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

STAR PEOPLE is a new sci-fi thriller with a very sweet, but also twisted and dark, story featuring two siblings at the heart of the plot. Inspired by real events, this indie production won me over with its character-driven plot and the most gorgeous visuals. Read our full Star People movie review here!

STAR PEOPLE is a new indie sci-fi thriller that made me want to plan a night of stargazing somewhere with no light pollution. Honestly, if you don’t fall in love with the visuals of this movie, then I don’t know what it would take. Also, it has a character-driven story built on the aftermath of a real UFO sighting.

With a runtime of just over 100 minutes, I was worried that maybe it would be running a little too long. Fortunately, it didn’t, as there are more layers to the storyline than what you might expect. A small but fierce cast paired with a very interesting and relatable storyline made for a solid genre movie.

Continue reading our Star People movie review below. Find it on VOD now!

I want to believe

Star People is a classic “I want to believe”-plot that Fox Mulder would gladly support. We meet photographer Claire (Kat Cunning), who is convinced she has seen a UFO (or rather, several) when she was a child. Ever since this sighting, she has been waiting for them to come back.

The very specific UFO sighting in this 2025 sci-fi thriller is based on the very real 1997 UFO sighting in Arizona. It was known as the “Phoenix Lights”, and we see archive news footage of the event. Clarie’s brother, Taylor (McCabe Slye), isn’t a believer, so he would be the Dana Scully of the family – just to stay in the X Files character gallery.

Taylor, however, is a junkie and struggling in all areas of life, so Claire doesn’t care much about what he believes. Still, in a roundabout way, he ends up joining his big sister on a job. A man has spotted some lights that look similar to the 1997 Phoenix Lights, and wants Claire to take pictures of them.

Not because he thinks they’re aliens, but I won’t give away what he suspects here. Again, Claire doesn’t care what anyone else believes. She’s just eager to get out there and see the aliens again.

There is much more to this story, but Star People is the kind of movie that you should experience without too much prior knowledge.

Wonderful cast and an important story

Don’t worry, I’m not about to go back on the above and give away key elements of the story in Star People. I just want to highlight that I loved how it incorporated very current issues and dealt with them in a very straightforward manner. Being able to do this in a believable way means a cast has to sell the idea to us, the audience, and Star People has a wonderful cast.

With Kat Cunning (The Deuce, Trinkets) at the heart of the story, we have an actor who breathes life into Claire. She’s a woman who is conflicted and deals with past trauma as best she can. Sure, she handles it better than her brother, who is a junkie, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t struggling as well.

Also, McCabe Slye (Fear Street trilogy) is wonderful as her little brother, Taylor, with all the issues and baggage he comes with. As a boyfriend (well, sort of) to Claire, we see Connor Paolo (A Creature Was Stirring) as Justin. Honestly, Justin isn’t a very stellar man, but Connor Paolo manages to give him nuance in his portrayal. Really, he just isn’t a hero… at all!

Rounding out the cast of Star People are Eddie Martinez, Adriana Aluna Martinez, Chris Altice, and Bradley Fisher. All play important parts in the story, and all deserve to be complimented for their performances.

Watch Star People on VOD

Star People comes from writer-director Adam Finberg, and I am very impressed with this indie sci-fi thriller. A strong character-driven plot that isn’t afraid to include a few key elements of very current importance. And also, those visuals truly did take my breath away.

If Arizona wants to attract more tourists, just get Adam Finberg to make the commercial.

However, I do also have to highlight the audio. Not least the score by Reza Safinia, and the soundtrack. The end credit song “Constellation” by Reza Safinia, featuring vocals by the star of the movie, Kat Cunning, was amazing. I immediately wanted to hear that song again. And again!

If you love a solid sci-fi thriller and want to believe, then do check out Star People. Not only does it offer a UFO story, but it also deals with more grounded everyday “alien” issues that many will recognize. A strong combination that works elegantly here.

Star People is out on VOD now.

