Recovering from trauma, Todd interviews for a job and finds redemption instead of employment.
A Sci-Fi Psychological Drama About Trauma, AI, and the Human Condition
The 2025 short film The Jobis a tightly woven sci-fi psychological drama that explores artificial intelligence, human trauma, and the messy search for personal redemption.
The story follows Todd, played with raw vulnerability by LeJon, who arrives at an empty office building already burdened by past trauma. The deserted setting only heightens the tension. When Todd reconnects a loose wire, he unknowingly awakens Athena 2.0, an omniscient AI acting as a human-interface interviewer. Dawna Lee Heising delivers Athena with a controlled, commanding presence that becomes the film’s backbone.
A Job Interview Turned Emotional Interrogation
The standard interview turns into an intense psychological confrontation. Athena forces Todd to face his deepest wounds and past mistakes, pushing the “job offer” aside as the real mission becomes emotional reckoning.
The contrast between Athena’s calm precision and Todd’s unraveling creates a gripping dynamic that propels the film forward. Rather than relying on action or twist-heavy storytelling, The Job embraces atmosphere, introspection, and character-driven tension.
A Powerful Sixteen Minutes
The Job presents redemption not as a reward but as a painful, necessary process of facing the truth. For a short runtime of approximately 16 minutes, itleaves a surprisingly lasting impact.
“I’m not some algorithm to be optimized.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Genre
Sci-Fi, Drama
Cast
Dawna Lee Heising – Athena
LeJon – Todd
Director
Craig Railsback
Writers
Heather Joseph-Witham, Craig Railsback
Photo: IMDb
*Thank you to Joe Williamson for the screener link for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Charlie, a notorious serial killer known as The Midnight Mangler, finds himself trapped reliving the same violent night over and over. At first, he embraces his grisly urges but as the cycle continues, desperation sets in. Haunted by his actions and unable to escape the endless nightmare, Charlie begins to unravel both mentally and morally. It is available for streaming for free on Amazon Prime and The Roku Channel and for rent/buy on Fandango at Home, Google Play Movies, among others.
Review
Kill Me Again is a gripping psychological horror-thriller that takes the “time loop” concept and twists it into something darkly original. The film follows the Midnight Mangler, a notorious serial killer who becomes trapped reliving the same brutal night again and again and forced to face his own monstrosity with each repetition. It starts off as a regular slasher movie but evolves into a chilling study of guilt, punishment, and the possibility of redemption.
Keith Jardine’s direction is sharp and atmospheric, using shadowy cinematography to mirror the killer’s descent into madness. Even the name of the café, The Killer Café, points to how everything centers around Charlie. Though uncomfortable to watch, Charlie’s initial encounter with Ana shows the depth of his depravity. Each repeated night peels back another layer of his past, revealing brief flashes of humanity beneath the horror. The pacing is relentless yet purposeful, balancing the gore with moments of eerie introspection. Jardine has a small but significant role that comes full circle at the end.
Brendan Fehr delivers a standout performance, menacing yet heartbreakingly human, as the Midnight Mangler. As the loops continue, his torment shifts from physical violence to existential dread. He begins to question his own identity and the meaning of his endless suffering. Towards the end, you can tell he wants to overcome his evil nature, but succumbs every time. The story becomes less about murder and more about moral reckoning.
Stylish, unsettling, and surprisingly introspective, Kill Me Again is a chilling exploration of the cyclical nature of evil and the nightmare of never escaping oneself. There’s plenty of violence and gore to please fans of slasher films, yet the overall message is more of a social commentary.
Lying in Wait is a girls’ night gone wrong thriller that keeps you guessing. Photo: One Tree Entertainment, used with permission.
🎬Lying In Wait (2025) — Movie Review
Synopsis: During a girls’ night out, Skyler goes missing and Rachel and Daniela desperately search for her. All clues point to a kidnapping, but Rachel knows there’s more to the case and everyone has a secret. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)
Written by: Tomas Decurgez & Savanah Joeckel Directed by: Tomas Decurgez Starring: Savanah Joeckel, Tony Garza, and Tomas CL Genre: Thriller
Review
Lying in Wait delivers a tense, twist-filled thriller that keeps you guessing until the final moments. The film opens with a chilling scene: a couple enjoying a quiet day outdoors when their dog uncovers a buried body with only a fly-infested hand visible. From there, the focus shifts to Skyler and Rachel, who are picking up Daniela for what’s supposed to be a carefree girls’ night out.
