Dead Before They Wake will be available to rent or own in the UK from 27th January. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Topical thrillers take current events, real-world issues, or contemporary themes to create fast-paced, suspenseful narratives. Their appeal lies in their relevance, making them feel immediate and relatable. By incorporating elements such as political intrigue, technological threats, or social tensions, these stories tap into the anxieties and curiosities of today’s world. Viewers are often drawn to the sense of urgency and the high stakes, feeling a personal connection to the situations depicted. Topical thrillers offer not just entertainment, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and risks facing society, heightening emotional engagement and anticipation.
London – Shepka Productions have announced the UK release of the brutal, topical thriller, Dead Before They Wake. The feature will be available to rent or own on Digital Platforms in the UK from January 27th and is available to download in the US now. (Strike Media, 2025)
Based on true events, the film follows nightclub bouncer Alex who is hired by a retired lawyer to track down a missing teenage girl, suspected of being snared by a trafficking ring, and to bring her home no matter what it takes.
Dead Before They Wake stars Nathan Shepka (Lock & Load, The Baby in the Basket), Grace Cordell (Cara), Manjot Sumal (The Last Bus, hit BBC sitcom Scot Squad), Kareem Nasif (The Job). Also starring Dr Who legend Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit trilogy, The Munsters), and Patrick Bergin (Sleeping With the Enemy, Patriot Games).
“We wanted to base the film on real events and researched how UK sex trafficking gangs operate to give the film a grounded sense of reality. It is important to highlight what goes on every day and can often by ignored by the mainstream. We don’t feel any studio would have taken on the story in this way, it is likely to be a divisive and controversial portrayal. Ultimately there still has to be a pay-off for the audience; the film culminates in a brutal revenge-driven showdown.” – Producer Nathan Shepka
Dead Before They Wake is directed by Andy Crane and Nathan Shepka. The film features an original score by Academy Award winning composer Joseph Renzetti and is produced by Nathan Shepka.
The global release of Z-Machine’s independent 3-part docuseries ‘Before the End: Searching for Jim Morrison’ is set for January 13, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Jim Morrison, the enigmatic lead singer and lyricist of The Doors, remains one of rock music’s most iconic figures. Born in 1943, Morrison’s blend of poetic, often mystical lyrics and raw, charismatic stage presence helped define the counterculture of the 1960s. His exploration of existential themes, love, and rebellion resonated with a generation grappling with societal upheaval. Though his life was tragically short—he died in 1971 at just 27—his influence endures through songs like “Light My Fire” and “Riders on the Storm.” Morrison’s legacy as a rock legend and cultural symbol continues to captivate new generations of listeners.
(LOS ANGELES, CA) Z-Machine has announced release details for its independent 3-part docuseries, Before the End: Searching for Jim Morrison. The first of its kind “documystery” series clocks in at a total of 3.5-hours and will make its global TVOD/Digital release on January 13, 2025, following Morrison’s 81st birthday, available on all the major platforms of Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, and YouTube TV, with more to follow. (Cinematic Red PR, 2024)
A dozen years in the making, Before the End’s cryptic tagline encapsulates its investigative approach: “One Man. Countless Myths. And in between lies the truth.” Z-Machine founder, Jeff Finn, drew from 38 years of personal research into the gray areas of Jim Morrison’s humanity to distinguish between persona and person. Finn’s extraordinary detail work breaks the decades long closed seal on the traumatic formative years that forged a brief hellacious life, through Morrison’s controversial career as lead singer of legendary 1960s rock band, The Doors, to his reported 1971 death by “heart failure” in Paris at age 27. Morrison’s ostensible demise, technically an unsolved cold case, formed its own rabbit hole of reasonable doubt, which inspired Finn to consult with private investigators and forensic analysts.
Before the End transcends “rock doc” in the same sense that Jim Morrison was more than a rock star. A 1965 graduate of UCLA’s film school, he achieved much beyond music during his abbreviated time in the spotlight, including self-publication of three books of poetry, producing, directing, and acting in an experimental film, and enduring a railroaded obscenity trial in defense of artistic freedom of expression. Morrison’s legacy has since been muddled by a half-century of PR spin, character assassination, urban legend, and crass commercialism, all of which have defanged his once-fierce anti-authoritarian stance.
