Beyond the Screen: The Themes and Fears Explored in The Deserving

A mute serial killer is haunted by his victims in the new horror movie The Deserving. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This is by far my favorite time of the year because Halloween is just around the corner and that means it’s spooky season, the perfect time to watch horror movies. Horror movies are a typical part of the Halloween experience, capturing the thrill of fear and the excitement of the unknown. As the leaves change and nights grow longer, these films offer a perfect blend of adrenaline and atmosphere.

Whether it’s the classic suspense of “Psycho” or the chilling visuals of “Hereditary,” horror movies invite viewers into eerie worlds where anything can happen. Gathering with friends, dimming the lights, and sharing screams adds to the fun. The spooky themes and haunting soundtracks heighten the holiday spirit, making every jumpscare an unforgettable part of the Halloween celebration. Embrace the thrill!

Available now on worldwide on digital download is The Deserving, a chilling new horror movie. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. (Strike Media Ltd, 2024)

Directed by S. S. Arora, who makes his feature debut, The Deserving stars Venkat Sai Gunda, Simone Stadler, and Kelsey Stalter. The film has already received high praise, having won over fifteen awards including Best Feature at Athens IFF, Best Horror at Hallucinea FF, and awards at Humro Cinema, Portugal Indie Film Festival, and Rome Indie Film Fest.

Exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the cyclical nature of abuse, The Deserving follows a tormented, mute serial killer who is haunted by the ghosts of his victims and plans to end his life. His resolve is disrupted when a desperate walk-in client arrives, needing an urgent photo shoot.

Talking about the film’s release, Producer Venkat Sai Gunda said, “As a filmmaker, I am thrilled to bring The Deserving to audiences worldwide. This film is a labor of love, exploring themes of suspense and psychological intrigue that I hope will captivate viewers. With its upcoming release, I’m excited to share this cinematic journey with everyone who enjoys a thought-provoking thriller.”

Shaked Berenson, CEO of Entertainment Squad, commented on the film’s unique protagonist: “Having a mute character in The Deserving adds a compelling layer of depth and intrigue to the story, showcasing the innovative storytelling we champion. This film perfectly aligns with The Horror Collective’s mission of giving a stage to new and underrepresented voices that push the boundaries of the genre. The Deserving is a testament to that vision.”

The Horror Collective is the genre label of Entertainment Squad — a production and distribution company founded by veteran producer Shaked Berenson (TURBO KID, TALES OF HALLOWEEN). The label’s latest releases include the Daytime Emmy nominated Limited Series DOOMSDAY, the killer-pants Shudder Original SLAXX, and the critically acclaimed horror-comedy Summoning Sylvia.

The Deserving
Horror/Thriller
Run Time: 76 minutes

Still from the new horror movie The Deserving. Photo: The Horror Collective, used with permission.

Theater review: ‘Carrie the Musical’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘Carrie the Musical’ is now playing the Camille Playhouse.

This year, the Camille Playhouse is celebrating their 60th anniversary and is currently performing ‘Carrie the Musical.’ If you are looking for an indoor activity this Halloween weekend, consider checking it out on its closing weekend. Upcoming showtimes are Friday 10/27 at 8p.m. and Sunday 10/29 at 2p.m. There will not be a performance on Saturday 10/28. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available at the box office one hour before the performance, which I recommend to avoid additional fees, or online. I am sure most of us are familiar with the story of Carrie, either the book or the movie, or both. It has become a Halloween staple, but suffice it to say, it does contain adult themes, so it might not be suitable for younger audiences.

‘Carrie the musical’ is adapted from Stephen King’s 1974 horror novel “Carrie” and focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. She is a teenage outcast who only longs to fit in. At school, she is bullied by the popular crowd and is virtually invisible to everyone else. What none of them know is that Carrie just discovered that she has a special power and if pushed too far, she is not afraid to use it. So when she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she gets vengeance by unleashing chaos on everyone and everything in her path. Cast includes Renata Treviño, Stephanie Zamora, Abigail Crum, Sebastian Peña, Natalia Garza, Raul Lozano, and Lydia Castillo.

