Tag: horror

Clowns, Cornfields, and Carnage: A Look at Horror’s Creepiest Villains

The movie adaptation of Adam Cesare’s ‘Clown in a Cornfield’ is in movie theaters now. Photo: Barnes & Noble

The Terrifying Appeal of Clowns in Horror

Clowns have long been a staple in horror movies, tapping into a deep-rooted fear known as coulrophobia. Their exaggerated makeup, forced cheerfulness, and unpredictable behavior create a sense of unease, making them perfect villains.

From It’s Pennywise to Poltergeist’s creepy toy clown, these characters distort childhood innocence into pure terror. The contrast between their playful facade and sinister intentions fascinates audiences, offering a twisted reflection of trust gone wrong. Over the years, horror clowns have evolved from quirky jump-scare devices to complex symbols of chaos—continuing to captivate moviegoers who crave both fear and fascination in equal measure.

Book Spotlight: “Clown in a Cornfield” by Adam Cesare

Bram Stoker Award Winner for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel

In Adam Cesare‘s terrifying young adult debut, Quinn Maybrook finds herself caught in a battle between old and new, tradition and progress—a conflict that may cost her life. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Quinn and her father move to the tiny, seemingly boring town of Kettle Springs, hoping for a fresh start. But since the Baypen Corn Syrup Factory shut down, the town has split in two:

  • The adults, desperate to return to a conservative past
  • The teens, eager to move on, party, and escape

Enter Frendo, the town’s former factory mascot—now a homicidal clown in a pork-pie hat. As tensions boil over, Frendo takes it upon himself to “cull the rotten crop” of local teens in a bloody attempt to restore order.

The series also includes:

  • “Frendo Lives: Clown in a Cornfield Book 2”
  • “The Church of Frendo: Clown in a Cornfield Book 3”

The movie adaptation is now in theaters nationwide.

Movie Review: Clown in a Cornfield

Clown in a Cornfield is a slasher horror film that blends old-school gore with modern teen angst, offering a chilling—if somewhat familiar—ride through rural Americana. It follows Quinn and her father as they settle in Kettle Springs, only to encounter terror when the clown-masked Frendo begins a gruesome rampage.

The movie taps into generational tension, pitting rebellious teens against a town stuck in the past. Frendo’s clown mask is genuinely unsettling, as is his menacing giggle, and the film delivers scares in everything from cornfield chases to abandoned farmhouses.

While the story doesn’t break new ground, its brisk pace, creative kills, and intense finale make it a solid entry in the teen slasher canon. If you’re in the mood for bloody fun with a side of small-town social commentary, Clown in a Cornfield delivers just enough thrills to satisfy.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Having read the book before watching the movie, I can attest that the major plots present in the book made it into the movie and it has just a couple of major differences: Quinn’s father Glenn is given a more heroic role in the movie and Janet, the teen group’s queen bee, is not as deeply developed in the movie as she is in the book.

J. Horton’s ‘A Hard Place’ Brings Monsters, Mayhem, and a DIY Roadshow Spirit

, J. Horton’s star-studded monster opus A Hard Place comes to VOD on May 27, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

A Hard Place Hits Digital May 27: J. Horton’s Genre-Bending Thriller Comes Home

Following a successful theatrical run, J. Horton’s apocalyptic crime thriller arrives on Digital VOD just in time for summer.

After months on the road, filmmaker J. Horton is bringing his latest film, A Hard Place, to audiences across North America via Digital VOD on May 27, 2025. Viewers will be able to rent or own the film on major platforms, including Apple TV and Prime Video. Pre-order on Apple TV. (Justin Cook PR, 2025)

From Indie Roadshow to Digital Release

The A Hard Place road show began on January 12 at Englewood Cinema, just outside Dayton, Ohio. From there, the film made its way through theaters and drive-ins across the country, especially in the Midwest. With many sold-out screenings and in-person Q&As with Horton, the film built momentum as it connected directly with audiences.

