KOMBUCHA is a workplace horror-comedy that has a lot going for it. A very small cast, an extremely simple premise, and a character-driven story with lots of kitsch and familiar references. It is definitely worth watching – whether you love or loathe the drink. Read our full Kombucha movie review here!

KOMBUCHA may be an acquired taste, but this horror-comedy is not. It is an absolute recommendation for fans of the horror and comedy hybrid. A genre-mix, I am a huge fan of. This one specifically combines a dark workplace comedy with a sinister horror twist.

The runtime is 1 hour and 34 minutes, which works just fine for the storyline. And really, I don’t have too much to complain about, but it was missing something (an extra edge of some kind) for me to give a higher rating. However, I never considered going any lower for my rating of this movie.

Continue reading our Kombucha movie review below. Find it on Digital from December 2, 2025.

Too good to be true?

As workplace horror-comedy goes, Kombucha begins with a familiar premise: If something sounds too good to be true, there’s obviously a catch of some kind. Admittedly, no one could be expected to predict the catch in the case of this workplace.

We meet a struggling musician just as his girlfriend is getting fed up with him. To be honest, I can understand why. He’s a slob who slags off and has the audacity to diss her job while enjoying what her paycheck can provide. Chasing his dream, and offering no support to her, as she supports them both.

So, she decides it’s time for a break, just as an old musician friend comes around with a job offer. The pay starts at over 100K per year, and he doesn’t need any special skills or talent. Just a recommendation.

As he begins, it becomes obvious that he also needs to drink their product, which is kombucha. Now, you may not be a fan of kombucha, but once anyone tries this particular recipe, they are hooked. As in addicted to the stuff. Suddenly, they can do anything and be their very best self.

Well, maybe not so much themself as the ideal worker.

David Cronenberg meets The Office

Kombucha has very appropriately been described as “David Cronenberg meets The Office”. A comparison to Severance may not be too far off, either, as these employees really end up being all about the job. And the kombucha! It truly is a body horror workplace story… involving a very special kind of mother, as well.

Of course, we get to enjoy lots of workplace references, including the buzzwords and fluff words of many offices. From “circling back” to celebrating a huge contract, this is satire gold.

Kombucha stars Terrance Carey, Claire McFadden, and Paige Bourne. Sure, there are more actors in this movie, but these three are key players. Okay, also Jesse Kendall should be mentioned here. And just wait until you meet “Mother”.

Watch Kombucha on Digital & Blu-ray or DVD

Kombucha was written & directed by Jake Myers, who has managed to create a wonderful genre hybrid. One that isn’t too scary for those who will love the comedy and satire. Also, it has lots of deliciously yucky body horror elements with gorgeous practical effects, which should please horror fans.

Oh, but please don’t get me wrong. This may be kitsch and include comedy, but it is first and foremost a workplace body-horror movie. A story of all the free kombucha you can contain, paired with “workplace horror drenched in fluorescent lights and teeming with suspicious team building”. If that sounds good to you, then you must check out this one!

This Kombucha horror story in film form will be available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and more starting December 2nd. Also, physical editions will be available for order the same day, making it a nice little Christmas present idea for the kombucha-loving horror fan in your life.

Kombucha is available on Digital Platforms & Blu-ray/DVD December 2, 2025.

Details

Written & Directed By: Jake Myers
Starring: Terrance Carey, Claire McFadden, Paige Bourne

Plot

A mind-altering drink makes employees work themselves to death.

TROLL 2 on Netflix is the sequel to the 2022 hit movie from Norway. I’ll admit I wasn’t too hopeful it would work a second time. However, I found the plot of this one to work almost even better, so I watched it with a huge smile on my face. Well, when it wasn’t too scary or sad. Read our full review of the Troll 2 Netflix movie here!

TROLL 2 is on Netflix worldwide exactly three years after the first movie was released. In this sequel, we follow many of the same characters, so it feels very familiar right off the bat. Well, the characters that survived are still here, anyway. Of course, we have flashbacks, so most can be included that way.

Also, fair warning, don’t expect everyone to make it out alive this time around either. Yes, this movie will end in a huge fight, which usually means not everyone can survive. Still, this one was a brutal blow, I must say. For the record, my exact rating is closer to 3½, but since we don’t do halves, I’m rounding it up to 4 out of 5.

Continue reading our Troll 2 Netflix movie review below. Find it on Netflix from December 1, 2025.

None the wiser

In Troll 2, a dangerous new troll has been awakened. So, not unlike the events of the previous movie, and yet many appear to be none the wiser. They still think they can use modern technology to contain or control this ancient being made of and by nature.

As a result, this new troll will be unleashing devastation across Norway. Again!

Of course, those who did appear somewhat smarter the first time around are still ready to fight smarter in this sequel. This mostly means the adventurers Nora and Andreas, who try to understand instead of “just” fighting. Also, there’s Captain Kris (who is now a major, but that doesn’t have quite the same ring), and he is still quick to use brawn over brain.

