Retreat (2024)

Written and Directed by: Chris Newberry

Stars: Denise Wilton, Harry Walters, Izzy Kidd, Veronica Caddick

(Online screener)

Huge thanks to filmmaker Chris Newberry for reaching out and asking me to screen his award winning film Retreat. Although ashamed to have not heard of it before I heard from Chris, I am honoured I got the chance to check this out. A mind bending journey into mental health, hidden motivations and obscure narrative direction, Retreat is an absolute triumph. 

Featuring Denise Wilton as Jane and Harry Walters as Jamie, a mother and son affected by tragedy, heading to the titular retreat in an attempt to benefit from some positive 'mind resetting. 

On route to the venue, Jane hook ups with the first available man who shows her attention leaving Jamie to befriend his teenage daughter Matilde (Dorothea Facchini). Come morning the man who Jane spent the night with mentions he cannot find his daughter and rather than stay and help him they head off to their destination. 

As the film progresses and the retreat starts to feel more like an out and out cult, the audience are thrown into a mystery rife with personal demons and the very real horrors of living with severe mental health illness. 

The core cast are simply excellent and all bring something very important to proceedings. Denise Wilton plays Jane as a bit of a human car crash: wild partying, heavy drinking and a lot of pain behind her eyes. We have probably all met or know a Jane and while she is very entertaining to watch, its hard not to feel deep sympathy with her. 

Harry Walters is spot on as the perpetually pissed off and embarrassed Jamie. You can literally feel his disdain at his mothers behaviour coming through the screen but at the same time empathise with the difficulties of being a young lad who just wants to have fun with people his own age. The relationship between mother and son is like a pressure cook for most of the film and I think this only comes across as effectively as it does because of the two very focused and committed performances. 

Izzy Kidd as Sophia plays her role wonderfully mysterious and acerbic and her and Harry Walters play off against each other so well. Its like a battle of insults and sarcasm and I loved every minute of it. There is a clear level of growing respect and care between the two as well though that develops nicely as the film progresses. 

Veronica Caddack as Sophia's adoptive mother Candice, owner of the retreat, is fantastic. Absolutely infuriating to watch and listen to which I am certain is the point. Softly spoken and almost sing-song in her delivery, Candice presents what I cannot stand about some of these types of programmes. It comes across as creepy, deliberate and insincere - for me personally, this would have sent me running back to my car immediately. But huge respect to Veronica for playing this character so well. I must highlight a scene between her and Harry towards the end that is just brimming with tension. Even though Candices' gentle and placid mask does not slip there is plenty of ill intent behind her words and demeanour. Harry on the other hand is a boiling pot of anger which Candice plays on to the hilt. Just a brilliant, brilliant scene. 

Technically speaking Retreat is a beautifully made movie, the direction and cinematography totally triumph any budgetary constraints. Scenes and dialogue flow perfectly with a clear, crisp sound and pacing that keeps your interest to maximum effect. 

Retreat is something a bit different (which is so very refreshing) with a lot of strengths to make it stand out among the crowd. My main advice would be go in with an open mind, do not expect any spoon feeding and pay close attention. 

It would be great if you read this and decide to check the film out which you can do at the following links in the UK and USA with more territories to follow:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/B0DX2171PM/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Retreat/0OC8ET5WVD6PO8EMCT7UYY6A0W

I hope you enjoy Retreat as much as I did! 

Looky-Loo (2024)

(Online screener)

Written by Nolan Mihail

Directed by Jason Zink

Stars: Courtney Gray, Kelly Lu and Josie McIntyre. 

I would like to extend my thanks to director Jason Zink and writer Nolan Mihail for hooking me up with their debut feature Looky-Loo. I'm a huge fan of independent horror especially if it throws me into deep discomfort which this definitely managed to do. 

Looky-Loo sees wannabe director (played by actual director Jason Zink) falling fast into a world of obsession and voyeuristic behaviours. Nothing is off the table once he gets going; stalking, breaking and entering, theft, sexual deviance and eventually much much worse. He hones in one poor soul named Courtney (Courtney Gray) who he decides he wants to make a star. Audiences will be very clear it's not something Courtney would welcome but sadly she's unaware she is being stalked. 

The overall narrative probably won't please everybody and that's ok. What's disturbing for one viewer may frustrate another, especially if they are looking for answers as to who this maniac is or what their back story is. For me personally...the not knowing is much scarier. Looky-Lou does a seamless job of ratcheting up the tension and I hope audiences recognise this even if they might have wanted some more detail. 

I think what I appreciate most about Looky-Loo is the provocative nature of the material. Would we know if someone was watching us? What if they had been in our homes and personal spaces without our knowledge? The very thought gives me the massive creeps and that's without someone planning to kill me! Being honest and all that, the crimes depicted in this film happen. Many times to innocent people who didn't expect it. I always appreciate a film that makes me more conscious about locking my doors or keeping the occasional eye over my shoulder. 