Details

Director: Adam Finberg
Writer: Adam Finberg
Cast: Kat Cunning, McCabe Slye, Connor Paolo, Eddie Martinez, Bradley Fisher, Adriana Aluna Martinez

ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT is a new true crime documentary about a documentary that was never made. Yes, this is a documentary about the making of a true crime documentary that never was. Coming out in theaters now. Read our full Zodiac Killer Project documentary review here!

ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT is a documentary about making a true crime documentary. It was supposed to be a true crime documentary feature about the Zodiac killer. However, this was to be based on a specific book, and just as the documentary filmmaker is getting ready to start shooting, the rights to the book fall through.

Instead, he made a documentary about the true crime documentary he had planned on making. The runtime is 91 minutes, which works well for this project. Overall, this is an intriguing watch, though I have to say that I found the filmmaker a little annoying at times. Then again, this works for the project, in a roundabout way.

Continue reading our review of the Zodiac Killer Project documentary below.

A documentary about true crime documentaries

With Zodiac Killer Project, we’re getting a documentary about the true crime Zodiac documentary that the filmmaker was planning to make. However, it turns into something bigger than just his own true crime production.

In fact, this ends up being equal parts about the specific Zodiac documentary that never was and the familiar formulaic approach to true crime documentary productions.

This means Zodiac Killer Project features a lot of clips from many of the most famous and successful true crime documentaries. Seeing clips from all of them makes it obvious that the typical true crime documentaries all look very similar.

This will forever change how you watch true crime

It’s so strange to recognize the very obvious patterns of true crime documentary filmmaking. From the title sequence that utilizes lots of the same ingredients, to various clips meant to evoke nostalgia or suspicion, and moving on to how interviews are made.

Watching this will forever change how you watch true crime documentaries in the future. In fact, the first true crime documentary I watched after Zodiac Killer Project was The Carman Family Deaths, and I noticed all these formulaic elements.

Also, I realized that this Netflix documentary was probably around the same quality as the Zodiac Killer Project documentary would have been, had it been made.

Watch Zodiac Killer Project in theaters

Zodiac Killer Project was made by Charlie Shackleton, and I have to admit the Zodiac documentary he was describing did not sound good. Maybe because he seemed to have an almost arrogant approach to true crime. I mean, if he wanted to just make a copy-paste average Netflix documentary production, why would anyone want this guy to have the rights to their book?!

Then again, maybe part of the reason is to be found in Charlie Shackleton being annoyed that he didn’t get to make a true crime documentary. If he couldn’t make his own, he could attack those others have made. Also, for the record, you cannot talk about true crime documentaries and suddenly point out elements from season 1 of Monster about Jeffrey Dahmer. That was not a documentary!

Maybe watching this will help you recognize why you enjoy the kind of true crime you do. For me, it certainly did. I realized that I prefer those that utilize body cam and surveillance footage. Mostly because it focuses on facts, not just setting the stage and trying to make its viewers feel something.

DO CHECK OUT…

Our review of The Perfect Neighbor which focuses on facts >

Overall, I would recommend watching Zodiac Killer Project as a study in true crime filmmaking. However, don’t expect to learn more about the Zodiac serial killer or about how to make a good or original true crime documentary. Clearly, this was never the goal of Charlie Shackleton in any case.

Zodiac Killer Project is out in N.Y. theaters on November 21, S.F. theaters on November 28, and expands to limited theaters in December 2025.

Details

Director: Charlie Shackleton

THE THINGS YOU KILL is a new revenge thriller with a few unexpected twists along the way. It all plays out in Turkey, but the story is universal in many brutal ways. Also, this is Canada’s Oscar bid for 2026. Yes, I do mean Canada. Read our full The Things You Kill movie review here!

THE THINGS YOU KILL is a movie that I probably expected more from, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good movie. It’s just that I knew, before watching it, that this is the Oscar bid from Canada for the 2026 Best Foreign Film award. This made for some expectations that the movie didn’t deliver on.

