HERMAN is a new psychological horror-thriller set mostly in one location but with far-reaching consequences. It’s a very powerful story with a final act that starts well, but drags on for too long. Unfortunately, as this had potential for more. Read our full Herman movie review here!

HERMAN is a psychological horror-thriller about an older man trying to live with the choices he made in life. Or rather, he is often trying to run from them, and on this fateful night, there is interference. The kind that forces him to acknowledge past misdeeds.

I was completely invested in this for the longest time, but that final act was a bit of a let-down. Not that it’s a bad story, but the pacing drags out, and the tempo is almost at a standstill for a few minutes too long. Still, this is definitely worth checking out, so I’m just irritated that it didn’t stay as good until the very end.

Continue reading our review of the Herman movie below. Find it on VOD from December 2, 2025.

Haunted or hunted?

In Herman, the title character is ready to end his life when someone comes knocking on his door. Having led a life of solitude, he tends to reflect on what he had and what he lost. On this particular night, he will be forced to come to terms with his past actions.

His misdeeds, to be exact.

Having Herman come out in December is perfect, as it has a touch of The Christmas Carol to its plot. Not in detail, but being confronted by people who insist that he look back on his life and acknowledge what has led him to this point.

Herman (Colin Ward) will find himself haunted (and almost hunted) by several dark forces. Many of which originate from himself in a roundabout way.

Will he be able to come to terms with his past, or will the late-night visitors seeking shelter at his cabin be forced to go to extremes?! Well, Herman is an older white man, so I’m sure you can imagine. No matter his objections, he will be forced to fully confront his inner demons.

Watch Herman on VOD now

Herman comes from writer-director Andrew Vogel, who has created a very engaging and fascinating story. I have seen it done better in movies such as You’ll Never Find Me and Pandemonium. However, this one does come very close at several points throughout the runtime.

Also, the cast led by Colin Ward (Mank, Perry Mason) as Herman was very strong. I especially liked Suzann Toni Petrongolo (Dead Giveaway, The Dirty South) as Sister Mary. Also in a key role is Lawson Greyson (V/H/S Halloween) as Alice, while writer-director Andrew Vogel himself also plays a very important role in front of the camera.

Personally, I loved how it was shot mostly in one location, which became increasingly claustrophobic as Herman is confronted with his past. Also, for the longest time, I didn’t look at how much time had passed. This ended somewhere during the final act, which is why the rating isn’t higher, but it is still a big recommendation to watch this horror-thriller.

Herman is out on VOD on December 2, 2025, via Scatena & Rosner Films.

Details

Director: Andrew Vogel
Script: Andrew Vogel
Cast: Colin Ward, Suzann Toni Petrongolo, Lawson Greyson, Andrew Vogel, Alex James, Soni Theresa Montgomery

Plot

Haunted by a dark force, a grizzled recluse is faced with late-night visitors seeking shelter at his cabin. As jealousy and demonic influence ignite, he is pulled into another dimension to confront his inner demons.

ANNIVERSARY is a new Psychological Thriller that plays out like a scary cautionary tale with a brilliant ensemble cast. It reminded me of the amazing HBO & BBC limited series Years and Years, which I cannot recommend enough. Read our full Anniversary (2025) movie review here!

ANNIVERSARY is a Psychological Thriller out in theaters. At first, it may seem like just another family drama. However, trust me, before it’s all over, we’re in a dystopian future that even features a few sci-fi elements. Well, close to our present world, but even worse.

As I was watching this, it felt strangely familiar. It’s because it feels like a condensed version of the Russell T. Davies limited series Years & Years, which was a BBC and HBO co-production. That one featured a stellar UK cast; this movie has an equally amazing US cast.

Continue reading our Anniversary (2025) movie review below. Find it in theaters from October 29, 2025, and on digital from November 21.

A country torn apart by politics

Before I say anything else, I have to highlight the fact that Anniversary definitely hits a little close to home. Okay, way too close. It’s essentially about a family torn apart by political affiliations, but taken to sinister extremes. The kind of extremes we know from 1930s Germany.

In Anniversary, we meet a loving and close-knit family caught in the turmoil of a controversial rising movement. This movement is political in concept, but plays out almost like a cult. It’s known as “The Change” and will soon sweep the nation.

Before we get that far, we’re at the 25th wedding anniversary of Ellen and Paul Taylor (Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler). This is also the night when the beginning of the end of the world, as they know it, essentially happens.

Religion, business, or just a cult?!

The source of this downfall is Ellen’s former student, Liz (Phoebe Dynevor), who reappears in her life after a rather dramatic exit years earlier. Ellen was nervous about the ideology Liz was promoting in her thesis. Well, now Liz is back and dating their son (Dylan O’Brien).

Also, she has released a book titled “The Change”, which is the thesis Ellen was so terrified of. As Liz becomes a part of the Taylor family, it may seem like a family drama, but I assure you, the psychological thriller element is more than “just” personal issues.

Liz’s role in the political wave known as “The Change” is key to how events unfold. Strangely, this whole movement is being run by a corporation. Soon, it will bring simmering conflicts to the boiling point. Not just for the Taylor family, but for the entire nation.

We see these conflicts and changes evolve with an eerily rapid pace as the family comes together for other anniversaries. Hence, the title of Anniversary.