Jim Morrison was many things: cult figure, teen idol, goth/punk forebear, and political fugitive. Living the role of haunted visionary, he said, “When you make your peace with authority, you become authority.” Given the US’s current zeitgeist of threatened dictatorship and crumbling democracy, Finn believes the timeless message of the young poet who infamously killed his navy admiral father in song is even more vital in toxic-masculine 2024 than in free-love 1967, and he hopes Gen Z will unlock an empathic connection to the complex Morrison, like it has with the Menendez Brothers. “There’s the ‘truth,’” Finn says, “and there’s the real truth. Before the End is for Morrison fans, like me, who are tired of the ‘official’ story.’” He quotes a meme aimed at self-appointed experts and closed-minded gaslighters: “Conspiracy Theorist: Nothing more than a derogatory title used to dismiss a Critical Thinker.”
Featuring unprecedented content, from shocking corroboration about Morrison’s early life, to harrowing revelations about his stardom, and fresh evidence that contradicts his professed death, Before the End: Searching for Jim Morrison is proudly unauthorized because it “seeks the unvarnished truth.” The documystery reverse-engineers long-controlled narratives while it explores the notion of Morrison the nonconformist as neurodivergent, and deconstructs – through on-camera interviews with family, friends, lovers, classmates, and associates – key distinctions between Jim Morrison, “rock god,” and James Douglas Morrison, introverted outsider.
Among those interviewed and/or featured are Morrison’s cousins, Ellen Edwards and David Backer, lovers, Anne Moore, Gayle Enochs, Judy Huddleston, and Suzanne Roady-Ross, friends, Mirandi Babitz and Salli Stevenson, Elektra Records founder, Jac Holzman, The Doors booking agent, Todd Schiffman, The Doors roadie, Gareth Blyth, screenwriter, Randall Jahnson, rock critics, Ellen Sander and Richard Meltzer, UCLA classmates, Philip Oleno and Richard Blackburn, UCLA roommate, Ron Cohen, UCLA professor, Dick Adams, Florida State University roommates, Bryan Gates and John McQueen, FSU professor, Ralph Turner, Alameda High School swim coach, Ash Jones, childhood friend, Jeff Morehouse, Paris-era acquaintances, Philippe Dalecky and Gilles Yepremian, and exclusives via Jim’s brother, Andy Morrison, Robyn Wurtele, Morrison’s enigmatic Paris-era assistant, and “Mr. X,” a mind-blowing anonymous source.
Z-Machine is a truly independent production company helmed by writer and filmmaker, Jeff Finn, whose tie-in book, “127 Fascination: Jim Morrison Decoded,” is forthcoming.
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Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, Lana Parrilla and Beth Dover star in the heartfelt drama SCRAP. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Dramatic movies explore complex emotions, relationships, and life’s toughest challenges. They often present characters facing personal or external conflicts, allowing viewers to connect deeply with their struggles. The emotional depth and character-driven storytelling create a sense of empathy, as audiences see parts of themselves reflected in the characters’ journeys. These films often provoke introspection, offering insight into human nature and societal issues. Whether highlighting personal growth, loss, or triumph, dramatic movies resonate because they evoke raw emotions, making them relatable and powerful. Their ability to stir emotions keeps audiences engaged long after the credits roll.
London, UK: Rue Dangeau is delighted to announce that Vivian Kerr’s SCRAP will be available on Digital Download from 13th December. (Strike Media, 2024)
Initially created and released as a short in 2018, SCRAP is Vivian Kerr’s feature length directorial debut, a film which she also wrote, and stars in the lead role. SCRAP also includes Anthony Rapp (Star Trek: Discovery), Lana Parrilla (Once Upon a Time), and Beth Dover (Outpost).
SCRAP – Beth (Vivian Kerr) has recently been laid off and struggles to maintain the appearance of a successful middle-class lifestyle as she bounces around Los Angeles. Hoping to land a new job and change her situation before her estranged older brother Ben (Anthony Rapp) finds out, Beth must confront her own pride in order to reconnect with him and provide for her young daughter, Birdy. Meanwhile, Ben and Stacy (Lana Parrilla) consider a third round of IVF and Stacy, a successful attorney, must re-evaluate her own conflicted relationship with motherhood.