Having said that, I still highly recommend watching this movie. However, I have to highlight that you need to go in with an open mind and pay attention. The premise is fairly simple as far as revenge stories go, but the storytelling style chosen for this thriller does challenge its audience.

Continue reading our The Things You Kill movie review below. Find it in select theaters from November 14, 2025.

Revenge or forgiveness?

With The Things You Kill, we see family members struggle with the choice between revenge and forgiveness. When dealing with trauma, this will often seem like the only two choices. If you want to move on, you must either forgive or react. Forgetting is rarely an option – and never the healthy one.

It all begins with a son, Ali, questioning the suspicious death of his mother. Very quickly, he suspects that his father had a hand in his mother’s accidental death. Ali is a university professor who has returned to his native Turkey after spending more than a decade in the USA.

Why he left is part of the story, so I won’t get into that. However, he returned to be closer to his family and wants to start a family and build a garden on a plot of land. To help with the latter, an enigmatic gardener plays a role. Appearing out of nowhere, he is ready to help Ali with whatever he needs.

Before long, thoughts of revenge take over, and family secrets will surface to reveal painful truths. Can Ali hold back the darkness that has been building up inside, or will he give in and let it out?

Up for a possible Oscar nomination

As already mentioned, The Things You Kill is the Oscar bid from Canada for the 2026 Best Foreign Language Film award. The director of this movie is an Iranian-Canadian filmmaker, and the story is in Turkish and takes place in Turkey.

I can’t say anything against this, as the amazing Under the Shadow became a nominee for the UK, and Holy Spider was a nominee for my own native Denmark. It’s all about following the filmmaker and, especially, the money. Who produced the movie? That’s where you discover the connection to which country will be the potential Oscar recipient.

Anyway, I also had Incendies in the back of my mind. Simply due to it being from a Canadian director, taking place in the Middle East, and also being nominated for an Oscar for Canada. The breathtaking 2010 movie was by Denis Villeneuve, and I truly cannot recommend it enough.

Incendies didn’t win the Oscar, because that went to my native Denmark for Susanne Bier‘s In A Better World. As proud as I am of that, I personally feel Incendies has a stronger story.

Anyway, my point is simply that I expected something that The Things You Kill never promised, and yet it did impact my overall experience with watching it. Fairly? Not at all, but here we are.

Watch The Things You Kill when you can

The Things You Kill was written & directed by Alireza Khatami. Despite not having watched anything by this Iranian-Canadian filmmaker before, I am very excited to see what he does next. The core story of this movie is heartbreaking yet offers hope. And yet, this is also a dark revenge story that involves choices you can never undo.

The movie has already won the 2025 Sundance Directing Award in the “World Cinema Dramatic” category. This alone makes it an obvious choice to send to the Oscars as well. That’s probably a good part of the reason for making The Things You Kill Canada’s official selection for the 98th Academy Awards.

It’s possible that I would’ve ended a rating higher on another day, but no more than that. The reason is the storytelling choices. It’s a strong story, but it does expect a lot from its audience before setting the stage and presenting the premise ideally. To this movie-watcher, anyway.

The Things You Kill opens in New York on November 14, 2025, before expanding to Los Angeles and additional markets on November 21, 2025. 

Details

Director: Alireza Khatami
Script: Alireza Khatami
Cast: Ekin Koç, Erkan Kolçak Köstendil, Hazar Ergüçlü, Ercan Kesal, Serhat Nalbantoğlu, Aysan Sümercan, Selen Kurtaran

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

THE RUNNING MAN is the new take on Stephen King’s dystopian game show sci-fi thriller. This one has a lot of dark comedy in there as well, which suits the 1980s style very well. I did, however, find it too long for its own good. Read our full The Running Man 2025 movie review here!

THE RUNNING MAN is a new movie by genre filmmaker Edgar Wright. It’s based on a novel by Stephen King, just as the first film adaptation from 1987 was. That one starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has a cameo in this one – sort of, he’s on the currency.