Also and this is important to say considering it's an independent film that it is presented brilliantly, it's so crisp and fresh looking. Even more so the sound is absolutely on point - clear and jarring especially in the stalking and kill scenes. A great job and I can't wait to see what this team come up with next. 

Looky-Loo can be pre-ordered right NOW right HERE. Support indie horror if you can and go and get a copy! 

Slasher Hous3: Rebooted (2003)

Written and Directed by MJ Dixon

Stars: Redd Nicholson, Luna Wolf, Carly Halse, Paris Rivers, Eileen Daly, Lewis Cooper, Cy Henty, Grant Kempster, Adam Lezemore

I was over the moon to hear from MJ Dixon of MYCHO Entertainment regarding the newest chapter in the Slasher House series. Serving as a reboot and the a sequel this movie plays on all of MJ and teams strengths to deliver nearly two hours of action, horror plus some comedy all in eye popping visuals and colour. 

First lets address the fact we have a new Red! Not to mention the fact the actresses name is....Redd! Ms Nicholson really nails the essence of the character so don't fear - the spunk, surliness and fight is there in spades and she is a total joy to watch. 

In terms of plot we follow Red as she wakes up yet again in a house of horrors, something she is rather used to, but still really pissed off about. She embarks on a journey into mystery and mayhem as she tries to figure out the house - and its residents- and why she is again, battling all of hells minions. This time around Red teams up with Eric Jones (Paris Rivers) who faced off against the dastardly Thorn in Legacy of Thorn and the secretive but knowledgeable Luse Gui (Carly Halse). Its a game of cat and mouse from here on out with loyalties and potential deceptions teased and tested. 

I enjoyed how the movie veers from Reds immediate adventure to other connected characters in different houses (which  all form part of the 'Slasher House Project' ). My favourite being the scene where returning Slasher House returnee Amber Hart (Luna Wolf) meets Terry's (Martin W. Payne)...'mother'....insane and just brilliant. 

There are characters you will recognise if you have followed MYCHOS other offerings - you should - which is just so much fun and a great gift to fans. Seeing Panda masked serial killer Jacob Jakushi of Slasher House 2 (and his own offering Pandamonium) again is just a delight. Those wisecracks are mint. The movie also goes in a barmy meta direction with the introduction of the killer from horror short series Slaypril Fools Day which is genius and super fun.  There is also a lovely tribute to the late Paul Rogers who took over the role of insane killer clown Cleaver in 2019. 

Amidst all the carnage there is also a massive plot twist which I absolutely did not see coming. It is effective because changes everything we thought we knew about a certain situation - hats off to the team for this one. 

As mentioned before the use of colour in MYCHOs output is visually stunning - reds, yellows, greens all feature prominently which give the movie a live comic book feel. The dialogue is quick, funny and sharp keeping the movie moving along at a wicked pace.

In short Slasher House Rebooted is a truck (or house) load of fun and I am looking forward to seeing a wider release

If you are interested in checking this movie out you don't have to have seen Slasher House 1&2 or the spin off movies but honestly I suggest you do - read more HERE.

#Chadgetstheaxe

Written by: Travis Bible

Directed by: Travis Bible, Kemerton Hargrove 

Stars: Spencer Harrison Levin, Michael Bonini, Taneisha Figueroa, Cairo Spencer

Screener copy provided by PR Squad / The Horror Collective

With a title like #Chadsgetstheaxe you will probably be expecting something reasonably light-hearted and a fun - and in many ways you would be right. That's not to say there aren't some scares and shocks to enjoy as well.

The movie works in a similar vein to 2022s brilliant Deadstream - chuck some annoying, self-obsessed people into a dangerous situation and watch them suffer- but both played a lot for laughs as well as terror. Often 'horror-comedy' doesn't work brilliantly because the balance seems impossible to get right. But it IS well done here - maybe because the influencer/live streaming culture is so prominent in our lives these days...maybe because some people find their antics genuinely amusing and then the sadistic horror fans who want to see bad things happen to irritating people. 

Whatever your viewpoint you should find a good time with this film especially as the eerie events begin to ramp up and the characters as well as the audiences commenting are really not so sure whether this is a prank or something much much worse. In fact the audience within the audience element of the movie is just brilliantly observed and quite spot on. The comments veer from supportive to trolling to outright offensive and nasty and its representative of (sadly) a lot of online activity today.

