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sadmansakibayon
Indeed,
By the way, I am Sadman Sakib Ayon. I am a captain of Bangladesh Army. I got commissioned as a Lieutenant in Bangladesh Army after completing my training at Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) in 2020. Durning my school life and college life I worked in The Daily Star Newspaper for 3 years before I joined Army. I live in Dhaka. I completed graduate with two majors. English and journalism & media studies. I am currently studying Masters in Forensic Psychology as a captain of Bangladesh Army.
I have a different world! A much more wonderful world. And part of that world is watching movies and series. I believe, all these movies & series are worth watching, Outstanding, Out of the ordinary, Beyond Imagination and Perfectly perfect.
Welcome to my IMDb account... Adios....
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The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)
It definitely could have been better but I've seen a lot worse.
As a fan of both vampire films and Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, I was really looking forward to this long anticipated adaptation. One of the most impressive aspects of the film is the attention to detail, all of the wardrobes, props and even the dialect spoken in the film feels extremely accurate to the time period. To top it off, the filmmakers even built an entire ship as the full set to enhance the authenticity of the film. "The Last Voyage of the Demeter" did a great job creating a chilling atmosphere with an impending sense of dread, never knowing when Dracula was going to appear.
The pacing unfortunately was a bit sporadic for me, the movie is definitely more of a slow burn but there seemed to be too many lulls which interrupted the flow of the film. I think the nearly two hour runtime was a bit too much and it could have been shortened for better continuity. The moments of action were exciting as well as entertaining, but they were few and far between. Additionally, there are a couple moments of race baiting politics in the film which was disappointing and didn't have any relevance to the story. Unless it's part of the storyline, there is no need for politics in horror.
Entertaining entry into the vampire subgenre, it definitely could have been better but I've seen a lot worse.
Darkness Rising (2017)
Just One Word --- Garbage
While the overall atmosphere here wasn't horrible, it's not great. There is some semblance of darkness or a presence just out of reach. That's where it ends, missing the point and it's lacking thereof exacerbated by poor acting and writing...... I just couldn't get behind this. Not that it's a played out story, which it is; but it's not that. It's just not done well. You don't need to convince me of the validity of the plot. Some added twists and darker storylines would have been an improvement, although how much is debatable.
Overall, I wasn't impressed with this one. The production was great. Cinematography was strong as well. However the dull story and lackluster acting really took their toll on this one. It just lacked the guts and depth needed to create an immersive story with a plot you can get behind. For some it may work; sometimes I end up liking films with bad acting and a weak plot because other aspects pick it up. I just didn't see those extra boosts here. Some may, not me.
Welp (2014)
Refreshing and Unique
Horror films shot in the woods have always been one of my favourite settings, I find the vast stretches of wilderness brings about a mysterious yet ominous atmosphere where anything can happen. "Cub" is no exception here, as we follow the young cub scout troop as they set up camp in a pocket of woods that the locals absolutely refuse to enter.
I'm going to be vague here as "Cub" is quite an extraordinary story that doesn't always play into the common horror tropes and actually explores the consequences of bullying and the issues that arise from dysfunctional families. There are numerous surprises throughout the film and a great twist ending that you won't see coming. Besides the scenic Belgian landscapes the film is beautifully shot and contains an eerie score courtesy of composer Steve Moore.
"Cub" is an interesting film as it starts out as a kind of a introduction horror movie for young fans of the genre but then transitions into a pretty violent and graphic horror film. It has a fairly large kill count with a few deaths occurring off screen but also several of them that are savage and gory. The practical makeup effects are quite impressive and very realistic. Unfortunately there is a death scene involving a dog that is very violent and I understand it's part of the character development in this particular instance, but this is one of my biggest pet peeves in horror films.
Refreshing and unique horror film that's not without its problems, but the positives vastly outweigh any negatives. Recommended.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace (2023)
Creepy
An amazing docuseries! It will keep you hooked from the beginning till the end! If you liked the movie Orphan, you will enjoy this very much. It's like watching the story of the movie come to life, the only difference being Natalia's story is much more twisted and complicated.