That night quickly unravels into a nightmare when Skyler vanishes without a trace. Her friends Rachel and Daniela, portrayed with raw urgency and emotional depth, refuse to sit back as the police chase dead ends.
As Rachel digs deeper, the film peels back layers of deceit and every character hides something, and no one is who they seem. Director Tomas Decurgez balances moody cinematography with tight pacing, creating an atmosphere where even silence feels dangerous. The urban nightlife scenes, shot with grainy realism, amplify the sense of dread.
While some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, the suspense never lets up. The psychological tension drives the story, exploring friendship, guilt, and secrets that resurface when trust is broken. Told through a non-linear narrative, flashbacks gradually reveal the truth behind Skyler’s disappearance.
By the time the mystery unravels, Lying in Wait proves to be more than a simple kidnapping story; it’s a haunting exploration of betrayal and the dark corners of the human heart.
⭐ Rating: 4/5 — A gripping and atmospheric thriller worth watching.
*Thank you to One Tree Entertainment for the screener link for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Lying in Wait still. Photo: One Tree Entertainment, used with permission.
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.”
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.
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)
The Fostered is now available on digital and on demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Fostered – A Chilling New Thriller Debuts This Week
Available on Digital and On Demand starting June 24, 2025
🎬 Synopsis
After their parents’ tragic murder-suicide, twin sisters are taken in by a gentle foster mother and her resentful husband. As tensions rise in the dysfunctional household, it becomes unclear whether the real danger comes from the cruel foster father—or from the girls themselves.
“Don’t be afraid of what you see… Be afraid of what you don’t!”
⭐ Review
The Fosteredis a tense, slow-burning psychological thriller that explores grief, trauma, and the thin line between victim and threat. Following the horrific loss of their parents, twin sisters find themselves in the care of a seemingly kind foster mother, Amy, and her cold, volatile husband, Kevin.
Directors Gunnar Garrett and Ritchie Greer build a suffocating atmosphere, using dim lighting and claustrophobic spaces to mirror the emotional intensity inside the home. Real-life twins Serena and Savina Perey deliver eerie, pitch-perfect performances that keep the audience guessing. Are they survivors—or something more sinister?
The film thrives on emotional ambiguity and psychological tension. It refuses easy answers and leans into moral complexity. Is this a tale of children in danger, or is something darker lurking behind their wide eyes?
With its haunting tone and loaded silences, The Fostered is a psychological puzzle that lingers long after the credits roll.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this film and received a screener link. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
🎥 Film Details
Written by: Gunnar Garrett Directed by: Gunnar Garrett & Ritchie Greer Starring: Robert Palmer Watkins, Brittany Underwood, Serena Perey, Savina Perey Genre: Thriller Run Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
Final Recovery is now available for streaming. Photo: IMDb
🎬Final Recovery – Movie Review
📖 Synopsis
When Rodney winds up in the Sage Treatment Facility and in the care of the twisted Nanny Lou, his drive to do better for his family and new friends leads him into more trouble. As he rebels against his ornery captor, he uncovers a dark conspiracy. With fellow patients mysteriously vanishing, Rodney takes on a new mission: exposing the prison his addiction has built around him.
Writers: Jerry Lee Davis & Nick Theurer Director: Harley Wallen
👥 Cast
Charlene Tilton – Nanny Lou
Jasper Cole – Rodney
Richard Tyson – Dr. Sam Potter
Michael Emery – Levi
Kaiti Wallen – Cindy Porter
📝 Movie Review: Final Recovery
Final Recovery is a tense psychological thriller that explores the fragile boundaries between rehabilitation and manipulation. The film centers around Rodney (Jasper Cole), a troubled man desperate to rebuild his life for the sake of his family. His journey takes a dark turn when he lands in the eerie Sage Treatment Facility, where healing comes with a sinister cost.
Nanny Lou, played with chilling precision by Charlene Tilton, is not your typical caregiver. Her twisted methods of control and psychological torment, fueled by childhood trauma, create a suffocating atmosphere that quickly consumes Rodney. The film builds suspense as Rodney’s initial compliance gives way to rebellion, sparked by his growing connection to fellow patients and his deep longing to return to his family.
