Review: Desolation

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IFC Midnight has become a sable in the horror industry; churning out its share of fantastic flicks and the occasional dud. Luckily though, for fans constantly looking for the next horror film, IFC Midnight delivers in plethora. And for that, horror addicts should be thankful. One of their latest releases, Desolation, finds its light in the characters who bounce off of each other perfectly.

Following a recently widowed woman, her son and best friend on a hiking trip gone wrong, Desolation takes home invasion deep into the wilderness for a slow-burn that's somewhat tepid but unsettling nonetheless. Desolation stars Jaimi Paige (Peacock) as Abby, the mother of Sam, played by Toby Nichols (Iron Fist). The film also features Alyshia Ochse (True Detective) as Jen and Claude Duhamel (Valentine) as the mysterious stranger the trio encounters.

Jen is obvious cannon fodder to bolster the otherwise impossibly tiny kill count, but it's a shame since the actress is fantastic; a slightly wilder single woman whose confidence is undeniable. Her chemistry with the Paige's Abby - and to an extent Nichols's Sam - truly makes this movie. Without her finesse in establishing a truly special relationship onscreen, this movie could've gone a lot worse.

The plot, while incredibly simple is executed mostly well. The mysterious hiker could have been fleshed out more, but in a real-life case scenario, the victims would never figure out why he does what he ends up doing to them. In some ways, this subtle slow-burn may have actually worked even better if the protagonists received an even brighter ending. The lack of bloodshed could have been more effective had it been even more limited, since what little was shown seemed less like a choice than a fear of pulling the trigger.

 

Ultimately though, Desolation and its short runtime are definitely worth checking out. For the bond between the characters alone, this movie brims with a type of light so often missing from these types of slasher-invasion films. Each of the three is incredibly likeable and noteworthy, even if the fourth member of the cast remains completely elusive. Desolation is simple, taut and other than some flaws, mostly maintains interest. 6 out 10.

Review: Aliens: Zone of Silence

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While news of alien abductions and UFO sightings seem to enter the mainstream in intervals, the horror industry has churned out a near constant stream of encounter films for years. While many of these have proven to be terrifying endeavors, like The Fourth Kind and Dark Skies, some have used far too many effects, leaving a product that is less than desirable, like Skinwalker Ranch. But still, the fear of the unknown has stood the test of time, whether through creepy atmosphere or the fact that if and when they come, we'll all have little power to stop whatever they choose to do. The latest film to enter the string of alien flicks is Aliens: Zone of Silence, which is currently streaming on Netflix.

Following a young woman searching for her brother after he disappears in a Mexican desert, annoyingly named the "Zone of Silence." Aliens: Zone of Silence is far too similar to alien flicks before it. Like a mixture of last year's forgettable but entertaining Phoenix Forgotten and the indie horror film Banshee Chapter, this search-and-rescue mission has an ending that anyone could have seen coming, but without the horror that'd allow you to overlook it. It stars Sarah Hestler (American Satan), Peter Gesswein (A Plea for Tenderness) and Jed Maheu (51).


Aliens: Zone of Silence might be worth your time if you're looking to lose an hour and 20 minutes of your life with little recollection of how it was spent. But otherwise, it's best avoided. Less likeable and shallower characters leave this half-baked flick feeling like a dud. Sure it's not offensively bad, but in some ways, maybe it should have been. Then maybe it'd infamously be remembered for something; even if that thing is laughable.


Sure, Phoenix Forgotten was just the desert version of the Blair Witch Project, but at least the characters felt more entertaining and the scares were at least somewhat adequate. But, this bland copycat never really makes any progression or moves that haven't been done better a hundred times over. So much of it relies on shaky, broken cameras and bright lights in the sky that the shallow characters never seem to be in the great of danger.


The fact is, Aliens: Zone of Silence is just plain and boring. There are no thrills, no interesting characters and little to zero plot line. Horror films don't have to be perfect, but they should at least fulfill something. By the time Aliens ends though, you'll have instantly moved on, having forgotten what you wasted time on and that is almost worse than wishing you had your time back. 4 out 10.

