Other Mommy starring Jessica Chastain is now in theaters. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Book-to-Movie Adaptation:Incidents Around the House
By Josh Malerman
The Book
A young girl’s troubled family is haunted by an entity she calls “Other Mommy” in this chilling tale from the bestselling author of Bird Box.
LOCUS AWARD FINALIST • BRAM STOKER AWARD NOMINEE
Synopsis
To eight-year-old Bela, her family is her world. There’s Mommy, Daddo, and Grandma Ruth. But there is also Other Mommy, a malevolent entity who asks her every day:
“Can I go inside your heart?”
When horrifying incidents around the house signal that Other Mommy is growing tired of asking Bela the question over and over, Bela understands that unless she says yes, her family will soon pay.
Other Mommy is getting restless, stronger, bolder. Only the bonds of family can keep Bela safe, but other incidents show cracks in her parents’ marriage. The safety Bela relies on is about to unravel and Other Mommy needs an answer.
Incidents Around the House is a chilling, wholly unique tale of true horror about a family as haunted as their home.
About the Author
Josh Malerman is a New York Times bestselling author and one of two singer-songwriters for the rock band The High Strung. His debut novel, Bird Box, inspired the hit Netflix film of the same name. His other novels include Daphne, Pearl, Spin a Black Yarn, and Malorie (the sequel to Bird Box).
The Movie (Other Mommy)
Now playing in theaters, Incidents Around the House comes to the big screen under the title Other Mommy, starring Jessica Chastain.
Synopsis
Bela, an 8-year-old girl living in a home fraught with marital tension, confronts a sinister entity that emerges from her closet. The presence, whom she calls “Other Mommy,” becomes increasingly threatening to both her and her family.
Movie Details
Director: Rob Savage
Writers: Nathan Elson, Josh Malerman
Cast: Jessica Chastain, Dichen Lachman, Karen Allen
Agata Trzebuchowska’s SICK will have its world premiere at this year’s Fantastic Fest in Austin. Photo: Maciej Edelman, used with permission.
Fantastic Fest is back at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas, running from September 17th–24th. As the U.S.’s largest genre film festival, it brings eight action-packed days of premieres, wild events, and special guests celebrating horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and independent cinema. (Fantastic Fest/Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, 2026)
This year’s lineup features 35 world premieres, 21 international and North American premieres, and 14 U.S. premieres. Highlights include opening night gala screenings of Resident Evil and Lionsgate’s Beware Boiúna, the closing night world premiere of The Swallow, Mike Flanagan debuting his Carrie series, and independent titles like Death of a Yellow Bird and I Have Proof!. Full film guide here.
Venue Information Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar 1120 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, TX 78704
Two standout indie titles screening this week offer a deep dive into psychological dread and absurdist horror. (EG PR, 2026)
SICK (World Premiere)
Genre: Drama / Horror
Runtime: 90 minutes (In Polish with English subtitles)
Country: Poland
Directed & Written by: Agata Trzebuchowska
Starring: Konrad Kąkol, Katarzyna Łubik, Monika Niemczyk, Julian Świeżewski, and Eliza Rycembel
Official Screenings
World Premiere: Friday, Sept 18 at 5:30 PM (Theater 6)
During the summer holidays, 16-year-old Maks and his 19-year-old sister Emma are sent to the Polish countryside to care for their ailing grandmother. Trapped in the heavy, stifling isolation of the summer heat, their sibling bond begins to shift into something unsettling and difficult to define. As tensions rise, their grandmother’s frail presence takes on a disturbing quality, turning an idyllic summer into a haunting passage into adulthood.
About the Filmmaker
Agata Trzebuchowska first gained international recognition starring in Paweł Pawlikowski’s Oscar-winning film Ida. Following her short film debuts Heat and Vacancy, Sick marks her anticipated feature-length directorial debut.
