Mitch Findlay

Mitch Findlay Patron

My wife says I like “artsy” movies.

Favorite films

  • The Wailing
  • In Bruges
  • The Exorcist III
  • In the Mouth of Madness

Recent activity

All
  • Cuckoo

    ★★★

  • Kill List

    ★★★★

  • Five Nights at Freddy's

  • Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Pinned reviews

More
  • The Wailing

    The Wailing

    ★★★★★

    An unsettling epic about the ancient battle between good and evil, local and outsider. The Wailing takes its time, patiently presenting and unfolding its many narrative layers. At the centre runs a classic throughline. Humanity, flawed and admirable, stands threatened by dark interlopers and existential limitations. 

    Director Na Hong-jin sets an atmospheric stage, exploring iconic horror locales through a refreshing perspective: a coastal fishing village, a cabin in the woods, a suffocating cavern. Make no mistake, the scares are effective.…

  • The Exorcist III

    The Exorcist III

    ★★★★★

    Unfolding at a novel’s pace with a darkly comedic and disturbing script, writer-director William Peter Blatty’s blend of police procedural and religious horror is absolutely spellbinding. Anchored by the incredible performances of George C. Scott and Brad Dourif, their haunting tête-à-têtes are a standout element. The former, a formidable presence brimming with weary rage and deep sadness. The latter, an incisive vessel of gleeful malevolence. 

    This sequel stands proudly alongside The Exorcist, so please do not be deterred by that ominous “3.” There will be no boos from the gallery tonight.

Recent reviews

More
  • Cuckoo

    Cuckoo

    ★★★

    Points for an original concept, strong lead performance, and one kick-ass scare that was easily the standout moment. If the entire film kept the same energy as the bike scene, it would have really elevated the creep factor. I think this one could have benefitted from leaning harder into that style of horror, but it’s still pretty enjoyable if you can stand a little strange.

  • Kill List

    Kill List

    ★★★★

    There was so much about this that worked for me. The natural performances and dialogue, the unique editing style, the raw camerawork, the folk horror vibes. Though it did feature a trope I typically dislike, it wound up being effective, at least for the most part. 

    The entire film had an unsettling tone that burrowed deep, and while some elements could have been a little more fleshed out, I ultimately appreciated the ambiguity. Wouldn’t be surprised if the first season of True Detective drew heavy inspiration from this one.

Popular reviews

More
  • Nosferatu

    Nosferatu

    ★★★★

    Having read Dracula a few years ago, I was excited to see an adaptation that really leaned into the horror, and Eggers’ Nosferatu is a dark and unsettling take on the classic tale. 

    Most of the fear comes courtesy of Bill Skarsgård, who sets the bar with an early performance-of-the-year contender. His take on Orlok is otherworldly and intimidating, drawing on everything from his voice to his stature to his magnificent stache to bring the undead count to life. 

    Lily-Rose…

  • Dragged Across Concrete

    Dragged Across Concrete

    ★★★★½

    Dragged Across Concrete takes its time, methodically drawing you into a world of moral ambiguity and horrifying cruelty. As was the case with Bone Tomahawk, Zahler’s writing is a standout element, with many excellent lines and clever exchanges. The bleak subject matter and grotesque violence may leave you disturbed — but quite possibly in a good way, because it’s all depicted so effectively. If you enjoy dark, well-acted films with strong scripts and confident visuals, you’ll find much to enjoy throughout this sprawling game of cops and robbers.