Category: Movies

‘Flesh of the Unforgiven’ Review: A Dark Descent into Fear and Damnation

Joe Hollow’s ‘Flesh of the Unforgiven.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Flesh of the Unforgiven: Death Is Only the Beginning

Synopsis

In Flesh of the Unforgiven, novelist Jack Russo (Joe Hollow) is suffering from crippling writer’s block. In a last-ditch effort to revive his creativity, he retreats to a secluded cabin in the mountains of Quebec with his estranged wife, Sienna (Debbie Rochon). Under pressure from his agent to deliver a treatment for his next bestseller within 72 hours, Jack is sent a mysterious VHS tape—meant to spark inspiration.

It starts as mere curiosity and quickly devolves into obsession. The disturbing contents of the tape drag Jack into a spiral of paranoia, hallucination, and dread. As he teeters on the edge of madness, Sienna struggles to ground him in reality. But she harbors secrets of her own—ones that blur the lines between the living and the dead. As they’re pulled into the twisted realm of the Death Dealer and his legion of manipulative demons, both Jack and Sienna must confront terrifying truths—about themselves, and about the price of fear.

Written and directed by Joe Hollow, the cast includes Debbie Rochon as Sienna Russo, Joe Hollow as Jack Russo/Death Dealer, August Kyss as Vivienne, and Adriana Uchishiba as Livinia.

It is available for rent/purchase on Amazon Video.

Movie Review: Flesh of the Unforgiven

This independent psychological horror film is a brutal, dreamlike exploration of grief, guilt, and damnation, wrapped in a narrative that feels like a waking nightmare. As psychological unrest spirals into full-blown torment, reality becomes warped, and redemption feels increasingly out of reach.

The film’s atmosphere is suffocatingly dark, enhanced by haunting cinematography and a pulse-pounding score that echoes like a heartbeat from hell. The performances are raw and deeply emotional—especially as the Death Dealer toys with his victims, offering twisted salvation in exchange for them embracing their deepest fears.

While the story sometimes stumbles under the weight of its own symbolism, it never loses momentum. The creature design is grotesque and unforgettable, with each demon representing a unique form of psychological torment. It’s not just a horror movie—it’s a disturbing reflection on punishment, corrupted love, and the monsters that live within us.

⚠️ Content Warning

Flesh of the Unforgiven is not for the faint of heart. The film features graphic nudity, gore, and intense violence throughout, including an explicit opening scene, and as a whole, flirts with softcore horror-porn territory. It’s a bold and boundary-pushing film that won’t appeal to everyone—and it’s definitely not family-friendly.

That said, for fans of indie psychological and supernatural horror, this film offers a darkly imaginative take on fear, deals with the devil, and the unbearable weight of our inner demons. NSFW alert: proceed with caution—but horror lovers may find themselves morbidly transfixed.

“Don’t run from your fears, embrace them.
The words of an ancient evil called…the Death Dealer.
It is said that he exists within a realm that lies between life and death.
Searching for lost souls and using his legion of demons to guide them..
If you’re chosen, he’ll make you a deal.
Granting a new life beyond death.
In return…you must face your fears…and embrace them.
He owns your soul once the deal is made.
But the fate of the soul, depends on your will to survive.”

*Thank you to Joe Williamson for the screener link for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions are my own.

Debbie Rochon as Sienna Russo. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Why We Love Horror—and Why Do Not Enter Should Be on Your Radar

Coming soon: Do Not Enter. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

The Allure of Horror Movies

Horror movies captivate audiences by tapping into primal fears and creating a safe space to confront the unknown. They offer an adrenaline rush, suspense, and the thrill of survival, all from the comfort of a theater or living room.

Viewers are drawn to the tension, unexpected twists, and the release that comes after a scare. Horror also reflects societal anxieties, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether through supernatural entities, psychological terror, or gore, these films challenge boundaries and stimulate curiosity.

Ultimately, horror allows people to explore fear, mortality, and the dark side of human nature in a controlled environment.