An unexpected hero… or two?!

Don’t worry, I won’t be doing spoilers for Troll 2, but I have to highlight that I loved the unexpected heroes of the story. One is “Beautiful”, and the other is not as surprising, but plays a much bigger role than I expected.

As someone from Scandinavia, this whole troll universe isn’t new to me, and maybe that’s why I expected something else or more from the first movie. However, in this sequel, I feel like the small stuff that didn’t work too well for me comes together much better in Troll 2.

I especially loved how parts of the solution to the rampage of the troll meant looking back at the ancient history of Norway. Figuring out how trolls were treated, and what changed from when they lived in a world alongside human beings. From religion to monarchy, this fantasy universe touches on all the stuff that our countries have been built on over centuries.

In the main cast, we still have Ine Maria Wilmann as Nora Tidemann, Kim Falck as Andreas, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen as “Captain Kris” with Sara Khorami (Post Mortem) as Marion. It’s not a huge cast, but it is very good!

Watch Troll 2 on Netflix

Roar Uthaug is once again the director of the Netflix sequel, just as he was on the first movie. Also, Roar Uthaug wrote the story for Troll 2, while Espen Aukan is the script writer. Basically, this movie was made with exactly the same constellation as the first one.

With a runtime of just over 100 minutes (1 hour and 42 minutes, to be exact), it doesn’t run for too long for its storyline. As a rule, I think it’s fair to say that anyone who enjoyed the first movie will like this one.

Do not switch Troll 2 off too quickly. There is an end-credit scene, which very much teases a third movie. One I will gladly watch after this solid sequel.

Troll 2 premieres globally on Netflix on December 1, 2025.

Details

Director: Roar Uthaug
Story: Roar Uthaug
Script: Espen Aukan
Cast: Ine Maria Wilmann, Sara Khorami, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen, Kim Falck

Plot

When a dangerous new troll unleashes devastation across their homeland, Nora, Andreas and Major Kris embark on their most perilous mission yet.

PRIMITIVE WAR is a new horror movie that plays out during the Vietnam War and features dinosaurs. Lots of them. Also, this is nowhere near as kitsch as that sounds. The movie is based on a book, and the premise is surprisingly elegant. Read our full Primitive War movie review here!

PRIMITIVE WAR is a horror movie with a plot that worked surprisingly well. With a runtime of well over two hours, I was worried that it would be very slow. It isn’t. Not at all. What it is, however, is essentially three stories in one movie. And that’s not a bad thing either.

It begins as a somewhat classic Vietnam War movie following a group of soldiers. Then we move into a dinosaur plot, and then there’s the final act about how the dinosaurs came to be in Vietnam in 1968. All three are very interesting, and the storytelling works so much better than I ever expected. Even more surprising, so did the special effects.

Continue reading our Primitive War movie review here!

Vietnam 1968… with dinosaurs

Primitive War plays out in Vietnam in 1968, where we meet a search and rescue team known as the “Vulture Squad”. Having just returned from one intense mission, they are sent to the next. Of course, much of the mission is classified, so all they know is that they need to save a missing Green Beret platoon.

The Vultures hunt through the jungle, doing their best to avoid danger, so they can get to the missing Green Berets as soon as possible. Of course, avoiding the enemy doesn’t matter much when suddenly dinosaurs are roaming around in Vietnam.

Yes, dinosaurs have somehow been unleashed. In Vietnam. In 1968. And yes, we do get answers about the how and why of this wild situation. What’s important to the storyline of Primitive War is how the members of “Vulture Squad” decide to act. Very quickly, they recognize that they may have to rely more on their own savage instincts to survive this madness.

Impressive dinosaurs and a great cast

Sure, you may see Jeremy Piven in much of the PR material, but this isn’t really his movie. He’s in it, and his character is important, but he’s not the one out in the field. That would be the leader of the Vultures, and he’s portrayed by Ryan Kwanten. An actor I have adored in pretty much everything he’s done. From True Blood and Glorious to Them.

In other key roles are Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica, Lucifer) and Nick Wechsler (The Boys, The Hunting Party).

Also, we get to see Anthony Ingruber (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Aaron Glenane (Killing Ground), Carlos Sanson Jr (Legacies), Ana Thu Nguyen (Mortal Kombat 2), Marcus Johnson (Talk to Me), and Jake Ryan (Savage), among several others.

Along with the actors, we see many different dinosaurs. Much of the action happens during nightfall, which is a smart move as it doesn’t require quite as many details. However, we do also see plenty of dinosaurs during the daytime, and they often hold up very nicely. Regardless of their budget, I feel the production quality is way higher than one could expect!

Watch Primitive War in UK cinemas or on VOD in the US

Primitive War is written and directed by Luke Sparke. We recently reviewed his 2024 movie Scurry, as it was released on digital. This dinosaur war hybrid is based on the 2017 sci-fi military novel series of the same name by Ethan Pettus. It was produced by Luke Sparke with Carmel Imrie and Carly Sparke (Occupation: Rainfall, Bring Him to Me, and Scurry).

