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.

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Season 1 & 2 is on Netflix, so if you haven’t watched it yet, now is your chance. I definitely preferred Part I to Part II, but both are worth watching. Season 3 is coming up in 2026, so you still have time to catch up. Read our review of Interview With The Vampire Part I & Part II here, and find it on Netflix now!

INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Season 1 & 2 are available to watch on Netflix now. I have been wanting to check it out for the longest time, but just never got around to it. Well, now I did, so I can be ready for season 3, which is titled The Vampire Lestat, which focuses on that character.

This series is, of course, based on the novels by iconic vampire author (as in writer of vampire stories, mind you), Anne Rice. It originally aired with weekly episodes on AMC and AMC+, but has now been released on Netflix as well. It’s not on Netflix globally, but certainly in both the US and the UK at this point in time. And yes, you should definitely watch it!

Continue reading our Interview With The Vampire Part I & Part II review below.

Part I and Part II of Interview With The Vampire

With this AMC series (now on Netflix), we follow a vampire living in Dubai. However, he is a vampire who comes from New Orleans. He was born there as a human being and became a vampire there. His name is Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson), and his maker was Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid).

As Interview With The Vampire Season 1 begins, Louis de Pointe du Lac reunites with an ailing reporter, Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian), to once again recount his life story. The two already met many decades ago in San Francisco, but Louis de Point du Lac – honestly, it feels only right to always use his full name – wasn’t quite as honest back then.

Now, in Dubai, he is older and wiser, but obviously looks exactly the same, and he is ready to finally tell the full story. A story of a life filled with bloodlust and a very toxic romance at the center. A romance with the sinister Frenchman who turned him: Lestat du Lioncourt.

A dangerous and intense romance

Unlike the 1994 movie starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in those iconic roles, this AMC series focuses on their romance. Forget all about subtext; the romantic (and physical) love between Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat du Lioncourt is the main text. And I am loving that!

Honestly, it’s the only way this entire story truly makes sense!

Both Interview With The Vampire Season 1 & Season 2 are about Louis de Pointe du Lac telling his life story to Daniel Molloy. Season 1 (or Part I) is about his life in New Orleans, while Part II is about his life in Europe, after he leaves the United States to look for more vampires. With him is the daughter he made Lestat du Lioncourt create: Claudia.

In Part I, Claudia is portrayed by Bailey Bass, while in Part II, she is replaced by Delainey Hayles. I preferred the original actor, in many ways, but Delainey Hayles definitely grew on me. A very positive development, as we will soon see her again in Mike Flanagan‘s 2026 version of Stephen King’s Carrie.

And yes, Claudia is the child vampire character Kirsten Dunst portrayed in the 1994 movie.

The final key player in The Interview With The Vampire is Armand. In the movie, Antonio Banderas played this character, while in the series, he is portrayed by Assad Zaman. Not my favorite character, but I certainly don’t feel he’s meant to be either, so Assad Zaman delivers what is necessary for the role.

Watch Interview With The Vampire Season 1 and 2 on Netflix

Anne Rice wrote the books this series is based on, and she is also an executive producer (as credit only, as she passed away before it was finished) alongside her son, Christopher Rice. The creator of the Interview With the Vampire series is Rolin Jones (Perry Mason, The Exorcist series), who is also the showrunner and executive producer.

I loved how we’re given so much more time to dive into these characters. From their history to their psyche, it’s a real treat. From the early 20th century to the very modern world of Dubai in 2022, the story of Louis de Pointe du Lac spans decades, which means there is plenty of story to tell.

And yet, with seasons 1 and 2, we’re focusing very much on New Orleans and Paris, so there is much more to delve into. This leaves room for further seasons or spin-offs.

As for this AMC Original series, it will continue to follow the book series from Anne Rice. And that means Season 3 will be “The Vampire Lestat”, which I am very happy about. Not least after having watched the teaser trailer for the upcoming season.

Not since True Blood have I been this excited about a vampire series. I think I knew I would love it, which is why I waited to start watching, so I could binge-watch seasons.

Interview With The Vampire, Part I and Part II, are on Netflix now. Season 3 will be titled The Vampire Lestat and is coming to AMC in 2026.