The brilliant casting of Anniversary

Despite the story playing out over just five years, we will see the characters evolve (some grow, others fall apart) in extreme ways. In order for this to come across as unrealistic or dramatic in a forced way, you need a cast that can carry this.

With Anniversary, we’re getting a brilliant cast led by Diane Lane (Y: The Last Man) and Kyle Chandler (Back in Action) as the heads of the Taylor family. And, of course, we have Dylan O’Brien (Caddo Lake) and Phoebe Dynevor (Fair Play) as those in charge of the future.

Also in the family, as daughters in the Taylor household, are Anna, Cynthia, and Birdie. Portrayed by Madeline Brewer (Cam), Zoey Deutch (Juror #2), and Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters), respectively.

They are three very different daughters, who each have a sense of direction and obvious talents. Something the lone son in the family (portrayed by Dylan O’Brien) never had. Maybe that’s why he finally has a sense of purpose as part of The Change, which is led by his wife.

If you’ve ever read The Wave or watched any of the film adaptations of it, you will recognize this mechanism. It’s how so many young people are radicalized: The need to belong!

Ultimately, Anniversary is very much about Ellen and Liz, and Diane Lane and Phoebe Dynevor deliver breathtaking performances. Also, at times, downright terrifying!

Watch the 2025 Anniversary movie in theaters – later on digital!

Jan Komasa is the director of Anniversary. We’ve reviewed one of Jan Komasa’s previous movies with the Polish 2020 psychological thriller The Hater. One I highly recommend checking out as well, and his style is apparent in both Anniversary and The Hater.

Another of his previous movies, Corpus Christi, was nominated for an Academy Award® for best international feature film, so he has already proven his talent. Apparently, inspiration for this movie came from looking at Christmas pictures of his own large family, and noticing changes in people over the years.

DO NOT MISS OUT ON…

Again, if you liked the Years and Years series (we gave it a top rating), then you cannot miss out on Anniversary. And vice versa. I cannot recommend either enough.

This new 2025 psychological thriller has also been called a “social apocalypse seen from the perspective of one family” by writer-director Jan Komasa. A description that makes perfect sense to me, having watched it.

Credit is certainly also due for the screenwriter: Lori Rosene-Gambino. She has scripts on the film industry’s coveted Black List, which are movies that should be made (because they are so good), but have yet to be produced.

Well, maybe someone will finally jump at the chance. If Anniversary is indicative of her talent (and according to director Jan Komasa, it is), then I cannot wait to see what Lori Rosene-Gambino does next!

ANNIVERSARY will be released in theaters on October 29, 2025. It will be out on digital on November 21.

Details

Director: Jan Komasa
Screenplay: Lori Rosene-Gambino
Story: Jan Komasa and Lori Rosene-Gambino
Cast: Diane Lane, Kyle Chandler, Madeline Brewer, Zoey Deutch, Phoebe Dynevor, Mckenna Grace, Daryl McCormack, Dylan O’Brien

Plot

In this gripping thriller, a close-knit family is caught in the turmoil of a controversial rising movement known as “The Change.” Ellen and Paul (Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler) witness their lives fall apart when Ellen’s former student Liz (Phoebe Dynevor) reappears and starts dating their son (Dylan O’Brien). As Liz becomes a part of the Taylor family, tensions rise and loyalties are tested. Liz’s role in “The Change” brings simmering conflicts to the surface, unraveling the fabric of the family just as the nation itself stands on edge during an alarming and challenging time of uncertainty.

MALICE on Prime Video is a new revenge thriller series. It has a stellar cast, but the intensity is somehow lacking. What still makes it worth watching is Jack Whitehall, who is scary good in this. Read our Malice series review here!

MALICE is a new Prime Video series with a revenge plot and a thriller driver. Obviously, there’s a whole mystery to this as well, so it’s like watching a puzzle be laid out on screen. Unfortunately, it’s too slow for my liking.

The series has six episodes, which should make for a tight and intense season. Unfortunately, I was not hooked after the first episode, and the second didn’t do much more for me. I mean, the story is intriguing, but the pacing just did not work for me.

Continue reading our 2025 Malice series review below. Start watching on Prime Video on November 14, 2025.

Lifestyle of the rich and… annoying?!

With Malice, we follow the charismatic tutor, Adam (Jack Whitehall), who is great with kids. This is also how he manages to find his way into the life of the very wealthy Tanner family.

They meet while on a vacation in Greece, where Adam works for another family. However, once the Tanner family’s nanny gets violently ill with a stomach bug of some kind (you’ll know what kind once Adamn feeds her something), he swoops in.

Or rather, he does not swoop in, but the Tanner family asks him to please take the job. Oh yes, he is a crafty networker indeed. And Adam has a plan that involves the patriarch, Jamie Tanner (David Duchovny).

Once the family, now with Adam as their nanny (or “manny”), returns to London, things start to go awry. Adam begins to pit Jamie and his wife, Nat (Carice Van Houten), against each other. All with the goal of bringing down the entire family.

But why? Well, there is always a good reason in the eye of the person doing it. And we will learn why as well, but not until later in the series.

A modern-day Ripley vibe

Malice is very much a revenge thriller focused on the notion that you cannot escape your past. It will catch up, and when it does, you need to figure out how to best deal with it. As a character-driven story, Malice has a great cast, but the writing is just too slow.