The actors are just great - they really play the influencer roles to the absolute hilt and seem to be having a lot of fun going it. Spencer Harrison Levin in the title role gives it his all - Chad is annoying, fame hungry and in many respects stupid - but you also cant help but admire his audacious ambition. Michael Bonini is also good fun as Steve, a prankster who is suspect in a lot of the odd goings on and wish he had been featured a bit more. Taneisha Figueroa and Cairo Spencer play the adorable couple Jennifer and Jordan and have clear chemistry. The audience seem to be just as much, if not more invested in their love story as they do the expedition into the house of horrors! The ending goes for the jugular so to speak and I thought it was really creepy and fun. Some of the comments and viewpoints of fans and trolls as the credits roll are absolutely jawdropping but again....kind of representative of world we live in!

A great movie that I hope gets some serious attention. I'm looking forward to what Travis might have up his sleeve next! 

#Chadsgetstheaxe is coming out on major VOD and digital platforms on Sept. 1 - get your popcorn ready!

Horror in the High Desert 2: Minerva

Written and Directed by Dutch Marich

Stars: Suziey Block, Solveig Helene, Brooke Bradshaw, C.R. Brough, Sami Sallaway, David Nichols Jr, Brian McPherson, Christine Martin and Laurie Felix Bass

Available now on VOD!

How do you top the original movie? Ask Dutch Marich...seriously. Horror in The High Desert remains an absolute favourite of mine since I first watched it - and have now watched it at least 5 times. Like many I have been chomping at the bit to see the next film in the HiTHD Universe and it was a great day a few months ago when it became available to rent/purchase.

I am not interested in giving away any spoilers so will be extra careful in this review - its best you see it for yourself. 

In short this movie is set deep in the deserts of Nevada and documents two horrible incidents which occurred on the same stretch of road, on the same night, around one year after the disappearance of experienced hiker Gary Hinge. Those who have watched the original movie know that things took a dark and disturbing turn for Gary (and us as the audience!) when returning to the desert to appease subscribers to his vlog. The trolling he experienced led him to make a final, fateful journey, to locate a mysterious cabin which had already terrified him on a previous hike. 

But back to Minerva. 

This movie initially covers the mysterious death of Minerva 'Minnie' Sound (Solveig Helene) a student who found herself living alone in a trailer due to an accommodation mix-up. Just looking at the trailer from the outside gave me the chills, imagining living in there alone in the desert....no thanks!

Bringing back investigative reporter Gal Roberts (Suziey Block) who finds herself embroiled in the mystery of what happened to Minerva, we the audience are thrust into a nightmare world of haunting images and jarringly scary video footage. 'I want to see my friend' may well be a quote that will haunt me forever. 

It would be a good time to add now that the horror truly kicks off form the get go with this film. I found the original brilliant in its build up, true crime style, to that haunting and horrifying ending but it works just as well here having the full works thrown right at you. There are many moments I could pinpoint here as truly scary but I'll leave these to you to discover. 

If this wasn't enough the movie rounds out with the terrifying encounter a young  mother, Ameliana Brasher (Brooke Bradshaw) had on that very same road, later that evening.  This segment of the film is really upsetting and disturbing - footage of Ameliana out on that road interspersed with commentary with her mother (Christine Martin) makes for a truly gut-wrenching piece of horror. 

Some fantastic acting across the cast - really authentic and natural dialogue here which makes the events get under your skin even more so. Suziey Block is excellent again as the intelligent and insightful Gal Roberts. I hope a future entry sees her out there in the desert as I think she may be a match for the horrors that lurk there. Solveig Helene as the ill-fated Minerva was great and oh so tragic at the same time. Watching her settle in, eager to start her studies is a pleasure but at the same time dread inducing. Sami Sallaway who plays a pivotal role in events after Minerva dies is fantastic as 'Cathy'. Watching her talk, I truly believed she had lost her best friend for real. Both Brooke Bradshaw and Christine Masters as the Brasher family again are brilliant - even if the events depicted leave a truly horrible taste in your mouth. Finally, a shout out to David Nichols Jr for his role as unlucky at work Luke Wells, a man who found himself involved in both incidents that night as an EMT.  It’s disturbing to hear his take on that night, and he plays an important role in the overall finale. 

Dutch's direction is again top notch - the shots covering the desert area are beautiful and eerie in equal measure. Where he excels even more is when he is leading us through a dark room or outside.... its just masterfully scary. 

What I really loved about this sequel is that it doesn't provide all answers but most definitely whets the appetite for more entries in the overall universe. Keep us coming back for more is the right path I believe. People seem to be guessing all kinds of stuff about what is really happening out in that desert and its brilliant to read and join in with the speculation. 

I just cannot wait to see what Horror in The High Desert 3: Firewatch brings later this year. I am not even fully sure I am personally ready to go back to that terrifying cabin out in the desert. But since this movie will revisit what happened to Gary Hinge...I kinda have to. Maybe with a pillow or two for company... 

Go and watch Horror in The High Desert 2: Minerva available on all good streaming platforms NOW - its so worth your attention. 