Coming Soon: Do Not Enter

Attention horror movie fans — if you’re looking for your next terrifying thrill, Do Not Enter is one to watch for. (EG PR, 2025)

Based on the 2005 novel Creepers by First Blood (the basis for the Rambo movies) author David Morrell, the film follows a group of urban explorers known as the Creepers. These thrill-seekers livestream their adventures through abandoned locations, and their latest target—the eerie, mob-connected Paragon Hotel in New Jersey—promises more danger than they bargained for.

Blending action-thriller roots with supernatural horror, Do Not Enter explores themes of loss, trauma, and the high cost of fame.

🎬 Do Not Enter – Movie Details

  • Genre: Horror
  • Rating: R (for bloody violence and some language)
  • Runtime: 91 minutes
  • Release Date: Coming Soon
  • Directed by: Marc Klasfeld
  • Screenplay by: Stephen Susco, Spencer Mandel & Dikega Hadnot
  • Based on: Creepers by David Morrell
  • Produced by: Jordan Schur, p.g.a.

Cast:
Jake Manley, Adeline Rudolph, Francesca Reale, Shane Paul McGhie, Kai Caster, Javier Botet, Nicholas Hamilton, Brennan Keel Cook, Catrina Shank, and Laurence O’Fuarain.

Synopsis

The Creepers are thrill-seeking urban explorers chasing the ultimate stunt: livestreaming their night inside the abandoned Paragon Hotel. With a dark history of mob activity, ghost stories, and a rumored hidden fortune of $300 million, the hotel is irresistible.

But the deeper they go, the more terrifying it becomes. Haunted by supernatural forces and hunted by deadly rivals, the Creepers are forced to confront their limits—mentally, physically, and morally.

Lionsgate and Suretone Pictures present a Suretone Pictures production: Do Not Enter.
Stay tuned for the official release date.

Experience Prince Like Never Before: Sign O’ The Times in IMAX This August

Prince’s critically acclaimed film will be shown in IMAX for the first time ever. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Prince’s Iconic Concert Film Sign O’ The Times Coming to IMAX for the First Time Ever

Los Angeles, CA — IMAX, Mercury Studios, and FilmRise (a Radial Entertainment Company) have officially announced the global re-release of the legendary concert film Prince – Sign O’ The Times in IMAX theatres for a limited one-week engagement starting August 29, 2025, with early access showtimes on August 28. (MAGNUM PR, 2025)

For the first time ever, fans will be able to experience the critically acclaimed 1987 concert film — directed by and starring Prince — in breathtaking IMAX format. The film has been digitally remastered using IMAX’s proprietary DMR (Digital Media Remastering) technology, delivering unmatched image clarity and immersive surround sound.

🎶 A Masterpiece Reimagined

Sign O’ The Times is widely regarded as capturing Prince at the height of his creative powers. Featuring electrifying performances by Prince, Sheila E., and his powerhouse band, the film seamlessly blends high-energy concert footage with cinematic storytelling and genre-defying sound.

Now, enhanced by IMAX’s customized theatre design and audio precision, audiences can witness this cultural milestone like never before.

🎤 Iconic Tracks. Unforgettable Moments.

The film features some of Prince’s most celebrated songs, including:

  • If I Was Your Girlfriend
  • Sign O’ The Times
  • U Got The Look (featuring Sheena Easton)

More than just a concert, Sign O’ The Times is a celebration of Prince’s legendary artistry, vision, and influence that continues to resonate across generations.

🎬 Film Details:

  • Director & Star: Prince
  • Producers: Robert Cavallo, Joseph Ruffalo & Steven Fargnoli
  • Co-Producer: Simon Fields
  • Director of Photography: Peter Sinclair
  • Runtime: 85 minutes
  • Rating: PG-13

🌍 Global Release Information:

  • U.S. Distribution: IMAX
  • International Distribution: Pathé Live
  • Note: IMAX, Mercury Studios, and Pathé Live previously partnered on the global success of Queen Rock Montreal.

🎟️ Tickets & Theatre Listings:
Visit IMAX online for a complete list of participating locations and ticket information.

Don’t miss this one-week-only IMAX experience!
Experience the music. Experience the magic. Experience Prince.