Theatrical and drive-in showings will continue at independent cinemas through May, leading up to the digital release.

A Cast of Genre Icons

A Hard Place brings together an impressive ensemble of horror and cult film veterans, including:

  • Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp, Terrifier 2)
  • Lynn Lowry (Shivers, The Crazies)
  • Sadie Katz (Wrong Turn 6, The Beast Inside)
  • Rachel Amanda Bryant (Craving)
  • Kevin Caliber (Future Man)
  • Ashley Undercuffler (Craving, 16 Bits)
  • Bai Ling (The Crow)

Horton on the Roadshow Experience

Ahead of the film’s wider release, Horton shared his thoughts on the journey:

“A Hard Place has been by far the most ambitious project I’ve ever made. This movie would not exist if not for the talent, generosity, and just general good personalities of ALL of the cast and crew, as well as our cinema partners.

In true Roger Corman style, we hit the road with A Hard Place, traveling with the film to theaters and drive-ins across the country. It’s been a complete joy to see the movie with multiple audiences — something a lot of independent movies don’t get the opportunity to do.”

What’s A Hard Place About?

After a botched job leaves a trail of bodies behind, a gang of desperate criminals seeks refuge in a remote desert hideout. But their plans fall apart fast when they discover the area is home to something far worse than the law — an ancient war between monstrous predators of day and night.

As tensions rise and the body count climbs, the crew must decide if survival is worth trusting each other — or the creatures hunting them.

Runtime: 88 minutes
Country: USA

A Hard Place still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Cults, Curses, and Creatures: ‘First Moon’ Revives Werewolf Horror

‘First Moon’ stars Lauren Esposito, Julian Curtis, and Shannon Ryan. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Why Werewolf Movies Still Howl at the Moon

Werewolf movies have captivated audiences for decades with their potent blend of horror, folklore, and human emotion. From classics like The Wolf Man (1941) to modern cult favorites like Ginger Snaps and An American Werewolf in London, these films explore themes of transformation, inner conflict, and the beast within.

What makes werewolf stories so enduring? The genre taps into our primal fears and fascination with the supernatural. The werewolf is often both victim and monster—a symbol of identity struggles, rage, and loss of control. This duality, paired with suspenseful storytelling and visceral special effects, keeps the genre fresh and alive in horror cinema.

New Release: First Moon: Fear The Monster Within

A new chapter in werewolf horror has arrived—First Moon is now available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Starring The Conjuring 2‘s Lauren Esposito and featuring creature design by Emmy Award-winning SFX artist Thomas E. Surprenant (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Halloween H20, The Grinch), First Moon offers a chilling, cult-inspired twist on werewolf lore.

Written & Directed by: Peter McLeod
Starring: Lauren Esposito, Julian Curtis, Shannon Ryan

Plot:
A young waitress is abducted by a religious cult determined to “cure” her of a werewolf virus—by any means necessary. With her first full moon fast approaching, she must escape before it’s too late.

First Moon still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Survival, Suspense, and the Undead: Zombie Thriller Die Alone

Die Alone will be released in the UK on March 10. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Zombie movies have captivated audiences for decades, blending horror, action, and social commentary. Their appeal lies in the thrilling survival scenarios, intense suspense, and gruesome effects that keep viewers on edge. These films often reflect societal fears, from pandemics to societal collapse, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. Classics like Night of the Living Dead and modern hits like Train to Busan showcase human resilience and moral dilemmas in apocalyptic settings. Fans enjoy the adrenaline rush, the eerie atmosphere, and the chance to imagine how they would survive a zombie outbreak, making the genre a lasting favorite in horror cinema.

For zombie movie lovers, there’s the recent new movie Die Alone. It’s a Canadian horror thriller that was released in September of last year. It focuses more on the protagonist’s emotional journey and mystery than the usual zombie gore and violence. The film had its European premiere at Sitges last year. Die Alone will be released in the UK & Ireland on Digital Download, DVD and Blu-ray from March 10.