The cinematography enhances the claustrophobic feel of the facility, while the score amplifies the underlying dread. Though the pacing slows midway, strong character arcs and an emotional payoff keep viewers engaged. Rodney’s transformation from passive patient to defiant fighter is compelling, though a few plot twists feel rushed.
Ultimately, Final Recovery is a disturbing yet gripping tale of resilience. It asks: Can true recovery be found in a place designed more to break than to heal — or must some battles be fought entirely from within?
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this movie. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Finding Nicole’ is available to rent or purchase. Photo: Fandango
“Finding Nicole: A True Story of Love, Loss, Betrayal, Fear, and Hope”
By Nicole Beverly
In her powerful memoir, Finding Nicole: A True Story of Love, Loss, Betrayal, Fear, and Hope, author and advocate Nicole Beverly shares an unflinching, deeply personal account of her journey from domestic violence victim to survivor—and ultimately, to warrior. (Amazon, 2025)
The Cycle of Abuse
Nicole met her ex-husband in college, and over the course of a decade, found herself trapped in a progressively abusive and violent relationship. Like so many victims, she stayed for a complex mix of reasons: love, financial dependency, her children, and fear. In 2009, she finally left—but the danger didn’t end there.
For more than two years after leaving, Nicole endured relentless stalking, threats, and harassment. Her powerful victim impact statement at his sentencing eventually led to her ex-husband’s conviction for stalking. Yet even behind bars, he continued to pose a lethal threat—attempting to hire inmates to kill Nicole and their children.
A System That Failed Her
Nicole’s story also sheds light on the failures of the criminal justice system. Due to errors by law enforcement, breakdowns in communication, and a hesitant prosecutor, her abuser was almost released despite these credible threats. In a desperate bid to protect her family, Nicole even considered identity change—only to discover how difficult it would be to start over without a past.
Fighting Back—and Winning
Instead of disappearing, Nicole chose to fight. She turned to social media to share her story and rallied support from family, friends, fellow survivors, and strangers across the globe. In just a few weeks, her plea for justice went viral.
Thanks to public pressure, the Attorney General of Michigan took on her case. After 13 months, multiple court hearings, and unwavering courage, Nicole’s abuser was found guilty of new charges and sentenced to a longer prison term—giving Nicole and her children some much-needed peace.
A Guide for Survivors
Nicole’s book doesn’t end with her story. In its final chapters, Finding Nicole serves as a guidebook for survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and toxic relationships. With practical advice and heartfelt encouragement, she offers tools to help others leave safely, reclaim hope, build resilience, and ultimately, find themselves again.
A story of fierce determination and the power of collective voices, “Finding Nicole” is a must-read. It’s not just a memoir—it’s a call to action for justice, awareness, and unwavering support for survivors everywhere. The film adaptation is available to rent or purchase on YouTube, Google Play Movie, Fandango at Home, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
Movie Review: Finding Nicole— A Powerful Story of Survival and Strength
If you’re looking for a film that will leave a lasting impression and stir your soul, Finding Nicole is a must-watch. Based on the true story of Nicole Beverly, this film chronicles her harrowing journey through domestic abuse and her courageous fight to protect her children and reclaim her life.
Nicole’s story has been featured on Inside Evil with Chris Cuomo, Til Death Do Us Part, and in her top-selling book of the same name. The movie adaptation does a remarkable job of bringing her experiences to life with authenticity and emotional depth. Rather than sensationalizing the violence, the film focuses on the psychological impact of abuse and the long road to healing.
Kaiti Wallen delivers a standout performance, capturing Nicole’s quiet strength and vulnerability. Through gripping courtroom scenes and haunting flashbacks, we witness not only the terror Nicole endured but also her unwavering determination to break free.
Finding Nicole is more than just a film—it’s a powerful statement about resilience, justice, and hope. It’s an emotional, necessary watch that sheds light on the very real issue of domestic violence and the courage it takes to survive it. This is storytelling with purpose.
Cast
Kaiti Wallen – Kaiti Wallen Mari G. – Warren Beverly Sean Whalen – Cameron Banks Shawntay Dalon – Shonda Wright, Esq Richard Tyson – Judge Carter
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this film and received a screener link. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
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.
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.
SA Examiner 