*Strange Darling*, directed by JT Mollner and showcased at the prestigious FrightFest horror festival, ventures into the murky waters of human emotion and moral ambiguity through the lens of a serial killer’s twisted love life. The film employs a fragmented narrative structure, unfolding over six non-sequential chapters. This innovative storytelling technique challenges traditional linear narratives
FrightFest
“Cursed in Baja,” directed by Jeff Daniel Phillips, presents itself as a haunting exploration of a man grappling with his turbulent past and the dark forces that intertwine with it. The film begins ominously with a prison guard leading the protagonist, Pirelli, played by Phillips himself, to what one might assume is his execution. However,
In the chilling opening of “Shelby Oaks,” we are introduced to protagonist Riley Brennan, portrayed by Sarah Durn, who articulates a profound sense of dread: “I’m not safe in here; I feel like I’m being watched.” This line not only sets the emotional tone for the film but also creates a stark contrast between what
The film “Saint Clare” unfurls a narrative that intricately weaves together themes of identity, morality, and societal expectations through the eyes of its complex protagonist, Clare Bleecker, portrayed by Bella Thorne. The story, a mix of dark comedy and horror that probes into the psyche and predicament of a young woman caught between her violent
From the very onset of “Strange Darling,” viewers are thrust into an unsettling experience that challenges typical storytelling conventions. The film opens with a chilling exchange between a character known as The Lady and her pursuer, The Demon, setting a tone steeped in apprehension. The audacity of the question, “Are you a serial killer?” immediately
“Broken Bird,” directed by Joanne Mitchell, opens with a strikingly morbid visual: a lifeless bird displayed starkly against a blurred backdrop, swiftly picked up by Sybil Chamberlain, a character who is as intricate as the dead creature she handles. Portrayed by Rebecca Calder, Sybil inhabits a world marked by her unique hobbies and professional responsibilities—embracing
The existential question of whether humanity is alone in the universe resonates deeply, prompting a spectrum of emotions from wonder to terror. This inquiry is poignantly encapsulated in Josephine Rose’s feature debut, “Touchdown,” which begins with an impactful quote from Arthur C. Clarke that sets the thematic tone for the film. As we enter a
Buddy Cooper and John S. Douglass’ film, *The Mutilator*, first made its appearance in North Carolina in January 1984 under the title *Fall Break*. The film was eventually rebranded later that same year, though irony draped itself over this rebranding process; the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) played a significant role, demanding edits from
In urban environments, particularly sprawling metropolises, the dichotomy of connection and isolation often becomes central to navigating relationships. “7 Keys,” a feature film debut by writer and director Joy Wilkinson, explores this theme through the lens of two primary characters—Lena, a single mother portrayed by Emma McDonald, and Daniel, played by Billy Postlethwaite. From the
In a world increasingly marked by uncertainty, Brian Hanson’s film *The Bunker* emerges as a gripping exploration of human resilience in the face of extraterrestrial threat and personal alienation. As massive alien ships loom ominously over major urban landscapes, the narrative thrusts viewers into a subterranean conflict where five scientists and a military commander are