In the US, it’s available on Tubi, Amazon Video, YouTube, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

London UK: Lightbulb Film Distribution is pleased to share the poster and trailer for new post-apocalyptic thriller, Die Alone. (Strike Media, 2025)

Die Alone – In a post-apocalyptic world, a young man with amnesia joins forces with a hardened survivalist during a zombie outbreak, as they set out to find his missing girlfriend. It stars Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith, and Frank Grillo.

“We are delighted to be bringing Die Alone to audiences in the UK & Ireland. Inspired by films like 28 Days Later, it’s a thrill-ride from start to finish.” – Commercial Director, Matthew Kreuzer

Release date: March 10
Directed by: Lowell Dean
Formats: Digital, DVD, & Blu-Ray
Run Time: 90 mins.

Die Alone production still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Blood Ties and Haunting Secrets: The Chilling World of ‘Listen to Your Sister’

‘Listen to Your Sister’ by Neena Viel. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Neena Viel is a horror writer who lives in a cabin in the Washingtonian woods with her husband and the best dog on the planet. Her passion for philanthropy (almost) rivals her love for ghost stories. For fans of Jordan Peele’s films, Stranger Things, and The Other Black Girl, “Listen To Your Sister”is a laugh-out-loud, deeply terrifying, and big-hearted speculative horror novel from electrifying debut talent Neena Viel. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

“Listen To Your Sister” – Twenty-five year old Calla Williams is struggling since becoming guardian to her brother, Jamie. Calla is overwhelmed and tired of being the one who makes sacrifices to keep the family together. Jamie, full of good-natured sixteen-year-old recklessness, is usually off fighting for what matters to him or getting into mischief, often at the same time. Dre, their brother, promised he would help raise Jamie–but now the ink is dry on the paperwork and in classic middle-child fashion, he’s off doing his own thing. And through it all, The Nightmare never stops haunting Calla: recurring images of her brothers dying that she is powerless to stop.

When Jamie’s actions at a protest spiral out of control, the siblings must go on the run. Taking refuge in a remote cabin that looks like it belongs on a slasher movie poster rather than an AirBNB, the siblings now face a new threat where their lives–and reality–hang in the balance. Their sister always warned them about her nightmares. They really should have listened.

“A knockout debut.” -Ashley Winstead

“Incredibly original and seriously scary.” – Nick Medina

“A brilliant fever-dream of a novel that effortlessly dances between horror, literary, and family saga—sure to appeal to fans of Grady Hendrix, Tananarive Due, Mona Awad, and Stephen King.” – Maria Dong

Discover the Dark Secrets of The Baby in the Basket: A New Gothic Horror Movie

The Baby in the Basket is the chilling new gothic horror movie starring Amber Doig-Thorne. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Gothic horror movies captivate audiences with their eerie atmosphere, dark settings, and psychological tension. Set in crumbling mansions, foggy landscapes, or ancient castles, these films evoke a sense of dread and mystery. Themes of isolation, madness, and the supernatural are often explored, blending the fear of the unknown with the human psyche’s darkest corners. The use of vivid imagery, such as shadowy figures and mysterious creatures, intensifies the feeling of vulnerability. Audiences are drawn to gothic horror for its ability to transport them into a world where fear lingers in every corner, offering a thrilling escape into the macabre.

Shepka Productions, in partnership with Flickering Myth, are delighted to announce the release of new chilling, gothic horror The Baby in the Basket. The feature will be available on Digital in the UK and USA, and on DVD (UK only) from February 17th. (Strike Media, 2025)

The Baby in the Basket features a stellar cast of horror favorites including Amber Doig-Thorne (Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey), Michaela Longden (How to Kill Monsters), Elle O’Hara (Cara), Lisa Riesner (No Dogs Allowed) and Nathan Shepka (Dead Before They Wake). Also starring veteran British talent Annabelle Lanyon (Legend), with Maryam d’Abo (The Living Daylights) and Paul Barber (The Full Monty).