Details

Creator: Rolin Jones
Cast: Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid, Bailey Bass, Delainey Hayles, Assad Zaman, Eric Bogosian, Bally Gill, Ben Daniels, Esme Appleton

Plot

A vampire from New Orleans reunites with an ailing reporter to recount a life of bloodlust and toxic romance with the sinister Frenchman who turned him.

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.

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 BELDHAM is a horror movie with a strong psychological horror story. This one has a small but very strong cast and a story that is as simple as it is surprising. I really liked The Beldham right until the end. Then I loved it. Read our full The Beldham movie review here!

THE BELDHAM is a psychological horror movie that felt like a nightmare combined with some sort of mental breakdown. I never felt quite sure of the direction of the plot, but I was more than willing to stay on board for the whole ride. Obviously, this means I liked what I saw.

Then the final pieces of the puzzle were revealed, and I admittedly loved it. With a runtime of just 85 minutes, it doesn’t drag on for too long, and because it is a quite dark story, I appreciated this. Less is more when someone is being tormented, as is the case in this movie.

Continue reading our The Beldham movie review below. Find it on Digital now.

Haunted or crazy?

While it’s grossly oversimplifying the plot of The Beldham, it does come down to the main character wondering if they are haunted or losing their mind. The main character is Harper (Katie Parker), a struggling new mom, who moves back in with her mother (Patricia Heaton) to get back on her feet.

It seems quite obvious that everyone around her – including mom’s boyfriend, Frank (Corbin Bernsen), and live-in aide Bette (Emma Fitzpatrick) – believes that Harper is struggling with mental illness. Whether post-partum or a mental breakdown of some kind, she needs help, and everyone is there to help her.

Unfortunately for Harper, something sinister seems determined to ruin everything for her. She keeps seeing black feathers everywhere, and both black birds and a witch-like creature are tormenting her dreams. Sometimes, even waking nightmares. It’s tough to convince someone you’re not crazy when you feel crazy about everything happening around you.

Important story and a powerful cast

This is very much a woman-driven story, so Patricia Heaton, Katie Parker, and Emma Fitzpatrick play the three most important characters. It’s difficult for us, as viewers, to know exactly who and what to trust, but that just means we’re in the same situation as Katie Parker’s “Harper”.

You’ll surely recognize Katie Parker from various Mike Flanagan productions, as she has been in most. From The Haunting of Hill House to The Fall of the House of Usher, but also Doctor Sleep. Plus, you may recognize her from the Christmas horror anthology All the Creatures Were Stirring or the 2022 sci-fi mystery Next Exit, where she co-stars with Mike Flanagan alumnus Rahul Kohli.

Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) is a three-time Emmy Award winner, but you may have already seen her in a horror movie earlier this year. She played Mother Superior in the 2025 movie The Ritual, where she co-starred with Dan Stevens and Al Pacino. Not a good movie, but that was not Patricia Heaton’s fault, as she clearly proves with her performance in The Beldham.

Finally, you may recognize Emma Fitzpatrick from the 2022 horror movie The Summoned. In The Beldham, she plays a character who tries so hard to help, but it just is not as easy as anyone would like.

Watch The Beldham on Demand now

The Beldham comes from writer-director Angela Gulner. For the longest time, I believed Angela Gulner had made a very decent and entertaining horror movie. Then came the ending of the movie, and I found myself realizing it was much more than that. To avoid spoilers, I can’t go into any details, but the final reveal in The Beldham just blew me away.

If you’ve ever been close to anyone struggling with anything similar in terms of mental struggles, then you’ll recognize the actions and reactions of all the characters in this movie. And if not, then you may feel it doesn’t make sense. I assure you, it does.

Consider yourself lucky if you’re at a place in your life where you don’t recognize or understand this. And hope that it never changes… we should all be so fortunate!

This horror movie has played at genre film festivals worldwide, including the iconic Sitges Film Festival (always a good sign). Now, you can watch it in the comfort of your own home, which you absolutely should. If you dare!

The Beldham was released on Digital and On Demand on November 7, 2025.

Details

Writer/Director: Angela Gulner
Cast: Patricia Heaton, Katie Parker, Emma Fitzpatrick, Corbin Bernsen

Plot

A new mother returns to her childhood home, only to face a malevolent, age-old entity lurking in the walls. As the haunting escalates, she’s pushed to the brink to protect her baby—and her mind.

