THE FORBIDDEN LANDS is an Italian folk horror movie (org. title: Le Terre Incolte). I was surprised that it was more fantasy-laced than I expected, so that threw me off a little. However, I absolutely respected the choices and the use of practical effects. Read our The Forbidden Lands movie review here!

THE FORBIDDEN LANDS is a folk horror movie from Italy (org. title: Le Terre Incolte), which threw me for quite a loop. There were elements of it that worked really well, and then other parts that did not work for me at all.

As a result, I’m probably at around a 2½ out of 5, but I am ending on a 2 because I just wasn’t happy with the plot. Specifically, the storytelling needed a stronger sense of direction for me to be satisfied. That’s a personal preference, I recognize that, but here we are.

Continue reading our The Forbidden Lands movie review below.

Superstition in a village

The Forbidden Lands plays out in a small Italian town. When exactly is very difficult to say. The people in the village look like they could be living in two different centuries, if you go by their clothes or the tools they use for their work. Honestly, I never did feel certain whether this was an intentional choice or just the props that were available and/or looked good.

To me, this breaks the illusion very early on, and that is never to the advantage of the movie or story.

Very quickly, it becomes a story of superstition in the Italian village, and I can relate to that. Fear spreads like wildfire after several mysterious deaths in the nearby forest. The villagers are quick to label a young woman as a witch and blame her. Then two strange men arrive, claiming to be messengers of the Lord, and the townspeople see them as saviors.

Classic, right? Blame the strange woman, believe the unknown men.

Fantasy Folk Horror from Italy

Of course, not everyone trusts the men, and women will end up being the saviors in many ways. It begins with one woman, who joins forces with a free-spirited girl and an outcast accused of witchcraft (yep, the “witch”), and together they focus on finding answers instead of making strange offerings to strangers claiming to be sent by God.

Admittedly, The Forbidden Lands was challenged by the previous Italian genre movie I watched. It was called The Holy Boy, and I absolutely loved it. While I recognize this one is very different, I was hoping it would surprise me in positive ways too, and it could not live up to that great expectation.

Mostly, the fantasy elements, which included numerous gorgeous practical effects (always points for that), were not my favorite.

The core plot was very intriguing, but the storytelling itself did not work for me. From the acting to the pacing of it all, I was not a happy camper, so I struggled with that from the end of the first act.

The Forbidden Lands is screening at Film Festivals

Mattia De Pascali is the writer and director of The Forbidden Lands (org. title: Le Terre Incolte), and as an Italian independent filmmaker, he is working with a limited budget. I feel he gets a lot out of what he has to work with. For me, the quality of the production is impressive. The story itself, however, is not so much.

Having said that, I truly believe there’s a type of genre film fan that will adore its vibe. I mean, this could be a little cult picture for some genre fans, while others will end up like me: Strangely confused by the plot and not entirely sold on the acting or the choices in directing.

This genre hybrid of a movie recently premiered in the U.S. during the Los Angeles Fantasia Fest (on November 20, 2025). It was also nominated as one of the ten nominees for Best Horror / Thriller Feature Film. Also, it received an Honorable Mention from the Washington Underground Film Festival, so it’s just getting started.

The Forbidden Lands is screening at film festivals now, but it will be out on VOD (and physical media) later.

Details

Director: Mattia De Pascali
Writer: Mattia De Pascali
Stars: Andrea Cananiello, Denise Cimino, Fabrizio La Monica, Paola Medici, Ivan Raganato, Donatella Reverchon, Alessandro Stajano, Giorgio Recchia, Gianni Rizzo

Plot

In a remote Southern Italian village, fear spreads after a series of mysterious disappearances in the nearby woods. When two strangers arrive claiming to be messengers of the Lord, the desperate townspeople see them as saviors — except for one woman, who, with the help of a free-spirited girl and an outcast accused of witchcraft, uncovers a darker truth that lies beyond the edge of the known world.

THE CRYSTAL CUCKOO on Netflix is a new crime thriller series from Spain (org. title: El cuco de cristal). It features a serial killer story spanning many decades in just six strong episodes. Read our full review of The Crystal Cuckoo series here!