Having said that, I really liked Jack Whitehall in this series. He is charming yet insanely sinister, and all at the drop of a hat. I mean, he is eerily off in a way reminiscent of Mr. Ripley, which is also an unavoidable comparison for this series overall.

Obviously, this is a compliment, and I wish this Prime Video series were as good as I feel Jack Whitehall is in his starring role. I love it when these comedic actors take on a darker character portrayal and go all-in.

I definitely feel Jack Whitehall succeeds with that in Malice!

Watch Malice on Prime Video

Malice was created by James Wood, who also writes the series. He previously wrote on The Great and Quacks (which he also created). Directors of the six episodes of Malice are Mike Barker (Broadchurch, The Sandman) and Leonora Lonsdale (The Pale Horse).

I never want to discourage anyone from giving a show a chance. That’s why I can’t help but continue to highlight Jack Whitehall in this review. He delivers such a strong character portrayal that made me wish he’d play a straight-up horror villain next.

Of course, the other cast members also deliver strong portrayals, but this really is about Adam (Jack Whitehall) primarily, so this was the character that could not falter. And he doesn’t. The storytelling and pacing, on the other hand, just did not do much for me.

But hey, maybe this just was not my kind of show. Give it a shot, and maybe Jack Whitehall and the overall story will be a total treat for you.

Malice is out on Prime Video from November 14, 2025.

Details

Creator: James Wood
Directors: Mike Barker, Leonora Lonsdale
Cast: Jack Whitehall, David Duchovny, Carice van Houten, Christine Adams, Raza Jaffrey

Plot

Adam is a charismatic tutor who charms his way into the life of the wealthy Tanner family while they’re on holiday in Greece. When the family’s nanny falls dangerously ill, Adam orchestrates his way in to their London home and his true vengeful nature begins to emerge…

Adam now starts to turn Jamie Tanner and Nat against each other and secretly plots to bring down the entire family. When Adam’s obsession with the family raises questions, those who dig deeper into his past find themselves playing a dangerous game. With his world collapsing around him, Jamie starts to realise that Adam may be responsible for all their recent disasters – but is it too late to save his family?

THE BEAST IN ME on Netflix is a brilliant thriller, mystery, crime series with two breathtaking performances in the lead. Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys are phenomenal in this limited series with eight intense episodes. Read our full The Beast in Me series review here!

THE BEAST IN ME is a new Netflix series with eight strong and intense episodes. I found it impossible not to binge-watch this mystery thriller series with a crime plot. Admittedly, I expected to enjoy it, but I did not expect to like it this much.

It’s not often that we give a top rating to a series (or a season of a series). Not least because we want to watch the entire thing before bestowing such a rating. Well, for The Beast in Me, it couldn’t be anything less. This was a wild ride, but I’d gladly take it again!

Continue reading our (spoiler-free) review of The Beast in Me series below. Find it on Netflix from November 13, 2025.

Lost in grief and anger

With The Beast in Me, we follow acclaimed author Aggie Wiggs (Claire Danes), who lost her young son in a tragic car accident. This has resulted in immense grief, guilt, and a whole lot of anger towards the man driving the other car in the accident.

It’s now years later, and Aggie is divorced from her wife, but still living in the house they had just bought, when their son died. This house was bought as a project to be renovated, but not much has happened, so it’s quite a mess.

Just like Aggie, who is also years behind on delivering her next book.

She stares at the blinking cursor but is unable to write, and she is overall a ghost of the person she was. As a writer and human being alike. She misses her son and her wife, but is so consumed by darkness that she cannot move forward.

A slick millionaire moves in…

Enter Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys). A man trapped in darkness as well, though of a very different kind. He moves in next door and has all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. Nile Jarvis is a real estate mogul still somewhat in the shadow of his father.

However, these days, he’s more famous for having been the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance years earlier. Aggie finds herself fascinated by this man, but his usual charm has no impact on her. And yet, something is intriguing about Nile Jarvis.

He is clearly used to getting what he wants – either by charm or with cash – but Aggie couldn’t care less about either. She’s a lesbian author who wants for nothing except her son (and wife) back, and even Nile can’t manage that.

However, he can make life interesting for Aggie again. So, when the topic of writing a book about him – and getting to the bottom of his wife’s disappearance – comes up, Aggie Wiggs starts finding her way back to the person she was.

Of course, her own demons still exist, and while hunting for his, she might be faced with her own as well.

I mean, let’s be real, this is a thriller, crime, mystery, so obviously she will struggle with this. And seeing Aggie and Nile face off is absolutely brilliant. They are fascinated by each other due to the candid and direct nature that they both live by.

The powerful cast of The Beast in Me 

Claire Danes is (as always) pure intensity and emotion in the lead as Aggie. She is a broken woman, and wasn’t the best person even before the tragedy that shaped her present. Claire Danes is phenomenal in The Beast in Me.

The same has to be said for Matthew Rhys as Nile Jarvis. The character is both a classic jerk and someone who has more to him than meets the eye. For better and worse, but getting to know him is quite a trip.

Alongside Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, we have two actors in key roles. These are portrayed by Natalie Morales (Santa Clarita Diet) and Brittany Snow (Murdaugh: Death in the Family, The Hunting Wives), who portray the ex-wife of Aggie and the new wife of Nile, respectively.