The worldbuilding is very impressive, and I was happy to see that this wasn’t made as a kitsch B-movie. I mean, when you describe the plot, it’s too easy to think a filmmaker would go the route of Sharknado or something similar. This is not that kind of story, and the movie fortunately reflects that.

I have no problem admitting that I would love a sequel. Also, I haven’t read the novel series, but it sounds like there could be more to work on from that alone.

Primitive War is out in UK and Irish cinemas from November 28, 2025. It’s already out on digital in the US.

Details

Director: Luke Sparke
Writer: Luke Sparke
Cast: Ryan Kwanten, Jeremy Piven, Tricia Helfer, Nick Weschler, Anthony Ingruber, Aaron Glenane, Carlos Sanson Jr, Ana Thu Nguyen, Adolphus Waylee, Richard Brancatisano, Marcus Johnson, Jake Ryan

Plot

Vietnam. 1968. A search and rescue team known as “Vulture Squad” is sent to an isolated jungle valley to uncover the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon. As they hunt through the primordial depths of the valley, they discover ancient horrors that not only threaten to unravel their minds, but to end their lives as well. Dinosaurs have somehow been unleashed…

STRANGER THINGS Season 5 Volume 1 is finally out on Netflix now. That means more of the wonderful genre hybrid featuring sci-fi, horror, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and action. And yes, it does get very dark, yet again. The four new episodes in Volume 1 are all at least one hour long, so clear your calendar. Read our Stranger Things S5 Vol. 1 review here!

STRANGER THINGS Season 5 Volume 1 on Netflix offers the first four episodes of the fifth and final season of the Netflix hit series. We’ll get an additional three episodes for Christmas in Volume 2, and then “The Finale” will be out on New Year’s Eve.

Also, expect all the episodes to between around one hour in runtime, and actual feature film length. Hey, I’m not complaining. I have loved this 1980s genre-mix of a series since the very first episode. Actually, even just from the plot and the first trailer, I knew I was hooked. Now, we’re entering the final episodes to learn the fate of Hawkins.

Continue reading our Stranger Things S5 Vol 1 review below. Start watching on Netflix now.

Hawkins is under siege

We begin with a quick recap of Stranger Things Season 4, which also means you’ll need to look up recaps that cover more than just the previous season. I found one from Looper on YouTube that covered all four previous seasons, and it’s worth checking out if you want an in-depth refresher of past events. Find it here >

After the quick S4 recap, we’re ready to keep going, but Hawkins isn’t quite as before. There’s a military presence, and Hawkins is very much a city under siege. Now, it’s both from the many military personnel all over, and due to the fact that everyone in the town must remain there. Yep, a good ol’ fashioned quarantine.

The huge crack in the surface, which was described as the result of an earthquake, has been paved over with metal sheets. Other than that, soldiers continue moving in and out of the “Upside Down” through Rifts.

We’re in the Fall of 1987, and all our heroes (kids, teenagers, and adults) have a common goal of wanting to find and kill Vecna. Of course, Vecna has a plan of his own, and once that is put into action, several characters will pay the price. This is not a show for kids, and a lot of blood will be spilled.

Eleven is in hiding, but just wants to help, and knows she is probably the only hope of defeating Vecna. However, Hopper wants to protect her, and (as always) they end up fighting a lot.

Lots of familiar faces – and a few new ones

As always, the cast of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 is led by Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers and David Harbour as Jim Hopper. They are the adults who have worked with the “kids” since the beginning.

The kids (of very varying ages by now) consist of Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, and Noah Schnapp as Will Byers. Also, Sadie Sink is still here as Max Mayfield, who sadly ended up in a coma by the end of season 4. She’s still there as this story begins.

Among those who have been teenagers since they entered the story, we have Natalia Dyer as Mike’s older sister Nancy Wheeler, Charlie Heaton as Will’s older brother Jonathan Byers, and Joe Keery as the ever-charming and brave (if sometimes not the brightest) Steve Harrington. Also, Maya Hawke is still on board as Robin Buckley.

Many other recurring characters are back, which I’m happy to report includes Priah Ferguson as Lucas’s fierce little sister, Erica Sinclair, and Cara Buono as the Wheeler matriarch, Karen Wheeler. Also returning, of course, is Jamie Campbell Bower as Vecna – also known in his human form as Henry.

For me, the most interesting new addition is Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay, but we’ll also be seeing more of Alex Breaux as Lt. Akers. Overall, there are lots of people working in or for the military. Plus, Nell Fisher (Evil Dead Rise) will play a bigger role as the younger Wheeler sibling, Holly.

Watch Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 on Netflix now

As always, the Stranger Things series comes from creators The Duffer Brothers. It’s produced by Upside Down Pictures & 21 Laps Entertainment, and yes, The Duffer Brothers serve as executive producers. Of course!