THE CRYSTAL CUCKOO is a new Netflix series with a crime thriller plot. It’s a serial killer mystery where you will get all the answers before the end of episode six. In fact, episode 5 is quite a game-changer as it goes back and shows us what has happened.

With a total of six episodes, this Spanish series (org. title: El cuco de cristal) packs quite the punch. It comes from the same author as The Snow Girl, which has two seasons out on Netflix. All six episodes were watched for this review – because it’s a great show!

Continue reading our review of The Crystal Cuckoo series below. Find it on Netflix from November 14, 2025.

From heart attack to murder mystery

The Crystal Cuckoo begins with Clara Merlo (Catalina Sopelana) suffering a massive heart attack. Fortunately, she’s at work as a first-year medical resident, so she couldn’t have a heart attack in a better place.

Once she wakes up, a month has passed, and she now has a new heart. Having been kept alive by machines, she was fortunate enough to get a second chance. As Clara is finding her way back to life, she can’t help but wonder about the donor.

No, not because she’s getting strange visions or has foreign memories suddenly. Those plot elements have been used for several horror movies. Even very efficiently. However, this is not a horror story; it’s a crime thriller mystery, which indirectly involves her donor.

No, that’s not a spoiler, but simply to say that many strange disappearances have happened in the small town, where Clara’s heart donor, Carlos, lived.

Anyway, Clara decides to visit his family.

A picturesque town with secrets

Sometimes, a crime thriller mystery like The Crystal Cuckoo will play out in a town that suddenly feels like something out of The Hills Have Eyes. This is not that kind of small town. Instead, it’s a picturesque and enigmatic small town full of kind people.

And yet, the town also seems to have had more disappearances than could be expected. Sure, some people up and leave their families, and others run away as teenagers, but this goes beyond that.

For Carlos, the man who previously had Clara’s new heart, it was his father who disappeared. Now, Clara is staying in the family’s house, where the mother is still grieving her son’s death (and dealing with her husband’s disappearance decades earlier).

One family tragedy after another

Carlos’s own dad, Miguel Ferrer, was a police officer and an overall good guy, who also had experienced loss; His own sister disappeared years earlier. In fact, Miguel was still searching for answers when he disappeared. Could it all be connected?

Well, yes, and in ways that are even more sinister than you’ll likely imagine after the first few episodes of The Crystal Cuckoo.

There are many time jumps in this Netflix series as we follow the present (or near present) and then go back 20 years. It’s all made very obvious by telling us what year we’re in. Also, you can tell by the aging of the characters.

Watch The Crystal Cuckoo series on Netflix

The new Netflix miniseries The Crystal Cuckoo (org. title: El cuco de cristal) is a new adaptation of a Javier Castillo novel. He also wrote the novel that was made into the Netflix series The Snow Girl, and now another one of his best-selling novels is being adapted.

This Netflix adaptation comes from Jesús Mesas and Javier Andrés Roig (The Snow Girl), and the episodes are directed by Laura Alvea (Animas) and Juan Miguel del Castillo (The Gypsy Bride).

The cast of The Crystal Cuckoo also features several familiar faces for fans of Spanish production. These include star Catalina Sopelana (The Gardener), Alex García (Unknown Origins), Itziar Ituño (Money Heist), Alfons Nieto (Burning Body, Elite), Tomás del Estal (Gangs of Galicia), and Iván Massagué (The Platform).

If you’re in the mood for a strong crime thriller mystery, then you do not want to miss out on The Crystal Cuckoo. It features an insanely sinister and eerily realistic serial killer story that feels like something you could just as easily have come across on the evening news.

All 6 episodes of The Crystal Cuckoo will premiere on November 14, 2025.

Details

Directors: Laura Alvea, Miguel del Castillo
Script: Jesús Mesas, Javier Andrés Roig
Stars: Catalina Sopelana, Alex García, Itziar Ituño, Iván Massagué, Alfons Nieto, Tomás del Estal

Plot

Hoping to learn more about her heart donor, a young doctor arrives in a mountain town where decades of mysterious tragedies plague the small community.