It’s 1944 and World War Two rages on. The sisters of St. Augustine’s, a convent on a remote Scottish island, are preparing for an incoming storm. One night a cloaked figure leaves a baby in a basket and disappears, never to be seen again.

The nuns take in the boy, and agree to look after him until the storm passes when they will take the child to the mainland for permanent care. However, after a night under their watch, unsettling things begin to happen with the newest addition to the convent. Sister Agnes (Amber Doig-Thorne) suspects the child is the spawn of Satan, causing her to be locked away for fear that she’s been driven mad by the isolation.

But increasingly strange occurrences lead the sisters to question their faith and everything they believe, they wonder has Sister Agnes fallen victim to the desolation of the remote island setting or was there really weight in her suspicions?

The Baby in the Basket is directed by Nathan Shepka and Andy Crane from a script written by Tom Jolliffe (Cinderella’s Revenge, Renegades). The film is produced by Shepka Productions, Flickering Myth, and Hidden Ridge Productions, in association with Jolliffe Productions and Nerdly UK.

The Baby in the Basket will be available to own or rent on digital download in the UK and US and to own on DVD (for the UK only) from 17th February.

Pre-order your UK copy of the DVD on Amazon or HMV.

The Baby in the Basket still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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First Word on Horror: A Deep Look into the Minds of Today’s Finest Horror Writers

Etch Pictures announces Philip Gelatt’s First Word on Horror. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New York – ETCH has announced the upcoming release of their documentary series First Word on Horror, which will be available exclusively via Substack on February 7, 2025. This will be the first project from the independent animation and production company run by the award-winning trio of Philip Gelatt, Will Battersby, and Morgan Galen King. (EG PR, 2025)

First Word on Horror is a fifteen-part documentary series that profiles five of the finest horror writers working today. 

Across multiple episodes, each author discusses their life, their inspirations, their philosophies, and their writing techniques while reading one of their short stories. As fact and fiction blend, secrets are revealed and the delicate alchemy that turns human experience into creative expression begins to emerge. 

The series is a love letter to writers of all ilk, to the primacy of the human experience, and to the simple act of reading a damned good story. 

The authors profiled are New York Times bestsellers, multi-award winners, and cult favorites. In this first season, they are Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, Elizabeth Hand, Laird Barron, and Mariana Enriquez. 

Through the authors’ lives the series takes viewers from a harrowing Iditarod dogsled race in Alaska to the lurking terror of growing up under the Argentinian dictatorship; from the unbridled energy of the early DC punk scene to an ill-fated hunting expedition on the Blackfeet reservation in Montana. 

First Word on Horror is directed by Emmy and WGA winning writer and filmmaker Philip Gelatt, whose credits include: The Spine Of Night, Europa Report, They Remain, The Bleeding House, and Love Death + Robots. The project is produced by Will Battersby (The Spine Of Night, They Remain, Trumbo) and other key crew include Director of Photography Sean Kirby, Composer Peter Scartabello, Editor April Merl, and Sound Designer Ben Cheah.

ETCH Director Philip Gelatt commented on the upcoming series: “Before I loved film or video games or comics, I loved books and writers. In particular, Horror writers were seminal to how I viewed the world. I was raised on King and Rice, on Barker and Lovecraft. As with so many other people, their work made me. 

First Word on Horror is about getting lost in writing and we wanted to bring it directly to fans via Substack. Substack is such an exciting driver of culture and commentary. We want this series to live in and be a part of that conversation. 

The series is purposefully human-forward, designed to remind us of the humanity at the core of creativity. Especially now, in the current moment of technological advancement and uncertainty, with the future so unknown, it’s important to remember that it’s human beings who give us our dreams and our nightmares; that it’s as human to hope as it is to fear; and that it’s human to want to find someone there in the dark with you.” 