Best in Show: Horrors of 2017

In the year that was, the news was filled with plenty of real, terrifying horrors. But, running alongside it and keeping pace were the horror films churned out by 2017. From small-budget indies to big-budget blockbusters, the future of horror was confirmed in this year's fantastic releases. Even among duds like Rings and The Bye Bye Man, fans had plenty of material to devour and to be devoured by. And, while some circuit films have yet to receive a wide release, the movies available to the masses certainly left a mark. This week's list loos at the best horror films of 2017.

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10. A Dark Song

By-and-large one of the most aptly titled horror films of the year, IFC Midnight's A Dark Song plays out like a seething ballad. With darkly comedic moments sprinkled amongst the ashes of this slow burn, A Dark Song features a pair of loners who come together to in the hopes of performing a ritual. The woman, who lost her son, hopes to reconnect with him and the man, whose motives are less sound, pair off perfectly. Their building tension and chemistry between the actors - Catherine Walker (The Clinic) and Steve Oram (Sightseers) - make for a truly compelling experience and the horrors, interwoven with messages of faith

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9. Prevenge
Perhaps one of the weirder horror films to be released in recent years, the British import, Prevenge, is a bit of an enigma. Quirky to its core and blissfully unapologetic, this prenatal flick follows a young, down-on-her-luck pregnant woman, Ruth, who begins hearing the voice of her unborn child from within telling her to murder the annoyances around her. The movie benefits from its incredible pacing. It's a quickly-unraveling, but constantly entertaining story that hosts a ton of odd turns, including a stellar supporting role played by Kate Dickie (The Witch). Prevenge most certainly won't appeal to everyone, but this dark and pointed comedy-horror on motherhood packs quite an uncomfortable punch.


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8. The Void

With a low budget and impressive visual effects, The Void is the rare indie sci-fi film that actually benefits from a lack of expensive CGI. Perfectly balancing the cult and alien subgenres, this movie brings plenty of twists and turns as characters trapped in a hospital quickly realize they're involved in something far greater with far more sinister intentions. The Void makes the most of its simplicity through fantastic characters, ambitious effects and particular style. It's one of the year's must see for fans of the 80s and beyond.

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7. Raw/Super Dark Times
While the supernatural seemed to dominate the horror industry this year, two thrilling, grounded films brought a certain unrestrained intensity to the genre. Both Raw and Super Dark Times tell an unhinged coming-of-age story much drearier than typical fare. Raw, which follows a young vegetarian vet student who develops a taste for human flesh, features a sisterly bond that feels deeply real and deeply personal. Then, in Super Dark Times, a group of social outcasts find themselves at the center of an incident that quickly spirals out of control. Each use realism to instill a sense of long-lasting dread in its viewers. Raw and Super Dark Times expanded the boundaries of where horror could go, focusing less on inherent evil and more on the terrors that come with small decisions and mistakes that can change lives forever.


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6. The Devil's Candy

The second IFC Midnight film to make this list is also one of their best ever. The Devil's Candy is a rock-n-roll, metal possession film oozing with stylistic flair. Featuring a stellar cast, including Shiri Appleby (UnREAL), The Devil's Candy is the rare horror film that features a family that's entirely likeable. Each of the three is youthful, interesting and completely watchable. This, alongside a fantastic score and camerawork make for a movie that is an absolute must see - especially now that it's on Netflix.

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5. The Blackcoat's Daughter

It's been a long year. So long in fact that it's hard to believe that The Blackcoat's Daughter didn't receive a wide release until 2017. One of the most ultimate slow-burns ever in horror, this film could be easily overlooked by fans of the mainstream gut-punching jump scare, but it shouldn't. Both sides of the horror coin matter and can be appreciated, and if any film could appeal to everyone, it's this one. Emma Roberts, who's scream queen resume only continues growing, is absolutely amazing in this film which is full of disturbing twist and turns.