LITTERMATES (Drafthouse Exclusive)
Genre: Absurdist Horror
Runtime: 88 minutes
Country: USA
Written & Directed by: Scott Tinkham and Michael Woloson
Starring: Joey Bader, Oliver Woolf, and Kaylee McGregor
Theatrical Release Date: November 6, 2026
Official Screening
Screening: Sunday, September 20 at 2:00 PM (Theater 9)
Plot Overview
Set against the backdrop of a mysterious war, Littermates follows two disoriented survivors, Liam (Joey Bader) and Mel (Kaylee McGregor), who arrive bloodied and speechless at an isolated English countryside cottage. Taken in by an enigmatic caretaker named Chester (Oliver Woolf), they spend their days relearning basic tasks and earning “nifties” for good behavior. While Liam settles into the structured routine, Mel grows increasingly drawn to the forbidden woods outside—testing the fragile order of their makeshift family.
About the Filmmakers
Scott Tinkham is a Minnesota-based writer and director whose work explores dark comedy and emotional sincerity. His short 24 Hours After Reading Tuesdays with Morrie premiered at SXSW 2025.
Michael Woloson is a Los Angeles-based writer, director, and cinematographer known for character-driven narratives focusing on memory and time. He served as cinematographer and producer on Tinkham’s SXSW short.
Rob Zombie’s Firefly Trilogy box set. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.
Digital Release Alert: Rob Zombie’s Firefly Trilogy Coming to 4K Ultra HD
Get ready, horror fans: Rob Zombie’s notorious Firefly family is back in the ultimate 8-disc collector’s set. Arriving on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital on October 13, 2026, this complete trilogy collection brings House of 1000 Corpses to 4K for the first time ever, alongside an incredible lineup of physical collectibles and legacy bonus features. Available here. (EG PR, 2026)
The Trilogy Overview
Written and directed by vision-ary filmmaker Rob Zombie, the iconic horror trilogy follows the blood-soaked saga of the sadistic Firefly clan:
House of 1000 Corpses (2002): Introduces the cannibalistic Firefly family, who cross bloody paths with a group of unsuspecting teens touring America’s backroads.
The Devil’s Rejects (2005): The Fireflys hit the road and face off against the increasingly depraved Sheriff Wydell in a brutal game of vengeance.
3 From Hell (2019): The surviving Firefly members face justice for their crimes, but no prison can hold them for long.
Collector’s Set Highlights
This physical box set is built specifically for die-hard Zombie fans and physical media collectors:
House of 1000 Corpses in 4K for the very first time.
Exclusive Collectible Poster & Art Cards featuring artwork by Vance Kelly and Rob Zombie.
Zombie-Curated Photography Book filled with rare images.
Two Bonus Discs dedicated entirely to legacy special features and feature-length documentaries.
Complete Bonus Features
House of 1000 Corpses
Audio Commentary by Writer-Director Rob Zombie (Feature Length)
Behind-the-Scenes Footage and More! (Blu-ray™ only)
The Devil’s Rejects
30 Days in Hell: The Making of The Devil’s Rejects (Feature-Length Documentary ― Blu-ray™ only)
Behind-the-Scenes Footage, Audio Commentaries, and More!
3 From Hell
To Hell and Back: The Making of 3 From Hell (4-Part Documentary)
The blood-soaked Southern throwback horror film will be released in select U.S. theaters on September 25, 2026. Photo: Bald Man Films/Convoke Media, used with permission.
THE BACKWOODS GET BLOODY: “HELLBILLY HOLLOW” TRAILER DROPS AHEAD OF SEPTEMBER THEATER RELEASE
One of the South’s most iconic haunted attractions is about to become the setting for an all-new generation’s nightmares.
Bald Man Films and Todd Slater’s Convoke Media have officially unleashed the first trailer for “Hellbilly Hollow,” a blood-soaked Southern throwback horror reminiscent of cult classics Terrifier and Friday the 13th. Filmed on location at the real-life Hellbilly Hollow haunted attraction in Vincent, Alabama, the film slashes into select U.S. theaters via Atlas Distribution Company on Friday, September 25. (Cinematic Red PR, 2026)
Check out the trailer breakdown, storyline, and behind-the-scenes details below.