Also in key supporting roles are Hettienne Park (The Outsider, Black Rabbit), Deidre O’Connell (The Penguin), Jonathan Banks (Constellation), David Lyons (Truth be Told), and Kate Burton (Violent Ends).

Watch The Beast in Me on Netflix

The creator of The Beast in Me is Gabe Rotter, who previously worked on The X Files. Onboard as showrunner, writer, and executive producer is also Howard Gordon, who previously worked on Homeland, 24, and The X Files.

Director Antonio Campos (The Staircase, The Devil All the Time) directs series episodes and also executive produces. Other producers include star Claire Danes, Conan O’Brien, Caroline Baron (Severance), and Jodie Foster. Yeah, quite a team!

The Beast in Me is very much a psychological thriller that shines a spotlight on the darkness anyone can contain. But also highlights that we can contain that darkness or work through it, instead of acting on impulse. Well, most of us, anyway.

The two absolute stars of this Netflix series are Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys, and if you’re a fan of either (or have enjoyed their previous work), you’ll be very happy with them in this one as well. Despite a complete and solid ending, I wanted it to keep going.

The Beast in Me is on Netflix with all 8 episodes from November 13, 2025.

Details

Creator / Writer: Gabe Rotter
Showrunner / Writer: Gabe Rotter, Howard Gordon
Director: Antonio Campos
Cast: Claire Danes, Matthew Rhys, Brittany Snow, Natalie Morales, Jonathan Banks, David Lyons, Tim Guinee, Hettienne Park, Deidre O’Connell, Aleyse Shannon, Will Brill, Kate Burton, Bill Irwin, Amir Arison, Julie Ann Emery

Plot

A famous author is pulled into a twisted mind game with her rich, powerful new neighbor — who might be a murderer.

HALLOW ROAD is a new psychological thriller with a supernatural twist and a minimalist setting. It feels a lot like a horror movie with a terrifyingly realistic plot. Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys are breathtaking in this. Read our full Hallow Road movie review here!

HALLOW ROAD is a psychological thriller starring Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys. It takes place almost entirely inside a car, which makes for a minimalist setting and a very claustrophobic vibe. The kind you’ll recognize from Locked.

If you can, do not miss out on the chance to watch this as part of an exclusive AMC Halloween Double Feature; Watch Hallow Road and Vincent Must Die (which we loved) for the price of one ticket. Only on October 31, 2025.

Continue reading our Hallow Road movie review below.

Driving into oncoming trauma

When Hallow Road opens, it’s with a scene that shows a kitchen where something clearly happened quite suddenly. This, however, is not where the movie will play out.

Instead, we follow Maddie (Rosamund Pike) and Frank (Matthew Rhys) as parents trying to get to their daughter, Alice (Megan McDonnell). This all happens after a late-night (very late) call from Alice.

On this call, Alice is clearly very upset, and her parents will soon learn why: She has just hit a young woman with her car. Now Alice is out in the middle of nowhere and is panicking. Her parents run to their car and race towards her.

Both of them recognize that they are driving into oncoming trauma for both them and their daughter. However, they do not agree on how to best help Alice. Not only are they not on the proverbial same page, they’re not even in the same book.

Claustrophobic and relentlessly stressful

As we follow Maddie and Frank driving towards their daughter and her unknown future, we learn a lot more about this family. Particularly, how they tend to help their daughter, which Maddie is worried might have been a disservice.

At what point does help become hurtful, if your child continues to do wrong?!

Frank, however, doesn’t care about these details. He just needs to save his little girl. Alice may now be an 18-year-old young adult, but she is still his child. Maddie feels the same, but is trying to avoid future trauma for her child.

As we watch their desperation change and grow, we see Rosamund Pike (Saltburn, Gone Girl, I Care a Lot) and Matthew Rhys (The Americans, Cocaine Bear) deliver breathtaking performances. Constantly digging deeper.

Just when you think you have a grip on their personality, pressure will show another side of them. Also, I absolutely adore the voice acting of Rosamund Pike, which is key to Hallow Road as well. This is movie magic to me!

Watch Hallow Road on Halloween in AMC theaters!

Babak Anvari is the director of Hallow Road, which is his fourth feature film. First came Under the Shadow, which was Oscar-nominated, then I Came By (perfect for Halloween, as well), and, most recently, Wounds.

The screenplay comes from William Gillies, and it worked for me on all levels. Including the elements inspired by popular Celtic myths from across the UK and Ireland. The kind we know from other movies, but aren’t at the forefront here.

HALLOWEEN DOUBLE FEATURE

Watch Hallow Road and Vincent Must Die at AMC theaters on October 31, 2025. Two movie, 1 Ticket, and a perfect genre movie marathon!

While Hallow Road is a psychological thriller first, I would definitely call it a horror movie as well. If for no other reason, then due to the relatability and realism of the core plot.

Also, it does evolve in a very sinister way with an ending that won’t be for everyone. It’s brutal!

Details

Director: Babak Anvari
Script: William Gillies
Cast: Rosamund Pike, Mathew Rhys, Megan McDonnell

Plot

Two parents enter a race against time when they receive a distressing late-night phone call from their daughter after she caused a tragic car accident.