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4. Happy Death Day

While the slasher subgenre seems to have taken a backseat in recent years, Blumhouse Pictures' Happy Death Day proves it still had legs. Bitingly funny, at varying points tense, and wholly entertaining, this Groundhog Day-esque movie is surprisingly stellar. Jessica Rothe shines as a college student who relives the same day of her murder over and over again until she can find out the killer. Audiences can expect to be completely captivated by the film's bonkers premise and execution as Happy Death Day gives new life to a disappearing subgenre.

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3. It Comes at Night

It Comes at Night is The Witch of 2017. Perfectly styled and disturbingly dark, this pandemic-based film came hot off of the festival circuit with rave reviews. Naturally, the wide release was met with similar applause as viewers fell in love with the atmospheric tension that runs deep throughout. The dream sequences are horrifyingly anticipatory and with some gut punches to be expected later in the film, audiences can expect to be thoroughly gloomy after it ends. It Comes at Night doesn't necessarily reinvent the wheel but it does a good job at keeping it greased.

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2. IT

Brimming with nostalgia and hosting a collection of perfect young stars, IT captured almost everything that made the Stephen King book so popular. It may not be the scariest film ever, but it’s certainly one of the highest quality horror films in recent years. There are plenty of genre-bending, moments of terror and even great laughs to make every moment feel justified. Overall, It is everything audiences will expect to see. By offering some great retro style, perfect cinematography and great scares, this film feels like a complete product. IT masterfully executed and a polished reminder that that a big-budget, R-rated horror film can have mass appeal and not lose the insidious scares. Here's hoping for more.

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1 Get Out

One of the most rightfully lauded films of the year also happens to be a horror film. Perfectly pairing political commentary and race with horror and inflections of comedy, Get Out is close to perfection. It's easily one of the best horror films in years and probably one of the best films in general. Props to Jordan Peele and the cast who committed themselves to every aspect of this game-changing creation. Some would probably call the success of Get Out a surprise, but horror fans know all too well how many films are deserving of accolades and so often ignored because of their genre. Hopefully though, Get Out signifies a change in critic culture that neglects to include horror just because it's horror.   

 
Honorable Mentions:

Annabelle: Creation

Recapturing what was lost in the first spin-off of The Conjuring, Annabelle Creation was conventional, but definitely terrifying.

Alien: Covenant
Despite "fan" backlash, this nasty flick features great acting, especially by Michael Fassbender, and plenty of scary action.

Split
M. Night Shyamalan's Split was a nice kick-off to what could have been a down-trodden year for horror thanks to early entries The Bye Bye Man and Rings.

Nails
While nowhere near perfect, Nails is a little indie film with a lot of potential.

 

Review: Mayhem

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The workplace can be a jungle of uncertainty. Especially in competitive office spaces where even the smallest moments can unravel into failed promotions and blacklisting, jobs can seem almost deadly. Whether it’s dealing with annoying and sometimes manic coworkers or an infuriating boss, some offices are unbearable. Capturing this are a recent string of workplace horror films, most recently done in Mayhem.


Starring Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead), Mayhem follows an unfairly fired employee of a large white-collar corporation where a virus that causes you to act out your worst impulses is released into the air system and the entire complex enters lockdown. Mayhem works through some cheap ploys with poignant and campy comedy and fantastic acting. Other actors include Samara Weaving (The Babysitter), as Yeun's character's love interest, Steven Brand (Teen Wolf) as the buildings big boss figure, and Caroline Chikezie (Aeon Flux) as a cut throat coworker.


The film's strengths most definitely come in its crazed charm. Despite at times feeling strikingly similar to The Belko Experiment  Yeun and Weaving are each powerhouse performers who ooze both chemistry and personality. Even the obtuse and over-the-top side characters like the one played by Chikezie or her assistant are entertainingly juicy. The cast oozes cheese and whether or not it's intentional, it certainly works in favor of the film. Had things been so serious and glum, the resulting product would not be nearly as enjoyable or worthwhile.  