It might be a few years since the world was introduced to Carrie White but her story still resonates with people who see her either as a victim of bullying or a young woman who takes out her rage on those unfortunate enough to be around her. The show begins with Sue Snell (Abigail Crum), a traumatized witness who is recounting the incidents leading up to the tragic night of the prom. The different school mates are introduced, including Tommy Ross (Sebastian Peña) and Chris Hargensen (Natalie Garza) who despite their differences, they just long to fit in “In.” When Carrie (Renata Treviño) experiences her first period in the shower after gym class, it starts off a series of events that lead to the tragedy on prom night when she uses her telekinetic powers and goes on a killing rampage. The cast consists of so much young talent and they handle the show’s tough themes with the grace of a highly experienced cast but Stephanie Zamora’s portrayal of Margaret White, Carrie’s mom, stands out. She manages to humanize her despite her shortcomings and her vocal abilities are first rate. With a minimized setting, which consists of moveable panels that change with the scenes and dark, gloomy lighting, the focus is on Carrie’s sad reality.

Show highlights include Act II, the catchy ‘A Night We’ll Never Forget’ when everyone is excited and getting ready for prom night and the final number ‘Epilogue’ whose poignant message of ‘what does it cost to be kind’ should be a wake up call to how we treat others. The iconic prom scene is well done and the blood curling screams in the dark at the end of ‘The Destruction’ is an excellent touch and will haunt you afterwards. With a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, it has lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore and runs for 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission. ‘Carrie the Musical’ is a must see this Halloween season and aside from the spooky aspect, it reminds us of the need to be kind above all.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Camille Playhouse
1 Dean Porter Park Dr
Brownsville, Tx
(956) 542-8900

Bakery Lorraine celebrates Halloween with deliciously spooky treats

Bakery Lorraine will offer Halloween themed tarts, cookies, moonpies, and macarons from October 28 through October 31, 2023. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Bakery Lorraine is excited to announce that its Halloween treats are back this year for some spooky fun everyone can enjoy. From Saturday, October 28 until Tuesday, October 31, these fun Halloween treats will be available at all Bakery Lorraine locations. The delectable pastries are sure to satisfy any Halloween sweet tooth craving, whether at a Halloween themed party, welcoming trick-or-treaters or just enjoying a solo spooky treat. (Bakery Lorraine, 2023)

Its Halloween offerings include the below pastries:

  • Black Cat Tart – Milk chocolate mousse with a white chocolate mousse filling, chocolate shortbread base, chocolate eyes and ears
  • White Chocolate Mummy Tart – Buttery lemon curd in a crisp tart shell topped with torched meringue and two chocolate chips for the mummy’s eyes
  • Spooky Chocolate Caramel Tart – Salted caramel with a white chocolate glaze and spooky chocolate bats
  • Gingerbread Voodoo Doll – Gingerbread cookie dipped in milk chocolate and royal icing decor 
  • Ghost Moonpie – Fluffy honey marshmallow sandwiched in between house made graham crackers and dipped in a white chocolate

Additionally, the first 30 children to enter Bakery Lorraine on Tuesday, October 31 only, will receive a FREE macaron. This will take place at every location.

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain NORTHSIDE and a Boerne location.

 

 

New book release: ‘Gone With The Wig’ by Lily M. Lipstick

‘Gone With The Wig’ is the new novel by Lily M. Lipstick. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Halloween season is officially here along with everything Halloween themed including parties, stories, and novels of all types. If you like fun Halloween stories that revolve around LGBTQ+ characters, consider “Gone With the Wig” by Lily M. Lipstick. In this new novel, Drú Dylan and her cousin Sam are preparing for her Uncle Hunter’s annual Hot Buns Halloween party. It is always the biggest and most over the top party in town and draws all types of party goers. But alas, trouble is brewing as her Uncle Hunter’s nemesis is planning to crash the party. If this sounds like your kind of read, check it out and find out what happens in this humorous adventure novel. It is available on Amazon.