‘Star People’: A Haunting Journey Through Memory, Mystery, and the Desert Sky

Star People, starring Kat Cunning, opens this Friday in limited theaters. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

Related post: Kat Cunning Leads in Star People, a New Sci-Fi Feature Inspired by the Phoenix Lights

Star People — A Meditative Sci-Fi Mystery Rooted in Memory and Mystery

“Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.” — Rumi

Star People opens with this evocative quote, setting the tone for a film that’s as much about the cosmos as it is about the human soul. Inspired by the real-life Phoenix Lights event of March 13, 1997—the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history—the film follows Claire, who was just 10 years old when she first saw the lights. To her, it felt as if they were calling to her.

Now a photographer haunted by that childhood encounter, Claire receives a mysterious tip that pulls her back into the Arizona desert during a deadly heatwave. Accompanied by her UFO-streamer boyfriend and her troubled brother, the journey soon takes an unexpected turn when they cross paths with a vulnerable immigrant family, complicating Claire’s mission.

The film is a haunting and atmospheric blend of personal trauma and cosmic intrigue. As the desert heat intensifies, so does Claire’s obsession. The cinematography captures sun-bleached landscapes and eerie night skies, while a subtle, pulsing score heightens the sense of isolation and internal unraveling.

Claire’s story is both literal and psychological. Since the day of the Phoenix Lights, she’s lived with epilepsy—leaving the audience to question whether her visions are the result of extraterrestrial contact or something far more earthly. Her journey brings her face to face with locals, fringe believers, and surreal events that blur the line between memory, delusion, and reality.

The film unfolds in a non-linear narrative, revisiting fragments of Claire’s childhood as she searches for meaning, both on the ground and among the stars. The oppressive heat almost becomes a character in itself—distorting time, warping perception, and deepening the mystery.

In the end, Star People is not a conventional alien film. It doesn’t offer clear answers. Instead, it embraces ambiguity, exploring themes of grief, identity, and our need to connect with something larger than ourselves. Quietly gripping and deeply introspective, this is a sci-fi experience for viewers who appreciate mystery, emotion, and cosmic wonder over spectacle.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Emma Griffiths PR for the screener link for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Adam Finberg’s Star People, opens in theaters July 25, with a VOD release to follow nationwide on all major platforms on August 12.

Updated Theaters:

July 25
-Cinema Village (New York)
-Harkins Theatres Arrowhead (Peoria)
-Harkins Theatres Fashion Center 20 (Chandler)
-Harkins Theatres Shea (Scottsdale)
-Harkins Theatres Superstition Springs (Mesa)

August 8
-Laemmle Royal (Los Angeles)

August 12
VOD release nationwide on all major platforms (Apple, Amazon and many more)

Brendan Fehr Stars in ‘Kill Me Again,’ a Twisted Sci-Fi Horror from Keith Jardine

Keith Jardine’s Kill Me Again. Photo: Vertical

Vertical Acquires Keith Jardine’s Time-Loop Thriller “Kill Me Again” — Set for August 2025 Release

Los Angeles, CA – Vertical has secured distribution rights for writer/director Keith Jardine’s hybrid psychological sci-fi horror film Kill Me Again across North America, UK/Ireland, and Australia/New Zealand. The film will premiere in select theaters and On Demand on August 8, 2025. (Bolte Media, 2025)

Starring Brendan Fehr (Roswell, Final Destination), Raoul Max Trujillo (Dark Winds, Mayans M.C.), and Majandra Delfino (Roswell, Friends with Better Lives), Kill Me Again puts a chilling twist on the time-loop trope.

🔪 About the Film

In Kill Me Again, Charlie (Fehr) — a notorious serial killer infamously dubbed The Midnight Mangler — finds himself trapped in a violent time loop, reliving the same bloody night at a desolate roadside diner. At first, Charlie indulges in his deadly instincts, but as the bodies pile up and his grip on reality slips, he becomes desperate to break free from the endless cycle.

“This movie started for me when I began thinking about our obsession with true crime and how, in that medium, the villains, in a way, become the heroes. It’s a guilty pleasure we share, and I wanted to exploit that on screen. Brendan Fehr is masterful and really pulled off what seemed impossible. I’m so grateful to share this.”
— Keith Jardine, Writer/Director

🎥 A Dark, Genre-Bending Ride

“Keith has crafted a fantastic new take on the time loop film. By putting a villainous character at the center, he’s subverted expectations and will take genre audiences on a chaotic and entertaining ride. We look forward to presenting the film to audiences this summer.”
— Tony Piantedosi, SVP of Acquisitions, Vertical

Kill Me Again was produced by Jardine alongside Juergen Heinemann (also the film’s cinematographer), Heath Hensley, Mark Steinig, Tara Tovarek, and Darren White. Todd Spradlin served as co-producer. Additional crew includes Kevin Hale (Shadow Force) as editor and Jaden Price as costume designer.