The Outwaters (2022)

 Written & Directed by Robbie Banfitch

Stars: Robbie Banfitch, Angela Basolis, Michelle May, Scott Schamell, Leslie Ann Banfitch 

Screener copy provided by Simply Legendary Publicity

The Outwaters is a film I have been dying to see since I first saw its horribly creepy teaser trailer. The simple premise of a group of friends shooting a music video out in the desert is underpinned with a sense of dread that I haven't seen/felt for a while. 

The move itself is an amped up, delirious nightmare and for this it might be polarising to audiences who want to see everything unfold on screen. But if you can sit back, open your mind, and use your imagination then this movie is a massive trip. 

Opening with a really unsettling 911 call we learn that the movies protagonists have been missing since 2017 after an ill fated trip to the Mojave desert. However, a series of memory cards have since been located which show the crew in the days surrounding their potential fates. 

It is via this footage, we are introduced to Robbie (writer and director Robbie Banfitch) and his brother Scott who are helping their friend Michelle shoot her new music video along with makeup artist Ange. 

Clearly none of this will be plain sailing and as the terrifying booming noises at night begin the crew start to become easily unsettled - who wouldn't be? 

To be clear this group aren't going out of their way to put themselves in danger - the eerie occurrences ae most definitely coming for them. Once a shadowy figure appears late one night things then go absolutely berserk. Its a bit difficult to keep up in places I will be honest but its also absolutely  mesmerising to watch and listen to what sounds like hell on earth raining down on these people. 

The remainder of the movie is like a blood soaked fever dream, with a LOT of activity, screaming and disorientating camera work. There are definite leanings into cosmic horror but also a real psychological angle where a descent into madness is fully felt. 

Excellent acting really enhances the tense narrative - the core characters are really put through their paces across the film and they all deliver outstanding and believable performances. Cant wait to see what's next for all of these guys. 

I am so hyped to watch The Outwaters again as I have a good feeling it will offer more rewards the next tine around. I think Robbie and co did a really fine job in creating an absorbing, not to mention surreal nightmare 

I hope you check this out - its an experience as much as it is movie and I would fully recommend watching with the lights off and the sound way up. 

The Outwaters is currently streaming exclusively on Screambox in the USA - hopefully a wider release is soon to be announced. 

Horror in the High Desert (2021)

 

Written and Directed by Dutch Marich

Available on VOD on most platforms. 

 Horror in the High Desert is one of the best surprises I have had with movies in the past few years. When I heard about it, I was already sold on the concept – its not essentially a found footage movie, although there are elements, but it’s a really well made spin on the real-life crime documentary.

The documentary aspect covers the mysterious disappearance of adventurous hiker Gary Hinge who vanished after setting off to an undisclosed location in the Great Basin Desert, Nevada.  His housemate and sister alerted the police, and a missing persons investigation began. Its across this documentary troubling details about Gary’s movements begin to surface and eventually viewers are pulled into his final footage recorded.

This film scared me. I wont bother lying. By the time the finale started I was already nervous as the film did such a good job at building a complete sense of dread and foreboding. By the time we see Gary’s final moments of filming I was pretty much hesitant to keep my eyes on the screen – the atmosphere, the terrifying noises all around Gary are just perfectly constructed. I cannot remember feeling so desperate for a horror movie character to EFFING RUN as I was watching this. Complete props to Dutch Marich for crafting such an intriguing film and ending it on a ghoulish sucker punch.

The cast were great. Other than various videos of Gary’s we only see a few other characters, but they all add to the mystery really well. Suziey Block is perfectly cast as the no nonsense report Gal Roberts. Every scene she is in made me listen intently to what she was saying- she really portrays an experienced and Knowledgeable reporter to excellent effect.  Tonya Williams-Ogden and Errol Porter are also great as Gary’s sister and roommate respectively. You can really feel their sadness and distress at the disappearance of Gary, and I also like that they both played scenes where you weren’t entirely sure if they might have something to hide.  David Morales as Bill Salerno a private investigator is brilliant as the professional but caring man intent on helping Gary’s family find closure. He has to play some of the darker scenes in the movie and is very effective in helping to build on the dread factor. Eric Mencis as Gary is fantastic – there is a kindness and gentleness about him that makes you feel so invested in him and what happened to him. He plays his final moments so effectively and as mentioned before....this had me wanting to look away from the screen.

The film also shines an important light on online bullying and trolling. I don’t want to give anything away, but viewers will see that there are some outside forces which play their part on what happens to Gary, and it makes it all the more tragic. Sadly, Gary is a victim of such cruelty, and his brave response is very much to his detriment.

I could not be more excitement that a sequel is on its way, hopefully this Halloween, titled Horror in the High Desert 2: Minerva and both Suziey Block and David Morales are back as Gal and Bill!

Honestly hats off to Dutch and cast and crew for creating, for me, an unforgettable horror movie with suspense, mystery and absolute sheer terror. WATCH IT.