The Synopsis: Real Scares in the Alabama Backwoods
In Hellbilly Hollow, a team of paranormal YouTubers ventures deep into the Alabama backwoods to film at a haunted attraction the night before Halloween. They soon encounter a sinister presence far more frightening, and deadlier, than specters and staged scares:
Tickles: A disfigured, childlike clown.
Bull: His manipulative caretaker brother.
One by one, the investigators and local thrill-seekers fall victim to the siblings’ sadistic games inside the attraction’s real-life haunted barn, hayride, and scare zones.
From Commercial Shoot to Southern Slasher
The idea for the film took root on-site at the attraction, where director Kevin Wayne was initially filming a commercial. After envisioning a sinister figure hunting victims through the haunt’s eerie backwoods setting, the concept evolved into a full-length feature.
“I’ve wanted to make a horror film for a long time – but not just any horror film. With ‘Hellbilly Hollow,’ I saw a chance to tell a true Southern horror story – one that’s sinister and twisted, atmospheric and character-driven, not just reliant on jump scares and gore.” — Kevin Wayne (Director / “Tickles”)
“We came up with a slate of outrageous, never-before-seen kills. From day one, we knew this would be the start of something bigger – a series of films built around a place, two complex, deranged siblings, and the culture they inhabit.” — Kurt Deimer (Producer / “Bull”)
Practical FX, Heavy Metal, and Carnage
Designed to deliver authentic throwback thrills, Hellbilly Hollow turns carnival mechanics into lethal traps. Engineered by executive producer and production designer Mike Denard, the set features customized, practical set pieces including:
Wack-a-Troll
High Striker
Acid Darts
Car Dunk Sequence
The Sound of Horror:
Supercharging the scares, the film features an original score composed by Roy Mayorga (Ministry), sound design by Tom Boykin (John Wick: Chapter 4, The Last of Us), and eight original songs performed by rock artist and co-star Kurt Deimer.
Cast and Crew Highlights
Cast: Kurt Deimer, Kevin Wayne, Danny Vinson, Sandra Ellis Lafferty, Megan Alexandrea Weaver, Hallie Shepherd, Trey Miller, and Keller Fornes.
Director: Kevin Wayne
Writer: Bernadette Chapman
Producers: Kurt Deimer, Todd Slater
Director of Photography: David Brower
Executive Producers: Michael T. Clarke, Mike Denard, Andy Gould, David Miller, Tim Miller, James Srygley, Kevin Wayne, and Brandon Evans.
ABOUT BALD MAN FILMS
Founded by Cincinnati-born rocker, actor, and producer Kurt Deimer, Bald Man Films specializes in producing genre content. The company is the culmination of Deimer’s unconventional journey from the school of hard knocks to entrepreneur, rock musician, actor, and film producer.
ABOUTCONVOKEMEDIA
Convoke Media is a strategic investment and content company operating at the intersection of film, television, digital media, and institutional capital. Recent films include, The Optimist, Flyover, Scare BnB, Paul & Greg & Amelia, & Don’t Log Off. Founded by veteran media executive Todd Slater, the company focuses on the development, financing, and scaling of premium content with global commercial potential.
Hellbilly Hollow still. Photo: Bald Man Films/Convoke Media
Turning Point will be available On Demand and Digital on August 25. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.
Movie Premiere: DJ Qualls Stars in the High-Stakes Horror Thriller Turning Point
If you’re looking for a horror movie that refuses to play by the rules, Turning Point deserves an immediate spot on your watchlist. Fusing the nail-biting suspense of a home invasion thriller with the relentless chaos of a zombie outbreak, it delivers edge-of-your-seat tension from start to finish.
Every knock at the door and every shadow could spell disaster, creating a gripping atmosphere that never lets up. Packed with intense action, unexpected twists, and high-stakes survival, Turning Point offers horror fans a fresh, adrenaline-fueled experience that stands out in a crowded genre.