HAD I NOT SEEN THE SUN on Netflix is a new crime thriller series about a serial killer, but it also has a romance plot. It’s not a hybrid I am a fan of, but the plot does work as a whole. If you’re into this genre combination, obviously. Read our Had I Not Seen the Sun Part 1 review here!

HAD I NOT SEEN THE SUN is a new Netflix series with 10 hour-long episodes. And that’s just in part 1. So, yeah, we’re getting close to a soap opera feeling with this many episodes. The same has to be said for the intro, which is very romance-fueled with both its visuals and choice of music.

It’s a serial killer story, where we follow a documentary production trying to get to know the incarcerated man. At its core, this is exactly the kind of plot I’d go for. However, then you add the element of romance, and I’m not too sure anymore. Also, there are many flashbacks that are there for a reason, but this character-driven series is just very slow.

Continue reading our part 1 review of Had I Not Seen the Sun Part below. Find it on Netflix now.

A moth and a butterfly

Had I Not Seen The Sun is the story of the 25-year-old Li Jen-yao. He turns himself in for a series of grisly and cold-blooded murders, which means he also admits to being the serial killer known as “The Rainstorm Killer”.

However, despite admitting to these heinous acts, he never offers any motive. That’s why all reporters and documentary filmmakers are dying to talk to him. Finally, he agrees to do his first-ever interview with the young woman, Chou Pin-yu.

As she gets closer to the convicted serial killer, she starts having unsettling dreams of both the killer and a mysterious girl in uniform. And yes, this Netflix series does have a supernatural and ghostly element as well. Not least with dreams and reality getting mixed up as secrets involving love, hatred, guilt, and redemption come to the surface.

Officially, this series is described as “Blending high-school trauma, forbidden love, and chilling revenge”, which isn’t wrong. It just isn’t nearly as well executed as it could have been, either.

I can see this same core story made into an 8-episode series as a South Korean or Spanish production, and it would be a much darker production. One I know I would’ve enjoyed more.

The light and fluffy elements of the story in Had I Not Seen The Sun are just too cutesy. They are in a jarring contrast to the darker elements of the story, and as a result, both stories suffer.

Do we need to romanticize this?

From the trailer, the story of a moth and a butterfly is at the center. It’s a whole fairytale about how one lives under sunlight while the other is drawn to the moonlight. It’s all very romantic and tragic, which would be fine for a romantic drama, but combining it with this story about a serial killer and his long-lost love is not my thing.

Really, I just am not a fan of the whole serial-killer-romance hybrid.

Without giving away any spoilers, I don’t think we need to romanticize anyone in prison for murder. They already get plenty of attention from women who want to save them and men who can somehow relate to them. No need to add a whole new set of groupies in the form of documentary production workers falling for their charm.

Whether innocent or guilty, it’s not a good look from the get-go.

Watch part 1 of Had I Not Seen The Sun on Netflix now

This new Netflix series comes from the award-winning creators behind Someday or One Day. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Chiang Chi-Cheng and Golden Bell winner Chien Chi-Feng, and written by screenwriters Chien Chi-feng and Lin Hsin-huei. It’s described as a “dark mystery romance series”, which I don’t know if I think is entirely right.

The serial killer element in the opening is dark and intense, but much of the romance is quite light.

Had I Not Seen The Sun is a Netflix series from Taiwan (org. title: Ru Guo Wo Bu Ceng Jian Guo Tai Yang), and while I was hoping for a style similar to a South Korean production, this is much slower than that. I know I’ve already mentioned this, but it bears repeating.

WANT A STRONG GENRE PRODUCTION FROM TAIWAN?

Be sure to check out The Resurrected on Netflix >

The new series from Taiwan is released in two parts. If you’re hooked on this series, then part 2 is coming your way on December 11, 2025. You won’t have to wait long, and with 10 episodes in part 1, you can even make them last quite a while.

Had I Not Seen The Sun premieres with Part 1 on Netflix on November 13, 2025.