Natalia Grace was adopted by a wealthy couple, Michael and Kristine Barnett, in 2010. Natalia, who has dysplasia or dwarfism, was said to be six years old when the couple adopted her. But soon the Barnetts started suspecting that she was much older than she claimed to be. Also they discovered that Natalia was always trying to harm them or kill them. As they sought help from therapists, they told the Barnetts that Natalia was a sociopath. When things further escalated, the Barnetts decided to get Natalia re-aged legally from 8 to 22, and leave Natalia to fend for herself in an apartment far away from them. Natalia being a disabled person, spent some horrible days on her own, and suffered a lot at her rented apartment. This soon came to the notice of the Child Protective Services, and the Barnetts got into legal trouble. The question arose, was Natalia a child or an adult?
En helt vanlig familj (2023)
Good stuff is always underrated.
This is a swedish thriller about a small family which consists of Stella and Stella's parents. Stella experiences a horrific assault at the age of 15 for which she never gets any closure. Years later when she turns 19, she falls in love but unfortunately it doesn't last long. Under mysterious circumstances, her boyfriend is found dead at a park. All fingers point at Stella. She eventually gets convicted for murder. Stella's parents almost go on the verge of losing sanity to save their daughter. But is Stella really guilty or is she innocent?
One of the best crime documentary series.
Highly Recommended.
Curry & Cyanide: The Jolly Joseph Case (2023)
Disturbing
Jolly Joseph is a woman from Kerala, India who hails from a poor family of farmers. She manages to woo a young man from a wealthy family making claims of having high educational qualifications. They get married soon. But not many years after that one by one her mother-in-law, father-in-law, husband and uncle-in-law pass away in the same manner. Her sister-in-law and brother-in-law are shocked at the serial deaths but cannot decipher the reasons behind the continuous tragedies striking their family. They become suspicious only when the wife and the child of their cousin die in the same way as their other family members and Jolly marries their cousin after a year. All the fingers now point at Jolly and tag her as a serial murderer.
Is Jolly innocent or guilty? Why would she commit so many murders over two decades in the same family?
Highly Recommended.
What Jennifer Did (2024)
What did Jennifer actually do?
I know I sound really twisted but this is one of my favourite crime stories! I got hooked on this case from the moment I became aware of it through YouTube videos. This case is definitely worth watching and I promise you it will send chills down your spine!
The story starts from the moment when Jennifer, a young lady in her early twenties, calls 911 to inform that some intruders broke into their house and shot both of her parents. She says she cannot check on them as she is tied up against the bannister upstairs. After the police arrive and rescue her, she is taken into custody. She tells the police as she cries profusely that three men entered their house and rummaged through their stuff for money. They shot her parents because they did not tell the intruders about the exact location where they could find cash. But the detectives questioning her seem to be utterly confused as they listen to her.
Why did the intruders not take a lot of the cash and valuables still remaining intact in the house despite the fact that these could be easily detected? And most importantly, why would the intruders leave Jennifer alive even though she is a firsthand witness of their actions Things take a rather bizarre turn when it is discovered that Jennifer is not the only witness alive. Her father, who was shot and remained in coma for days, is taken out of coma and he gives an astonishing account of the events that took place.
Highly Recommended.
Last Radio Call (2022)
Worth a Watch
I always go into found footage films with an open mind because you never know what you're going to get. Seems like there's so many of them and most are flat out bombs. Last Radio Call is by no means a bomb. Don't get me wrong, it's not a gem but it's definitely worth a watch. Mixing Native American folklore with a modern twist and utilizing the creep factor of old abandoned hospitals, this one does fairly well despite relatively unknown status.