🎬 About Keith Jardine

Best known for his fearless career as a UFC fighter, Keith Jardine has emerged as a bold voice in film and television. After appearances in major productions like Inherent Vice, John Wick, Love Lies Bleeding, and Copshop, Jardine turned his creative energy to storytelling behind the camera.

His directorial debut, the award-winning short El Paso 11:55, earned accolades at four Academy-qualifying festivals. With Kill Me Again, Jardine cements himself as a rising filmmaker, blending psychological horror and sci-fi with a fresh and unsettling edge.

Upcoming projects include The Edge of Normal and Over Your Dead Body, where he stars alongside Jason Segel and Samara Weaving.

🏛️ About Vertical

Founded in 2012, Vertical is a globally recognized independent distributor specializing in film releases across theatrical, digital, and streaming platforms. With a full-service approach to marketing, sales, and distribution, Vertical continues to champion original storytelling and elevate independent cinema.

Stay tuned for the release of Kill Me Again — a time-loop thriller that dares to ask: What happens when the monster can’t stop being a monster?

In theaters and On Demand August 8, 2025.

‘Pay Dirt’ Digs Deep: The Explosive History of Supercross

Murder, mystery, and adrenaline – the documentary ‘Pay Dirt: The Story of Supercross’ is now available for screening. Photo: Pay Dirt movie.

Now Streaming: Pay Dirt: The Story of Supercross

Los Angeles, CA – July 18, 2025 – From Monkey Wrench Films, the high-octane, adrenaline-fueled documentary Pay Dirt: The Story of Supercross is now available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. (Cinematic Red PR, 2025)

This gripping film dives deep into one of pop culture’s most riveting and underappreciated motorsports. Combining murder, mystery, and raw athleticism, Pay Dirt isn’t just a documentary—it’s a wild ride through the heart and history of Supercross racing.

A Global Phenomenon, Decades in the Making

Following its theatrical premiere on January 24, 2025, across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, Pay Dirt has captured attention worldwide.

The film traces Supercross’s meteoric rise from its grassroots beginnings in 1972 to the global spectacle it is today. At the core of the story is Michael Goodwin, the controversial figure credited with creating the sport—currently serving a double-life sentence for the murder of his former business partner and his wife.

Behind Bars and Behind the Scenes

Narrated by Oscar nominee Josh Brolin and directed by multi-Emmy winner Paul Taublieb, Pay Dirt blends stunning cinematography with in-depth archival footage and exclusive interviews. The film features insights from the sport’s living legends, including:

  • Jeremy McGrath
  • Bob Hannah
  • Ricky Johnson
  • Ricky Carmichael

With a rare appearance from Michael Goodwin himself—speaking from prison—the documentary unveils both the glory and the shadows that have shaped Supercross into what it is today.

A Story of Courage, Grit, and Recovery

Pay Dirt also highlights the incredible resilience of Supercross athletes. One such story is that of Jimmy Button, a racing star featured in the film, who suffered a devastating injury that led him to found the Road 2 Recovery Foundation—the official charitable partner of the film’s theatrical release.

“Pay Dirt is a project born from a deep admiration for the skill, courage, and sacrifices of the incredible athletes of Supercross,” says director Paul Taublieb. “It features an all-star cast of riders, and—speaking from prison—the man who created the sport, Michael Goodwin.”

What the Voices Behind the Film Are Saying

“I don’t like when movies try and dictate how you should feel,” says narrator Josh Brolin. “This movie is not preachy at all. It’s not telling you how to feel. It just is what it is—and I think people really respond to honesty.”

“This movie educates you on the sport of Supercross, from its roots to the glamour and the dark side,” adds Road 2 Recovery Founder Jimmy Button. “New and old fans alike will undoubtedly learn something new watching it for the first time.”