A Simple Heist Becomes an Absolute Nightmare
Directed and written by Joshua Wagner, Turning Point is a claustrophobic, high-tension thriller coming directly to Digital and On Demand courtesy of Lionsgate. (EG PR, 2026)
The story follows two thieves trapped inside a house with a mutating victim. To stay alive, they must rely on a bizarre neighbor in a race against time before they become the monster’s next meal.
“There is danger in the night, but the true terror is inside the house.”
Official Synopsis
Margot and her partner-in-crime break into a home, only to find themselves locked inside with the owner, who is in the middle of transitioning into a zombie. They must find a way out before they become the ghoul’s first victims. Their only hope for survival is a bizarre neighbor with expert knowledge of the undead and the lingering flicker of humanity in their mutating stalker.
Cast & Crew
DJ Qualls as “Casper” (Road Trip, Hustle & Flow, The Man in the High Castle)
Jillian Lee Garner
Mike Apple
Shane Brady (Ballers, Synchronic, Doctor Sleep)
Lydia Hearst (The Haunting of Sharon Tate, Z Nation, Slayers)
Sanchita Malik (Happy Anniversary, Love, Escape the Night)
Film Specifications
Detail
Information
Title
Turning Point
Street Date
August 25, 2026
Release Format
Video on Demand / Electronic Sell-Through (Lionsgate)
Genre
Thriller / Zombie Horror
Rating
R (Violent content, gore, language, and some drug use)
The Descent: Part 2 will be available on 4K for the first time in the U.S. Photo: Lionsgate Limited, used with permission.
For physical media collectors and horror enthusiasts alike, the depths are calling once again.
Lionsgate has officially announced that The Descent: Part 2 is making its way to 4K Ultra HD for the very first time in the United States. This claustrophobic 2009 sequel is getting a gorgeous, limited-edition Steelbook release on August 11, 2026. Featuring terrifyingly vibrant custom artwork designed by the talented Matt Ryan Tobin, this is a must-have addition to your horror shelf. (EG PR, 2026)
Return to the Cave: The Story
Picking up immediately where the bone-chilling events of the first film left off, The Descent: Part 2 follows Sarah Carter (Shauna Macdonald). Dazed, covered in blood, and completely speechless, she emerges alone from the Appalachian cave system.
When authorities force her back underground to help a rescue team search for her missing friends, Sarah’s fractured memories begin to resurface—and with them, the realization of what truly lurks in the pitch black. Worse yet, the team is about to encounter a new, even more viciously feral tribe of deformed “crawlers.”
Release Details & Technical Specs
This limited release is packed with premium technical details, bringing the movie’s dark, atmospheric dread to life with gorgeous Dolby Vision HDR and crushing 5.1 surround sound.
Feature
Specification
U.S. Release Date
August 11, 2026
Format
16×9 (2.35:1) Dolby Vision Presentation
Audio
English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio™
Subtitles
English SDH
Run Time
94 minutes
Rating
R (Strong bloody horror violence, grisly images, terror, and language)
The Cast & Crew
Directed by: Jon Harris
Written by: James McCarthy, J Blakeson, James Watkins
Produced by: Christian Colson, Ivana Mackinnon
Starring: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Douglas Hodge, Krysten Cummings, Gavan O’Herlihy, Josh Dallas, and Anna Skellern
Special Features Guide
The 4K + Blu-ray + Digital combo pack comes loaded with both brand-new exclusive content and classic legacy special features that take you deeper into the filmmaking process.
🎬Lionsgate Limited New Extras
Flashback on The Descent: Part 2 – Shauna Macdonald: An exclusive retrospective interview with the lead actress.
Flashback on The Descent: Part 2 – Krysten Cummings: A brand-new look back with co-star Krysten Cummings.
💀Legacy Special Features
Audio Commentary: Featuring Director Jon Harris alongside actors Shauna Macdonald, Krysten Cummings, and Anna Skellern.