I love a dark eerie atmosphere and that's what you get here. Blending legends and folklore with ordinary creepy hospital vibes, this one comes out of nowhere to creep you out with its storyline and camera work. I liked this aspect, while not my number one in this category it nonetheless makes a name for itself. Another thing is.... I love when old meets new, story meets atmosphere and a good movie is the result. There's something about old folklore involving the forest, whether it's the unforgiving darkness or what lies within it undoubtedly does the trick. This movie does a pretty good job at both.
Overall, this one sits slightly above midline for me. I enjoyed it but it's not an award winner. It's just good enough to keep you in it and just creepy enough to make you think twice about entering an old abandoned hospital. I still would though. Worth a watch, and you most likely will tell early on if it's just not for you so you won't have to waste 1.5 hours.
Rang song (2021)
The Medium/Rang Song - A classic from Thailand
I've raved about mockumentaries before. I love them, especially horror mockumentaries. They almost always have that higher level of skill and effort that most found footage films don't have. Exactly the case with The Medium, which allows Thailand's spiritual side to build the story up, characters and all, turning everything into something that almost seems like a mashup of American demonic and Japanese ghost girl horror. It really is quite a treat to watch from beginning to end.
The characters are genuinely intriguing, speaking volumes of the writing. They're all believable, almost to the point where they come off as too real. Narilya Gulmongkolpech (Mink) and Sawanee Utoomma (Nim) are the main drivers here (especially the creepier scenes featuring Narilya's brilliant creepy performances), but there's an overall excellence to each performance that elevates both the sinister and non-sinister elements at play. The previously mentioned Thai spiritualism makes the possession horror content different, though also familiar, blending horror tropes from American demon horror and Japanese ghost horror together to form very pleasing and welcome surprise. But perhaps most fascinating is the way the camera work is executed here. While it does lean more towards a found footage POV approach, it also intentionally makes the viewer a silent participant, echoing how a POV-set videogame would make you feel during a cutscene. It has this heightened realism to it, which is only further enhanced by the focus on a practical approach that also comes off as higher-than-usual-budget. The Medium gets a ton of points for that, as I'm personally a big fan of excellently executed visual work.
The sound, more specifically the bits of inserted music, was a bit of a turn off. I get it, it's meant to add to the atmosphere and tone, but some choice additions felt unnecessary, almost edging into hokey territory though thankfully being pulled back enough to avoid ruining more critical scenes. I did love the crisp sound detail, especially for the more harrowing moments, including one that I knew was going to happen but still gasped at when it actually happened. You'll know it when you see it.
It's been a while since I've enjoyed a great horror mockumentary, and I'm glad it's The Medium that brought that enjoyment. It's a great horror mockumentary with lots of creepy and sometimes disturbing content. Highly Recommended.
Adios.
Barbarian (2022)
Barbarian is a fun random watch
Zach Cregger of comedy sketch group Whitest Kids U'Know fame wrote and directed Barbarian. That actually makes sense, considering that the dark humor in Barbarian feels like a natural evolution of the humor found in Whitest Kids U'Know. A lot of people were touting this as a bonkers horror flick, and it's definitely original with some great variety in different content and a very inventive story; It's pretty damn good, all things considered.
For starters, the writing and approach to the story here are very original, sometimes to the point where it ignores conventional story format in favor of surprising us with plenty of great unexpected bits. There's a lot to like here in terms of unique and fresh horror content. Visually, it reminded me a lot of Apostle (a Netflix horror flick from a few years ago). There's a similar approach to exceedingly well-shot cinematography and overall visuals, with a focus on creating a pulsing sense of urgency and dire vitality. Violence is also especially creative here. Matthew Patrick Davis' performance is great as the unsettling and downright uncomfortable Mother, though Justin Long has some great content too (I mean, any horror film with Justin Long in it will have at least a few great scenes). Georgina Campbell and Bill Skarsgard also have some good stuff too, though not nearly as noteworthy.
Barbarian is a fun random watch. Definitely watching again down the road.
