The Gory Details Horror Show

11/11/2024

Heretic is a fantastic thriller that is, in my opinion, one of the top movies of the year.

Well written and thought out, the plot and themes are thought provoking while also not being too smug. It tackles the concept of faith and what it means to believe in something, despite there being evidence.

The setup and payoff are amazing, starting with the feeling of a cat playing with its food but evolving into strong protagonists providing pushback and bravery in the face of adversity.

Unlike many movies tackling religion (especially Mormonism) this film takes a less rude, cynical and disrespect approach and instead offers multiple viewpoints without being too harsh.

It is a fascinating, witty journey through the trials of belief and what faith really means.

Highly recommended.

26/08/2024

Seriously one of the best movies this year, and one of the best thrillers I've seen in years.

From the outstanding cinematography to the incredible acting, this movie grabs you from the beginning and pulls you along its twists and turns at breakneck speed. The sparse humor hits hard and the movie feels witty at times without being obnoxious about it. The insanity is grounded while still managing to be over the top.

Directing reminded me of Tarantino, Ti West, and other more "alt" directors. There was excellent visual storytelling and wonderful choice of shot composition, color, and camera movement. Some shots, like at the end, linger for a longer beat than most modern movies allow, which enhances the storytelling.

Again, the acting is a cut above. Everyone sells their part so well and it feels both unhinged and believable throughout. The main actors were unbelievable.

Highly recommended!

12/07/2024

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one. I love Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage is Nicolas Cage. It's whether or not the movie fits him as an actor. I had high hopes, and I liked the idea of advertising with the 1990s style website.

First, the cinematography is stunning. The shot composition is unsettling and at times makes you feel trapped and claustrophobic. The color palette is muted, which works, with some interesting rust colors that seem like they shouldn't be as unsettling as they are.

Monroe's acting was top notch, and Cage was...well...Cage. the supporting cast also did a great job and were believable in their roles.

The movie itself was bizarre in a way that is grounded enough that it makes it feel uncanny. Like True Detective season 1, you are left at times wondering how much may or may not be supernatural. It moves at a slow pace, with jolts of horror throughout. While the pacing can feel a bit slow at times, it makes up for it with atmosphere. The movie felt very deliberate in its choices.

I don't want to give anything away. It's an interesting movie that is unique in many ways and worth a watch. If you're into "modern horror", this is a must-watch.

27/03/2024

A very interesting watch. The movie has a dreamlike quality that is hard to explain. The logic, characters, dialogue, and events always feel just a little out of touch and there is the pervasive feeling that something is wrong. The color palette, somewhat reminiscent of Giallo at times, heightens the surreal nature of the movie. The settings are often dark and vacant, creating a liminal feeling--even in open areas. Shots of downtown at night are so vacant that it actually feels a bit suffocating.

The movie features ghouls, which is rare. The distinction I usually use when it comes to ghouls is that, unlike zombies, they have the ability to think (even if it's limited). This little extra brainpower makes the creatures uncanny and furthers the dreamlike feeling.

This movie isn't for everyone, but I really enjoyed it. If you like 70s horror, Argento, and even Lynch you may enjoy it.

The Blu ray is on pre-order now.

13/09/2023

I know I'm late to the party, but I just received a copy of my favorite horror film (It Follows) in the mail. I have been waiting for a 4K transfer and when I saw this collector's edition set, I jumped on it.

Here's the thing about the movie that I feel like people misunderstood (that I discussed in length on my old horror podcast if anyone is curious)--the "It" represents so much more than an STD. While some have argued "It" is the fear of death or aging and adulthood, I believe it is trauma. The trauma that follows after the main character was assaulted and left half-naked, crying in the road. The trauma of the hints of in**st with the mother fu***ng her son to death. The trauma that led to the main character's father being out of the picture, only to emerge at the edge of the water (a place in a subtle photo that she holds dear and connects with her father). "It" (trauma) being passed on from one person to the next, "It" taking on the form of parents, assault victims, and other forms that reflect the fears and trauma of it's victims. "It" is something that will always follow, like trauma, that can be slowed but that you may or may not truly ever escape.

Anyway, those are my thoughts, and I am so grateful for this release.

30/08/2023

28/01/2023

Quick Review. Tl;Dr: Fantastic movie.

Finally got around to watching Pearl. I don't know why it took so long, I've loved Ti West since The House of the Devil.

In true Ti West fashion, this has a period piece vibe in its style. Very 1930s/1940s technicolor. Colors reminded me of Wizard of Oz. High saturation on reds, blues, and greens. A lot of scenes have a nice glow about them. Beautiful cinematography. The blood color is also so sweet and saturated it becomes uncanny.

The actual horror elements are fantastic. Another slow burn, no surprise for Ti West. The unblinking, uncut shots near the end were unnerving and raw. Mia shows off her acting ability in these scenes, becoming both unhinged and raw. (Quick SPOILER: the smiling scene in the credits that slowly morphs into crying was absolutely brilliant. It really sums up her character in a beautiful way).

(Back to NON SPOILER) I highly recommend this one for those that like a slower pace descent into madness with some great gore effects and a true love for classic cinema. Ti West is a student of the craft and it shows. Mia Goth also co-wrote this and she delivers a fantastic performance both on screen and in the script. Highly recommended.

04/01/2023