This time, Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards, and as someone susceptible to his charm (despite having more in common with Katy O’Brian), he works well for me. He has serious anger issues, but also wants to fight for what’s right. A familiar and efficient premise.

Continue reading our 2025 The Running Man movie review below. Find it in theaters from November 14, 2025.

Game Show of Death

The Running Man 2025 is a sci-fi conspiracy thriller showing a dystopian world where the richest people try to divide the poorest, so they’ll hate each other instead of them.

Sound familiar? Yeah, Stephen King stories have never been too far from the world we live in.

As someone who watched the 1987 The Running Man many times growing up, the world of this Stephen King (written as Richard Bachman, just like The Long Walk) story is nothing new. And yet, it is as relevant and current as ever.

It takes place in a near-future society, where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. No medicine or food for the poor, while the rich want for nothing. Also, AI can make anything seem real in an instant, so you can’t tell fact from fiction.

Finally, everyone is obsessed with mind-numbing TV shows. From “The Americanos” reality show, where we follow a rich family and their drama, to various game shows that tend to have fatal outcomes for their contestants.

Anything to forget the horror of real life. All while dreaming of getting on one of these game shows, so you can be set for life. Of course, it doesn’t look like anyone really wins. Ever. But the dream of winning is being sold nonetheless.

Still made with an 1980s vibe

To me, I wasn’t sure if a 2025 version of The Running Man was necessary. However, my editor had never watched the 1987 original adaptation and loved this one, so I guess it’s still very relevant to a new generation.

What I wasn’t sure about at first was the decision to make it in a strange 1980s retro sci-fi style. Then again, I can understand that making it more contemporary (outside of the obvious Kardashian reference) would probably be too dark for many viewers.

So I was won over fairly fast by this. Somehow, things seem more innocent when shown in a retro 1980s light. Familiar, yet not too close to our current situation.

Even though it definitely is!

I can imagine plenty of people watching The Running Man in 2025 and thinking: “I’d sign up for that if I could actually win enough money to be set for life.” Just like Ben Richards rationalizes it in this story.

Running for your life

The Running Man is named after the top-rated show on television in this dystopian near-future. It’s a deadly competition where the contestants are called “Runners” because they have to survive for 30 days in order to win.

During these 30 days, they will be hunted by professional assassins, known as “Hunters”, and anyone in the public can also get rich by reporting a “Runner”. So, it’s essentially you against everyone else.

Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is desperate to save his sick daughter. Also, this working-class hero has a temper, which tends to get him fired. Sometimes for doing the right thing and helping his colleagues, but also just for getting angry and lashing out.

Sure, Ben Richards is a working-class man, but he isn’t without flaws. Then again, who isn’t?! The point in this story is simply that he is easily manipulated into being an ideal contestant. The ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), spots this immediately.

Watch the 2025 The Running Man in theaters!

Edgar Wright is the director of The Running Man in this 2025 version, and he is a director I am very fond of. Especially for Shaun of the Dead, which I can always rewatch, but also newer movies such as Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho.

Combine this with my love of Stephen King, and we’re off to an excellent start. The screenplay comes from Michael Bacall and Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright. No, I didn’t stutter; that’s how the credit goes both on screen and in press material, so there you go.

Alongside Glen Powell, Katy O’Brian, and Josh Brolin, we also get the pleasure of Colman Domingo (The Madness), Jayme Lawson, Emilia Jones (Task), Michael Cera, William H. Macy, Karl Glusman, Sean Hayes, David Zayas, and Lee Pace.

RETRO ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER REVIVAL

Last week, Predator: Badlands came out, and now it’s The Running Man. Arnold Schwarzenegger originated the lead role in both, which were movies I grew up with, but I recognize the charm of these 2025 versions. Hopefully, you will, as well.

My one big hurdle with this 2025 version of The Running Man is that the ending felt forced. I am all for the wild action sequences, the 1980s retro vibe, and even the dark comedy and charming, but flawed, hero.