SELF-HELP is a new horror thriller that plays out in a small community. The kind that has a cult leader, lots of strange exercises, and is ultimately just a bunch of grifters. A movie with a few gorgeous and sinister twists to keep you guessing.  Read our full Self-Help movie review here!

SELF-HELP is a horror thriller coming to theaters just in time for Halloween 2025. Admittedly, this is closer to 3½ out of 5 for me, but we don’t do half ratings here at Heaven of Horror, and I wasn’t ready to give it a 4 out of 5.

You’ll just have to trust me when I say that this horror thriller has some sinister twists and gorgeously creepy surprises along the way. Also, it gets rather physical (with practical effects) for those in the self-help community. Ironically, as they try to heal themselves.

Continue reading our Self-Help movie review below. Find it in theaters from October 31, 2025.

Trauma, cults, and grifters galore

Admittedly, I do love a good cult movie. However, Self-Help managed to both give me this and a few added layers. It’s no secret that cults often get a hold of new members when they’ve experienced trauma and are vulnerable. Usually seeking help.

Well, in this movie, what appears to be a self-help community is clearly something much darker. For one, it’s run by an obvious grifter. Okay, maybe not at first, but it won’t take long for money to come up. Also, everything about this “community” just screams cult.

MORE ON CULT TITLES

Be sure to check out our CULT-tag here >

Hot tip: If you need to hand over virtually everything you own to take part in a workshop, then run away. Fast! No one is looking out for your best interest. They’re just looking to get rich fast. At your expense.

That’s the circle of cult-life. First, you experience trauma, then you get caught up in a cult, which will ultimately cost you everything. Often both financially and emotionally. Exactly as you’ll see in this horror thriller.

For the record, no, I haven’t been in a cult. I’ve just watched a lot of cult documentaries of the true crime variety.

A small cast makes for a strong story

With Self-Help, we follow a young woman, Olivia (Landry Bender), as she is about to reunite with her mother. They’ve had a rather strained relationship for a long time. You’ll understand why from the opening scene.

Anyway, it turns out the “retreat” where she’s meeting her mom is actually a dangerous self-actualization community. And her mom, Rebecca (Amy Hargreaves), has started a relationship with the enigmatic leader.

His name is Curtis Clark (Jake Weber), and he is essentially a cult leader. Think Toni Collette in Wayward. However, where she wanted power, this new cult leader is all about getting bags and bags of money.

Much simpler, really, but also a different kind of terrifying.

Olivia didn’t go see her mom on her own. She brought her new best friend from college. Sophie (Madison Lintz), so there is another familiar face for her there. Also attending this self-help workshop (which will get wild) are others in need of help.

These poor fools are portrayed by Carol Cadby, Blaque Fowler, and the director himself, Erik Bloomquist.

Watch Self-Help in theaters for Halloween

Erik Bloomquist is the director of Self-Help, which he also co-wrote with Carson Bloomquist. The two previously made Founders Day (2023) and She Came from the Woods (2022). If you pay attention, you may catch a few Easter Eggs in this new movie.

The Bloomquist brothers also wrote the 2018 mystery thriller Long Lost alongside one of its stars, Adam Weppler. He’s also in Self-Help, but in a smaller role. If you enjoy Self-Help (and I suspect you will), then be sure to check out Long Lost as well.

The theatrical premiere of Self-Help is perfectly timed with a Halloween release. As in on Halloween night itself, which falls on a Friday. Check it out in a theater near you over the weekend, if you’re in the mood for something deliciously creepy in surprising ways.

Self-Help is out in theaters on October 31, 2025.

Details

Director: Erik Bloomquist
Cast: Landry Bender, Jake Weber, Madison Lintz, Amy Hargreaves, Erik Bloomquist, Carol Cadby, Blaque Fowler

Plot

A young woman infiltrates a dangerous self-actualization community after her mother becomes entangled with its enigmatic leader.

IT: WELCOME TO DERRY on HBO Max is a new horror series based on Stephen King’s sinister small town setting. It’s amazing – and truly terrifying. Seriously, do not watch this one with kids. Read our IT: Welcome to Derry series review here!

IT: WELCOME TO DERRY is a new HBO Original Series from Warner Bros. Television. It will debut on HBO and stream on HBO Max, but you only get one episode per week. The season has eight episodes, and from the very first one, you should be hooked.

In fact, even the intro had me mesmerized. It’s fairly long, features a very happy-go-lucky song, and the comic book-style visuals get increasingly sinister – just like the actual show. This is a brilliant horror series that should terrify many viewers!

Continue reading our IT: Welcome to Derry season 1 review below. Find it on HBO and HBO Max from October 26, 2025.

Welcome to Derry… now run!

With the HBO series IT: Welcome to Derry, we get much more backstory on the curse of what we have come to know as Pennywise. The iconic clown is ancient, and his supernatural powers exist only to terrify those around him, so he can feed on their fear.

The story plays out in 1962, but we also hear about past cycles, when this ancient fear-inducing power last haunted the town of Derry. In fact, we will go way back to get an origin story.

But all in good time.

Before we ever get that far, there’s an opening scene that sets the stage and should help you manage your expectations. This scene should also show you that IT: Welcome to Derry is not a show for kids.

Unless they really love horror – and you watch it with them.

The victims are usually kids, and it will get extremely violent. Both in physical and emotional ways. Also, we follow a few adults, who will either try to help the children or (in too many cases) refuse to believe them until it’s too late.