“Gone With The Wig” – Eighteen-year-old Drú Dylan can see the future. Tonight is her Uncle Hunter’s annual Hot Buns Halloween party, a tribute to his Dancing Queen Decade, aka the “Big Hair I Don’t Care” ‘90s. As always, he swears it will be G-rated; it won’t be. And it does not take psychic powers to predict that any party held at a gay bakery built on land that happens to be the home of a thousand confederate soldiers is bound to cause chaos in this Virginia beach town. It does every year. (Amazon, 2023)

That is why Drú and her cousin Sam have their own annual competition: gazing into their crystal ball and predicting exactly what kind of chaos will be unleased at this year’s bash. Drú has a record to defend—but even she can not predict what will happen when Uncle Hunter’s trigger-happy nemesis Rich McCarthy and his sons try to crash the party before its even started.

It is a race against the clock to make sure Uncle Hunter’s big night goes off without a hitch. Old skeletons are dragged out of the closet as Drú and her family prepare for the greatest and gayest Hot Buns Halloween party yet.

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Taco Cabana’s Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets

Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets to benefit Texas Children’s Hospitals. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

This October, Taco Cabana will celebrate the Fall season with the return of its beloved, limited-time Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets, featuring five FREE signature bean & cheese tacos. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

Beginning Friday, September 29, 2023, the Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets will be available for purchase at all Texas Taco Cabana locations for just $2 while supplies last. This year, all proceeds from the booklet sales will be donated to Dell Children’s Medical Center at Ascension Seton in Austin, TX; Children’s Health in Dallas, TX; El Paso Children’s Hospital in El Paso, TX; Christus Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, TX; and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. The booklets will be available for purchase in-restaurant only through Tuesday, October 31, 2023, and coupons must be redeemed by Wednesday, November 30, 2023.

“Giving back to the local communities we serve has always been a big part of Brand Taco Cabana since we opened our first TC in San Antonio forty-five years ago. The Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Booklets have become a philanthropic tradition at Taco Cabana and something that so many of our loyal guests look forward to each year. We’re so happy to bring them back for the 2023 Halloween season, and we are even more honored to donate the proceeds to Texas children’s hospitals so that they may continue their life-saving efforts.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and Chief Operating Officer

The Taco Treats For A Cause Halloween Coupon Booklets must be purchased in-store, and they may be redeemed only in-restaurant or via the drive-thru.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of September 25, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Halloween party idea: ‘Sip and Shade Party Art Book’ by Sunny J Shores

This Halloween, let ‘Sip and Shade Art Book: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation’ by Sunny J Shores inspire you. Photo: Sunny J Shores, used with permission.

Halloween is right around the corner and if you are hosting a Halloween party and looking for original ideas besides the tired old costume contest, I have an exciting and creative idea. How about hosting your own Sip and Shade Party with this Halloween-themed edition book?

Adult coloring books have gained popularity in recent years because they can be therapeutic. Some studies have shown that focusing on the complex drawings on these coloring books can actually put your mind into a relaxing and meditative state. So why not get together with friends this Halloween, put on your best costume, and enjoy some adult beverages, all while bonding, expressing yourself, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” by Sunny J Shores is more than just a coloring book; it is also a party planner to help you host the best spooky get together this season. It is made from high quality paper perfect for all types of mediums, from colored pencils to markers. The padded pages are sure to handle all types of artists, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. Do you have guests who are left handed? This coloring book is formatted to complement left handed or right handed artists. It even comes with a guest list and memories page perfect for capturing every moment. (Sunny J Shores, 2023)

So this year surprise your friends with a unique Halloween party courtesy of the Halloween edition of “Sip and Shade Party.” Set aside a space for creativity to bloom surrounded by spooky Halloween decorations, drinks, and a variety of art supplies to fit every artist’s needs. Of course, costumes are always encouraged! And remember, if it is not on social media, it did not happen, so share your experiences online by using the hashtag #SipAndShadeParty.

“Sip and Shade Party: A Gathering of Haunted Creativity and Inebriation: Halloween Edition” is available online. For bulk orders of 10 or more, you can order directly from the publisher’s website. Happy Halloween!

Photo: Sunny J Shores, used with permission.