M3GAN (2022)
I didn't think I would like this movie
I'll be honest, I didn't think I'd like M3gan, it's not my typical go to movie. I can say though, I was pleasantly surprised and very entertained. M3gan isn't scary in the typical horror fashion, it's not overtly gory, bloody, or filled with jump scares. And yet M3gan succeeds in its goal, to get under your skin, into the deep fear of something human-like and inhuman at the same time...... There's something more to this movie than just a killer robot who would make Chucky look like a choir boy. There's a deep, rich, and fun story embedded with an emotional element here. There's a hidden message in this movie that's apparent from the start. The notion that we're creating our own demise with the proliferation and advancement of AI we have created in essence, our worst enemy. M3gan encapsulates that fear and in a way should be a warning to us all...... Parts of M3gan are sweet and heartfelt, deep and engaging. The transition from empathy to pure fear is masterfully done. There isn't the typical atmosphere in this movie I'd usually gloat about in a movie I rated so high, and that's the beauty in it. M3gan doesn't need a dark and embracing atmosphere to achieve its goal. The fear factor is already built in.
Aside from a superb and dark visage of humanity's greatest fear, or one of them at least, the story in M3gan is a delightful play on what we all fear in the current advance of our own replacements both physically and mentally. It's a fun and dark ride that shows you what you get when you mix emotion and the ability to learn with a robot and it's done in a realistic way, so well that you may end up unplugging your Alexa or whatever home automation you use.
Overall, M3gan is a fun and thrilling ride from start to finish with an engaging plot full of relevance in our current world. It's not my usual film, and it still successfully kept my attention and took away a few hours of sleep. Not because I was scared, but the deep story and nuanced imitation of human ingenuity. I recommend this one to anyone who wants to go on a fun and twisted ride that emulates a future we may be creating. In a way, it's a warning to stop creating more and more advanced AI technology.
Horror in the Forest (2023)
Was it a good movie?
If you end up watching Horror in the Forest and you're immediately reminded of The Blair Witch Project, then you're not the only one. This isn't a compliment. It's a Blair Witch clone in a sea of Blair Witch clones. That's not to say that those looking for decent found footage content won't find it here. It does have the content that you would expect in a decent found footage film, but if you're expecting greatness you might have to wait for their next film. While the people at DBS Films definitely have a knack for consistently delivering horror content, Horror in the Forest just barely scratches that itch for good horror, going off the rails during some points but mostly staying on track.
Those expecting a lot of story won't find much, and while there's plenty of backstory for the forest and some of the characters encountered throughout, the three protagonists are just sort of there. No layers for them, not much in the way of actual character development, etc. It does have some intriguing twists on the whole "unholy presence in the woods" formula, so you'll at least be surprised by that...... If you're a stickler for the typical rules of found footage content, you'll also notice that they quickly break one of the rules of found footage horror. There's a soundtrack here that shouldn't be here, especially given that this is found footage. This isn't a dealbreaker for those who consume heavy amounts of found footage content, but those who only occasionally watch found footage films might not like the breaks from the immersion...... If you're just looking for lots of jumpscares, then there's a bunch here. There is an attempt to generate dread, but it's not done well enough, with the focus being on jumpscare after jumpscare after jumpscare. Most of them are very, very predictable.
If you don't mind all the negatives and mixed positives and just want a jumpscare Blair Witch clone, then Horror in the Forest might tide you over until something great comes along.
Skinamarink (2022)
I don't know why people dislike this film
Skinamarink has garnered varying responses on both ends of the spectrum; love hate and everything in between. The truth is, this is a film built entirely on atmosphere and the unseen building on a fear of the unknown. If you're like me and grew up in the nineties you may get a hint of nostalgia brought on by the old static and low def camcorder effect. Make no mistake, this is a slow film. If you allow yourself to be in the position of the kids in this film, allow yourself to remember being a kid and you will enjoy this one much more.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere in a film is so influential to its success and is often overlooked. Skinamarink takes this concept and goes to a whole new level. Dark tones throughout and a constant state of dread lend to a magnificent feeling of dark unknown fear. Add the Lo-def camera effects, nostalgic theme and this is a masterpiece of atmospheric genius.