A Stephen King world for hardcore horror fans

Look, I recognize that plenty of horror fans will have a blast with this and not find it particularly terrifying. I also know that (many of) those very same people will jump in their seats while watching, and may even gasp a little – unless you’re a ScreamQueen like me.

Admittedly, we horror fans are a special breed.

However, I feel a well-meaning warning is in order, because IT: Welcome to Derry does hit hard. It gets downright terrifying and very early on as well. Just like with IT, you will see kids be scared out of their minds. Also, you will see children literally get torn apart.

Way before we ever see the iconic Pennywise, so much terrifying stuff has already happened. IT: Welcome to Derry may be one of the scariest horror productions in a long time. Partly because kids play the main characters – but adults aren’t safe either.

Start watching IT: Welcome to Derry on HBO and HBO Max

The new HBO series is developed for television by filmmakers Andy Muschietti and Barbara Muschietti. Yes, the very same sibling duo who gave us  IT and IT Chapter Two. Also, Jason Fuchs, who worked on the sequel as well, serves as co-showrunner with Brad Caleb Kane.

Andy Muschietti, who directed the two IT movies, also directs multiple episodes of this new original series. While this is a new story, it’s still set in the world we’ve come to know from Stephen King’s “IT” universe.

In key roles, you can look forward to seeing James Remar (AKA Dexter‘s dad), Jovan Adepo (The Stand), Taylour Paige (The Toxic Avenger), Joshua Odjick (The Long Walk), Peter Outerbridge, and Madeleine Stowe.

Among the young actors portraying the all-important children of Derry, you may see a familiar face or two as well. There’s Clara Stack (The Naughty Nine), Amanda Christine (Black Box), and Mikkal Karim Fidler (Boy in the Walls).

Among the producers, we also find Bill Skarsgård, who reprises his role as Pennywise as well. Also, another familiar Stephen King character from both IT and The Shining will play a huge part: Dick Hallorann, now portrayed by Chris Chalk (Shining Girls).

Whatever you expect, I hope you’ll be as pleasantly (and terrifyingly) surprised as I was!

IT: Welcome to Derry debuts on HBO on October 26, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Also available to stream on HBO Max. The season finale is on December 14.

Details

Cast: Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, Chris Chalk, James Remar, Stephen Rider, Madeleine Stowe, Rudy Mancuso, Bill Skarsgård

Plot

Set in the world of Stephen King’s “IT” universe, IT: WELCOME TO DERRY is based on King’s “IT” novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films “IT” and “IT Chapter Two.”

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE on Hulu is a remake (or new take, if you will) of the 1992 classic thriller. This time, Maika Monroe and Mary Elizabeth Winstead star, and the result is yet another strong psychological thriller. Read our full The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (2025) movie review here!

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE is a new Hulu thriller mystery with a very familiar title, as it’s the remake of the 1992 iconic thriller starring Rebecca De Mornay and Annabella Sciorra. This 2025 take on the story is more of a reimagining as several elements have been changed.

However, the core premise remains the same, which is possibly the best kind of remake – in my book, anyway. I never mind a good remake, but I still prefer that there’s a reason beyond just a fresher look and a new cast. This new psychological thriller certainly delivers on that premise.

Continue reading our The Hand That Rocks The Cradle movie review below. Find it on Hulu/Disney+ from October 22, 2025.

The struggles of motherhood in the modern world

When we first meet Caitlyn Morales (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), she’s very pregnant but also still working. In fact, she goes straight from work into labor, and this seems to be typical of her. Always on the move, and while she wants kids and loves her children, she struggles with combining family and career.

Her husband, Miguel (Raúl Castillo), tries to help as much as he can. However, Caitlyn is also a very independent soul who wants to succeed at whatever she does, so it’s a bit of a struggle. That’s why he is all for it when Caitlyn suggests that they take in a nanny.

Enter Polly Murphy (Maika Monroe), who clearly has a great handle on the kids and also seamlessly fits into the household. Everything seems to be looking up, but Caitlyn can’t help but feel something is off.

She’s right, of course, as anyone familiar with the 1992 original will know. And we do also see the darker side of Polly early on. However, figuring out how it’s all connected will take some time, and getting there is one bumpy ride.

Casting the 2025 remake

The original 1992 movie went on to become iconic roles for its core cast. Or, well, mostly for its two female stars in the form of Rebecca De Mornay and Annabella Sciorra. The same should be the case for this 2025 remake (or, again, reimagining is a better word), and genre fans will find familiar faces in the lead roles.

We have Mary Elizabeth Winstead from 10 Cloverfield Lane and Kate as Caitlyn Morales. She’s the mother who inadvertently invites in someone who will make her life a nightmare. In the role made famous by Rebecca De Mornay, we have one of our newer final girls, Maika Monroe, as Polly Murphy.

Horror fans will recognize Maika Monroe from the genre movies like the mega-hit It Follows, Tau, Villains, and Watcher. Most recently, she starred in Oz Perkins‘ serial killer movie Longlegs (2024).

Both Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe deliver strong performances in this 2025 The Hand That Rocks The Cradle remake, but the former made the biggest impact on me. Probably because she’s the one we stay with and follow the most – and is the most relatable.

For me, anyway. Still, both are amazing, as is the rest of the cast.