However, it is too long. And especially because the ending didn’t feel very organic to me. It felt more like an afterthought or a correction of the originally intended ending.

Whatever the case, I cannot argue against its theme or entertainment value. It is wildly entertaining. And yes, this means I have to recommend watching it. Even though it made me want to rewatch the original as well – and insist my editor watches it with me.

THE RUNNING MAN IS OUT ONLY IN THEATERS, DOLBY CINEMA, 4DX, SCREENX, PREMIUM LARGE FORMATS, AND IMAX NOVEMBER 14, 2025.

Details

Director: Edgar Wright
Script: Michael Bacall, Michael Bacall & Edgar Wright
Cast: Glen Powell, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Emilia Jones, Michael Cera, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Colman Domingo, Josh Brolin

Photos © 2025 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

STONE COLD FOX is a new action thriller set in 1986 and made completely in the vein of that era. I loved it for that. Kiernan Shipka plays the lead role with Krysten Ritter and Kiefer Sutherland in key supporting roles. Read our full Stone Cold Fox movie review here!

STONE COLD FOX is a gorgeous throwback action-thriller. This is exactly the kind of movie I grew up watching, but now the lead characters are women. Don’t worry, there are men in this movie as well. More than there were women in most 1980s action movies.

The cast is led by Kiernan Shipka, who seems to be having a blast with her character. Of course, the same goes for everyone else in this kitschy delight. Not least Krysten Ritter and Kiefer Sutherland, who play the classic bad guys, but in very different ways.

Continue reading our Stone Cold Fox movie review below. Find it in select theaters or on Digital now!

What a ride!

In this delicious ’80s revenge story, we meet the young rebel Fox (Kiernan Shipka) as she leaves home. Unfortunately, she ends up in a criminal and abusive living situation, which she also leaves behind… and takes something of value with her.

Fox is looking for her sister, and wants to start life anew with her. The one she abandoned, when she left their childhood home. However, the Queenpin (Krysten Ritter) is hunting her down due to what Fox took with her.

I should mention that the two were also in a relationship. Just not a very good one, but Fox was used to abuse from home, so she didn’t recognize this at first.

Also hunting Fox is a very crooked cop (Kiefer Sutherland), so now she is in dire need of new – and trustworthy – friends. Luckily, she comes across people who are huge fans of 1980s action movies and know what to do. The movies taught them “their code”.

A throwback with a modern twist

With Stone Cold Fox, we’re getting a movie that could just as easily have been made in the 1980s. And I mean that as a huge compliment. I felt completely at home in this 1980s action-thriller universe.

With the gloriously modern twist of allowing women to take center stage. Instead of “just” being a secretary or the wife, in Stone Cold Fox, women play all the major roles. Sure, Kiefer Sutherland also plays a key part, but not the biggest.

Joining Kiernan Shipka (Twisters), Kiefer Sutherland (24), and Krysten Ritter (Dexter: Resurrection) are Mishel Prada (Vida) and Karen Fukuhara (The Boys). among several other amazing supporting actors.

Watch Stone Cold Fox in theaters or on VOD now

Stone Cold Fox comes from first-time feature filmmaker Sophie Tabet. There is no way I would have guessed (or even assumed) that this was a debut feature film. It feels very intentional and complete at every turn.

Writing the screenplay with Sophie Tabat is Julia Roth, and it was based on an original story by Tabet, Roth, and Jonathan Craven (as in son of Wes Craven).

I can’t wait to see what Sophie Tabet does next. Especially if this is what she makes as her debut. It certainly promises lots of wonderful productions in the future. Fingers crossed, she teams up with people who will support these endeavors.

To ensure further movies from Sophie Tabet, make sure you check out Stone Cold Fox wherever you can. If you’re a fan of 1980s production or just enjoy a good kitsch action-thriller, this is your movie!

STONE COLD FOX is out in limited theaters and on digital on November 7, 2025.