Story: With the thick artsy style atmosphere, you don't need much of a story to win over most people. The depth of the theme is fairly shallow and yet that doesn't seem to matter. The story here isn't horrible but it's decent, original and perfect for what's needed.
The production of this one is genius, low cost and very little dialogue but none of that is needed. The dark theme and constant state of dread allow the viewer to embark on a scary trip back in time both in the production and story. Dark corners, seemingly empty scenes with unknown sounds lend to a deep fear brought up from the depths of the mind, normally hidden and forgotten. I enjoyed this one, mostly because I love a good atmospheric film.
I know many will disagree and many will agree because this film has been very polarizing in the horror community. If you like atmosphere and dread, primordial fear of the unknown, you may like this one.
Andra sidan (2020)
I really liked this Film
Sweden has put out some pretty good horror films over the years. Good acting, good storylines and great production. Movies like this one just go to show that Hollywood and the US by no means rule the horror genre. Right off the bat, from the beginning of this film the character development is showcased and for most movies I value that. It adds to the emotional experience and forces you to view the characters as real people. In a sense, it helps project you into the story, in the sense of "if that was me I'd be terrified". I enjoyed how this one flowed through scene to scene and how events progressed. All of those things came together to help create a good horror experience.
Story: Allegedly based on actual events, the story here is good. The subtle unraveling of events really helps to keep you tuned in while also creating a captivating story with a great climactic ending.
Atmosphere: I love a good atmospheric film. Although this one didn't deliver all that I felt it could have, the story helped to lift up the feel and darkness within. Then toss in the storyline, antagonist and character development and you get something worth the watch.
Acting: From top to bottom, great performances. I judge acting in horror by how realistic the reactions are and whether I feel the portrayal is convincing. I can't say that aspect was amazing but nonetheless the overall acting was good.
I really liked this one. I was in it from start to finish and I can't say that too often. Also, there's something to be said about an evil or an enemy being so close. The intimate feel of terror resonated throughout the entire film.
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
An awesome addition to the series
I was absolutely blown away by the visuals. Deadites looked and moved in the most creepy way, and the mostly practical effects work felt quite a lot like the look and feel of the remake. Cinematography leaned a lot more into the older Evil Dead films, with the chase-style POV as well as some dramatic close-ups and tight shots in cramped hallways. Darkness was also used brilliantly throughout, with some of the jumpy scenes being especially effective throughout. This is also one of the gorier entries in the series so far, with brutal violence that is stylish, sometimes humorously cheeky, and often filled with buckets of blood, with plenty of nods to the previous films before it. It's also very, very fast paced, so you don't have to worry about anything feeling like a slog, especially when the carnage picks up.
In terms of writing, once everything got underway it all fit quite neatly into the overall series continuity, though it was definitely written as a standalone with a more focused effort on newcomers. Once the brief bit of context is out of the way, the characters have their standout moments and the movie keeps you guessing as to who survives and who becomes a Deadite.
Evil Dead Rise is a welcome return to a franchise that really, really should have more entries more often. I can't wait for what they come up with next. Hopefully Lee Cronin is involved in the future of the franchise as well.
Don't Breathe 2 (2021)
Such a mediocre Sequel
If you are going to watch "Don't Breathe 2" and are expecting the same type of film as the original, you are not going to have a very good time. However, if you go in with an open mind and are able to suspend your disbelief, you will be entertained with a creative yet hokey at times sequel story..... Plot wise the film is a bit messy, with some story lines working while others are just a bit too far fetched. I also found it interesting how the viewer is basically forced to side with the lesser of two evils, having the antagonist of the first film become the victim/protagonist of the second film when pitted against the other villains who are made out to be the worst scum of the earth. "Don't Breathe 2" is also quite different in tone from the first one, there is a lot less tension in this sequel but a huge increase in action/gore which seems like a decent trade off to me.
