Tag: film

Secrets, Games, and Paranoia: Reviewing Never Have I Ever

Damon Rickard’s Never Have I Ever. Photo: IMDb

Never Have I Ever (2025) – Movie Review

Directed by: Damon Rickard
Genre: Psychological Thriller / Horror
Where to Watch: Free on Tubi, or rent/buy on Amazon Video

Synopsis

Never Have I Ever follows Sam, a struggling screenwriter under pressure to repay an advance. His already stressful day spirals when he loses his wallet and faces a series of unsettling break-ins at home. A chance encounter with Mara, a mysterious woman, complicates things further.

At first, Mara seems sympathetic—offering to buy Sam drinks after he realizes he’s broke. But when the two begin playing the drinking game Never Have I Ever, disturbing truths about their pasts begin to surface. As Sam’s day unravels with increasingly bizarre events, the audience is left to question Mara’s true motives and the fragile nature of their connection. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Cast

  • Andrew Lee Potts as Sam
  • Beatrice Fletcher as Mara
  • Amber Doig-Thorne
  • Matt McClure
  • Graham Skipper
  • Johnny Vivash

Review

Damon Rickard delivers a tightly woven psychological thriller that grips from the opening scene. Andrew Lee Potts gives a chillingly raw performance as Sam, capturing the turmoil of a man teetering between desperation and paranoia. Beatrice Fletcher’s Mara is enigmatic and unsettling, while Amber Doig-Thorne adds intensity to the already tense atmosphere.

Rather than relying on cheap scares, Rickard leans into psychological dread. The pacing is deliberate—sometimes slow—but it effectively mirrors Sam’s descent into paranoia. The claustrophobic atmosphere, unnerving dialogue, and blurred line between reality and delusion keep the audience guessing until the final moments.

The ending provides a twist that is both shocking and inevitable, leaving viewers satisfied without feeling betrayed. While the film is dialogue-heavy with minimal action, its strength lies in character-driven tension and its exploration of guilt, obsession, and manipulation.

Final Thoughts

Never Have I Ever is a haunting and rewarding watch for fans of psychological thrillers with a horror edge. Intelligent, suspenseful, and unsettling—it’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

From Festival Favorite to VOD: The Compatriots Launches Nationwide This September

The heartfelt comedy will be released digitally starting in the US and Canada on September 16. Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

The Compatriots Brings Heartfelt Humor and Immigration Stories to VOD This September

Release Date: September 16, 2025 (U.S. & Canada)
Platform: VOD Nationwide (with international releases to follow)

Blue Harbor Entertainment has announced that its award-winning festival favorite The Compatriots will be available on Video on Demand across the U.S. and Canada beginning September 16, 2025. Additional VOD releases in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and other territories are coming soon. (EG-PR, 2025)

The film’s release aligns with Citizen Day in the United States (Sept. 17), making its themes of immigration, identity, and belonging especially timely.

A Story of Friendship, Belonging, and Resilience

Marking the narrative feature directorial debut of Spencer Cohen, The Compatriots is a nuanced comedy-drama starring Rafael Silva (Javi) and Denis Shepherd (Hunter), alongside Dakota Lustic, Caroline Portu, Jaison Hunter, and Brandon Grimes.

The story follows Javi, an undocumented immigrant facing deportation, who unexpectedly reconnects with his estranged best friend Hunter, a charming bachelor yearning for deeper connections. Together, they embark on a heartfelt mission to keep Javi in the only country he has ever known.

Inspired by Cohen’s childhood best friend Alberto Sayan, a Dreamer from Peru, the film offers an intimate look at the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants—especially those brought to the U.S. as children and now facing deportation to countries they barely remember.

Festival Accolades

Since its premiere, The Compatriots has made an impressive run on the festival circuit, earning:

  • Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature – Woods Hole Film Festival
  • Emerging New England Filmmaker Award – Woods Hole Film Festival
  • Best LGBTQ Feature – Poppy Jasper Film Festival
  • Best Narrative Feature – San Antonio Film Festival

It has also been featured at the Maui, Ojai, Chelsea, and Fort Lauderdale Film Festivals.

Director’s Statement

“Dreamers are not an abstract concept; they are our neighbors, nurses, teachers—and in my case, my best friend Alberto,” says director Spencer Cohen. “They are integral parts of our communities, and they deserve to feel safe in the country they call home. I hope audiences will see Javi as their best friend and fight for policies that give permanent protection to millions like him.”

About Blue Harbor Entertainment

Founded in 2023 by Amanda Sherwin, Mike Messina, and Seth Needle, Blue Harbor Entertainment is a boutique distributor dedicated to empowering independent filmmakers. With decades of combined industry experience, the company offers full-scale distribution and marketing solutions for theatrical, digital, and television releases—providing a flexible, filmmaker-first approach in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Release Date Reminder: The Compatriots premieres on VOD September 16, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada.

Photo: Blue Harbor Entertainment, used with permission.

Gianmarco Soresi’s ‘Drama King’ Tour Hits San Antonio This September

Comedian Gianmarco Soresi brings his comedy tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club. Photo: Jim Cambridge, used with permission.

Gianmarco Soresi Brings His “Drama King” Tour to San Antonio

📅 September 12–14, 2025
📍 Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club – San Antonio, TX

Comedy fans in San Antonio, get ready—Gianmarco Soresi, the quick-witted comedian, actor, and viral social media sensation, is bringing his Drama King Tour to the Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club for three nights of sharp, high-energy stand-up. (Shark Party Media, 2025)

A Comedian on the Rise

Fresh off being named one of Vulture’s “Comedians You Should and Will Know” and Deadline’s “Comedians Ready to Break Out in 2025,” Soresi is making waves in the comedy world. He recently hit 1 million YouTube subscribers and taped his first hour-long comedy special at Los Angeles’ Elysian Theater—release details coming later this year.

The Gianmarco Style

Known for his razor-sharp societal observations and animated, upbeat-yet-dark comedic style, Soresi has earned praise from NPR, Esquire, The Atlantic, Buzzfeed, ABC News, and more. He’s performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central, Don’t Tell Comedy, and even The Real Housewives of New York.

His acting credits include Billy Crystal’s Here Today, Netflix’s Bonding, Hustlers, and The Last OG. In 2022, he was selected as a JFL New Face, cementing his spot as one of comedy’s must-watch performers.

Beyond the Stage

When he’s not touring, Soresi keeps busy in NYC with:

  • The Silver Lining – his recurring new-material showcase with guest comics
  • The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi – a live podcast with co-host Russell Daniels and special guests
  • A set on Netflix’s Verified Stand-Up

🎟 Show Details

Venue: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
📍 618 Northwest Loop 410 #312, San Antonio, TX 78216

Dates & Times:

  • Sept 12: 7:30p.m. & 9:45p.m.
  • Sept 13: 7p.m. & 9:30p.m.
  • Sept 14: 7:30p.m.

Tickets: Get them here

If you like comedy that’s fast, fearless, and a little bit dark, you won’t want to miss Gianmarco Soresi live in San Antonio.

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.

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