Watch It Now

Whether you’re a longtime fan or brand new to Supercross, Pay Dirt: The Story of Supercross delivers high-speed thrills, emotional depth, and jaw-dropping stories.

🎥 Available now on:

Don’t miss your chance to witness the sport’s untold story. 🏁

Blood, Grit, and Glory: Bloodstorm Featuring Viking Samurai

Survival/martial arts action movie Bloodstorm starring David Kurzhal. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Grit and Glory of Survival Martial Arts Movies

Survival martial arts movies captivate audiences with their high-stakes action, physical prowess, and raw human determination. These films blend intense combat with themes of endurance, resilience, and the will to overcome impossible odds.

Whether set in post-apocalyptic worlds, remote jungles, or brutal underground arenas, survival martial arts stories highlight the hero’s journey through both physical and emotional trials. The appeal lies in watching characters adapt, fight, and grow stronger with each challenge.

For many moviegoers, these films offer both escapist thrill and inspiration, celebrating the primal fight for life and the strength found in discipline, courage, and self-reliance.

Now Available: Bloodstorm

Bloodstorm — a gripping new survival martial arts movie — is now available on digital, on demand, and DVD in the US and Canada. Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime Video. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Surrounded by killers, mercy is not an option.

Film Credits:

  • Written by: Rene Perez & Barry Massoni
  • Directed by: Rene Perez
  • Starring:
    • David Kurzhal (a.k.a. Viking Samurai)
    • Michael Nesto
    • Michael Paré (The Virgin Suicides, The Lincoln Lawyer)
    • Richard Tyson (Kindergarten Cop, There’s Something About Mary)

Plot Synopsis:

During a transfer to a remote prison island, a determined young policewoman and a deadly inmate are caught in the middle of a violent prison break. Forced to rely on each other, they must fight through chaos to survive.

Fans of Jean-Claude Van Damme will love this fast-paced, adrenaline-charged action flick.

Bloodstorm still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Coming Soon: David Kurzhal vs. Sugar Shane Mosley

David Kurzhal, also known as Viking Samurai and star of The Last Kumite, is stepping into the ring in a high-profile showdown.

Fight Date: July 25, 2025
Location: O2 Arena, London
Opponent: Boxing icon Sugar Shane Mosley
Streaming Audience: Expected to exceed 6 million viewers

🥊 [Click here for event info]

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Film, Family, and Frida: What’s New at the 46th CineFestival San Antonio

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces the 46th CineFestival San Antonio. Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.

🎬 46th CineFestival San Antonio: A Celebration of Latinx Film, Music & Culture

July 9–13, 2025 | Multiple Venues Across San Antonio

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is thrilled to unveil the full program for the 46th annual CineFestival San Antonio, taking place July 9–13, 2025. As the city’s original and longest-running Latinx film festival, CineFestival promises a vibrant showcase of stories that reflect the diverse cultural tapestry of San Antonio, Texas, and the Latinx experience in the U.S. and beyond. (CineFestival San Antonio, 2025)

👉 Full schedule, festival passes, and tickets available online.

⚠️ Please Note: Due to mature content and unrated films, parental discretion is advised. All non-English films include English subtitles. Programming and times subject to change.

📍 Screening Venues

Hosted by the Carver Community Cultural Center, the festival will span four iconic locations across the city:

  • Little Carver Civic Center, 226 N Hackberry St
  • Jo Long Theatre, 226 N Hackberry St
  • Santikos Mayan Palace, 1918 SW Military Dr
  • SAY Sí, 1310 S. Brazos St

🎥 Festival Highlights

With 95 films on the lineup—including 12 features and over 25 screenings of short films—this year’s festival is an expansive tribute to Latinx voices in cinema.

  • 33 films by San Antonio-based artists
  • 38 films produced in or connected to Texas
  • 16 films nominated for the Mesquite Award for Best Texas Short Film

🌟 Headlining Documentaries

Two highly anticipated documentaries will lead this year’s program:

  • Selena y Los Dinos, directed by CineFestival alumna Isabel Castro, tells the story of the Queen of Tejano Music through never-before-seen footage. Produced in collaboration with Selena’s siblings, the film will premiere with Castro and some cast members in attendance.
  • Take It Away, by Adrian Alejandro Arredondo and Myrna Perez, follows the life and legacy of beloved Tejano music host Johnny Canales, whose show introduced legends like Selena and Ramon Ayala to mainstream audiences.