While the first film was a slower, tension filled thriller "Don't Breathe 2" ups the ante with loads of action, way more deaths and some good old fashioned blood and gore. While there are a couple deaths that take place off screen, there are several that are long, drawn out and torturous. I can't remember the last time I've seen this many garden tools used as weapons.
Don't Breathe (2016)
Don't you dare breathe
The film starts off a bit slower as we get a bit of character development for our trio of protagonists. "Don't Breathe" takes the home invasion subgenre and twists it into something I don't think any of us were ready for. The atmosphere of the film is incredibly tense, despite this being my second viewing I still found myself in a constant state of apprehension and almost duplicating the actors reactions by trying to stay quiet without exhaling a single breathe. The cinematography is fantastic, especially the scenes where the lights are out and the burglars struggle to make their way through the pitch black darkness of the house. Intensifying this uneasiness is an extremely unsettling score full of distressing sound effects courtesy of Spanish composer Roque Baños López.
"Don't Breathe" has a relatively small kill count for a horror film but that doesn't hinder it at all. The film excels at creating tension filled moments and has an incredibly bleak tone. I won't mention any of the deaths here but there is a turkey baster scene that is sure to make you scream. An engrossing thriller full of suspense from an up and coming horror director, you really can't go wrong here. Highly Recommended.
Forest of Death (2023)
For a one time watch
Forest of Death is not bad as a low budget skinwalker horror flick. As always, the visuals are pretty good, and you can tell they aimed for a higher-than-actual-budget look that works surprisingly well. While the CGI could use a bit more polish and effort, the cinematography and overall lighting is more than good enough to make sure the viewer doesn't notice. Plus there's proper emphasis on shadows, and occasional dips into found footage territory keep scenes engaging and dynamic...... Sound effects are, likewise, also pretty good, with enough sound detail for crisp clarity. The soundtrack isn't anything noteworthy, but it's dialed back enough that you're not bothered by the generic song selection.
While the writing still needs improvement, it's also better than previous DBS movies. The dialogue is slightly closer to feeling believable, though still needing a bit more fine tuning. The story and the overall approach to skinwalker lore is good enough to feel respectful to source material while the plot and execution still feels original enough to stand out...... The acting was decent enough. The cast take their roles seriously enough for some level of convincing quality to most of the performances. Still needs a bit more work, but that's a mix of performance and writing.
As far as how Forest of Death stacks up in comparison to other DBS Films movies, it's a marked improvement over some of the others, and sufficiently entertaining for a one time watch.
Scream VI (2023)
Fun slasher worth checking out
"Scream VI" was entertaining, and for a slasher with a runtime of over 2 hours I thought it was very well paced. Bringing the franchise to New York was interesting as it allowed the filmmakers to create some of the death scenes amongst the public which brought a whole other level of fear to the film. Imagine being attacked on a crowded subway, yet still nobody is able to help you. With the absence of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) from the film, there was more time to build character development for the newer cast members which was nice, but I still found several of them unlikable with their snide personalities.
Both Jenna Ortega (X, Wednesday TV series) and Melissa Barrera (Bed Rest, Keep Breathing TV series) were back to reprise their roles as the Carpenter sisters and they were both awesome, demonstrating a deep sibling bond between the two. Courtney Cox who plays Gale Weathers had a bigger role this time around which fulfilled the nostalgia aspect for the film. I also really enjoyed Hayden Panettiere (Scream 4, Custody) in her returning role as Kirby Reed and Dermot Mulroney (Lavender, Insidious: Chapter 3) as Detective Bailey, the two of them were great additions to the cast. There is also a great cameo from Samara Weaving (Ready or Not, The Babysitter) to watch out for.
"Scream VI" has the biggest kill count of the series at 14 deaths and while a few of them are done off screen, several of the kills are quite savage and gory. There definitely was some more creative kills this time around and apparently face stabbings are back on the menu boys. Unfortunately there are a few "kills" that don't actually turn out to be kills, which I found to be a bit of a cop out.
Entertaining entry into the franchise with some cool moments but ultimately I liked the previous "Scream" film a bit better. I wasn't the biggest fan of the ending and was actually able to guess the killer(s) about half way through the film. Fun slasher worth checking out.
The Invited (2017)
'The Invited' is worth checking out
The Invited is a considerably different effort than their usual selection, focusing on the occult and a psychological tilt, and the parts it does well, it does mostly right..... For starters, the writing is better than other entries. While the dialogue still feels unbelievable, the overall story is twisty enough. This did make me feel like some things were a bit too transparent, revealing a few major twists before they occurred, but other than that, there's enough meat here for things to be entertaining. It does feel too short, and definitely could have been more satisfying with a lengthier runtime....... The overall visual aesthetic is also quite pleasing. For a low budget film, this has a sufficiently good variety in settings, including a bar scene and some mansion scenes that one wouldn't normally get in a film like this. Their cinematography is also, as usual, good enough to be noteworthy with a variety of good shots that hone in on the gradually unsettling feel and tone.
If you are looking for a decent occult horror flick with a good execution, The Invited is worth checking out.
Making Monsters (2019)
I loved this movie
Right off the bat, you're set up for what may or may not happen and how this one will transpire. The nice thing is, you'll probably be wrong. The main characters did a reasonably good job at portraying their roles into what they're supposed to be; a somewhat youthful couple trying to start a family. That is however, the only realistic aspect in the film, which from that point on portrays fragments of realism throughout. Maybe it's the setting; an old church, or maybe it's the sense of isolation. Either way, things mesh up and blend into a somewhat decent experience...... If you're looking for gore, let this one pass. You won't get much. If it's a rich in depth psychological thriller you're on the search for, keep scrolling. If you're in the mood for a nice refreshing thriller with bits and pieces of mind games and scares, this might satisfy your needs.
Overall, I thought this one was a decent watch. Although it's not amazing, it touches on some of the darker tricks and twists most of us would fear and when you start to get into it, it's fairly enjoyable.
The Haunting of the Murder House (2022)
Disgusting
Perhaps I'm expecting more from these films than I should, but The Haunting of the Murder House has several major missteps here, one of which is obvious from when the paranormal investigators enter the house; This whole film should have been found footage.
It does feature a mix of found footage and traditional, but it would have been better as a purely found footage effort, which would have made each creepy instance and ominous event more noticeable and have more of an impact...... The story is run-of-the-mill, but given the subgenre, that's expected. It's difficult to make a story stand out, especially nowadays, when everything has been done to death in one format or the other. The characters are fine too, marking the first Budnicki film I've seen where I haven't been annoyed by the "social media types as protagonists" content, and there's a less-is-more approach that actually makes sense, given both the runtime and the story itself....... I've heard that (writer/director) Budnicki and the people at DBS Films like to have fans as cast members, which is admirable and helps build the horror community, but it also means some performances can be on the mediocre side of things. It's not the fault of the writing this time around, which is actually pretty decent, but the acting could have been better. There's an almost lifeless attitude to some of the performances here, which is especially annoying when the cast is as small as it is. It also feels like the soundtrack should have been either dialed back or not been there at all. Again, this is another instance where a found footage approach would have worked better, as it would have made the focus be on the sound effects rather than any music.
Into the Forest (2019)
Utter Garbage
Found footage films generally have a lower bar to reach, and at that, Into the Forest definitely has a more than commendable attempt at being better than the standard found footage film.
But there are still some issues to point out here.