SHELBY OAKS is now out on digital, and this found footage mockumentary horror movie is a real treat for genre fans. It’s a feature film debut that finally managed to reach a large audience when Mike Flanagan stepped in to produce. I can certainly understand why he wanted to get on board. Read our full Shelby Oaks movie review here!

SHELBY OAKS is a horror movie that utilizes many of the popular niche genres. First, it’s found footage, then on to mockumentary before finally becoming a full-blown paranormal horror movie with a demonic plot. Yeah, it’s a lot and could have been too much, but it works. It really works. For me, anyway.

Make sure you stick around all through the credits, and there are many. This horror movie was crowdfunded, and ultimately had Mike Flanagan step in to help bring it all together. After the credits, you’ll get an end-credit scene. Or, well, audio only, but I felt it made for a very nice ending, so I recommend hanging in there. The runtime is just 91 minutes.

Continue reading our Shelby Oaks movie review below. Find it on VOD and Digital from November 18, 2025.

Paranormal investigators go missing

When Shelby Oaks begins, it’s with us following four paranormal investigators, who have their own YouTube channel called “Paranormal Paranoids”. A nice found footage vibe is what sets the stage for the plot of Shelby Oaks, but this quickly evolves into a mockumentary as the YouTubers go missing.

One of these YouTubers is Riley (Sarah Durn), and her sister, Mia (Camille Sullivan), will do whatever it takes to find her. Obviously, this means following in the footsteps of the paranormal investigation that led to four people disappearing.

I really don’t want to do spoilers for Shelby Oaks, so let me just say that this is where the story begins. Soon, it will move away from found footage and mockumentary to become a full-blown horror movie. This shift occurs just after the opening credits, which come rather late, and this is where the story expands and evolves.

Such a deliciously creepy surprise

I have been wanting to check out Shelby Oaks for the longest time, but it just never happened. For many reasons, but not for a lack of wanting to watch it. Of course, getting this excited about a horror movie from a first-time feature film filmmaker is always dangerous, so I was one happy horror camper after finally watching it.

From the many different styles to the ultimate classic demonic horror story, Shelby Oaks was such a deliciously creepy surprise. It began by giving me just the right kind of Blair Witch Project vibe, but then moved into its own beast before going too far down that rabbit hole.

Also, the casting is wonderful all around. Camille Sullivan was amazing in Hunter Hunter, but is even better in Shelby Oaks. Also, I loved how we saw familiar faces in even very small roles. I always get suspicious at that, which means as a filmmaker, you keep horror fans on their toes.

You can look forward to seeing Brendan Sexton III (Boys Don’t Cry), Michael Beach (The Perfect Couple), Robin Bartlett (Shutter Island), Charlie Talbert (Rebel Ridge), and Keith David (Nope) in this movie. And, of course, Sarah Durn (Carry-On) as the missing sister, who is essentially the lead character of the found footage story.

Watch Shelby Oaks on VOD or Digital at home now

Shelby Oaks is the debut feature film from writer-director Chris Stuckmann, who co-wrote the story alongside Sam Liz (credited as Samanatha Elizabeth). Before making this horror movie, Chris Stuckman had been making short films and a lot of movie reviews, so he clearly knew what he was getting into.

Admittedly, I was a little skeptical before I finally had a chance to watch it myself. Why? Well, because this movie seemed to be a hit or miss for most genre fans. Fortunately, Shelby Oaks turned out to be a massive hit for me. Then again, anything with Mike Flanagan (Doctor Sleep, Midnight Mass) on board has yet to disappoint me. And I don’t see it happening any time soon.

Please note, this is not to take anything away from filmmaker Chris Stuckman, but rather to say that if Mike Flanagan saw something in this project, then I trust it would be worth my time as well.

This movie amassed over a whopping 4500 backers on Kickstarter, along with the support of executive producer Mike Flanagan to create this genre movie described as “made by horror fans for horror fans,” which I absolutely recognize. If you love a solid horror movie that doesn’t care about leaving you with a “feel-good ending”, then check out Shelby Oaks today!

SHELBY OAKS is out on VOD and digital platforms on November 18, 2025.

Details

Director: Chris Stuckmann
Writer: Chris Stuckmann
Cast: Camille Sullivan, Brendan Sexton III, Michael Beach, Sarah Durn, Robin Bartlett, Charlie Talbert

Plot

A woman’s obsessive search for her missing sister leads her into a terrifying mystery at the hands of an unknown evil.