“At CineFestival, we share the pride that Selena y Los Dinos brought to Mexican American communities of Texas and beyond.” – Eugenio del Bosque, Festival Director

🎬 Featured Films

Here are some of the standout features included in the 2025 program:

  • Carnalismo (dir. José Luis Cano) – A vibrant film exploring cumbias, lowriders, and brotherhood in Durango, Mexico.
  • Hola Frida (dir. André Kadi & Karine Vézina) – An animated journey into the whimsical early life of Frida Kahlo.
  • Prodigal Daughter (dir. Mabel Valdiviezo) – A deeply personal documentary on family, immigration, and healing.
  • Spring of the Vanishing (dir. Andrew Glazer) – A chilling look into the crisis of disappearances along the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • The Ladder (dir. Emilio Miguel Torres) – A poetic sci-fi tale exploring age, ethics, and reinvention.
  • The Place In Between (dir. Laura Perez) – A San Antonio-shot road trip dramedy about grief, reconnection, and unexpected bonds.
  • Uvalde Mom (dir. Anayansi Prado) – A gripping portrayal of a mother’s courageous act during a tragedy that shocked the nation.
  • Valentina or the Serenity (dir. Ángeles Cruz) – A poignant story of Indigenous resilience and childhood love.

🏆 Texas and San Antonio Showcases

  • Mesquite Award Nominees: 16 Texas short films (13 narratives, 3 documentaries) showcasing local talent.
  • Vistas de San Antonio: Featuring My Rocking Chair by Alejandro Aldana and 17 shorts made by students and local creatives from Northwest Vista College, St. Mary’s University, UIW, and UTSA.
  • Texas Showcase: 15 short films from across the state, reflecting the bold and fresh perspectives of emerging filmmakers.

🎞️ Shorts & Youth Films

The festival also proudly presents:

  • U.S. Latinx Shorts Program – A diverse slate of award-winning and thematically rich short films by Latinx creators nationwide.
  • Youth Films – Projects by filmmakers aged 18 and under, representing schools and media programs in San Antonio, Texas, and neighboring states.

🤝 Supported By

The 46th CineFestival San Antonio is made possible with generous support from:

City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Culture,
San Antonio Film Commission,
Texas Commission on the Arts,
National Endowment for the Arts,
The Ford Foundation,
San Antonio Area Foundation,
H-E-B, and AARP.

🎟️ Don’t miss this landmark celebration of Latinx stories on screen!
Get your passes and explore the full lineup today:
👉 CineFestival San Antonio

Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.
Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.

‘The Sound’ Review: Horror Meets High Altitude in This Survival Thriller

The Sound is available on Video On Demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Movie Review: The Sound (2025)

Survival, Supernatural Terror, and the Forbidden Wall

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Available in Theaters & On Demand
Distributor: Blue Harbor Entertainment
Rating: R (Language and Some Violence)
Running Time: 104 mins
Genres: Thriller / Horror / Action

Synopsis

Survival horror thriller The Sound opened nationwide in theaters and on Video on Demand on June 27, 2025. Distributed by Blue Harbor Entertainment, the film plunges audiences into an adrenaline-charged nightmare on one of the most dangerous climbs ever attempted. (EG-PR, 2025)

A world-class team of climbers is granted access to the Forbidden Wall, a mysterious rock face sealed off for decades. Among them is Sean (Marc Hills), whose grandfather’s doomed attempt 63 years ago has become legend. But as the climbers ascend, they are confronted by a malevolent force that transforms their expedition into a terrifying battle for survival—hundreds of feet above ground and completely isolated from help.

