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Quicksand (2023)
Fear will drag you deep
Sophia and Josh are a couple in the middle of a divorce traveling to Colombia for a work conference. On their free day they decide to do a hiking trip to 'El sendero la chorrera' in the Natural Reserve Park La Chorrera. They're warned about 'las arenas', a dangerous part of the trail made of quicksand and infested by poisonous snakes. But they end up being forced to cross the area and both end trapped in quicksand. With no help, a storm approaching, and snakes surrounding the place Sophia and Josh will have to push their differences aside if they want to survive.
Quicksand follows the well known formula of survival films making it predictable from the start. The story is short, simple to follow and understand without any shocking moment or plot twist. The side plot doesn't add any groundbreaking aspect to the narrative making it unnecessary. The concept of quicksand and snakes is a good and interesting one with the potential of bringing a more emotional story but it turns just decent. Both Carolina Gaitán and Allan Hawco as Sophia and Josh did as much as the direction and scrip allowed them. Portraying a couple in the middle of a divorce with a lot of resentment for each other is the most believable and part of the film. Gaitán and Hawco are able to make their hateful feeling for each other look and feel real and while this is a positive aspect for their initial situation they're supposed to have a moment of reconciliation and that feeling of love and affection never truly arrives. At the end Quicksand turns into another decent horror triller with missed opportunities and wasted potential.
Insidious: The Red Door (2023)
A descent finale for the Lambert family
Insidious: The Red Door starts right were we saw the Lamberts the last time, with Josh and Dalton's memories being suppressed by Carl. Nine years later, Dalton is headed to college and the demon that once hunted him is back. Through the film the first two installments are referenced serving as a memory refresher. The first act is way too slow, dragging the film with taking too long to get to the point making act 2 and act 3 feel rushed. Even so, is a good debut for Patrick Wilson as a director. He took his knowledge and experience in the genre to bring a good finale to the Lambert's story. Both Wilson and Ty Simpkins performances brings a more emotional side of their characters creating a believable story.
As expected, the film is full of jump scares but not all of them are predictable. The dark atmosphere builds up the tension creating scary moments that will make more than one jump of their seats. Compared to the rest of the franchise, Insidious: The Red Door is a good addition to it being better than Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015) and Insidious: The Last Key (2018) but not as outstanding as the first two. Don't leave when the film ends if you don't want to miss the post-credit scene and the end credits song by the Swedish rock band Ghost and a special guest.
Unwelcome (2022)
Disappointing
After reading the synopsis and watching the trailer the least I was expecting was that Unwelcome is more of a home invasion horror film than a folk one. Opening with the protagonists Maya and Jamie just finding out that she's pregnant, the celebration doesn't last since they're attacked in their own apartment in London. A few months after the attack the couple moves to rural Ireland after Jamie inherited a house from his great-aunt Maeve after her death. What looks like a fresh start will quickly turn into their biggest nightmare.
Unwelcome feels like two films merged into one. While it presents beautiful shots of the Irish countryside the messy scrip and unlikeable characters make this film hard to watch or end. The main attraction of the film, the elfs known as Red Caps, are only present in the last fifteen minutes. For a folk horror movie that focuses on that creatures it doesn't even make sense, just like the scrip. The storyline is all over the place and doesn't connect with what the film is supposed to be. The concept is original but is poorly executed.
The acting is decent at best but the majority of the characters, specially Daddy Whelan and his family, are unnecessary rude and unbearable. If that was the purpose then they achieved it, you won't even feel sorry for their outcome. The creatures needed more screen time since they could have be the only salvageable aspect of the film. The practical effects are also decent but not outstanding. There's a plot twist at the end that unfortunately doesn't provoque any emotions even when is not predictable. The ending feels as senseless as the whole film making this film a one-time watch.
Jagged Mind (2023)
Believe anything but your own memory
Jagged Mind is a horror thriller that tells the story of Billie, an art curator who is experiencing memory loss and intense nightmares. Since her mother suffered from a neurological disorder she assumed that is correlated. One night, a stranger woman named Alex hits on her, but Billie leaves to a work event but ends up fainting. When she wakes up she's at the bar again with Alex having no memory of it. Trapped in a time loop Billie will have to find a way out before is too late.