Also, executive producing is Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine) of 21 Laps Entertainment and Dan Cohen (The Boogeyman, Love and Monsters, There’s Someone Inside Your House).

If you’ve been a fan of Stranger Things this far, you should be happy with how this final season is beginning. It does get very dark and violent. Sure, this has always been the case, but it is very bloody alongside the “typical” psychological warfare we’ve experienced from the Upside Down. Consider yourself warned… and enjoy the ride towards The Finale.

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1 debuts on Netflix on November 26, 2025.

Details

Creators: The Duffer Brothers
Cast: Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Jim Hopper), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas Sinclair), Noah Schnapp (Will Byers), Sadie Sink (Max Mayfield), Natalia Dyer (Nancy Wheeler), Charlie Heaton (Jonathan Byers), Joe Keery (Steve Harrington), Maya Hawke (Robin Buckley), Priah Ferguson (Erica Sinclair), Brett Gelman (Murray), Jamie Campbell Bower (Vecna), Cara Buono (Karen Wheeler), Amybeth McNulty (Vickie), Nell Fisher (Holly Wheeler), Jake Connelly (Derek Turnbow), Alex Breaux (Lt. Akers), and Linda Hamilton (Dr. Kay).

Plot

The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.

FRANKENSTEIN (2025) on Netflix is Guillermo del Toro’s breathtaking take on the iconic sci-fi horror novel by Mary Shelley. A masterpiece well worth the runtime of nearly 150 minutes. Read our full review of the 2025 Frankenstein and check it out on Netflix now!

FRANKENSTEIN (2025) is the new Netflix movie from Guillermo del Toro. It’s a story many genre fans know well, but that doesn’t make it any less important or relevant in this 2025 version by the iconic genre filmmaker.

This is a genre adventure driven by the wildly innovative sci-fi plot from the mind of Mary Shelley. One that, in our age of AI, is perhaps even more relevant than ever before. Also, Victor is portrayed as the true monster, as he always should be.

Continue reading our full Frankenstein (2025) movie review below. Find it on Netflix from November 7, 2025.

Only Monsters Play God

In this 2025 version of Mary Shelley’s sci-fi horror novel, Guillermo del Toro is unapologetically focusing on the fact that Victor Frankenstein is the monster. The creature is merely trying to exist in a life he never asked for.

It’s even right there in the tagline for Frankenstein: “Only Monsters Play God.” The runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes might sound very long, but this is also quite an elaborate story.

Not least as we hear it from Victor’s side first, before the Creature comes with his own tale of life after Victor abandoned him. Often in movies based on Mary Shelley’s story, we get one or the other.

With Guillermo del Toro at the helm, we get both.

An eerily relevant cautionary tale

In its essence, Frankenstein has often been about the conundrum many scientists (and even artists) face: Just because you can do something, it doesn’t mean you should.

Right now, we’re seeing AI take over in many areas of our lives. And sadly, often in the areas that require creativity and innovation. Now, I’m not against AI per default, but I do wish it were used for the many other things that would spare us instead of replacing us in endeavors we enjoy.

With Frankenstein, Victor is so engrossed with the idea that he can create life that he never stops to wonder what will come next. Not unlike many pro-lifers, ironically. And the concept of nurture is clearly very far from the mind of this Creator.

The cast of Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein

Oscar Isaac does a wonderful job of portraying Victor Frankenstein in all his glory and contempt. Of course, I always like Oscar Isaac, so I expected as much.

What’s much more important to me is seeing Jacob Elordi as the creature. One that looks a lot like the Prometheus being in Alien: Prometheus. Of course, the full title of  Mary Shelley’s novel is also “Frankenstein; or: The Modern Prometheus”.

Jacob Elordi has an impressive physical presence, but what’s more is the gentle way he is able to present The Creature. Sure, he can do just about anything physically – including revive again and again – but the heart and soul of the Creature are at the forefront here.

Mia Goth also makes a huge impact. First as Victor’s mother (with a few changes to her appearance) and then as the woman engaged to Victor’s brother, William, but wanted by Victor himself. However, she is more intrigued by the Creature – and vice versa.

In other key roles, we see Christian Convery (The Monkey), Christoph Waltz (The Consultant), Charles Dance (The First Omen), David Bradley (Pinocchio), and Felix Kammerer (All Quiet on the Western Front).

Additionally, the story is told while Victor is on a Danish ship, allowing us to see Danish actors Lars Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas throughout the movie.

Watch Frankenstein (2025) on Netflix now

Frankenstein in this 2025 version has been long-awaited. Not least after it was revealed that Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro (Cabinet of Curiosities, The Shape of Water) would be adapting Mary Shelley’s classic sci-fi story.

Guillermo del Toro directed and wrote the screenplay for this new masterpiece. And yes, I do feel it is a masterpiece. Especially due to the focus on Victor’s egotistical wish and narcissistic tendencies. This has always been key to the horror of the plot.