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Bakery Lorraine celebrates Halloween with spooky treats

Bakery Lorraine’s Lemon Meringue Mummy Tart. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Bakery Lorraine is excited to announce that their Halloween treats are back this year for some spooky fun everyone can enjoy. From Friday, October 28 until Monday, October 31, fun Halloween treats will be available at all Bakery Lorraine locations. The delectable pastries are sure to satisfy any Halloween sweet tooth craving whether at a Halloween themed party, welcoming trick-or-treaters, or just enjoying a solo spooky treat. (Bakery Lorraine, 2022)

Their Halloween offerings include the below pastries:

Black Cat Tart ($6) – Chocolate mousse tart with vanilla filling
Lemon Meringue Mummy Tart ($6) – Lemon curd topped with meringue and two chocolate chips for the mummy’s eyes
Chocolate Caramel Tart ($6) – Caramel filling topped with chocolate ganache
Voodoo Doll Gingerbread Cookie ($5) – Gingerbread cookie dipped in a rich dark chocolate
Ghost Moon pie ($5) – Homemade graham cookies with a honey marshmallow filling dipped in a white chocolate
The Great Pumpkin Mac – Pumpkin spice macaron shell with a creamy buttercream center. Macarons are priced at $2.65 each or available to be included in their assortment boxes. Assortment boxes can be purchased in two different sizes, holding 6 macarons for $14.00 or 12 macarons for $26.00.

Bakery Lorraine also recently announced that its new Boerne location will officially open to the public on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Bakery Lorraine in Boerne will feature the bakery’s full menu including macarons, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine has quickly become a sensation in San Antonio. It was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler and recently made Southern Living’s list of the South’s Best Bakeries in 2022.

In addition to the famous Parisian macarons and divine pastries, like the pain au chocolat, the Boerne location will also feature breakfast items, including the breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, and breakfast sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine will offer a variety of savory lunch dishes, including an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine also offers wine and beer service.

Grand Opening – Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Regular hours of operation are as follows:
Monday – Thursday: 7a.m. to 6p.m.
Friday – Sunday: 7a.m. to 8p.m.

Location:
Bakery Lorraine
134 Oak Park Dr.
Boerne, TX 78006

Bakery Lorraine serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain NORTHSIDE.

Bakery Lorraine launches new fall menu

Bakery Lorraine’s Greek yogurt parfait. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

Now that fall is in full swing, Bakery Lorraine has a new fall menu with fall flavor options ranging from sweet to savory, so there is something for everyone. Halloween pastries will be available from October 28 through October 31 only. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)

Fall 2021 pastries:
• Pastries:
o Orange Cranberry Muffin ($4) – Gluten friendly and baked to a fluffy perfection
o Chocolate Pear Tart ($6) – Vanilla poached pears baked in a rich, chocolate cream
o Fig Frangipane Tart ($6) – Fresh figs baked in almond cream
o Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip muffin ($4) – Gluten friendly and baked to a fluffy perfection
o Seasonal Fruit Tart ($6) – Crisp tart shell filled with vanilla mascarpone cream and topped with fresh seasonal fruit
o Fall flavored macarons – Caramel apple, pistachio, earl grey, raspberry, mesquite honey, pumpkin spice, and dark chocolate cassis
• Cakes:
o Cassis Elderflower Cake slice ($6) – Layers of an almond sponge cake, cassis mousse, and cassis gelee topped with a mini dark chocolate cassis macaron and blackberry
o Phantom of the Opera cake slice ($6) – Layers of spiced almond sponge cake, pumpkin buttercream, chocolate ganache and spiced bourbon syrup
o Cheesecake ($6) – Classic cheesecake on a gingersnap crust and topped with seasonal fruit

Halloween pastries available Thursday October 28 – Sunday October 31
• Black Cat tart ($6) – Chocolate mousse tart with vanilla filling
• Lemon Mummy Tart ($6) – Lemon curd topped with meringue and two chocolate chips for the mummy’s eyes
• Chocolate Caramel Tart ($6) – Caramel filling topped with chocolate ganache
• Voodoo Doll gingerbread cookie ($5) – Gingerbread cookie dipped in a rich dark chocolate
• Ghost Moonpie ($5) – Homemade graham cookies with a honey marshmallow filling dipped in a white chocolate