Details

Directors: Chiang Chi-cheng, Chien Chi-feng
Screenwriters: Chien Chi-feng, Lin Hsin-huei
Cast: Tseng Jing-hua, Moon Lee, Lyan Chen, Chiang Chi, Umin Boya, Yao Chun-yao, Nic Chiang, Biubiu Chen, Ann Lee, Chris Lung, Shih Chih-tian, Jake Hsu, Roy Chang, Leo Huang, Xie Zhang-ying, Tan Shan-chien, Yuliya Tsai, Chi Chen, Sonia Yuan, Pipi Yao,Vega Tsai, Chu Te-kang

Plot

When a notorious serial killer gets interviewed by a young woman for a film, his past reveals a deep web of trauma and heartbreak tied to his first love.

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.

THE CREEP TAPES Season 2 on Shudder gives us six new episodes with the wild and crazy adventures of Peachfuzz the serial killer. As a fan of horror-comedy, this is my jam, and I hope for many more seasons. Read our review of The Creep Tapes S2 here!

THE CREEP TAPES Season 2 is coming to Shudder, and if you enjoyed the first season, you should like this second season as well. Mark Duplass as Peachfuzz is an absolute treat for fans of horror-comedy, and I love that he even goes after people in a Dexter-style.

To me, the Creep universe has always been a perfect example of how to do the whole found footage mockumentary hybrid genre perfectly. With weekly releases on Fridays, they’re the perfect little genre snack on Shudder.

Continue reading our The Creep Tapes S2 review here. Start watching on Shudder from November 14, 2025.

The six new episodes of Creep Tapes season 2

With season 2 of The Creep Tapes, you will be treated to all kinds of horror pop culture references. And even another family member, who was an absolute highlight of Season 1, where we met his mom. This season 2 episode is an equally crazy treat!

These are the season 2 episodes you can look forward to, and they’re still named after the guest character (often the victim) of the episode.

Joseph

“Joseph” is Episode 201: It premieres Friday, November 14, on Shudder and AMC+

Plot: A copycat killer (David Dastmalchian) going by the name of “Joseph” meets his match.

Wes

“Wes” is Episode 202: Premiering on Friday, November 21, on Shudder and AMC+

Plot: Wes (Diego Josef) takes a job shooting a TV pilot for a house-flipping show hosted by a bizarre man.

Mark

“Mark” is Episode 203: Watch from Friday, November 28, on Shudder and AMC+

Plot: Mark (Robert Longstreet) wakes up chained to another man in a dilapidated room and is forced to solve a series of puzzles.

A wonderful SAW reference episode that horror fans should enjoy much more than Peachfuzz does due to his victim not being a good “contestant”.

Ava

“Ava” is Episode 204: It premieres Friday, December 5, on Shudder and AMC+

Plot: Ava (Taylor Garron) has been hired to make a salacious documentary, but is foiled by her deeply uncomfortable subject.

Nick

“Nick” is Episode 205: Premiering Friday, December 12, on Shudder and AMC+

Plot: Nick (Timm Sharp) is confronted by his therapist’s increasingly odd behavior and alternative treatment suggestions during an emergency therapy session on Christmas Eve.

Angela

“Angela” is Episode 206: Premieres Friday, December 19, on Shudder and AMC+

Plot: Joseph AKA Peachfuzz is visiting an estranged family member (Katie Aselton), and it all goes haywire. The family resemblance is both uncanny and differs wildly.

Fun fact: Katie Aselton has been married to Mark Duplass since 2006, which explains their deliciously twisted chemistry and obvious joy in portraying these crazy characters.

Watch Season 2 of The Creep Tapes on Shudder and AMC+

The second season of The Creep Tapes still comes from creators Mark Duplass and Patrick Brice. Fortunately, we have many more tapes to check out in the vast collection in the secret vault of Peachfuzz.

We all know that he is probably the world’s deadliest serial killer. He is certainly the most socially uncomfortable serial killer. However, he is also amazing at blending in by standing out. So much so that even facing the police won’t deter him.

These six new episodes of The Creep Tapes season 2 are as wild, crazy, funny, and creative as season 1. If you have liked any of the previously wild adventures of Peachfuzz, then check out these episodes as they’re released on Shudder and AMC+.

Enjoy the wild ride – I know I did!

The Creep Tapes S2 begins on Shudder & AMC+ on November 14, 2025.