Digital Release Date: 13th December Digital Platforms: iTunes, Google, Amazon, and Vudu Director & Writer: Vivian Kerr Producers: Vivian Kerr, Marion Kerr, Suresh Cedrick Pereira, Rachel Stander Cast: Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, Lana Parrilla, and Beth Dover Genre: Drama Run Time: 105 mins
Listen Carefully debuts on streaming on December 16, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Psychological thrillers dig deep into the complexities of the human mind, often blurring the lines between reality and illusion. These stories play with emotions, creating suspense and tension by exploring themes like manipulation, obsession, and fear. The genre’s appeal lies in its ability to keep viewers on edge, offering unexpected twists and challenging their perceptions. By focusing on characters’ inner turmoil and psychological conflict, psychological thrillers engage the audience’s intellect and emotions. This blend of mystery and emotional intensity draws in those seeking both a thrilling experience and a deeper exploration of the human psyche.
In today’s movie news, if you’re looking for your next dose of psychological horror, check out this new one coming to digital streaming on December 16, 2024.
Los Angeles, CA– Haida Street Films and RBG Films are excited to announce the worldwide VOD debut of Listen Carefully, the latest feature from filmmaker Ryan Barton-Grimley. Barton-Grimley returns to the screen following the 2020 premiere of his previous feature Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers.Listen Carefully made its world premiere at Fantaspoa, the International Fantastic Film Festival of Porto Alegre and its North American premiere at Dances With Films. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)
The psychological thriller went on to screen at Macabro Mexico City, Fangofest Amposta and Scarefest Weekend, where Barton-Grimley was nominated for Best Actor.
Ryan Barton-Grimley (Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers, The Truth) stars as Andy McNeary alongside co-star / producer Simone Barton-Grimley (Elijah’s Ashes) as Abby McNeary and co-star / producer, Ari Schneider (Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers, Elijah’s Ashes) who plays The Voice in Listen Carefully. Frequent collaborators Audrey Haworth (production designer), David Rickabaugh (art director), and Sean Ayers (cinematographer) join them.
When troubled assistant bank manager Andy McNeary’s baby daughter goes missing, he must follow the instructions of a mysterious voice on the other end of a baby monitor to save her before she disappears and his life is ruined forever.
Decade of the Dead is available now on Digital and On Demand. Courtesy photo,used with permission.
Zombie horror movies captivate audiences with their unique blend of fear, survival, and societal commentary. The mindless, relentless nature of zombies taps into primal fears of death and the loss of individuality. These films often explore themes of isolation, survival instincts, and human nature under extreme pressure. As characters face an apocalyptic world, viewers are drawn to the tension between personal survival and moral choices. The unpredictable chaos of a zombie outbreak mirrors our anxieties about societal collapse, making these films both thrilling and thought-provoking. Ultimately, they offer an adrenaline rush while exploring the darker sides of humanity.
Dark Star Pictures is thrilled to announce the release of Decade of the Dead, a gripping and action-packed zombie horror film, now on Digital and On Demand. This chilling new chapter in the zombie apocalypse genre is a standalone follow-up to the 2012 cult hit Dead Season,which will be re-released in conjunction with Decade of the Dead.
Set against the eerie backdrop of a tropical island overrun by the undead, a group of survivors, ten years after a zombie outbreak, seeks refuge with an isolated community—only to uncover a sinister zombie-worshiping cult determined to dominate the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
Decade of the Dead stars Sean Patrick Thomas (Cruel Intentions, Save The Last Dance), Jenna Leigh Green (“Sabrina the Teenage Witch”), Shane Johnson (“Power”), Branscombe Richmond (The Scorpion King, Mortal Kombat), Dean Geyer (Zoey 102, “Glee”).
Decade of the Dead – Ten years into the zombie apocalypse, Rachel, Tweeter, and Ben, live in a world without hope. While scavenging the Caribbean, they happen upon The Sworn, a zombie-worshiping cult of the worst remnants of humanity. The Sworn not only worship the dead but consume the living and enslave those they fail to convert. Rachel is captured and reunited with her long-lost sister, the high priestess of The Sworn, who leads the cult with Grinner, a blood-thirsty, fanatical brute, but the reunion is short-lived as they battle to make it off the island alive.
Filmed entirely on the island of O‘ahu with a talented local production crew, Decade of the Dead was co-directed by Adam Deyoe (Psycho Sleepover, Dead Season) and O‘ahu-based filmmaker Fairai Richmond. Flynn Forest Productions’ producer Loren Semmens, partnered with Bryan Spicer (Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-0) and Sight & Sound Productions to execute the ambitious production.
Decade of the Deadoffers an imaginative twist on beloved genre classics like The Walking Dead and Lost. The film creatively utilizes iconic O‘ahu locations, to craft a gripping and uniquely Hawaiian take on the zombie genre. The film made its world premiere at the 2023 Hawai‘i International Film Festival, where it was celebrated for its innovative approach to the zombie genre and its authentic representation of Hawai‘i’s filmmaking talent.
Hayride to Hell is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Halloween is the perfect time to indulge in spine-chilling films that elevate the spooky spirit. Classic horror movies like “Halloween” and “The Shining” set the mood with suspense and iconic moments. For a more contemporary twist, “Hereditary” and “Get Out” examine psychological terror, leaving audiences breathless. If you prefer something a bit lighter, “Hocus Pocus” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” offer fun with a dash of fright. Don’t forget to revisit cult favorites like “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” for pure horror. Gather your friends, dim the lights, and prepare for a thrilling movie marathon this Halloween.
There’s a new one out this month on digital release: Hayride to Hell. It’s available to stream on Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home. Since it’s also on Tubi, it’s on my ‘to watch’ list this weekend.
Breaking Glass Pictures is proud to announce the digital release ofHayride to Hell starring Kane Hodder and Bill Moseley. (Breaking Glass Pictures, 2024)
Hayride to Hell – Set on the Coxe Family Farm in rural Willis County, Farmer Sam (Bill Moseley) exacts his bloody revenge on unscrupulous local town-folk, including Sheriff Jubel (Kane Hodder) , who menace him and attempt to steal the farm that has been in his family for 200 years.
Cast: Bill Moseley, Kane Hodder, Graham Wolfe, Mario Mosley, Allyson Malandra, Denise Parella McDonald, Jared Michael Delaney, Shelby Hightower, Melanie Martyn, Brooke Stacy Mills, Aaron Dalla Villa and Cedric “Budge” Casimiro.
Director: Dan Lantz Writer: Kristina Chadwick, Robert Lange
The out of body indie dramedy Me, Myself & The Void is now available for streaming on major Video On Demand platforms worldwide. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Black comedies blend humor with darker themes, exploring taboo subjects like death, morality, and societal dysfunction. This genre often highlights the absurdity of life’s challenges, using satire to provoke thought while entertaining. By comparing comedic elements with grim scenarios, black comedies encourage audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the human condition. Films like Dr. Strangelove and Fargo exemplify this style, revealing the complexities of human nature and the often absurd realities of existence. The humor can be unsettling, but it ultimately invites viewers to find laughter amid despair, creating a unique and memorable cinematic experience.
In today’s movie news, there’s a new comedy/black comedy out on digital: Me, Myself & The Void.
Los Angeles, CA--Echobend Pictures is excited to kick off their slate of exciting and original features with the worldwide video on demand release of Me Myself & The Void, a black comedy set in the human mind, where a man must confront…himself. Me Myself & The Void is available on digital platforms including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)
Me Myself & The Void is an Echobend Pictures feature directed by Timothy Hautekiet from a script he co-wrote with Nik Oldershaw. Jack De Sena (Avatar: The Last Airbender, All That) stars as a struggling comedian caught at a crossroads in his life, while trapped outside the bounds of space and time. He is forced to question who, where and what he is, reflecting on his life and those in it, including Chris W. Smith (De Sena’s comedy partner in their popular sketch comedy channel Chris and Jack) and Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Raya and the Last Dragon).
The supporting cast is rounded out by Akilah Hughes, James Babson, Sophia Esperanza, Kristen Carey, Darren Dupree Washington, Danielle Dallas Roosa.
Me Myself & The Void world premiered at Dances with Films and went on to screen at fests around the world. At FilmQuest, Me Myself & The Void won the award for Best Ensemble Cast and scored nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Editing and Best Score.
Ahead of the worldwide release, director/co-writer Hautekiet shared: “Above all else, I hope the film offers an engaging mystery with many laughs. I wanted to frame a whodunnit around a relationship and have our hero searching through his own memories for clues to uncover what happened. The film has an emphasis on mental health and seeks to start a conversation about modern relationships, ambition and isolation. This is the film I needed five years ago before I began to take my mental health seriously.”
A down on his luck stand-up finds himself in a void world, hovering precariously between life and death. It is in this void that our hero, Jack, must discern how he ended up face down on his bathroom floor and find a way out before it’s too late.