Cast & Crew

  • Produced, Directed & Written by: Brendan Devane (The Canyonlands)
  • Executive Producer: James Devane (Sadieland Productions)
  • Director of Photography: Ryan Galvan
  • Editing: Alex Russek (Reel Rock)
  • Score by: James Iha (The Smashing Pumpkins)

Starring:
Marc Hills (Elephant Department), Rachel Finninger (American Horror Story), Nicholas Baroudi (The Hating Game), Jocelyn Hudon (The Strain), William Fichtner (Crash, Armageddon), Christina Kirkman (Trigger Happy), Jolene Kay (Star Trek), David Clennon (The Thing), Hazel Findlay (Reel Rock), Brette Harrington (The Alpinist), Adrian Ballinger (Edge Of The Earth), Alex Honnold (Free Solo)

Review

The Sound is a chilling and suspenseful horror thriller that combines the physical danger of a mountaineering expedition with the creeping dread of supernatural terror. Set against the dizzying heights of the Forbidden Wall, the film begins as a survival story and spirals into a psychological nightmare.

Marc Hills gives a standout performance as Sean, a climber burdened by his family’s haunted legacy. The eerie backstory involving his grandfather’s failed expedition adds depth and mystery, enhancing the film’s foreboding tone.

While the film excels in atmosphere and breathtaking cinematography, particularly during the sweeping climbing sequences, it stumbles slightly in character development and pacing. Some of the supporting roles fall into familiar tropes, and not all supernatural elements are fully fleshed out. However, the originality of combining climbing with horror, along with a memorable plot twist at the end, helps The Sound stand out.

Fans of vertical thrillers like The Descent or The Ritual will find much to enjoy here. The Sound leaves viewers gripping their seats—and maybe thinking twice about what lurks on forgotten mountainsides.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to EG-PR for the screener link for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Have you seen The Sound? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Related post: ‘The Sound’ Echoes with Terror: A Climbing Thriller That Goes Beyond the Edge

Kat Cunning Leads in Star People, a New Sci-Fi Feature Inspired by the Phoenix Lights

Star People will have its World Premiere at Dances With Films: LA 2025. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

🌟 STAR PEOPLE to Premiere at Dances With Films: LA 2025 🌟

The highly anticipated sci-fi thriller STAR PEOPLE will have its World Premiere at the 28th Annual Dances With Films: LA on Saturday, June 28 at 7:15p.m. at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. It will hit theaters July 25 and Video on Demand on August 12. (EG-PR, 2025)

🎬 Directed by Adam Finberg in his narrative feature directorial debut, STAR PEOPLE stars a powerhouse ensemble:

  • Kat Cunning (The Deuce, On Swift Horses)
  • McCabe Slye (Destroyer, Fear Street Trilogy)
  • Connor Paolo (The Last Stop in Yuma County, Gossip Girl)
  • Eddie Martinez (The Sinner, Night Swim)
  • Bradley Fisher (Westworld)
  • Adriana Aluna Martinez (Duster)

Written and Directed by: Adam Finberg
Produced by: Adam Finberg & Josh Shader
Runtime: 103 minutes
Language: English
Country: USA (2025)

🔭 Inspired by Real Events

Loosely based on The Phoenix Lights, the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history, STAR PEOPLE follows a determined photographer (Kat Cunning) who receives a tip that might explain her childhood alien encounter. But as a deadly heatwave grips the region and uninvited guests arrive, her obsessive quest for the truth spirals into something far more dangerous.

🎥 Meet the Filmmaker: Adam Finberg

Adam Finberg, a Phoenix native and graduate of the American Film Institute’s directing program, brings over two decades of storytelling experience to his first narrative feature.

He began in music videos (Armin van Buuren, Otis) and commercials (GoDaddy, Napoleon Perdis), then transitioned to socially conscious documentary work. His film The Business of Recovery exposed corruption in the addiction treatment industry and was featured on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and at the International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Washington, D.C.

Finberg has also served as lead editor on numerous unscripted shows across networks like Discovery, MSNBC, Showtime, VH1, and ABC.

Adam Finberg. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

🎟️ Festival Screening Details

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Location: TCL Chinese Theater
Address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028

🎞️ About Dances With Films

Now in its 28th year, Dances With Films (DWF) continues to uplift fiercely independent storytellers. Unlike other festivals that focus on celebrity status, DWF champions raw talent, innovative ideas, and relentless creativity. Its alumni have gone on to shape the future of film and television across genres and platforms.

Mark your calendars—STAR PEOPLE is set to be one of the standout sci-fi debuts of 2025.

Stay tuned for tickets and updates! 🚀

Photo: IMDb