KEEPER is out in theaters, and this new horror movie from Osgood Perkins has been kept deeply under wraps. Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland star as a couple who go on a romantic anniversary trip, but end up in an absolute nightmare. Get ready for a very surreal elevated horror experience. Read our spoiler-free Keeper movie review here!

KEEPER is a new Osgood Perkins horror movie described as a surrealist horror movie. And yes, it absolutely is surrealistic and completely insane. Other than several different movie trailers, this movie has been advertised only with quotes from iconic horror authors and filmmakers. Not via any reviews.

In fact, not only were press screenings cancelled, I also know of a genre film festival screening in Denmark that was cancelled at the last minute. When press screenings and film festival screenings alike are canceled, it seems like an afterthought. Possibly to avoid spoilers, which I can absolutely understand.

Obviously, this meant I had to get tickets for the earliest public screening available, so that’s what I did, and now I have a review ready for you.

Continue reading our spoiler-free Keeper 2025 movie review below. Find it in a theater near you… If you dare.

Very romantic… until it’s a nightmare!

I will not do spoilers for Keeper (2025), so don’t worry about that when reading this review. However, it also means I can’t say very much about the movie except what has already been public knowledge ahead of its release.

We meet a couple on their romantic anniversary trip to a secluded cabin. Once they’ve been there for a little while, things turn sinister. And yes, we are talking about a paranormal or supernatural kind of evil.

It all starts turning into a nightmare when a dark presence reveals itself. A presence that will be forcing our couple to confront the property’s haunting past.

Keeper does get very surrealistic (though you could also call it “elevated horror“, but you already know that from watching the trailer. Or trailers, if you’ve watched them all, and I have not. Once a trailer came out labeled as the “final” trailer, I decided not to watch it and just let the movie overwhelm me with its craziness.

And it did. It really did.

So many questions about Keeper

When Keeper ends, you will probably have many questions about its plot and ending. That’s not to say that you won’t be given many answers. Instead, I say this to recognize that you may need to think it over or even speak with a fellow film watcher.

This is a movie that offers many familiar horror elements. Is it about ghosts, survival, revenge, folk lore, privilege, abuse, greed, or even a serial killer plot?!

Well, yes… sort of. It’s somewhere in between all these and yet somehow also outside of all of them.

The horror of Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland

Oh no, I don’t mean Tatiana Maslany (The Monkey) and Rossif Sutherland (Orphan: First Kill) are horrible or anything. I simply mean that the horror delivered by the performances of Tatiana Maslany and Rossif Sutherland is at the very heart of Keeper (2025).

To me, Tatiana Maslany is the absolute star of Keeper. Of course, I am probably biased since I have fiercely adored her ever since Orphan Black, where she portrayed a whole slew of diverse characters.

This may be a surrealist horror movie, but it is also a very character-driven horror story. As most are.

I really want to avoid spoilers, so let me talk about the vibe and feeling of this movie instead of plot details. If you’ve watched movies like Oddity, The Watchers, The Dead Thing, The Wailing, or even the Netflix series Don’t Come Home, then you have an idea of what to expect. Oh yes, we are in horror lore territory.

Again, this is not to say that the story of Keeper is the same in any way. I’m focusing on the vibe of it.

Watch Keeper in theaters

This was directed by Osgood “Oz” Perkins, who is quickly becoming quite the genre favorite. He previously directed The Monkey, which came out earlier this year, and Longlegs, which was released last year. Unlike with his two previous releases as a director, Osgood Perkins did not write the screenplay for Keeper.

The screenwriter is Nick Lepard, who also gave us Dangerous Animals. Yes, the amazing Australian serial killer thriller movie that came out earlier this year as well. Dangerous Animals was the first screenplay by Nick Lepard that was produced, and Keeper is the second.

What will come next? Well, with his current track record as a screenwriter, I’m already excited. Also, his first was directed by Sean Byrne (The Devil’s Candy) and the second was directed by Osgood Perkins, so who’s next? Jordan Peele?! After all, Osgood Perkins acted in Jordan Peele’s Nope, so there’s a link there. Just sayin’.

