam at 914-481-2239 during Hotline Hours. (No calls will go through outside those hours.)

 

**While recommendations are provided for free, please note that normal phone and long-distance charges may apply. Call volume is expected to be high, so please keep trying if a busy signal is received. There are no guarantees that every call will be answered, but Sam will get through as many as he can within the hour.**

 

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ABOUT SHUDDER

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. For a 7-day, risk-free trial, visit www.shudder.com.

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