Good found footage, and good horror in general, either have annoying characters for the sake of comedic relief or for some satisfaction when they die a brutal death. I've brought up the annoying character issue in my review of The Girl in Cabin 13, which has some of the same people involved, but it really needs to be mentioned here as well. It's fine to have an annoying side character, because it adds some comedic relief, but to have an annoying protagonist is not great, especially in modern horror, where the viewer expects a bit more out of the characters. Always, always flesh your characters out. Give them some soul and spark. Out of the three main characters, only one is really interesting, and she doesn't have as much screen time as she should. A solid base for the characters is important in any storytelling medium, but Into the Forest doesn't quite have that. The writing is better than The Girl in Cabin 13, especially in terms of the dialogue, but it still needs a lot of finetuning. This isn't meant as a knock on what has been set up, but there is definitely unrealized potential here........ The story hits most of the same territory and tropes as most found footage set in a forest, but the pacing is faster than expected. For the most part, the story is decent enough and pushes along quite nicely, but I do feel like it doesn't do enough to stand out among the many, many, many found footage films with similar ideas and concepts. Too much feels familiar to concepts and ideas that have been done to death in many, many different ways........ Granted, it is difficult to make found footage content stand out when pretty much everything has already been done, but found footage is also that subgenre where you feel that satisfaction if you're that one in a thousand that makes that stand-out content. There was definitely potential here for that, but it didn't quite hit that mark....... Visually there's more polish and flair than the typical found footage. There's definitely visual strength at hand, and the look punches above its budget for some truly great content. I found nothing wrong with the approach to the look of the film, with some above-average cinematography on display and a good overall aesthetic.
While the visuals are definitely strong, especially during dark scenes, the writing and acting just weren't where they needed to be. Some interesting ideas here, but further polish was definitely needed for Into the Forest to realize its potential.
Save Me from Everything (2021)
I did enjoy the twists
Twisted, dark and confusing is part of the lore here and Don't Talk to Strangers takes you on a trip to the obscure reaches of the mind and casts a shadow of insanity across the entire film. Even though, with all that dark insanity it just misses something. The steady incline of this slow burn doesn't have the power needed to propel itself into greatness or any semblance of it...... In order to really capitalize on the charm of a slow type of movie, there needs to be proper character development and a storyline fitting of the main players. While that wasn't entirely there, I can't say it was horrible. The voids were in the progression and how the nuances of each character intertwined with the atmosphere and theme. Nothing sets this film above the mainline and it sort of moves along with just enough...... Don't Talk to Strangers is one of those films that teeters on the gothic edge but doesn't quite cross over. Thematics and appeal is there along with acting. I did enjoy the twists and while it's by no means a gem nor a gore fest it does leave its mark on you.
Rose Red (2002)
A complete package of a Good Show
Red Rose is about everything I needed for a good Netflix binge. Tons of suspense, a twisting plot, great main characters, a story with a ton of social relevance, and an antagonist that plays only the best mind games. Plus a soundtrack that is absolutely fantastic. Creepy composed pieces are accompanied by covers of classic songs for those looking for nostalgic songs. All adding to the tense atmosphere and tones throughout. The visuals have that ominous paranoia to them too, and you really feel like everyone is being watched all the time, throughout every episode. It feels sinister and uncomfortable and creepy. Great selection of shots with cinematography that allow us full view of these characters while still maintaining a level of mystery and suspense throughout. The writing is pretty good too. As mentioned before, there's a twisty plot that keeps you hooked and waiting for the next surprise. Characters have arcs and develop in unexpected ways, while the social elements at hand make for a series of thrilling developments. It mixes paranoia into its ever-evolving approach while keeping the viewer on edge. The cast is also well picked. My favorite out of the bunch is Ashna Rabheru (Jaya), but Amelia Clarkson (Wren), Ellis Howard (Antony), Natalie Blair (Ashley), Harry Redding (Noah), Isis Hainsworth (Rochelle) and Ali Khan (Taz) all do amazingly as well. Their chemistry together also makes for some great entertaining banter, and it also makes all of the emotional parts hit hard.