Final words: Keeper is classic Osgood Perkins, which is not for everyone. This is neither Longlegs nor The Monkey. If anything, it’s much closer to I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016), but with a much darker plot. This will not be for everyone, but I did like it. Even more after thinking it all through and seeing the patterns from a little distance.

Also, I loved the final scene and shot of Keeper. So powerful and pure!

Keeper is out in wide release in US theaters from November 14, 2025.

Details

In Theaters: November 14, 2025
Director: Osgood Perkins
Writer: Nick Lepard
Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Rossif Sutherland, Birkett Turton

Plot

A romantic anniversary trip to a secluded cabin turns sinister when a dark presence reveals itself, forcing a couple to confront the property’s haunting past.

PLURIBUS on Apple TV is a new Sci-Fi series with a pandemic (and alien) plot, featuring strong world-building. Just sit back and take it all in. The series premieres with its first two hour-long episodes. Read our Pluribus series review here!

PLURIBUS is a new Apple TV Original and, once again, this is a hit right out of the gate. From episode 1, I was completely on board with this new world and its miserable lead character.

The season has nine episodes, and we’re getting the first two on the premiere day. One episode would be enough to get most hooked, but it’s probably good they didn’t release the entire series, as it is very binge-worthy.

And yes, I certainly would have kept watching until the very end.

Continue reading our Pluribus series review below. Find it on Apple TV now.

Save the world from happiness?

In Pluribus, we follow Carol (Rhea Seehorn) as the most miserable person on Earth. She is needed to save the world from happiness. Oh yes, you read that right.

Maybe because “happiness” isn’t so much the right word as “oblivion”. The world has been hit by a pandemic that works instantly and makes everyone happy. Or, you know, blissfully obedient to being a “we” and working as one.

This genre-bending series is a real treat to watch. Not unlike Severance or Servant, it builds an entire world for us to enjoy in record time. A world that looks like the one we know, but has some distinct and all-consuming differences.

Alongside Rhea Seehorn (Better Call Saul) in the all-important lead role, the series stars Karolina Wydra (Incarnate, Sneaky Pete) and Carlos-Manuel Vesga (The Hijacking of Flight 601).

Also, we get guest stars Miriam Shor (American Fiction) and Samba Schutte (Our Flag Means Death).

A very miserable person indeed

Admittedly, the lead character of Pluribus is a very miserable person from the onset of the series. However, I would say there is a damn good reason why she soon becomes even more miserable. I mean, most anyone would be in her situation.

Also, on a personal note, I absolutely loathe that it’s a trope I’ve seen too many times (yet again!) recently. Including in an Apple TV production that has yet to be released. Just a little semi-spoiler, but it happens in the opening of the series, so not by much.

In any case, I did enjoy the overall concept of Pluribus (apart from that element), and the world-building is absolutely spectacular. It’s a pandemic plot mixed with an alien element, but not in any typical way.

A lighter version of 3 Body Problem… sort of, but not really. Pluribus is very much its own thing. Just watch it, seriously!

Will we get a season 2 of Pluribus on Apple TV?

Yes, Pluribus is one of those fairly few instances where a series has been ordered for two seasons from the onset.

This means that when the final episode of this season has aired, you won’t have to wonder if more is coming.

You already know Pluribus season 2 will come to Apple TV.

Start watching Pluribus on Apple TV now

Pluribus (or Plur1bus) comes from creator Vince Gilligan. If the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because he also created Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and wrote 30 episodes of The X Files. Oh yeah, and the 2008 superhero movie Hancock.

The title of Pluribus is also written as PLUR1BUS in the title to focus on the one among the many. Suddenly, all humans on Earth are working as one for the greater good. Not unlike an ant colony.

But the greater good of what? And what about your individual happiness? Well, you’ll have to watch Pluribus on Apple TV to find out. And you really should!

The series debuts with its two first episodes and then continues with a weekly episode. This means the final episode of season 1 is released on December 26, 2025.

Pluribus premieres globally on Apple TV on November 7, 2025.

Details

Creator: Vince Gilligan
Directors: Vince Gilligan, Gordon Smith, Zetna Fuentes, Gandja Monteiro
Cast: Rhea Seehorn, Carlos Manuel Vesga, Karolina Wydra, Miriam Shor, Samba Schutte

Plot

The most miserable person on Earth must save the world from happiness.