Why Criticism: Dismantling the Boys’ Club in Horror
“The main reason I write about horror movies, aside from having a deep and abiding love for them, is that I have a perspective unique to me. But, for certain men, that’s not enough.”
Review: Lorcan Finnegan’s ‘Vivarium’
“Taken purely at its basest form, ‘Vivarium’ is a terrifying isolation horror movie that goes for the jugular.”
Review: Jeff Barnaby’s ‘Blood Quantum’
“Politically motivated but never preachy — and loaded with enough blood, guts, and intestines to satisfy even the thirstiest gore-hounds — ‘Blood Quantum’ is a zombie movie for the ages that honors the grandest traditions of the genre while remaining true to its own unique essence.”
Review: Malgorzata Szumowska’s ‘The Other Lamb’
“The female gaze is strong here, lovingly capturing Cassidy’s delicate, open features particularly when they begin twisting into something resembling anger…”
Review: ‘Dark Whispers Vol 1’
“The problem with ‘Dark Whispers Vol 1’ is the same as with any horror anthology — the stories are only as good as what’s come before.”
Review: Joe Begos’ ‘VFW’
“A thrilling, gloriously gory and gleefully simple exercise in cyberpunk nastiness, led by a crew of done-with-this-shit action movie icons, ‘VFW’ is a relentlessly entertaining riot.”
Review: Richard Stanley’s ‘Color Out of Space’
“‘Color Out of Space’ is proof, if any were needed, that Stanley knows what he’s doing and that he should be given opportunities more often.”
Review: Alexandra McGuinness’ ‘She’s Missing’
“More mood piece than cohesive story, it’s impressive chiefly in how McGuinness mirrors the desolate bleakness of the protagonists’ lives with the parched cinematography of their surrounding landscape.”
Review: Nicholas Brennan’s ‘Los Ultimos Frikis’
“Nicholas Brennan’s film makes a hugely convincing argument for following your dreams at all costs.”
Locarno Film Festival Review: Tyler Taormina’s ‘Ham on Rye’
“‘Ham on Rye’ has an inescapably student film-y vibe, a bit like a wannabe Richard Linklater joint but without any of the ambition, grit or intelligence.”