Fall all-day menu items:
• Almond Croissant – Bakery Lorraine’s popular Almond Croissant is twice-baked, creating a buttery and flaky crust, filled with almond cream and topped with sliced almonds
• Cinnamon Roll – Bakery Lorraine’s iconic Cinnamon Roll topped with a sweet honey glaze is available all day
• Greek yogurt parfait – House made granola, seasonal fruits, honey
• Fall French toast – Toffee sauce, banana, pecans, maple syrup
• Rice and beets bowl – Short grain rice, forbidden rice, beets, tofu, kale, ginger vinaigrette, mushrooms, cilantro
• Turkish eggs – Herbed yogurt, *poached eggs, Aleppo butter, toasted sourdough
• Salmon on everything croissant – Caper and dill cream cheese, smoked salmon, pickled red onions, sunflower sprouts
• Chicken salad Veronique on croissant – Herbed dressing, red grapes, pecans, savoy slaw

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain Northside.

Twin Liquors’ Halloween Sale on dozens of spirits and wines

Twin Liquors is having a Halloween Sale starting Monday October 25, 2021. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Get ready to stock up on your favorite Twin Liquors items for your spooky holiday festivities. The Twin Liquors Halloween Sale runs from October 25 through 30 with discounts on dozens of wines and spirits like Jameson Cold Brew Irish Whiskey, Código Anejo Tequila, Ghost Hill Bourbon from Texas, a Tout de Suite Oregon Pinot Gris, and more. The sale is valid in-store and online for customers who are 21+. Some exclusions apply, and there is no further discount on Sale Items, Final Few, or Closeouts. (Twin Liquors, 2021)

Twin Liquors Halloween Sale – October 25 – October 30.
Store is open Monday – Saturday from 10a.m. to 9p.m.
Online hours are 11a.m. to 8p.m.

To find a Twin Liquors store near you visit Twin Liquors online. You may also shop through their website or the Twin Liquors app, which is available on IOS and Android stores. Twin Liquors also offers online ordering for in-store pickup, curbside pickup and/or delivery.

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful, “home-grown,” Texas family-owned company. Twin Liquors has a unique and well reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores. 

Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life San Antonio celebrate the spooky season

Legoland Discovery Center and Sea Life San Antonio have special events for the month of October. Photo: google

Throughout October, Legoland Discovery Center San Antonio and Sea Life San Antonio will offer fun events and opportunities for kids of all ages, as well as adults, to celebrate the season at the two family attractions inside the Shops at Rivercenter. (Merlin Entertainments, 2021)

Legoland Discovery Center Brick or Treat. Mini-master builders will have SPOOK-TACULAR fun beginning October 8 through the end of the month at the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground. Families can learn to build spooky LEGO® creations with expert Builders at a Halloween-themed creative workshop, snap pics with a 6-foot DUPLO® pumpkin, and take a guess at how many pumpkins, ghosts, and skeletons are in MINILAND® San Antonio to win BRICKTASTIC prizes. All kids entering Legoland Discovery Center will receive a skeleton LEGO mini figure while supplies last.

Legoland Discovery Center Adult Night: On Friday, October 22 from 6p.m. – 8:30p.m., adults will have the chance to unleash their inner kid for a night. Kids-at-heart will enjoy full access to the attraction rides, LEGO building contests, food and drinks by LandShark Bar & Grill, a family-friendly costume contest, and Miniland Scavenger Hunt with LEGO prizes and more.

Sea Life Underwater Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt: In celebration of Fish-or-Treat, from October 8 through the end of the month, guests of Sea Life San Antonio will enjoy the under-the-sea scavenger hunt experience while rays, sharks and sea creatures swim overhead in over 160,000 gallons of water.

Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center San Antonio
849 E. Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX

Single day tickets and annual passes for Sea Life San Antonio are available online as are single day tickets and annual passes for Legoland Discovery Center. Combination annual passes to both attractions are also available on both websites.

Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe’s number one and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates 137 attractions, 22 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 24 countries across 4 continents. Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees.