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

Director Jamie Langlands makes his feature-length debut with The Cellar, a slow-burning and atmospheric tale about a woman’s journal to escape from literal confinement and her spiritual journal to escape from her inner demons.

Meghan Adara stars as Abigail, a woman who wakes up trapped in a locked room in an underground cellar. Most of the film focuses on Abigail trying to escape from the cellar, with very little dialogue or other characters.

At times, it seems like Abigail might be being pursued by a mysterious assailant, although this was largely hinted at for the most part instead of being explicitly shown.

DO NOT CONFUSE THIS ONE WITH…

The 2024 thriller Cellar Door, which we have reviewed here >

And while some viewers might lose interest in the long sections in which Abigail prowls the underground maze of corridors due to the lack of dialogue or interactions which occur throughout these prolonged sequences, others will appreciate the way in which The Cellar presents an intimate journey into one woman’s desperate struggle to emerge victorious.

Never give up

Abigail is clearly a woman who refuses to give up, no matter how discouraging the odds stacked against her happen to be, and her largely uninterrupted journey to freedom will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped in a situation which they desperately want to escape from.

The way in which very little else is shown as Abigail tries to find a way out means that your attention will be laser-focused on her efforts to break free, and while some might lose interest, others will be captivated.

It also soon becomes clear that Abigail was deeply troubled prior to her ordeal in the cellar, and her dream of a better life if she manages to break free makes her seem even more admirable as a person.

And Adara delivered a compelling and persuasive performance despite her relative lack of dialogue, with Abigail’s sheer determination and desperation clearly being felt, regardless of the fact that she rarely speaks.

Impressive performances

Although there are some interludes to group therapy sessions which Abigail attended before being captured, with the attendees offering detailed accounts of why they believe they need help after their lives fell to pieces.

These scenes offer a welcome diversion from the portions of the film taking place in the maze-like cellar, and the actors all delivered impressive performances as lost souls who desperately need to be found.

Obie Dean delivered a particularly impressive performance as Darren, a former addict who describes how he overdosed during one of the group therapy sessions. Darren clearly struggles to hold back tears as he recounts his story, and you will do the same as you listen to his account of his harrowing ordeal.

Watch The Cellar (2024) on Digital now

Aside from the group therapy scenes, there are also some dream-like sequences showing Abigail seemingly experiencing visions of herself in a field, with strange events going on around her. It is unclear if these are flashbacks, dreams, or hallucinations, so you will need to make up your own mind about these scenes.

And while some will argue that these largely ambiguous sequences do not serve much of a purpose, they will still leave you pondering over the meaning for a long time after the end credits start to roll.

MORE MOVIES WITH A SIMILAR TITLE

If the title seems familiar, it may be due to this one from 2022 >

Viewers with long attention spans will no doubt be absorbed by Abigail’s quest to escape from the labyrinthine complex as they watch The Cellar, with Langlands proving that you do not need large amounts of dialogue to tell a character-focused story.

And the relatively short, eighty-four minute runtime ensures that The Cellar does not overstay its welcome, so even though there was not an awful lot going on for much of the film, your interest will not have too much time to waiver.

Although it may be too uneventful for some, The Cellar ultimately proved to be a captivating examination into the lengths that people will go to in order to find a way out of desperate situations.

THE CELLAR (2024) was released on digital on November 4, 2025.

Details

Director: Jamie Langlands
Writer: Jamie Langlands
Stars: Meghan Adara, Neil James, Charlotte Marshall, Wayne Liversidge, Obie Dean, Mickaela Sands, Sophie Flack

THE OLD WOMAN WITH THE KNIFE is a South Korean Crime Thriller (org. title: Pagwa). It starts out being good, but ends as great. This is yet another example of brilliant filmmaking through a character-driven plot. Do not miss out on this one. Read our full The Old Woman with the Knife movie review here!

THE OLD WOMAN WITH THE KNIFE is a new thriller from South Korea (org. title: Pagwa). With its crime plot and thriller driver, this movie completely won me over with its ending. Sure, many South Korean movies have solid twists, but what I love about any twist in these movies is that it’s often been teased ahead of time. This one is no exception.

The runtime is two hours, and with a character-driven plot, you may be expecting a slow-burn movie. However, that really isn’t the case because this movie also has a lot of action scenes and features an assassin plot. Yeah, it’s a gorgeous genre-mix that I initially liked, but the ending was much better than I ever expected.

Continue reading our The Old Woman with the Knife movie review below. Find it on Digital from November 25, 2025.

Older but not over

The lead character is also the title character in The Old Lady with the Knife. She is an aging assassin known as Hornclaw (Hyeyeong Lee), but being an older lady has its perks. For one, nobody expects that she is an assassin. Over the years, Hornclaw has seen it all, and we also get several flashbacks to better understand her.

Now, in the twilight of her career, she is asked to mentor a reckless rookie, which she isn’t too crazy about. Not least because he doesn’t listen much and doesn’t want a mentor. His name is Bullfight (Kim Sung-cheol), and he is extremely skilled as well. In fact, Hornclaw’s employer sends Bullfight along on missions as her backup.

Something she does not like. At all.

However, as much as she doesn’t want help, she might need it. She is starting to show physical deterioration, so while she has her wits about her, it may be time to call it quits. Then again, there are still so many people who need to be eradicated. Hornclaw has always had a code – not unlike Dexter Morgan – so she needs her marks to be “human vermin”.

Young and brazen

Bullfight has been working on his own, and without any colleagues to worry about or bosses to listen to. To be honest, this is how Hornclaw has been acting for most of her career, so they do come across as similar in many ways.

Maybe this is why Bullfight and Hornclaw (and yes, these are codenames – after all, they are assassins) soon form an unlikely bond. Is it a heartfelt and deep connection, or more of a distrust that requires both to stay close? As in the “keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” adage?!

Well, yes. Both, really.

Regardless of their connection, cracks in the underworld are showing because its leaders aren’t strong enough to lead. Clearly, this is why both Hornclaw and Bullfight prefer to be on their own, even as they’re forced to work together. This escalates further as Hornclaw discovers someone wants her dead.

Now she can’t trust anyone, and she needs to stay sharper than ever to survive!

Watching Lee Hye-yeong (In Front of Your Face) as Hornclaw is brilliant. She may have gray hair, but she is fiercer than most people decades younger. Male as well as female. Seeing her work with and against Kim Sung-cheol (Hellbound) as Bullfight is a joy. They bring the best and worst out in each other, which makes this story all the better.

Watch The Old Woman with the Knife on Digital

The Old Woman with the Knife is directed by Min Kyu-dong (Memento Mori, The Prayer), who also wrote it alongside Kim Dong-wan. This movie is based on a book by Gu Byeong-mo, which I am not familiar with, so I can’t say if it follows it particularly closely.

Aside from Lee Hye-yeong (or Hyeyeong Lee) in the title role, we also have Yeon Woo-jin (The Killers, The Cursed), Kim Moo-yul (Ballerina, Sweet Home, Space Sweepers), and finally Shin Sia (The Witch: Part 2 – The Other One) as the younger version of Hornclaw.

As stated earlier, The Old Woman with the Knife was a movie that I felt started out as good. I was fine with that and figured this would be a solid 3 out of 5. Then came the third and final act, where everything comes together. Despite already anticipating the development, it was done so well that I could not help but end on a higher rating than initially expected.

Do not miss out on this South Korean genre treat!

THE OLD WOMAN WITH THE KNIFE is out On Digital from November 25, 2025. If you want a physical copy, then it will also be available on Blu-ray™ and DVD exclusively through Amazon®.

Details

Director: Kyu-dong Min
Writers: Gu Byeong-mo, Kim Dong-wan, Kyu-dong Min
Cast: Lee Hye-yeong, Kim Sung-cheol, Kim Mu-yeol, Shin Si-ah, Yeon Woo-jin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading our Hallow Road movie review below.

Driving into oncoming trauma

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

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

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

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

Claustrophobic and relentlessly stressful

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

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

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

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

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

Watch Hallow Road on Halloween in AMC theaters!

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

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

HALLOWEEN DOUBLE FEATURE

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

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

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

Details

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

VIOLENT ENDS is a new Crime Thriller that plays out in the Ozarks. And yes, it does get extremely violent in very realistic ways. It’s a revenge thriller that also becomes a survival story. Read our full Violent Ends movie review here!

VIOLENT ENDS is a Crime Thriller with a fairly long runtime at 111 minutes. However, it keeps you engaged and intrigued throughout. Well, it did for this viewer, anyway. It plays out in the Ozark Mountains, which is such a strong backdrop.

If you’re a fan of the Netflix series Ozark, it will be a familiar setting. However, there is a fairly big difference in that this new movie takes place in the early 1990s. Other than the music and clothing, it offers the classic challenges of no Internet and no cell phones.

Continue reading our Violent Ends movie review below. Find it in theaters from October 31, 2025.

Violent delights have violent ends

Along with an introduction to set the stage – think the Star Wars opening, but in a different way – Violent Ends also begins with a quote. The quote is “These violent delights have violent ends”, which is a quote from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”.

Of course, many genre fans will probably find it familiar from something else. That line was also used for the Westworld series, where it helped unlock the androids.

Anyway, it is also very telling of the story you’re about to watch.

We’re in 1992 in the Ozark Mountains, where we follow Lucas Frost (Billy Magnussen). He’s an honest man who was brought up in a crime family. His mom is a cop, but everyone else is a criminal.

It’s a family full of crime and violence, and he’s about to be pulled back into their mess.

A powerful cast giving their all

The absolute star of Violent Ends is Billy Magnussen (Black Mirror S7), who delivers a truly powerful performance. I have long enjoyed his portrayals of diverse characters, but this is probably my favorite of his, so far.

As his brother, we see Nick Stahl (What Josiah Saw), who gets a lot less to work with, but delivers a solid performance all the same. In other key roles, we see Kate Burton (The Surrender) and Alexandra Shipp (Tragedy Girls).

Plus, as the main villain (and a very efficient one), we get James Badge Dale. In Violent Ends, his sinister behavior is matched only by his terrible haircut, which almost became a character in itself for me. Trust me, it screams douchebag, which is very appropriate!

Watch Violent Ends in theaters

This new crime thriller comes from writer and director John-Michael Powell. Not only is it a gorgeous production full of strong character portrayals, but it’s also a very entertaining movie. Think One Battle After Another, but on a smaller scale and within one family.

This is the second feature film from John-Michael Powell, following his 2022 movie The Send-Off, which I have not watched. However, if Violent Ends is any indication, I’m sure I’d enjoy it.

If you’re in the mood for watching something other than a classic slasher over Halloween, then Violent Ends is a very dark choice. As is Anniversary, for that matter. In fact, I find both to be infinitely scarier than most slashers.

Of course, that’s because horror slashers are meant to entertain and give you a fun and wild experience. These realistic movies about survival have always been much more terrifying to me.

Violent Ends is out exclusively In Theaters from October 31, 2025.

Details

Written & Directed by: John-Michael Powell
Starring: Billy Magnussen, James Badge Dale, Kate Burton, Ray McKinnon, Nick Stahl, Alexandra Shipp

OTHER on Shudder is a new horror movie starring Olga Kurylenko. In fact, while other people are in the movie, you won’t see their faces. This movie was surprising in so many deliciously creepy ways, and absolutely brilliant. Read our full Other movie review here!

OTHER is a new Shudder Original horror movie, and what a movie it is. I had no real expectations outside a solid horror movie, as I’ve come to expect a certain level from Shudder Original. Well, this one did not disappoint either.

Quite the opposite!

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH…

The horror movie The Other (2025) >

Before it even truly began, I was surprised to see that Disney+ was credited as a producer as well. I can only guess this means it will be released on Disney+ in countries that still can’t get Shudder. Well, wherever you can watch this, make sure you do!

Continue reading our Other movie review below. Find it on Shudder from October 17, 2025.

The face in focus is Alice

I loved how we only get to see the face of Alice (Olga Kurylenko) for almost the entire runtime of this movie. At first, you don’t notice it, but then it becomes obvious as everyone else has their face obscured in some way.

Either by choice, coincidence, or accident. If you want your horror movie-watching audience to root for someone, just make sure she’s the one who gets all the focus.

We follow the character of Alice when she returns to her childhood home. She hasn’t been there since she left as a teenager. Also, she has had no contact with her mother, who was found dead on her property recently.

That’s why the police call Alice: Both to inform her of her mother’s passing and because she’s the only heir. However, there’s something very strange about this house. Well, many things actually.

Avoid spoilers and enjoy the awesome ending

You really shouldn’t know too much about Other before watching this movie. This needs no further introduction. Just go on this journey alongside Alice as she discovers her childhood home is now rigged with surveillance and tracking devices.

Olga Kurylenko (Extraction 2, Thunderbolts*, Mara) is perfectly cast as Alice for several reasons. Again, not to be revealed here, though her origin does come into play in a roundabout way.

Throughout the movie, there is a sinister presence, but it’s difficult to determine whether it’s the memories of Alice’s childhood or something else. I will give you this: Other is not a supernatural or paranormal horror movie.

It’s much more brutal than that!

Watch Other on Shudder as soon as you can

Other comes from writer-director David Moreau, who was joined by Jon Goldman in writing the movie. This is the feature film debut for Jon Goldman as a writer. However, David Moreau is a name I am quite familiar with.

Not only did he direct a one-shot horror movie that we gave a top rating last year, but he also directed Them from 2006. A movie that essentially gave me my ScreamQueen nickname because I screamed so much during the first jump scare of the movie!

MORE SHUDDER HORROR STARRING OLGA KURYLENKO

Check out The Room on Shudder… even if it isn’t as good as this one >

This new Shudder Original Horror movie is one of those rare surprises that remind you why you loved genre movies. Well, it was for me anyway, and I hadn’t even noticed who the director was. I just knew it was a Shudder movie starring Olga Kurylenko.

See, sometimes it’s better not to know too much and just let the movie do the talking. That’s something David Moreau excels at, and with this 2025 Other, he once again hit my horror sweet spot.

OTHER will start streaming on Shudder on October 17, 2025. Via Shudder, it will be available in the US, CA, AU, NZ, and UKI. I hope and expect that with Disney+ producing, it will mean a release on their platform soon as well.

Details

Director: David Moreau
Cast: Olga Kurylenko, Jean Schatz, Lola Bonaventure, Jacqueline Ghaye, Anne-Pascale Clairembourg, Julie Maes, and Philip Schurer