Etch is an independent animation and production company run by the award-winning trio of Philip Gelatt, Will Battersby, and Morgan Galen King. Specializing in the provocative, intelligent and innovative, as well as fantastical and horrific, Etch seeks to put the dark magic back into moving images. 

Etch has expertise in animation, documentary and feature production and a core philosophy of maintaining ownership and creative control through novel approaches to production and distribution. 

Courtesy photos, used with permission.

Stephen Graham Jones
Paul Tremblay
Elizabeth Hand
Laird Barron
Mariana Enriquez

‘Dead Before They Wake’: A Thrilling Ride into the Dark Unknown

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.

Dead Before They Wake had its US release on 7th January: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video.

It will be available to own or rent on digital download in the UK from 27th January.

Dead Before They Wake. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Twists, Turns, and Terrors: ‘The Damned’ is the Newest Nordic Thriller Masterpiece

The Damned, the new chilling Nordic thriller, will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on January 10, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Psychological thrillers explore complex human emotions, fears, and motivations, often blurring the lines between reality and illusion. These films go into the minds of characters, creating an atmosphere of tension, suspense, and unpredictability. The appeal lies in the psychological manipulation, where viewers become immersed in a web of deception, unreliable narrators, and mind games. The genre stimulates intellectual engagement, as it challenges perceptions and provokes deep thought about human nature. Audiences are drawn to the psychological complexity and emotional intensity, seeking both excitement and the thrill of solving mysteries within the narrative.

Vertical has announced that Thordur Palsson’s ominous and chilling thriller The Damned will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 10th January 2025. (Strike Media, 2024)

Starring Odessa Young (The Staircase, Mothering Sunday) and Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London), The Damned is a tense psychological horror film that follows 19th-century widow, Eva. She is tasked with making an impossible choice when a ship sinks off the coast of her isolated fishing outpost during the middle of an especially cruel winter.

With provisions running low, Eva and her close-knit community must choose between rescuing the shipwrecked crew and prioritizing their own survival. Facing the consequences of their decision and tormented by guilt, the inhabitants wrestle with a mounting sense of dread and begin to believe they are all being punished for their choices.

Following its premiere in November, the Cork International Film Festival 2024 awarded an Honourable Mention to The Damned commenting ‘The Damned is a juggernaut of a film, breathing fresh life into a well-trodden genre. Its powerful use of the landscape and compelling performances make it truly deserving of this Special Mention.’

Inspired by the Westfjords of Iceland in the 1800s, The Damned takes place in an unforgiving, almost unlivable setting, yet one that is steeped in immense beauty and turbulent folklore.

For director Thordur Palsson (The Valhalla Murders), himself a native Icelander, it was this folklore and mythology that led him to develop the idea that would later become The Damned. Growing up in Iceland, family members would often share gruesome tales of ghosts, demons and evil spirits.

‘Every Icelander has heard all kinds of different variations of the truth – all elements of our history that have been passed down. One of these stories was about a ship that sank off the shores of Iceland, with all survivors being killed by the natives. Having known of this, I started to write a story relating to it and kept fleshing it out, adding darker elements.’ – Thordur Palsson

Rooted in the depths of Norse Mythology, The Damned features haunting performances from Rory McCann (Game of Thrones), Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley), Turlough Convery (Belfast), Lewis Gribben (Somewhere Boy), Francis Magee (The Tourist), and Mícheál Óg Lane (Calvary).

Unraveling the Mind: What Makes Listen Carefully a Must-Watch Psychological Thriller

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.

Listen Carefully debuts worldwide on Digital VOD December 16, 2024, including Apple TV and Prime Video.

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. 

Listen Carefully
Run Time: 82 minutes/USA

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“A darkly humorous, blood-soaked,

nightmare-fueled, brain-jarring blast!” — Horror Fuel

“Ryan Barton-Grimley’s aesthetic is not to be ignored.” — Film Threat

“A tense feature that highlights the anxieties new parents feel.”

— Horror Buzz