Plot

The Creep Tapes continues to expose a collection of video tapes from the secret vault of the world’s deadliest and most socially uncomfortable serial killer (Duplass). Unfortunately, as the tape rolls, the killer’s questionable intentions surface with his increasingly odd behavior and the victims will learn they may have made a deadly mistake. 

BLACK PHONE 2 is a horror sequel that stays in the same universe but borrows from several iconic horror franchises. This approach to continuing a successful horror story worked for me, but probably won’t be for everyone. Read our full Black Phone 2 movie review here!

BLACK PHONE 2 is a horror movie that continues the story from The Black Phone, set a few years later. That original movie, which was based on a Joe Hill short story, ended with kids winning over a sadistic serial killer.

However, in horror movies, the villains tend to stick around. Even after they’ve died and been defeated. That’s also the case with this horror sequel, and since the two main child characters had paranormal powers, it makes even more sense.

Continue reading our Black Phone 2 movie review below. Find it on Digital from November 4, 2025.

Depressed and haunted

When Black Phone 2 begins, it’s with Finn (Mason Thames) struggling to get back to a “normal” life after his encounter with The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) in the first movie. He seems depressed and numbs himself constantly. Not least as he’s also still haunted.

Everywhere he goes, random pay phones – that are out of order, mind you – will start ringing. Meanwhile, his sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), is trying to protect and help him. She is still absolutely brilliant and curses like a sailor.

Oh yes, I relate to her. Very much. Unfortunately, she also struggles with her own issues. Mainly getting visions in her sleep and sleepwalking. Soon, she will also be answering an important phone call from inside a dream.

Finally, their father (Jeremy Davies) has stopped drinking and is approaching three years of sobriety, so things are looking up as well. Of course, this isn’t a feel-good movie, so all good will soon be overshadowed by evil.

Trapped in nightmares at a camp

Very soon, Gwen’s visions will take her (along with her brother and a trusted friend) to a camp. A Christian camp where Gwen believes some children were murdered, and they are calling out to her.

In Black Phone 2, we’re getting Gwen haunted by nightmares and finding it impossible to escape them, while also soon to be trapped at a camp. Oh yes, it’s very much A Nightmare on Elm Street meets Friday the 13th, but only in good ways.

If anything, this setting and element feel like an homage to past iconic horror movies. To me, Black Phone 2 is still entirely its own beast. And yes, it is very much a supernatural horror movie.

Even more than in the first movie. In that one, ghosts helped Finn to defeat The Grabber. In this Black Phone sequel, both ghosts and The Grabber are calling out to Finn and Gwen.

Especially Gwen is getting physically tormented by the deceased serial killer in her dreams. But she’s tough, so he can’t defeat her mind, which is their only hope of fighting back.

Watch Black Phone 2 on VOD and Digital now!

Director Scott Derrickson (Sinister, The Exorcism of Emily Rose) is still at the helm of this horror franchise, which I hope isn’t over with this sequel. The screenplay comes from Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill.

For me, Black Phone 2 was physically and emotionally more brutal. However, the original dealt more with child abuse as we saw The Grabber kidnap and groom his victims. This was darker and scarier, while this is more supernatural and action-filled.

Along with Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, and Ethan Hawke in their starring roles, we also get Demián Bichir (The Nun, Alien: Covenant), Arianna Rivas, and Anna Lore (Final Destination: Bloodlines) in key roles. Plus, Miguel Mora (The Black Phone) is back in a bigger role, as is Jeremy Davies.

Whether you will find the first movie or this sequel the scariest is probably depending on your personal fears. Both worked extremely well for me, but in very different ways. In fact, I didn’t expect to be a fan of this sequel, so I was pleasantly surprised.

BLACK PHONE 2 is out on digital platforms to buy or rent on November 4, 2025, and on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on December 23, 2025.

Details

Directed By: Scott Derrickson
Written By: Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill
Based on the Short Story ‘The Black Phone’ By: Joe Hill
Cast: Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, Demián Bichir, Ethan Hawke

Plot

True evil transcends death and the black phone rings again as The Grabber (Hawke) torments Finn (Thames) from beyond the grave by menacing his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). Haunted by horrific visions, the teens set out to stop their psychological torture only to uncover a disturbing secret as they confront a killer who has only grown more powerful in death.