In key supporting roles, we see Raúl Castillo (Task) as Miguel Morales, Caitlyn’s husband, and Martin Starr (There’s Something in the Barn) as Caitlyn’s best friend, Stewart.

One of the more impressive performances also comes from one of the youngest cast members. Mileiah Vega absolutely shines as Emma Morales, Caitlyn and Miguel’s eldest daughter. I hope to see her in future genre movies!

Watch The Hand That Rocks The Cradle on Hulu

Michelle Garza Cervera is the director of this 2025 take on The Hand That Rocks The Cradle. We’ve already reviewed a movie by Michelle Garza Cervera, and I have been eagerly awaiting her next movie, which turned out to be this one.

Her previous movie was Huesera: The Bone Woman, which I highly recommend you check out as well. It’s more of a horror-drama and definitely left a huge impact on me. Both movies revolve around women and motherhood, but in extremely different ways.

Micah Bloomberg (creator of Homecoming) wrote the screenplay for this 2025 version, and I commend the choices all around. I loved the way the core story of The Hand That Rocks The Cradle from the 1992 movie has been reimagined for this 2025 version. It makes for an entirely new story while retaining its main driver for the characters.

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle is on Hulu (Disney+ internationally) from October 22, 2025.

Details

Director: Michelle Garza Cervera
Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maika Monroe, Mileiah Vega, Raúl Castillo, Martin Starr, Riki Lindhome, Shannon Cochran

Plot

An upscale suburban mom brings a new nanny, Polly Murphy, into her home, only to discover she is not the person she claims to be.

THE ASTRONAUT is a new Horror Sci-Fi Thriller movie starring Kate Mara as an astronaut experiencing a strange homecoming. At 90 minutes, it’s an emotional and tightly paced story. Read our full The Astronaut movie review here!

THE ASTRONAUT is a Sci-Fi Thriller with strong horror elements throughout. It’s full of trippy experiences for our main protagonist while she tries to figure out what’s going on. We’re right alongside her and will wonder about everything happening as well.

It may not be for everyone, but fans of everything from Close Encounters of the Third Kind to Arrival should find something they like. I certainly had some moments where it managed to remind me of both those iconic sci-fi movies, despite this being very different.

Continue reading our 2025 The Astronaut movie review below. Find it in Theaters from October 17, 2025.

Finding your way back home

Returning from a space mission and feeling strange isn’t a new concept. One of the more recent similar stories was the Apple TV+ series Constellation, starring Noomi Rapace as an astronaut returning home.

With The Astronaut, it’s astronaut Sam Walker (Kate Mara) who returns from her first space mission. Getting back to Earth wasn’t a smooth ride, and she was found miraculously alive inside a punctured capsule while floating far off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Her father is General William Harris (Laurence Fishburne), and he has arranged for her to be placed in a high-security house while she rehabilitates. Also, she is under intense NASA surveillance and subjected to constant medical testing.

Sam doesn’t mind as she just wants to be cleared for her next mission, so she can get back out there.

Her husband, Mark (Gabriel Luna), and young daughter, Izzy (Scarlett Holmes), are very happy to have her back home and safe, but Sam herself is torn between being with them and the allure of space.

Very soon, strange and even disturbing things are happening around Sam. Could something extraterrestrial have followed her back to Earth? Or is she perhaps losing her mind and is unfit to ever travel to space again?!

Small but wonderful cast

Kate Mara is perfectly cast as the astronaut Captain Sam Walker. She has just the right mix of heart and grit. The title character has a passion for her job that is threatening to ruin her family. However, it’s also clear that she loves her husband and daughter, so she is torn.

Laurence Fishburne as Sam’s father, General William Harris, is tough and strong as always. For the record, he adopted Sam, and yes, we do get their back story.

We also get to see Macy Gray in yet another acting role, as a fellow NASA colleague, Val, who advises Sam on how to get cleared for her next mission as soon as possible. Basically, she needs to lie and pretend everything is fine.

Standing in her way – by helping secure Sam’s health and sanity before greenlighting her – is Ivana Milicevic as Dr. Michelle Aiden.

Many of these roles are fairly small, as Kate Mara has the majority of the screentime alone. And yes, it works magnificently. Well, for me, anyway. I ended up enjoying this movie much more than I expected, thanks to its horror, heart, and overall message.

Watch The Astronaut in theaters!

The Astronaut is the solo directorial debut of Jess Varley. She previously directed two segments for 2021’s horror anthology Phobias. Now, she’s getting her debut as a writer-director with this sci-fi horror thriller, and I am a very happy genre fan.

Among the producers of the movie are stars Kate Mara and Laurence Fishburne, along with genre heavyweight Brad Fuller. Yes, the very same Brad Fuller, who’s given us genre titles like the Quiet Place franchise and the Purge franchise.

Other talents, whose work you already know, include cinematographer Dave Garbett (Evil Dead Rise), production designer Alan Gilmore (Cobweb), and music by Jacques Brautbar (Sting).

The Astronaut had its world premiere at SXSW back in March 2025, and now it’s finally coming out in a theatrical release. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it worked extremely well for me. I loved the character-driven plot and am a huge fan of how the story evolved.

The Astronaut (2025) is out in U.S. Theaters from October 17, 2025.