For fans of The Office or any of a number of shows or movies covering the very serious lives of coworkers in an office, Mayhem is a true change of pace. This isn't a soft workplace comedy or a serial drama. Instead it plays like a comic; consistently gritty, but with a sense of graphic-novel novelty. The premise is simple but the execution is all too delectable, making Mayhem worth the mayhem. 6 out 10.

Review: Hypothermia

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For some, ice fishing is a fool's sport. Sitting around a hole in the frigid cold, trailer or not, can be an especially daunting task for the weak spirited. Sure some alcohol may keep you warm, but nothing takes away from the fact that you're sitting on one of the coldest substances on earth. These dangerous conditions, exasperated by something far more terrifying lurking in the water, are what makes Hypothermia so great.

Following a family on an annual ice fishing trip, this B-movie is silly at times, but perfectly captures the essence of classic monster flicks like Creature of the Black Lagoon, while offering quite a punch in its short runtime. From the moment the foursome are set upon by a suspicious and blunt pair of fellow fisherman to the film's bloody unraveling and conclusion, Hypothermia is entertaining, even if the scares aren't the most effective and the dialogue is a little sugar-coated.


Written and directed by James Felix McKenney (Satan Hates You), Hypothermia stars Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy) as the surprisingly sentimental father =, Ray Pelletier, to Benjamin Hugh Abel Forster's (Automation) David and husband to Blanche Baker's (Sixteen Candles) Helen. Supporting actors include Amy Chang (Ace the Case) as David's girlfriend and Don Wood (Satan Hates You) and Greg Finley (Star-Crossed) as Steve and Steven Jr. Each is surprisingly effective, but the true star is Rooker who provides a soft touch to an otherwise hardy role.


Hypothermia definitely has a few flaws including some schlocky practical effects. But, in a world nearly absent of creature features, it’s a nostalgic kick. The plot line is incredibly simple but effective, the characters are likeable - even at their worst - and by the film's end, even though there are some terrible lines spilled from the cast, and viewers should be satisfied. Perhaps it's the taut 72 minute runtime or the power of the actors featured, but Hypothermia is surprisingly watchable and consistently fun.


Hypothermia could benefit from a higher budget, undoubtedly. But for what it is and how intense it becomes, this stumble-on find is definitely worth every second. The setting is beautifully stark and the bloodshed is constantly terrifying. For this film, which is now streaming on Shudder, audiences will find a lot to appreciate. 6 out of 10.

 

Best in Show: Holiday Horrors (Pt. II of II)





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5. P2
P2 isn't the most memorable horror film. But, with a fantastic concept and a terrifically loony role for Wes Bentley, this Christmas horror movie should be anything but forgettable. This typical obsession-slasher movie follows a corporate woman working late on Christmas Eve who becomes entangled in a cat-and-mouse game with a security guard blocking her in a parking garage. Things transpire with typical horror conventions but the resulting film glows with holiday cheer and is an entertaining addition to any yuletide playlist.



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4. Black Christmas

Whether deciding on the campy, spooky original or the somewhat grotesque remake, Black Christmas is a practical go-to slasher film for the season. Neither are masterpieces and both have some great aspects, and some really bad ones. But, while the bad is glaring, the good provides enough jolly holiday fun to make them more than worthwhile. The original's use of horrifying, telephone breathing and the remakes obscenely terrifying killer provide the perfect reminder that while these movies are definitely reserved for a certain time of the year, they will always be scary. 

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3. Better Watch Out

One of the best Christmas horror movies out there also happens to be one of the newest. Starring a cast a fantastic young stars, Better Watch Out is a twisty slasher brimming with the essence of the holidays. The visuals are lush, the lights warm and the bloodshed gory. All of it culminates into a perfect experience with funny, but intense results. Better Watch Out deserves the fan base it's rapidly collecting because it's a spirited and captivating holiday horror film that knows how to work its simple premise. Better Watch Out is now streaming exclusively on Shudder, a great move for a great movie.