STREAM is a slasher movie full of iconic horror actors and made in a wonderful B-horror movie style, perfect for fans of this kitchy vibe. It did feel a little familiar to me, but nothing that ruined the fun. Read our full Stream horror movie review here!

STREAM is a slasher B-horror movie that pays tribute to all those that came before. Including its cast, which features several familiar faces for most horror fans. At just over two hours, it was too long, but it also has many characters.

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH…

Deadstream, which has a completely different plot >

Sure, elements of the plot weren’t the most innovative. However, keep in mind that I watch a grotesque amount of horror movies, so that may not be the case for you. To me, it was a more fun and kitsch version of The Ringmaster.

Continue reading our Stream horror movie review below. Find it out on VOD now!

Killing for a game

With Stream, it all begins with the Keenan family wanting to spend some quality time together. The teenage daughter isn’t interested in this, but her little brother is excited, as are the parents.

Of course, a family getaway is never particularly relaxing, which isn’t the point either. The point of this trip is to spend time together as a family… and to keep that teenager out of trouble.

Well, unfortunately, they brought her directly into trouble. The kind that just might kill you. At this hotel, which the family had visited years earlier, a game is about to be played.

The kind where four deranged killers are killing for sport. In very sadistic ways, I might add. In fact, the events will be live-streamed (hence the title), and those watching online can place bets and have favorites.

The more creative the kills, the better.

It’s a sick and twisted game that reminded me a lot of the Danish horror movie The Ringmaster (2018). However, this one is more kitsch and slasher B-horror fun. The other was straight up terrifying.

A cast full of iconic horror faces

Horror fans should have a field trip with Stream, as one iconic horror actor after the next shows up. There’s even the late Tony Todd (Hell Fest), who became horror royalty with both Candyman and Final Destination. He is at the very end of the movie.

In a rather big role, we see Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator, The Frighteners,  Hysteria!), but before we get that far, Dee Wallace (E.T., Critters, Cujo) is in the opening scene. By this point, I was one happy horror camper!

WANT MORE WITH JEFFREY COMBS?

Check out Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls >

Then came Danielle Harris (Rob Zombie’s Halloween, Inoperable) as the mother in the Keenan family, and Charles Edwin Powell as the father.

Finally, we have director and co-writer Michael Leavy in a key role, while co-writer Jason Leavy is also in Stream. I love it when filmmakers dare to step in front of the camera (like Mike Flanagan did recently in a horror-comedy).

Watch Stream on VOD now

The director of Stream is Michael Leavy, and he clearly has a great eye for horror and knows what horror fans want. So does Steven Della Salla (Terrifier), Robert Privitera, and Jason Leavy, who co-wrote the movie with director Michael Leavy.

And yes, Michael and Jason Leavy are brothers who make movies together… particularly genre productions. And I am ready for more. Admittedly, I could have done with fewer (or just shorter) scenes of the more steamy variety.

Maybe a woman in the writer’s (or editing) room would’ve helped. Just sayin’.

Then again, I also acknowledge that including these scenes (exactly as they are) is part of the B-horror slasher tribute. However, a runtime of two hours is usually too much for horror movies. This one could’ve used a bit of tightening up, as well.

Having said that, I still think most horror fans (particularly anyone who likes a solid slasher that leans into all those iconic B-horror tropes) will have fun with stream. I know I did!

STREAM is out on Digital and VOD now.

Details

Director: Michael Leavy
Writers: Steven Della Salla, Jason Leavy, Michael Leavy
Stars: Jeffrey Combs, Charles Edwin Powell, Danielle Harris, Dee Wallace, Tony Todd, Sydney Malakeh

Plot

The Keenan family’s simple weekend getaway truly turns into a vacation to die for, as four deranged killers playing a sadistic game lock down their hotel and compete for the most creative murders of all the guests.

DOROTHEA is a new thriller about a real serial killer, so we’re in true crime. She isn’t one of the most famous, but you may still have heard of her. Admittedly, I’m torn about the style of this one. It’s rather kitsch with dark humor. Read our full Dorothea movie review here!