The Making of The Descent: Part 2: Deeper & Darker
The Genesis (Behind-the-scenes featurette)
Deleted Scenes: Complete with optional director commentary.
EPK B-Roll & Interview Clips
Production Design & Storyboard Galleries
U.S. & International Trailers
Note on regional playback: The 4K UHD disc is entirely region-free and plays worldwide, while the included standard Blu-ray disc is locked to Region A (North America).
The Descent: Part 2 4K Steelbook is available for pre-order now. Will you be descending back into the darkness this August?
Adam Scott stars in Hokum, now in theaters. Photo: NEON
The Unseen Terror: Why Supernatural Horror Still Haunts Us
Supernatural horror films tap into fears that transcend the physical world. Unlike realistic horror, which relies on tangible threats like serial killers or survival scenarios, supernatural horror explores the unknown. It leans into ghosts, demons, curses, and otherworldly forces that defy both logic and human control.
This genre appeals to a deep-seated psychological unease: the unsettling idea that forces beyond our understanding are lurking just out of sight, watching and waiting.
The Evolution of the Eerie
Over the decades, the appeal of supernatural horror has evolved alongside our cultural anxieties:
Early Era: Films often reflected religious fears or moral consequences, portraying evil as a direct result of sin or a terrifying glimpse into the afterlife.
Modern Era: As society became more secular, the focus shifted toward internal struggles. Today, supernatural threats often serve as metaphors for trauma, grief, and the fragility of the human mind.
These movies stand the test of time because they confront us with the limits of human understanding. They invite viewers to imagine a world where the rules of physics and logic no longer apply, making the fear feel existential and lingering long after the credits roll.
New Movie Spotlight: Hokum
If you’re looking to test your nerves with the latest in supernatural cinema, Hokum is now playing in theaters.
Synopsis
Written by Damian McCarthy, the film follows novelist Ohm Bauman (Adam Scott) as he retreats to a remote inn to scatter his parents’ ashes. His stay takes a dark turn as he becomes consumed by local legends of a witch haunting the honeymoon suite. Before long, disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance force Bauman to confront the darkest corners of his own past. (IMDb, 2026)
Film Details
Category
Information
Director/Writer
Damian McCarthy
Starring
Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, David Wilmot
Genre
Supernatural Horror
Rating
R
Runtime
1h 47min
Bottom Line:Hokum promises to be a gripping addition to the genre, blending isolation with the psychological weight of the past. Catch it on the big screen… if you dare.
The new Silent Night, Deadly Night will be released in theaters on December 12. Photo: IMDb
The Appeal of Horror–Christmas Mashups
When it comes to movies, horror–Christmas mashups have a special appeal because they blend two wildly contrasting moods: festive warmth and unsettling fear. The holidays are usually associated with joy, nostalgia, and togetherness, so adding a dark twist makes the familiar feel fresh and unpredictable.
This contrast heightens tension while keeping the tone playful, inviting viewers to enjoy scares without taking them too seriously. The genre also taps into the chaos and stress that can lurk beneath holiday cheer, offering a cathartic release. Ultimately, these mashups work because they’re fun, surprising, and delightfully subversive, turning tradition on its head in the most entertaining way.
Latest Release in the Genre: Silent Night, Deadly Night (2025)
Silent Night, Deadly Night is a 2025 slasher film written and directed by Mike P. Nelson. It is the second remake of the 1984 film of the same name, following Silent Night (2012), and marks the seventh installment in the Silent Night, Deadly Night series. (IMDb, 2025)
The film stars Rohan Campbell as Billy Chapman, alongside Ruby Modine, David Lawrence Brown, David Tomlinson, and Mark Acheson.
The movie premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 21, 2025, and is scheduled for U.S. release by Cineverse on December 12, 2025.
Plot Summary
When Billy witnesses his parents’ grisly murder at the hands of Santa, it ignites a lifelong mission to spread holiday fear. Every Christmas, he dons the red suit and embarks on a blood-soaked massacre to feed his twisted sense of justice.