Details

Director: Sophie Tabet
Writers: Jonathan Craven, Julia Roth, Sophie Tabet
Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Krysten Ritter, Kiefer Sutherland, Mishel Prada, Karen Fukuhara, Jamie Chung, Gabrielle Maiden, Spenser Granese, Rob Mars, Bluesy Burke

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

SEW TORN on Shudder is a new thriller with a darkly comedic twist and an absolutely fascinating way to tell a story. It’s a sort of “choose your own adventure,” where we see three different outcomes for our protagonist. Read our full Sew Torn movie review here!

SEW TORN is a new Shudder Comedy-Thriller that turned out to be a real delight to watch. It’s difficult to explain exactly why this movie works so well, but it’s obviously the combination of the plot, its execution, and the actors bringing it all together.

This is mostly a thriller, but that darkly comedic element also plays a huge role. The cast is fairly small, and we see three different outcomes play out, so only our protagonist plays a lead role in all three. The remaining characters never last quite as long.

Continue reading our Sew Torn movie review below. Find it on Shudder from November 1, 2025.

Choices and their consequences

Barbara Duggen (Eve Connelly) is “The Mobile Seamstress,” and she is struggling to keep her shop open. It’s a fabric shop that offers a very specific product, as well as being just a “regular” seamstress.

I’ll let you discover her unique product for yourself. I’m just saying, she would be a huge hit on Etsy, but the world in Sew Torn isn’t really set in our world as we know it.

Anyway, after a sewing appointment (for a particular awful client) goes sideways, Barbara needs to go back to the shop to replace a lost button. This is what will set her on the path of disaster.

On the drive back, Barbara stumbles upon a drug deal gone bad. Real bad. Drugs, guns, two injured men, and a very interesting-looking suitcase are all elements of the scene.

Barbara finds herself torn as she contemplates her options: commit the perfect crime, call the police, or drive away. All three choices have consequences, and we’re about to learn what those consequences are.

A magician with a needle and thread

As Sew Torn progresses, we will see the consequences and repercussions of all three decisions. Not least the deadly confrontations that each choice will inevitably result in.

However, what no one was counting on was just how much of a magician with a needle and thread Barbara is. Sure, she’s called The Mobile Seamstress, but it turns out she’s much more of an actual MacGyver.

Watching her use thread to get herself out of the craziest situations is simply brilliant. Both in terms of storytelling and for entertainment purposes. You find yourself trying to figure out what she’s getting at and absolutely rooting for her.

Eve Connelly (The Other Lamb) is perfect as Barbara Duggen. She’s such a peculiar character, but full of heart and an absolutely brilliant problem solver. Supporting Eve Connelly in the cast are John Lynch (The Watchers), Colum Worthy (Pieces of Her), Thomas Douglas, and K Callan.

Constantly getting in the way of our main protagonist is Caroline Goodall’s character. Werner Biermeier’s Melvin doesn’t try to create trouble… but he still might.

Watch Sew Torn on Shudder

Sew Torn was directed by Freddy Macdonald, who also wrote the screenplay with Fred Macdonald. And no, that’s not a mistake, Fred and Freddy Macdonald are two different people.

This is the feature film debut of Freddy Macdonald, and it’s based on his own short film from 2019. Fortunately, he has quite a lot of short films on his IMDb resume, so I’m hoping he can crank out another feature film version of a few more.

Also, I have to mention that I loved the somewhat strange world-building of having it play out in Switzerland, but people speak English with various dialects. A gorgeous backdrop, perfect for the story, but with none of the issues of making a “foreign” (as in “not in English”) film.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of following a protagonist actively living her choices in a “Choose Your Own Adventure” style, then check out Sew Torn.

Sew Torn begins streaming on Shudder on November 1, 2025.

Details

Director: Freddy Macdonald
Writers: Fred Macdonald, Freddy Macdonald
Stars: Eve Connolly, Calum Worthy, John Lynch, K Callan, Caroline Goodall, Werner Biermeier

📺 Watch trailer

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