DOROTHEA is the latest serial killer thriller about a real-life murderer. In other words, this is a true crime story, but it would probably be key to say “inspired by”. Not that facts aren’t at the heart of the movie, because they are (mostly), but there is a lot of “dramatization”.

And sure, this is always the case, but the kitsch tone of this one will not be for everyone. In fact, I’m not sure it was for me, but I acknowledge the quality of the production, and also that this was the choice of the filmmaker.

Continue reading our Dorothea movie review below. Find it in a limited theatrical release from October 31, 2025, and on VOD from November 4, 2025.

Death House Landlady

Oh yes, Dorothea Puente – the serial killer this thriller is all about – was dubbed the “Death House Landlady” by the newspapers when she was arrested in 1988. While she isn’t the most famous serial killer around, she is definitely one of the more infamous ones.

If her story sounds familiar, you may have watched the Netflix true crime anthology series Worst Roommate Ever. Dorothea was featured in the very first episode of the anthology. Obviously, because her story is one of the more remarkable episodes.

In this new thriller, we get the story as Dorothea herself lies dying in prison and wants her story to be written down. Having the serial killer tell their own story is an interesting choice, but it’s far from the only one.

We first hear about her life of abuse, which isn’t meant to be an excuse, but maybe an explanation. Then again, the abuse we witness is one she fights back against quickly and with fatal consequences for the abuser.

I don’t know that this part is all that fact-based, though. When it comes to the known victims, however, this movie does stick to facts.

A very peculiar style choice

As I’ve already mentioned, I am not crazy about the style choices of Dorothea. Especially having the murderer tell the story herself. I mean, she’s even breaking the fourth wall several times, speaking directly to us. Not to excuse anything, really, just to explain.

It did not sit right with me, but I acknowledge that this may be more about my personal preference than any quality marker. To be fair, the victims also get to speak directly to us viewers. Not much, but still, it’s a way to keep a focus on them as well, which I appreciate.

Still, I just cannot imagine I’d like this style if I knew any of the victims personally. I mean, we see both their murders and her grotesque way of dealing with the bodies of her victims.

I did think Susan Priver (Ed Kemper) did a solid job of portraying Dorothea in the style chosen for this movie. She was the younger (and murderous) landlady, while Pat McNeely (John Dies at the End) portrays the aging Dorothea telling her story from inside prison.

Also, in supporting roles, we see quite a few familiar faces. From Lew Temple (Becoming) and Brinke Stevens (Axeman at Cutter’s Creek) to Ginger Lynn (The Devil’s Rejects) and Brenda James (Slither).

Watch Dorothea on VOD

This is the second true crime serial killer thriller from writer and director Chad Ferrin (Night Caller). He also made the movie Ed Kemper, which I preferred in style to this one. Both come from Epic Pictures’ DREAD label, and the quality of both is solid.

While I like these biographical true-crime horror movies, the styles do vary quite a bit. That’s why I have no idea what to expect from the next movie, which will be about Richard Ramirez. However, I will definitely be giving that one a chance as well.

For me, Dorothea is a small 3 out of 5, but still a 3. Check it out for yourself to see what you think. I would have preferred that they change names and simply say it was inspired by, rather than make this a true crime thriller. But maybe that’s just me.

Dorothea will get a limited theatrical run beginning October 31 and be out on VOD on November 4, 2025.

Details

Director: Chad Ferrin
Writer: Chad Ferrin
Cast: Susan Priver, Lew Temple, Brinke Stevens, Ginger Lynn, Brenda James, Cassandra Gava, Cyril O’Reilly, Ezra Buzzington, Robert Miano, Brandon Kirk, William Salyers

Plot

Serial killer granny Dorothea Puente hides death behind a smile, turning her boarding house into a graveyard. True crime meets pure horror.

AILEEN: QUEEN OF THE SERIAL KILLERS on Netflix is a true crime documentary. It’s about the infamous serial killer Aileen Wuornos, and the best I’ve watched so far. Focusing on covering the aspects of the trial instead of the media circus. Read our full Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers review here!

AILEEN: QUEEN OF THE SERIAL KILLERS is a new Netflix true crime documentary about Aileen “Lee” Wuornos. Or rather, there isn’t much new about the content in this documentary, but it has been curated and crafted into a complete portrayal of her.