The novel by Mary Shelley is from 1818, written when she was just 19 years old, but the story is still relevant today. And I will admit that I also appreciate that Guillermo del Toro kept the story in this age. I wouldn’t expect anything less from him.

In case it isn’t obvious, I am a huge fan of the Mexican genre filmmaker. However, I also knew ahead of watching Frankenstein that this could result in mismatched expectations.

Honestly, I’m not sure what I expected, but I am very happy with what I received.

Frankenstein (2025) is on Netflix globally from November 7, 2025.

Details

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Script: Guillermo del Toro
Cast: Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Charles Dance, Christoph Waltz, Christian Convery

Plot

Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro reimagines Mary Shelley’s classic tale of a brilliant scientist and the creature his monstrous ambition brings to life.

PREDATOR: BADLANDS is a new Sci-Fi Thriller in the long-running PREDATOR franchise. This time, it’s about a young Predator outcast and features Elle Fanning as a synth. This movie ties it to the ALIEN franchise yet again. Read our Predator: Badlads movie review here!

PREDATOR: BADLANDS is a new Sci-Fi Action Thriller that both continues and re-invents the franchise. I remember growing up watching Predator movies, where you never saw the creature much. After all, its strength was its camouflage.

In this movie, it’s a classic hero’s journey – but the hero is a Predator. Personally, I love this different approach. Otherwise, I could just rewatch the old movies. The runtime is 1 hour and 47 minutes, which worked much better than I expected.

Continue reading our Predator: Badlands movie review below. Find it in theaters from November 7, 2025.

A young outcast Yautja

In Predator: Badlands, the story plays out in the future on a deadly remote planet called “Genna”. Before we get that far, we first meet Dek, a young Predator outcast, who desperately wants to earn his place in this clan.

Also, we should call things by their rightful names, so I should refer to Dek as a Yautja. And Dek has decided that to earn his place in the world, he needs to kill an unkillable creature called a “Kalisk”.

WHAT IS A YAUTJA?

We may call the creatures in this franchise a “Predator”, but they’re actually called a “Yautja”. Just like the alien from the Alien franchise is a Xenomorph.

Quick note: The actual title of Predator: Badlands doesn’t come until around 20 minutes into the runtime. That’s when Dek arrives on Genna, and his journey begins. And yes, this is very much a hero’s journey, which I loved.

With Dek as the main character, we also hear a foreign language spoken a lot. Namely that of the Yautja. However, as soon as Thia, a synthetic (or just “synth”), joins him on this mission, she uses her universal language module to help us all.

A quick line explains how she can speak English, but anyone who hears her talk will hear what she says in their own language. Like a highly advanced Google Translate, if you will.

Weyland-Yutani causing problems universally

Once again, much of the struggle for our hero comes from the Weyland-Yutani Corporation. Just as it has been the case in many Alien movies, which once again ties the Predator and Alien franchises closer together.

So does the use of synthetics, which has always been key to Alien movies. Most recently also the Alien: Earth series. Maybe the next Predator movie will expand on this? And yes, the ending of Predator: Badlands does call for a sequel!

Elle Fanning is great as the synth in Predator: Badlands and becomes a mentor for the Yautja, Dek, who is played by body actor Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi.

Both deliver strong and organic performances in this sci-fi universe. Also, as someone who grew up on those first Predator movies, I feel it has some of the tongue-in-cheek humor they did. But often with a more contemporary twist.

What is true strength?

Obviously, a Yautja is a top predator who would never recognize that a synth (or anyone else) could teach them something. However, survival is about adapting, and sometimes strength comes from learning and working together, instead of fighting everyone.

Yes, I will gladly admit that I loved the message of Predator: Badlands, which focuses on the many ways to show strength. Particularly, the choice to protect and lead, rather than control and abuse.

Something many will see as very woke, I’m sure. Then again, The Golden Girls would be considered woke if it aired today, so I can’t be bothered by that.

There’s even a focus on the concept of an “Alpha”. In this movie, it comes up when speaking of leadership within a pack of wolves, but I’m sure many would do well to pay attention and actually understand this.

Watch Predator: Badlands in theaters

Predator: Badlands comes from director Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane). He also directed the previous Predator movie Prey (2022) and co-directed the 2025 animated Hulu movie Predator: Killer of Killers.

This new story also comes from Dan Trachtenberg with Patrick Aison. The screenplay was written by Patrick Aison (Prey). And, of course, Jim Thomas and John Thomas also get prominent billing and credit for “based on characters by”.

They wrote the original Predator movie from 1987, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers, which had the same runtime as this 2025 movie. The original movie was directed by John McTiernan (Die Hard).

If you’ve enjoyed any of the previous Predator movies (or even the Alien franchise), then don’t miss out on this one. Also, if you can, make sure you watch it in a movie theater for maximum impact.