Details

Director: Jess Varley
Cast: Kate Mara, Laurence Fishburne, Gabriel Luna, Ivana Milicevic, Macy Gray, Scarlett Holmes

Plot

When an astronaut crash-lands back to Earth, a General places her in quarantine for rehabilitation and testing. As disturbing events unfold, she fears that something extraterrestrial has followed her home.

LURKER is a new psychological thriller that you do not want to miss out on. It has an eerie, almost sinister, vibe that is always lurking. Also, it has an ending as unpredictable as it is perfect. Read our full Lurker (2025) movie review here!

LURKER is a psychological thriller about fame, social media, and the natural desire to belong. Not to be confused with fitting in, necessarily, but simply finding “your people”. Of course, in the age of viral memes, it can sometimes be a very fleeting fame that leaves you empty.

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Am I making sense yet? Maybe not, but once you’ve watched this indie genre gem (and you really ought to), it will make perfect sense. As I was watching this, I kept thinking it could only end very badly. And it does. However, it also doesn’t… and in a way I did not see coming. I loved that!

Continue reading our Lurker (2025) movie review below. Find it on MUBI now.

A different kind of stalker story

Lurker is essentially the story about a twenty-something L.A. retail clerk, Matthew (Théodore Pellerin), who sees a chance to hitch his proverbial wagon to that of rising pop star Oliver (Saltburn‘s Archie Madekwe), and jumps at it.

Matthew is essentially a loner who hasn’t found “his people” yet. This is certainly one reason why he jumps at this opportunity. You could call him a Catfish or a stalker, but then you’d have to label anyone going on a first date the same way.

Of course, getting your foot in the door is one thing. And getting invited to all the fun and being seen on social media with a pop star is a shortcut to immediate fame these days. However, staying there is another thing entirely.

When Oliver shines his spotlight of affection on someone, it has an immediate effect. Whether emotionally for the object of his attention or in the form of sudden social media fame.

Unfortunately, this also means everyone is vying to take over your place. And Oliver is always ready for new adoring people to join his entourage. That’s why Matthew is eerily quick to take extreme measures to make sure he stays at the very center of Oliver’s life and entourage.

Archie Madekwe and Théodore Pellerin sell it!

Admittedly, calling Lurker a “stalker story” is grossly oversimplifying the plot. Then again, I could call it a new take on the Entourage posse syndrome or say that it’s about an alternative starf*cker story, but neither of those would do the trick either.

Lurker is very much its own kind of beast, and I loved it.

The entire cast of this movie works hard and delivers strong character portrayals. Yes, even for those with limited screen time, every single one has a purpose and plays into the overall plot development.

Still, Lurker ultimately fails or succeeds based on how well the two main characters work. Fortunately, we have Théodore Pellerin (There’s Someone Inside Your House) as Matthew and Archie Madekwe (Midsommar, Saltburn) as Oliver.

With those two taking center stage, we are in the best hands, and that’s why this movie works so well. The rest of the cast and characters are what make it all come together in an organic and eerily believable way.

Not least thanks to those in Oliver’s entourage, including characters played by Havana Rose Liu (Afraid, No Exit), Zack Fox (Abbott Elementary), Daniel Zolghadri (Tales from the Loop, Y2K), and Sunny Suljic (mid90s, The Killing of a Sacred Deer).

Watch Lurker on MUBI now!

Written & Directed by Alex Russell (The Bear, Beef), Lurker was a movie I recognized had immense qualities early on. However, I never expected to love it this much.

I mean, from seeing the poster, which reminded me of Barbarian (for obvious reasons), I was ready for something dark. What Lurker ultimately offers is more than just a dark and sinister story.

It’s an honest look at how online fixation can result in real-life consequences that are impossible to predict. The line between friend and fan can be confusing when everyone seeks validation from anyone. Something social media offers, but can it be trusted?

That’s why Lurker is also a look at the dangers of surrounding yourself with “yes people” if you want to improve. Sure, being adored is nice, but so is having people who are honest. Those two can only co-exist in a society (or a friendship) if you accept and nurture constructive criticism.

The runtime of Lurker is 100 minutes, and I was virtually spellbound for every second of it.

WATCH LURKER IF YOU ENJOYED…

The British thriller Magpie starring Daisy Ridley >

Until now, Lurker has been playing at various film festivals worldwide. From Sundance in the US to film festivals in Berlin, Istanbul, Melbourne, and Fantasia in Canada. It’s been getting overwhelmingly positive reviews, and I can easily see why.

Also, MUBI is releasing this in US theaters now, and they gave us The Substance.

Enough said, really!

Lurker is the kind of movie that stays with you for a myriad of reasons. Some scary, some sad, and a few strangely inspiring and positive. I did not see that coming. Especially the last part. Also, I want the soundtrack to Lurker.

Truly, everything in this movie came together wonderfully, and with this as a feature film debut, I cannot wait to see what Alex Russell does next. I just know I will definitely be watching it!

LURKER is streaming on MUBI from October 10, 2025.

Details

Written & Directed by: Alex Russell
Starring: Théodore Pellerin, Archie Madekwe, Sunny Suljic, Havana Rose Liu, Zack Fox, Daniel Zolghadri

Plot

When a twenty-something retail clerk encounters a rising pop star, he takes the opportunity to edge his way into the in-crowd. But as the line between friend and fan blurs beyond recognition, access and proximity become a matter of life and death.