Now, please don’t get the idea that this is meant to absolve her. It isn’t. Instead, it tries to paint the full picture of who she was and why she acted like she did. From her childhood, to finding love, to the crimes she committed, and finally, becoming famous and infamous.

Continue reading our Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers documentary review below. Find it on Netflix from October 30, 2025.

The best Aileen Wuornos documentary yet

To me, Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers (and yes, I will get back to that title) is the best documentary about the infamous serial killer, Aileen Wuornos, so far. We hear about her childhood from Aileen herself and someone who grew up with her.

Most of the Netflix documentary, however, will focus on her treatment by the justice system and the media. It is so obvious that she was in desperate need of help, and the trial that sealed her fate should never have ended in a conviction.

However, this was the one that set everything into motion, and once the first death sentence was dealt, she wanted it all to end and admitted to the rest – claiming self-defense, sure, but also stating clearly that she just wanted it to be over with.

Michele Gillen is the unsung hero

While I have seen plenty of clips of interviews with Aileen Wuornos in the past, Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers offers something that goes beyond anything I’ve watched before.

Especially thanks to the relentless work of former Dateline correspondent Michele Gillen. Not only did she interview Aileen several times, she also interviewed prosecutor (and professional Bible-thumper) John Tanner.

A man who infamously prayed 50 times with Ted Bundy prior to the execution of that particular serial killer. Something I suspect Aileen would have refused, and which I cannot imagine John Tanner would ever want to do, in any case.

Through remarkable archival footage featuring interviews conducted by Michele Gillen, we will see that John Tanner never cared about justice for Aileen. He just wanted his pound of flesh – and a re-election.

We also see Michele Gillen visit crime scenes, and (often in behind-the-scenes moments) comment on the absurdity of many things. She does not go easy on Aileen when interviewing her, but she does listen. Exactly what Aileen always hoped for.

Queen of the Serial Killers?!

Please do not be discouraged by the somewhat flamboyant title of the documentary. Admittedly, it did make me cringe at first, as I have watched my share of terrible movies about Aileen “Lee” Wuornos.

This Netflix documentary is the exact opposite and tries to encompass all that she was – and, sadly, would become.

The title is simply taken from one of the many headlines about her that was meant to sell newspapers. And, to be fair, it’s one of the “nicer” titles. Many of the other featured the words “lesbian” and “prostitute”, as if that’s all she was.

Of course, the story of her, the first female serial killer in the U.S., did check all the boxes for a media circus. She was gay, a woman, and a sex worker. And, ultimately, convicted as a serial killer and sentenced to death.

Also, Aileen Wuornos herself did not shy away from the media either. When watching this documentary in its entirety, it becomes apparent why: It was the only way to get her version of events out. When she spoke in court at her trial, her truth was largely ignored.

Watch Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers on Netflix now

Director Emily Turner has crafted a breathtaking portrait of not just Aileen Wuornos, but of the so-called justice system in Florida. One we have become acquainted with during many true crime documentaries.

In Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers, we get never-before-seen death row interviews with Aileen herself. And yes, she does admit to things that would have landed her in jail for life, even if the death sentence had not happened.

However, it’s also obvious that she ended on this path for a reason. Does this excuse her actions? Of course not. But it does offer an explanation, which has often been the smallest part of describing her.

WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH THIS?

Because it covers the full and complex story of Aileen Wuornos. A life that ended with execution, but deserves a reexamination through a modern lens.

Born in 1956, Aileen Wuornos murdered seven men between 1989 and 1990. At least one of them was self-defense, but she herself ultimately confessed that not all of them were. She was arrested in 1991, and in 2002, she left this world, which was her own wish.

With BBC Studios Documentary Unit and NBC News Studios, director Emily Turner is using a method similar to that of American Murder and The Perfect Neighbor. With archival footage combined to tell a full story, not just soundbites. It hits hard!

Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers is streaming on Netflix from October 30, 2025.

Plot

This documentary revisits Aileen Wuornos’s turbulent life and chilling crimes with never-before-seen death-row interviews and exclusive archival footage.