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2. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is probably the most outlandish film to make this list. Odd, but actually scary, this comical Finnish horror flick is reminiscent of the worlds of Guillermo Del Toro, but with an undeniable locale-point of view. Rare Exports is now streaming on Prime which makes it all the easier to see for those of us who may have missed it on its first rounds. Full of festive undertones, brimming with sweater-adorning characters and really, really scary elves, this holiday movie is a blast.

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1. Krampus
While maybe the most typical option and the more famous out of the others, its negligent to ignore how polished Krampus is. Never taking itself too seriously, the film is full of campy scares, jovial comedy and overall high quality entertainment. Not only is it an effective holiday flick, it’s also a terrific horror and comedy one too. With characters that are unlikeable, yet lovable, elves as creepy as those in Rare Exports and plenty of odd baubles and trinkets that come to life, the ever-charming Krampus is a masterful blend of cinema.



Best in Show: Holiday Horrors (Pt. I of II)

The holidays can be a pretty fun time. Whether gathering around a tree or lighting the menorah, we're constantly reminded that this is a time for family and to resonate on all the things we're thankful for. But, for some, the season is a reminder of how terrifying their family is. This week's list covers the best holiday horror movies. On it, there's a notable absence of Gremlins, simply due to the overly fond memories held of this movie as a happier, campy children's film. The rest of these flicks are most certainly aren't meant for kids and will add an adult flair to an otherwise typical family theme found on Hallmark and Freeform. So without further ado, happy holidays! May they be as horrific as they are in these films.



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10. The Children

Cheesy and sometimes annoying, The Children gets plenty wrong in its attempts at making a horror film about a gaggle of youngsters who turn on their parents. The adult characters, and especially the one teenager unaffiliated by the strange happenings, are all pretty one dimensional. But in some ways, this makes the bloodbath that much more fun. The Children never really makes hearts beat faster, but it does provide a few good laughs and plenty of jovial moments with psychotic children doing exactly what one could expect. 


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9. The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2 is a terrifying horror sequel. If this was a list on modern horror movies, it would even be placed higher. But, what is often overlooked is that this film is actually a holiday movie. Taking place during the holiday season, even featuring Christmas decorations, The Conjuring 2 has even received (sarcastic) confirmation from creator and horror icon James Wan that the follow up of the fantastic original is, in fact, a Christmas horror movie. Even without many references, this movie is about family and its themes are reminiscent of those shared during yuletide celebrations. All that's missing in this generally not-about-Christmas-but-most-definitely-is-about-Christmas horror film to push it up this list is perhaps some more sparkling lights.

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8. Body 

Want to lose the Christmas spirit? This indie-thriller following a trio of girls who accidentally push a groundskeeper down the stairs of a house they broke into is just the kind of darkly mean-spirited flick to halt any thoughts of Santa or elves. Intense and void of any joy, Body would best be reserved for those who hate holiday fun. While the movie may have some disturbingly comedic moments, the ever-grim Body definitely isn't for the faint of heart.

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7. Orphan

Often forgotten on the list of Christmas-themed horror movies is Orphan; a film that takes place almost entirely around the holiday season. With perhaps one of the most iconic plot twists in modern horror, it's easy to forget how holiday-driven Orphan is. From scenic snowfalls and warm interior tones, to a Christmas tree and presents that matter later in the film, Orphan is a must-have inclusion for any jolly horror fanatic. Like many of the movies on this list, the themes go deeper than the setting and décor, featuring a family that must stand together or be ripped apart.

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6. Wind Chill

Before she stars opposite her real-life husband as a mother who must keep her family safe from a supernatural danger attracted to noise, Emily Blunt first starred in a little horror film called Wind Chill. Following two classmates who end up stranded on a "scenic" route during their trip home for the holidays, Wind Chill is an on-the-fly tale reminding all of us to be thankful for all we have, no matter how we got it or where we are. Wind Chill could have easily been a terrifying survival film, but when it ties in ghostly elements, audiences will certainly find plenty to appreciate during the holidays, given the sad lives of the road's previous victims.