PREDATOR: BADLANDS is out In Theaters on November 7, 2025.

Details

In Theaters: November 7, 2025
Genres: Thriller, Science Fiction, Action
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Screenplay: Patrick Aison
Story: Patrick Aison, Dan Trachtenberg
Cast: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi

Plot

Set in the future on a deadly remote planet, Predator: Badlands follows Dek, a young Predator outcast from his clan, who finds an unlikely ally in Thia and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary.

R.L. STINE’S PUMPKINHEAD on Tubi is a new YA Horror Movie for the whole family. Or rather, most of it, as it’s rated TV-14. Released just in time for Halloween, this comes from director Jem Garrard. Read our full review of the R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead movie here!

R.L. STINE’S PUMPKINHEAD is a new Tubi horror movie made for a younger audience. It could be a solid choice for Halloween for the entire family. However, this also means any hardcore horror fan shouldn’t expect anything too wild or intense.

The official rating is TV-14, and it is based on an R.L. Stine story, which should give you an idea of what to expect. For this Young-Adult horror movie about a pumpkin-creature, the runtime is at an efficient 90 minutes. Of course, with commercial breaks, it’s a lot longer.

WANT IT DARKER?

There’s the new V/H/S/Halloween out on Shudder now >

Continue reading our R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead movie review below. Find it on Tubi now.

Welcome to harvest season

A family moves from the big city, New York, to the small town of Redhaven, just as harvest season hits. The 13-year-old Sam may have thought that moving to this small town was as bad as it could get, but it’s about to get much worse as his older brother Finn disappears.

He doesn’t go missing, but simply vanishes, and then no one else can remember that he ever existed. Even their mom has no memory of her oldest son, and pictures of the family now only show Sam and his mom, while Finn has disappeared in every way possible.

With Halloween quickly approaching, Sam and his new friend, Becka (the daughter of the town’s Sheriff), must solve this mystery. They get help from Redhaven’s eccentric outcast, Rusty, who speaks of a strange and sinister harvest curse.

Can they save Finn before it’s too late? Or is he lost forever?!

Fun, scares, and pumpkin adventure

This latest Tubi genre addition is a young-adult horror movie that could just as easily (and more accurately) be called a YA horror-comedy. There is a lot of humor and comedy throughout, which results in a nice blend of chills, thrills, and fun.

With both fun moments and efficient jump scares, R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead is an adventurous genre-mix perfect for the whole family.

The new Tubi YA horror story stars Bean Reid, Adeline Lo (Sorry For Your Cost), Kevin McNulty (Snakes on a Plane, Lowlifes), Bob Frazer (Motherland: Fort Salem), Matty Finochio (Night of the Reaper), and Seth Isaac Johnson (My Old Ass, iZombie).

Watch R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead on Tubi now

Jem Garrard is the writer and director of this Tubi movie, which is of course based on a short story by R.L. Stine. Most of Jem Garrard’s previous movies have been South African productions (not that this is part of their plot), but this time is was made in Canada.

Previously, Jem Garrard has directed some amazing Tubi genre movies. Most are deliciously kitsch horror-comedies (or horror with dark comedy), which means this one isn’t like those at all.

Instead, it’s clearly (and lovingly) made with its core demographic in mind: Young Adults.

I don’t know that your average horror fan will find this movie particularly interesting, as it is made for the young-adult audience. However, I do believe it could be a solid introduction to the horror genre for the next generation, so get the family together and enjoy.

Just one final warning: The ending of this YA horror movie is surprisingly brutal!

R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead streams exclusively on Tubi from October 17, 2025.

Details

Director: Jem Garrard
Script: Jem Garrard
Cast: Bean Reid, Adeline Lo, Kevin McNulty, Bob Frazer, Matty Finochio, Seth Isaac Johnson

Plot

When his brother disappears and everyone forgets he existed, Sam must unravel the mystery before Finn is gone forever 

SCURRY is a new horror movie featuring an apocalyptic event with monsters. This is a strong creature feature with few weak spots. Unfortunately, they happen in the final act, which is a real shame. Still, you’ll want to check it out. Read our full Scurry horror movie review here to find out why!

SCURRY is a horror movie coming out on digital and in a limited theatrical run. If you can find a screening, it’s definitely the kind of movie you’ll want to watch on the big screen. After all, this is an apocalyptic horror movie!

The runtime is right around 100 minutes, and the movie plays out in real-time underground as we follow two strangers trying to survive. Unfortunately, the tagline is “They Come From Below”, so the monsters are there with them.

Continue reading our Scurry movie review below. Find it on Digital from October 3, 2025.

Welcome to the apocalypse

Scurry being with an attack that we don’t fully see or have any chance of understanding. A man (Jamie Costa) wakes up at the bottom of what looks like a sinkhole in the middle of a city road.

He believes an earthquake has happened, as they have been happening very frequently in recent weeks. Very soon, he finds himself forced to crawl deeper underground, where he will soon meet a woman (Emalia).