Director: Harley Wallen Cast: Sean Whalen, Angelina Danielle Cama, Maria Olsen Genres: Horror, Drama, Thriller, Mystery
A Haunting Premise
The film opens in Scandinavia in 912 AD, where a man named Frey murders a young girl. The villagers capture him and bury him alive. Centuries later, we’re introduced to Julie (Angelina Danielle Cama), a foster child nearing her 18th birthday. Julie lives under the watch of foster parents Todd (Sean Whalen), a struggling gambler, and Janelle (Maria Olsen), whose kind facade quickly cracks.
When Julie discovers a mysterious Yggdrasil pendant in the woods, she unknowingly unleashes Frey—an ancient evil disguised as a wounded man. Out of compassion, she shelters him in a barn, only to realize his sinister nature as his power grows.
Mythology Meets Horror
Beneath Us All delivers a haunting twist on Norse mythology. The pendant and Frey’s dark origins add a folkloric depth that elevates the familiar “evil in the woods” setup. The film avoids cheap jump scares, instead relying on slow-building dread and an atmosphere of unease.
The cinematography captures the forest as a living threat—dark, still, and heavy with shadows. Every frame lingers with tension, making the setting a character in its own right.
Performances and Themes
Angelina Danielle Cama delivers a standout performance, balancing fear, compassion, and determination. Her protective nature toward the younger children raises the stakes, grounding the supernatural threat in raw human emotion.
Some dialogue feels clunky, and the middle act struggles with pacing, but the emotional weight of the final confrontation makes up for it. Themes of survival, found family, and temptation intertwine with the mythological horror, keeping the story compelling.
Final Thoughts
Beneath Us All is a chilling, myth-driven thriller that blends folklore with classic horror suspense. While some familiar tropes creep in, its Norse twist and atmospheric tension make it worth watching. It’s available for streaming on Tubi.
🎥 Recommended for fans of atmospheric horror and creature features.
“Look, Julie. I know you, okay? You’re a good person. No, they stomped it out of me a long time ago.”
The latest installment of The Conjuring movies is now in theaters. Photo: The Conjuring Movie
The Conjuring Movies: Why Fans Keep Coming Back for More
Few horror franchises have left as big a mark on modern cinema as The Conjuring series. Blending supernatural chills with the real-life paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren, these films go beyond simple jump scares. One big difference is the human element, the Warrens’ deep bond as a couple. Their love, faith, and unshakable resilience ground the terrifying stories, making audiences feel invested not only in the hauntings, but also in the people fighting against them.
The gothic atmosphere, expertly timed scares, and “based on true events” tag keep moviegoers coming back for more, proving that fear feels a little more real when it’s rooted in history.
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) – A Spine-Chilling Farewell
Released this week, The Conjuring: Last Ritescloses out the first phase of The Conjuring Universe with an emotional and terrifying send-off. As the sequel to The Devil Made Me Do It, it doesn’t just aim for scares, it aims for closure.
Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson reprise their roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, reminding us why they’ve become horror icons. Their chemistry elevates every scene, balancing tenderness with the heavy burden of confronting evil. This time, we also see the Warrens’ daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson) and her boyfriend Tony (Ben Hardy) step into the story, which adds fresh family stakes.
At 2 hours and 15 minutes, the movie packs in plenty of eerie set pieces, bone-chilling encounters, and a sense of finality that longtime fans will appreciate. It’s less about reinvention and more about honoring the legacy of what came before, a fitting, if bittersweet, conclusion.
Genre: Horror Rating: R Runtime: 2 hr 15 min
A Look Back at The Conjuring Universe
Over the past decade, the franchise has delivered both hits and spin-offs, expanding into one of the most successful horror universes of all time:
The Conjuring
Annabelle
The Conjuring 2
Annabelle: Creation
The Nun
Annabelle Comes Home
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
The Nun II
The Conjuring: Last Rites
With Last Rites, the Warrens’ chapter may be closing, but the fear they’ve stirred on screen will linger for years. Are you a fan of these movies? Which one is your favorite?