The first 10 minutes of the film are the first time loop that Billie experiences. She doesn't remember anything of the previous time loops but takes different decisions each time eventually "breaking the loop". Unfortunately for Billie, the time loops will repeat themselves with different situations. The film jumps between what actually happened and what Billie thinks what happen during different encounters with Alex, her new girlfriend. Alex is an unlikeable character from the beginning to the end, making her moments on screen hard to put up with it.
The acting is average at best with no memorable performances. This triller, that doesn't feel horror, takes too long to get to the point for a film that has a running time of 1 hour and 27 minutes. Some scenes are too dark making it hard to distinguish what is happening. On the bright side, it's not predictable and the plot is easy to understand even with the back and forth of the events and time line. Jagged Mind is a triller to pass the time and a film to enjoy when there's nothing else to watch.
The Boogeyman (2023)
Don't let it out
Based on a short story by Stephen King the film feels just like that: a short story trying to last more than is supposed to. Taking the principal aspects of the original resource 'The Boogeyman' tries to present a broken family on a moment of grief dealing with a monster hidden in a closet. Unfortunately, the film turns into a disappointing mess that not even the performances of Sophie Thatcher as Sadie Harper and Vivien Lyra Blair as Sawyer Harper can save.
'The Boogeyman' relies heavily into the most well known horror cliches: jump scares, the darkness, and a parent that doesn't want to believe their kids. This turns an already generic horror film into a even more generic horror film, if that's even possible. The biggest feeling that this film can evoke is boredom while it leaves you waiting for something to actually happen. The "action" doesn't happen until the last 20 minutes and with a duration of 1 hour and 38 minutes the film drags itself until it doesn't haves anything else to give. Predictable jump scares and ending the only positive aspect of 'The Boogeyman' is the score, that sadly is only used properly at the last 30 minutes, and Thatcher and Lyra Blair's performances doing as much as they can do with the scrip.
The expectations for this film were high, it has been in production since 2018, but it didn't fulfill them.
Influencer (2022)
Be careful who you follow
Influencer brings to light how easy is to taker over someone's else identity online. The film takes us along Madison's not-so perfect vacations in Thailand showing how easy is to have a fake life and experiences online. The social commentary about influencer's culture is present throughout the film showing the two sides of the same coin. In one side we have Madison, who's influencer life covers her troubled relationship and unhappiness, and on the other side is CW, who craves what Madison has. This a common behavior now days, were we see successful influencers who lie about their life and others that in order to get there will do whatever is necessary no matter the cost.
As an actress Cassandra Naud as CW is able to bring the emotions required for the part. Its easy to fall into her lie at first and once she reveals herself it feels like a completely different person. Her true intentions are never clear, but they can be interpreted as her desire to feel less lonely and an easy life. Influencer works more as a triller with some horror elements and a small amount of blood but it still and enjoyable one. The gorgeous locations add to the cinematography making the film visually appealing as well. The plot twists and ending can turn predictable but it still an entertaining and tense triller.
Consecration (2023)
Messy timeline
Opening with a voiceover of Jena Malone's character Grace Consecration tries to explore the consequences of childhood trauma and a spiritual crisis. After her brother's suicide Grace is forced to confront not only her troubled past but the dark force that took her brother away. With a running time of 90 minutes the film never gets to a clear point becoming another messy religious horror story. Everything is left at a surface level leaving the viewer as confused as if you were asked to explain the movie without having seen it first.
The poorly written script brings a confusing timeline and narrative taking away any chance of the cast of giving a good performance. Malone's character never gets to be clear with her emotions and motivations. Is she grieving her brother and wants to know the truth? She's looking for a spiritual awakening? Both? We will never really know.
The remaining characters doesn't add to the story only the nuns being creepy from time to time. On the bright side, this film has a good cinematography and locations that can become the only reason why you finished the film waiting for an improvement from the story.
At the end, Consecration turned out to be what is expected from this films; another generic horror movie with religious subjects. Consecration is now available on Shudder.
Slasher (2016)
Slasher: Ripper
Taking inspiration from one of the most known serial killers, Jack The Ripper, this season takes us to the 19th century Toronto where a masked killer called The Widow is killing the rich members of society. While at first they can look as random victims soon we're going to realize that they have something linking them together. With a average running time of 45 minutes the eight episodes will lead the viewers throughout the alleys between the past and the present.
The fast paced narrative turns into a engaging and interesting story. Each episode leaves you wanting more with a brutal and merciless killer adding at least one victim per episode to the list. Finding out who is The Widow is a difficult task, the suspects list will change more than once making the reveal in the last episode even more shocking. With strong motives and justifications, The Widow turns into the type of villain that you root for. While the acting is not outstanding, it did exceeded my expectations and made the watching experience enjoyable.
The story had a proper closure leaving a feeling of satisfaction that proves that a short story can have consistency, good writing, and doesn't need to kill characters in unjustified way to be able to finish the story without explanations. Yes, I'm talking about American Horror Story who served as inspiration for the creation of this series. Enjoy this eight episodes slasher story now available in Shudder.
Clock (2023)
It's counting down for a reason
Back in February the body horror film Huesera: The Bone Woman was released in theaters. It follows woman that is pregnant but is experiencing supernatural events and is being haunted by her past. The Hulu original Clock takes pieces from that story while bringing a new perspective to it. I saw this film with low expectations and ended being an impressive engaging triller. Dianna Agron brings the best of herself delivering her best performance yet passing from a successful woman with everything under control to a desperate and unstable one.
Unfortunately, the ending turns predictable but the plot twist before compensates it. Just like many other horror films about motherhood Clock relies in symbolisms, like spiders, and has a decent amount of body horror. While the film is simple the social commentary feels adequate for the story making it more than just a woman having supernatural experiences while trying to get pregnant.
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
Mommy's with the maggots now
Feeling like a love letter to the franchise soaked in blood Evil Dead Rise takes the best elements from the original trilogy and the 2013 remake to create another good entry in the franchise. Fun, groovy, intense, and gory are the best words to describe the fifth film in the franchise that continues the legacy the best way possible. Just like Scream VI (2023) did, Evil Dead Rise changes the usual setting taking us out from a cabin in the woods and trapping us in a apartment complex in the city until dawn.
The entire cast delivers a good performance, but Alyssa Sutherland as Ellie is the best one of all. Switching between a loving mother and the host of a demon, Sutherland's performance will haunt you in your dreams. The marketing team did a good job hiding all the good parts of the film in the trailers making the watching experience even better. Unfortunately, not everything is perfect since the ending can turn predictable. But, taking that aside Evil Dead Rise is the return to the big screen that the franchise and fans deserved and i'm sure that is one of the best horror movies of 2023.
Renfield (2023)
Being the assistant of a vampire can be a fun job at the beginning but it can turn into a nightmare
If I had to describe this film in one word it would be fun. Renfield has a duration of 1 hour and 30 minutes that felt less than that. The fast pace of the story will hook you from the very beginning and by the time that is done you don't even realize it. Nicolas Cage as Dracula is the right cast, it's noticeable that he enjoyed playing this enigmatic character. Nicholas Hoult and Awkwafina had a good chemistry with the perfect balance of comedy and drama. The film has some fighting sequences that are once again the perfect balance between "campy" comedy and action.
The gore level is the expected for a vampire's film with a well made job by the makeup department, especially the fx makeup used in Cage and Hoult. Overall this is a film to sit back, relax, and enjoy. It's simple, straight to the point, funny, and enjoyable. This is the comeback that the character needed after the failure of Universal's Dark Universe. Enjoy this modern take of Dracula and his assistant now available in theaters.
Kids vs. Aliens (2022)
A alien invasion is not a problem for a group of kids aspiring filmmakers
A group of kids filming a movie and having the times of their life during Halloween season sounds like a fun thing to watch. Now to that add a alien invasion in the middle of a teenager's party and it turns into battle to survival with some enjoyable moments. The most remarkable part of this film is the cast, they delivered an excellent and fun performance that leaves you wanting to see more of them. This comes as a surprise since both the story and script are messy and lack of coherence proving even more the talent of the young cast.
The level of gore and practical effects is the expected for an indie b horror movie like this but works. The neon colors and costumes combined with the good acting can make you forget about the awful characters like Billy, the Dad, the Mom and flat story. This is the type of horror film that you would watch when you want to have a good time without having to think much.
Children of the Corn (2020)
Nothing ever really dies in the corn
Ever since Stephen King started to publish his novels in the 70s they had been adapted to the big screen. While some of them are successful (Carrie, Misery, The Shining, IT) and even considered classic horror films a few of them doesn't have the same response (FireStarter, Graveyard Shift). In 1984 the first adaptation of King's short story Children of the Corn was released and while that version wasn't well received at the time, today it can be considered the best entry of this failed franchise. Every entry in the franchise is worst than the other making the original look as a good 80s horror movie.
This new remake, that also feels like a prequel, spend three years waiting for been released and it should have been stayed like that. Sometimes bad horror films can still be liked by the audience by their entertaining story, silly dialogues, and decent gore. But not even that happens here as the only salvageable thing about this movie is Kate Moyers' performance as the kid's leader Eden Edwards. But, that's not enough to save this film from being an unjustified addition to the franchise. The worst part of this film can be the CGI and portrayal of "He Who Walks" that resembles Marvel character Groot but with corn. This new version only proves that this story and franchise has no salvation and should be forgotten.
The Last of Us (2023)
"When you're lost in the darkness look for the light"
As someone who hasn't play the video game but enjoys post apocalyptic stories I was intrigued to see what HBO would deliver with this adaptation. From the first episode I was hook, excitingly waiting for Sunday nights to arrive anxious to know what would happen next. To avoid spoilers I didn't look for similarities between the game and the series but after the season finale. It's impressive how much they were able to bring to the series even after leaving aside some parts of the story, something that basically happens with any adaptation.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsay work perfectly together, making the story feel believable without falling into a melodrama. As the viewer is easy to empathize with not only Joel and Ellie but other characters like Bill, portrayed by Nick Offerman, and his heartbreaking but beautiful story. The clickers, the third stage of the infected in, are scary creatures by themselves but thanks to the makeup department led by Barrie Gower (Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, Stranger Things) they turn even more terrifying. The cinematography, soundtrack, storytelling, and acting make of this series more than just a video game adaptation but an impressive survival story with personal battles . The Last of Us joins the group good series created by HBO.
Scream VI (2023)
Ghostface has arrived to the big apple
A year after the events of Scream (2022) the survivors find themselves in New York trying to move on and forget about Ghostface. Unfortunately for them, the masked killer has followed their steps and hides in the crowd waiting for the right moment to attack. None of the characters are safe as the film reminds us that legacy characters can be killed too.
Scream 6 has the best opening scene after Scream (1996) with Drew Barrymore. It's brutal, gory, has a mid scene plot twist, and sets the tone for the rest of the film. The film continues the franchise consistency in black comedy and satirizes the slasher subgenre and the trend of film franchises. The return of Kirby Reed and Gale Weather's first phone call with Ghostface will please fans since both have been awaited for a long time. Jenna Ortega delivers once again a remarkable performance and next to Melissa Barrera both are set as future scream queens.
Taking the story out of Woodsboro makes the film feel fresh and bringing it back to college resembles Scream 2 (1997). The writers took advantage of the new setting creating tense and creative chase scenes, as an example is the subway scene / Mindy attack and the convenient store both featured in the teasers and marketing material. We have the most brutal and dangerous Ghostface yet, with a socking reveal and plot twist. Fans will enjoy the latest installment in one of the best and most solid horror franchises in cinema history.
Spoonful of Sugar (2022)
A cinematic LSD trip that unfortunately leads to nothing
The story follows Millicent and her new job as Johnny's babysitter, a boy who doesn't speak and has several allergies including fabrics, sugar, and animals. Millicent starts giving Jacob LSD as an experiment to treat his conditions. At the same time she gets closer to Johnny's father Jacob and develops a tense relationship with his wife Rebecca. A family that looks normal on the outside with just a sick kid holds darker secrets that will be revealed little by little.
The film tries to be something and ends being a mess of unfinished ideas placing scene after scene without a clear meaning. The story never gets to make sense and the characters motives are never clear. The ending has a plot twist that only creates more questions in the viewer. It probably requires several watches to fully understand the story but that shouldn't be the norm. It's confusing and at moments boring with flat forgettable performances making all the characters more unlikeable than they already are. Spoonful of Sugar had a good concept that unfortunately wasn't properly executed.
Huesera (2022)
Mexican horror done right
For Valeria, becoming a mother is her biggest goal and desire. But, not everything is color pink after receiving the big news that she's in fact pregnant. Everything and everyone around her turns into a negative energy that forces Valeria to return to her past and dig up her real desires and identity. The exploration of motherhood is a well known subject in the horror genre since the release of Rosemary's Baby back in 1968. After that we have seen it over and over with the same outcome but this time the director brings a whole new perspective and approach creating a powerful and haunting horror film.
Huesera (The Bone Woman) takes motherhood and combines it with Mexican myths, folklore and body horror. This added to the outstanding performance of Natalia Solián as Valeria and mesmerizing cinematography, turns Huesera into one of the best Mexican horror films ever made. The film relies heavily in symbolism, specifically spiders, Mexican religious beliefs and superstitions instead of just jumps scares creating a tense and heavy atmosphere. Natalia Solián carries the film and gives a convincing and memorable performance throughout the whole film without missing a bit. Her struggle to find her true self and happiness can be felt creating an emotional connection with the viewer.
The internal battle of Valeria and her family situations that are presented are relatable and real life experiences that any woman could have in her life. Huesera feels genuine, and its a raw representation of how the expectations of everyone around you can force you to a life that you don't want but you're convinced that is the right path in life.
Natten har øjne (2022)
A slow burn horror romance story in the Jewish folklore
A horror film relying on Jewish folklore, religious allegories, and codependency that falls into a disappointing resolution. Attachment shows the beginning of the relationship between Maja and Leah after meeting in a library. Quickly they'll develop feelings but without knowing much of each others life. This sparks the tension in the couple after Leah suffered a seizure forcing them both to travel to London to Leah's mother house and Maja realizes that a secret is hold in between the walls. From the moment Leah returns home her mother insists in doing everything for her even when she's capable of doing it on her own.
Maja and Leah's mother Chana relationship starts with the wrong foot and Maja's efforts only pushes them further. Once the plot twist appears everything starts to make sense and their relationship can finally develop. Sadly, towards the end the film becomes another generic possession horror movie. What starts as a strong, original, captivating horror film turns into a disappointment in the third act. The acting, score, cinematography, and story converge on a satisfying exploration of family dynamics and superstitions. Unfortunately, the ending takes away from the excellence that the film presented at the beginning.
Infinity Pool (2023)
Bizarre and unsettling
Infinity Pool proves that the phrase "like father like son" applies to the Cronenberg family. Just like his father did in the past, Brandon Cronenberg pushes the audience boundaries to the limit with unsettling body horror and visuals that will leave them severely disturbed. Saying that I feel the need to disclose that this film is not for everyone. After receiving mostly positive reviews by the critics the general audience has a different perspective and opinion.
While the film has a strong cast, perfect soundtrack, ideal setting, and gruesome body horror the weak link is the plot. Is not difficult to feel that Infinity Pool is trying too hard to provoke a shock factor turning the narrative confusing, and for some, boring. Alexander Skarsgård performance shouldn't be overlooked, he is the real star of this madhouse. The Cronenberg staple is present making the outcome of this film not surprising. Infinity Pool is now available in movie theaters.
The Lair (2022)
Save your time
After a strong opening scene and first 10 minutes The Lair descents into a boring mess. This action horror film feels like a mix between Alien (1979), The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007), The Thing (1982) and The Descent (2005). A group of military soldiers in the middle of nowhere against biological weapons is something that we have seen before, and this time it doesn't work.
From the unlikeable characters to the poor CGI The Lair turns into a one time watch or a film that could be easily forgotten. It fails to entertain and surprise, making very easy to predict the plot and ending. Compared to his previous work The Descent (2005) the director failed to replicate the effectiveness of it making this new project look like the draft version of it.
There's Something Wrong with the Children (2023)
The most annoying kids in horror
When the plot of a horror movie revolves around children, they must be successful with their acting. Unfortunately, that element is missing from Blumhouse's most recent production. There's Something Wrong With The Children follows a family on a weekend trip with longtime friends and their two young children, but they suspect something supernatural when the children behave strangely after disappearing in the woods during the night. The children become annoying instead of being creepy and making the audience uncomfortable. The movie fails to create an atmosphere of terror and suspense leaving you wondering if it is a horror movie you are watching. The ending becomes predictable making this movie an experience I wouldn't want to repeat.
Sick (2022)
Decent pandemic slasher
Being in the middle of a pandemic can be scary, but realizing that someone out there is trying to kill you can turn the situation into a nightmare. Sick balances the slasher formula with modern horror creating a fun and entertaining horror movie. While it fails with some details and portrait of characters this is compensated with tense and well played cat and mouse sequences. That combined with good practical effects and creative kills the film elevates from turning into a unmemorable and basic horror film. Sick even makes a good use of being set during April 2020, the peak of the COVID19 pandemic. Instead of being just an element to bring the audience to watch it is used as the plot twist trigger.
Skinamarink (2022)
Is not for everyone but deserves the chance
This horror film is meant to be watched in a dark room and requires the complete attention of the viewer. If you aren't immersed into the story a sensation of tediousness will overwhelm you. At moments your mind will be tricked into doubting if something is there or not in the darkness when the camera just stays there looking into the abyss that the dark halls of the house create. This experimental horror film will play with your mind and will force you to confront the fears that you could have as a child. The fear of darkness and the unknown has been seen before in horror films but is not always that effective. The silence and occasional cartoons background music will leave you waiting for the jump scare that never comes. But once again, this is not a horror film for everyone but you will know as soon as the film starts if you will be absorbed by the darkness or if you're staying out.
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
Good start for Netflix in 2023
Always appreciate a good gothic story. The Pale Blue Eye with the breathtaking cinematography and outstanding performance of Harry Melling as a young Edgar Allan Poe turns into an enjoyable mystery triller with a shocking twist at the end. Christian Bale brings, as expected, another great performance to his career. While the narrative can turn a little repetitive and the story could have been more developed the atmosphere and ambience is enough to keep you entertained and glued to the screen. Props to Netflix for doing a proper adaptation of this 2003 novela by the mystery author Louis Bayard.
M3GAN (2022)
Killer start for 2023
While it has some story inconsistencies, and the acting may not be outstanding, M3GAN takes a step forward and bring us the best way to start 2023 horror movies speaking. This science fiction horror film is self aware of how ridiculous it can be, and that is camp, but it embrace it and let you know that they know. Killer dolls have been in movies for a long time and have turn into an easy way to scare an audience. This concept may not be new and even the concept of evil robots but M3GAN makes it feel like it.
The purpose of M3GAN is not to scare you but to make you fear how advance technology has turned. The possibilities of an artificial intelligence system like M3GAN is not that far from reality. While it has some jump scares along the way is not the main source for scaring. The last act can be the most ridiculous but is enjoyable and fun, closing the experience with an intense and laughable situation. The very last scene can be predicted, but still leaves you with questions waiting for an answer. A sequel is by far not in the books and it should stay like that, or it could take away some of the unique essence of the film. M3GAN is now exclusively available in theaters.