The two strangers are now trapped beneath the chaos happening upstairs. A chaos she managed to witness, while he still hasn’t wrapped his head around the fact that no earthquake happened.

They come from below… but what are “they”?

His focus on earthquakes will soon change, as he discovers something is underground with them. The strangers are both wounded and disoriented, but have to keep moving through narrow underground tunnels.

Why are there tunnels, you may wonder? Well, what you should be asking yourself is what made these tunnels that are big enough for people to crawl around in?

Something huge and skilled at living underground would be all you need to know.

What follows is a very claustrophobic horror experience where any hope is quickly squashed… but giving up is not an option!

The power of real-time horror

I love that Scurry plays out in real-time as it lends an intensity (and, let’s be honest, stressful experience) to watching it. Admittedly, I am an even bigger fan of one-shot horror movies, but those are truly a crazy endeavor.

In any case, the monster element of Scurry is the star, and that works brilliantly. The monsters bringing about the actual apocalypse are huge insects that reminded me of both spiders (but with just six legs) and also crabs, somehow.

Trust me, the creatures are scary by their size alone, but being trapped underground with them is where the real horror kicks in.

For the vast majority of the runtime, we have just two characters to follow: A man and a woman. They do not know each other, and while the man wants to team up with the woman, she is all about surviving… not being a team player.

You can’t really blame her – and, to be fair, he doesn’t – but it does seem smarter to work together in their situation.

Watch Scurry on digital

Luke Sparke is the director of Scurry, which premiered at the 2024 Sydney Film Festival. Made as a real-time horror movie with a one-shot feel, this apocalyptic monster story, written by Tom Evans, worked remarkably well.

Most recently, the two also worked together on the 2023 crime thriller Bring Him to Me. Since then, Luke Sparke also made the 2025 dinosaur war movie Primitive War.

Monsters and apocalyptic stories have always been part of his DNA as a filmmaker. His directorial debut was with Red Billabong (2016), then came Occupation (2018) and its 2020 sequel, depicting an alien invasion in Australia. 

For me, Scurry was an overall strong monster movie. It’s simply a lull in the final act that took away some of the joy. Had this part been a little tighter, we would have given this a 4 out of 5 rating. I’m making a point of telling you this to highlight that it’s a strong recommendation to watch.

Scurry debuts on all major digital platforms on October 3, 2025. This will coincide with a limited theatrical run.

Details

Director: Luke Sparke
Writer: Tom Evans
Cast: Jamie Costa & Emalia

Plot

The film tells the story of two strangers who find themselves trapped underground when their city is attacked by a monstrous threat. Badly injured and with limited resources, they must navigate a treacherous, narrowing tunnel in hopes of finding an exit before they bleed out.

DOLLY is a new extreme horror movie made in the vein of 1970s slashers but set in our present-day world. World Premiering at Fantastic Fest 2025, where it should definitely reach its ideal audience. Read our full Dolly (2025) horror movie review here!

DOLLY is a horror movie getting its World Premiere at Fantastic Fest 2025. It’s the kind of slasher where you should stay seated until the very end to make sure you watch all of it.

Despite playing out in the present, it’s made exactly like a 1970s horror movie. Even the masked villain has a lot in common with those iconic horror villains. The runtime is just 1 hour and 22 minutes, so it’s an extreme but short watch.

Continue reading our 2025 Dolly horror movie review below.

Perfect for fans of old school slashers

Dolly quickly turns into a survival story for Macy (Fabienne Therese). She’s a young woman who was just supposed to go camping in the woods for a weekend with her boyfriend, Chase (Seann William Scott).

However, they don’t make it very far into their trip before they come across their first warning: Dolls. Lots and lots of dolls. On the ground, hanging from trees, nailed to trees.

Seeing lots of dolls on some strange display in the middle of a forest is never a good sign.

Very soon, Macy is abducted by a strange monster-like figure. Someone big and strong, wearing a doll’s head mask. Also, this person kills violently and seems very difficult to fight back against.

Finally, Macy quickly learns that “Dolly” (Max the Impaler – yes, you read that right) wants to raise Macy as their own child. Oh yes, get ready for everything that entails.

An iconic new Horror Villain

With Dolly, we’re getting a brand new 1970s-style slasher villain, but with a present-day movie and characters who feel confident that what’s going on cannot be real.

We’re talking about a villain comparable to Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, and even Leatherface. Not only due to the fact that Dolly wears a mask, but also in terms of dysfunctional family patterns, and a tenacious ability to stay alive.

No matter how much blood they lose.

Also, you can run while they walk, and you still cannot get away. Again, Dolly comes across like a wonderful homage to the extreme slashers of the 1970s, and fans of those movies should have a blast with this one.

Dolly World Premiere at Fantastic Fest

The 2025 Dolly slasher comes from director Rod Blackhurst, who previously gave us the zombie horror drama Here Alone (2016), which I really enjoyed. The screenplay is written by Rod Blackhurst & Brandon Weavil (his feature debut).

For this latest, and very different, horror movie, it’s much more about the visual horror and extreme discomfort. Here Alone was more of a horror drama with thriller and sci-fi elements.

Admittedly, I preferred his 2016 movie, but that should take nothing away from this 2025 release. Dolly is an extreme experience that dives headfirst into the vibe of 1970s slasher with lots of deliciously wild practical effects.

Dolly (2025) had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2025.

Details

Director: Rod Blackhurst
Writers: Rod Blackhurst, Brandon Weavil
Cast: Fabianne Therese, Seann William Scott, Ethan Suplee, Max the Impaler

Plot

A young woman, Macy, fights for survival after being abducted by a deranged, monster-like figure who wants to raise Macy as their child.

WEDNESDAY: SEASON 2 Part 2 is on Netflix, and what a deliciously dark ending to the second season. These four final episodes are impossible not to binge-watch, and they deliver on every level. I cannot wait for season 3. Read our full Wednesday Season 2 Part 2 series review here!

WEDNESDAY: SEASON 2 Part 2 is now on Netflix for your viewing pleasure. And yes, it is most definitely a pleasure. A dark and diabolical pleasure in the classic Addams Family way.

YOU MIGHT LIKE…

Check out our Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 review here >

With these four final episodes of season 2, we’re getting some truly memorable scenes. As always, the series offers dark and heartbreaking moments along with some lighter scenes with comedy – very dark comedy, obviously.

Continue reading our Wednesday Season 2 Part 2 review below. Find the four new episodes on Netflix from September 3, 2025.

Wednesday and Weems

While Wednesday has always been centered on the relationship between Wednesday Addams and Enid Sinclair as roommates, there is another big personality in Wednesday’s life… and she’s back for part 2 of the second season.

Yes, Gwendoline Christie is back as Larissa Weems. The Principal of Nevermore Academy, who didn’t survive Season 1, but in this universe, you can always return to the other side. In this particular case, as Wednesday’s spirit guide.

This “honor” is only bestowed upon blood relatives, but I’ll let you discover that connection for yourself as you watch the story unfold.

Personally, I didn’t realize how much I had missed the scenes with Weems and Wednesday until they were back. They are so tough on one another, but there is a respect (or at the very least, an acknowledgement) of each other’s strengths there.

The struggle to save Enid

Getting back to that core relationship in Wednesday’s life, she is still on a mission to save Enid. After a premonition in Season 2 Part 1 showed her that Enid would die, it has been the core mission for Wednesday to save her friend and roommate.

Of course, Wednesday doesn’t come out and tell Enid anything, so their relationship is quite strained. Also, Enid is “wolfing out” more and trying to find her place in her werewolf pack. It’s a little messy, but not in an annoying way.

Also, in Wednesday Season 2 Part 2, we will finally see Lady Gaga in action. I won’t spoil anything here, but she portrays someone Wednesday will have to turn to as she tries to get her gift of sight back.

From the very beginning of Wednesday on Netflix, I have loved the relationship between Enid and Wednesday. The colorful brightness of Enid only makes Wednesday’s cold black-and-white worldview stand out even more.

And yet, there is a respect and an attempt to understand one another. Not least thanks to Thing, who also has a soft spot for Enid.

Speaking of Thing, we will learn of his origin in Wednesday Season 2 part 2, and whoa, was that ever a wild twist. I absolutely loved it!

Watch Wednesday Season 2 Part 2 on Netflix now

The team that worked on Part 1 of Season 2 is still on board for this second part of the season. That includes everyone from the cast (the ones who survived, anyway) and the writer and directors.

Of course, there are a few new faces in the cast as well. Most notably, Gwendoline Christie and Lady Gaga. Both are wonderful, as always, but Gwendoline Christie absolutely steals the show for me.

The four episodes in Part 2 are directed by Angela Robinson (True Blood) and Tim Burton. The very final episode of season 2 is directed by Tim Burton, which brings us full circle as he also directed the opening episode of the season.

As a season, the core story also comes full circle, but will still leave plenty of questions unanswered and tease new dangers for a third season. Including teasing something very specific, so now I cannot wait for Wednesday Season 3.

Wednesday Season 2 Part 2 is on Netflix from September 3, 2025.

Details

Creators: Alfred Gough & Miles Millar
Directors: Tim Burton, Angela Robinson
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Steve Buscemi, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Emma Myers, Joy Sunday, Luis Guzmán, Hunter Doohan, Billie Piper, Isaac Ordonez, Victor Dorobantu, Georgie Farmer, Moosa Mostafa, Evie Templeton, Owen Painter, Noah Taylor, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo, Joanna Lumley, Lady Gaga, Frances O’Conner

Plot

When her psychic powers falter, Wednesday must fight to regain them — or face deadly consequences for Enid and others at Nevermore.