Me, Myself & The Void Producers: Ryan Blewett, Zubin Asaria, and Ryan Turner for Echobend, Executive Producer: Zubin Asaria Run Time: 85 minutes
Still from Me, Myself & The Void. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Megan Fox stars as a domestic AI in the new sci-fi thriller Subservience. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Science fiction thrillers featuring Artificial Intelligence explore the complex interplay between humanity and technology. These stories often explore the ethical dilemmas and existential threats posed by AI, portraying scenarios where advanced machines either aid or challenge human endeavors. Characters might confront conscious robots with their own agendas, struggle with the consequences of AI surpassing human control, or navigate dystopian futures shaped by intelligent systems. Through suspenseful plots and speculative technologies, these stories reflect our anxieties about the future, highlighting themes of autonomy, identity, and the potential consequences of our technological ambitions. They provoke thought about how AI might redefine our world.
So if you’re a fan of sci-fi movies about AI gone awry, check out this new one that will be available on digital this month. It stars Megan Fox as a domestic AI that gains awareness and turns deadly.
London, UK: Vertigo Releasing has announced that their sci-fi thriller, Subservience, will be released on digital formats on September 13, 2024. (Strike Media, 2024)
Digital Release dates: EST September 13, TVOD September 20 Distributed By: Vertigo Releasing
Subservience: A struggling father, played by Michele Morrone (The Next 365 Days) buys a domestic AI (Megan Fox – Transformers) to help run the household. But the situation soon turns deadly when the lifelike robot develops an obsessive attachment to her new owner. Driven by a twisted sense of loyalty, she becomes determined to eliminate what she perceives as the true threat to his happiness: his family.
Director: S.K. Dale (Till Death) from a screenplay by Will Honley and April Maguire Cast: Megan Fox, Michele Morrone, Madeline Zima Run Time: 1h 35m Rated R for sexual content/nudity, language, and some violence and brief drug material.
Megan Fox in Subservience. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The British crime-thriller comedy is now available for home entertainment. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Just in time for the weekend, there’s another British crime-thriller comedy that is now available for home viewing. If you enjoy this genre of films, here’s some more information on Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire – a gritty dark comedy based on real events that tells the story of South London crime family, The Romans, as infighting, cozzers, and rival firms put everything they have worked for at risk. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)
Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Seraphim Film Productions are delighted to announce the release of Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire. The British comedy crime-thriller, directed and written by Michael Head, is available now on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download.
Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire: London crime boss Mick Roman is deathly ill, and time is running out to find a successor. His only options are an aging consigliere or an impulsive enforcer, and neither are suitable to take the throne. Meanwhile, chaos reigns over the family who are coping with a paranoid ex-soldier, the return of a rebellious niece, and a drug-fueled business meeting in Amsterdam. With deceit, ambition and infighting on the rise, this Roman empire may be about to fall.
Gritty and unhinged in equal measure, Bermondsey Tales boasts a line-up of British stars including BAFTA-Nominee John Hannah, Frank Harper, Alan Ford, Adam Deacon, Vas Blackwood, Linda Robson, and Charlotte Kirk.
The Girl In The Trunk stars Katharina Sporrer and Caspar Phillipson. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Thriller movies captivate audiences with heart-pounding suspense, intricate plots, and unexpected twists. They explore the darkest corners of human psyche with themes of danger, deception, and moral ambiguity. From psychological thrillers that dig into the depths of the mind to action-packed thrillers with adrenaline-fueled sequences, the genre offers a diverse array of experiences. They are some of the most popular movies because they immerse audiences in a world where nothing is as it seems, leaving them exhilarated and enthralled.
With that said, if you’re in the mood for a claustrophobic thriller, there’s a new movie available now for digital release in the UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)
The Girl In The Trunk Strap in, and let this enigmatic new thriller take you for a ride. Starring Caspar Phillipson (Jackie, Blonde) and Katharina Sporrer (Genius), and written and directed by Jonas Kvist Jensen, this tight tense thriller will leave you on the edge of your seat.
A woman finds herself kidnapped and entrapped in the enclosed space of a speeding car’s trunk, wearing her wedding dress, and with her phone as the only available tool. The situation deteriorates gradually as a failed escape attempt costs the life of an innocent bystander.
With the clock ticking towards a slow death from heat exhaustion in the Texas desert, a psychotic kidnapper at the wheel, Amanda is forced to make her own luck in the end. A dangerous game of questions and deadly consequences – to be played over the phone with the mysterious kidnapper – seems the only way to maybe discover his true identity, getting help or simply fighting her painful way towards a fleeting chance of escape.
SA Examiner 