URHorror Newsletter: Week of 5.23
A new Margaret Qualley freak flick; MaXXXine's relation to Terminator; IN A VIOLENT NATURE Review
Hello all my horror friends and fiends. Summerween is full swing. Is anyone else struggling to keep?? The Strangers: Chapter 1 released last weekend, the verdict is in, and it’s just another uninspired remake. Listen to my spoiler-free review wherever you get your podcasts!
With so many exciting trailers dropping every week, what upcoming 2024 horror film are looking forward to most?
Horror News
Margaret Qualley’s Newest Freak Flick Brings Substance To The Cannes
If there’s one thing Margaret will do, she’ll always star in a freaky little art film. The Substance also stars Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid. Perhaps he’s taking a break from his heartwarming dog movies to follow in his son’s steps (Jack Quaid of Scream 5). This is a movie that snuck up on everyone from French filmmaker Coralie Fargeat, who also produced, wrote, and edited the film. The film was treated well at film festival last weekend with a 9-minute standing ovation. I’m still trying to figure out if these ovations are real…
Worlds Collide: MaXXXine & Terminator
I’m sure I don’t have to jog your memory of the upcoming third installment to Ti West’s trilogy. We have some new intel that may excite some of you 80’s film fans. In a recent interview with Total Film, Director Ti West explained that it’s [MaXXXine] going to have a “Terminator-like aesthetic”. Some similarities that Cinema Blend have predicted is the “suspenseful and gritty narrative” and “its portrayal of relentless pursuit” as MaXXXine will most likely have a run in with the fictional Nightstalker.
It’s Not That Deep…
But it always is… isn’t it? Except, the film of discussion this week isn’t being dissected for it bone-chilling ₐₙₐₐₜₒₘy. Or maybe it is.. just not in the way I usually do!
In A Violent Nature, directed by Chris Nash in his feature debut, is a character study of a new face to the horror genre: Johnny. After a mean prank involving an old fire protection helmet, Johnny falls to his death from a fire tower. Now, he rests in the woods until a group of teens disturbs his peace by taking the one thing keeping him buried: his dead mother’s locket. The plot structure mimics that of the classic summer slashers. It even pays homage to its predecessors with the casting of Lauren Marie-Taylor most known from the Friday the 13th franchise! However, this one stands out for it’s approach of following the killer around instead of the victims to his fury.
Unlike other horror villains’, you immediately empathize with Johnny on his quest to find his mother’s locket. You stay with him through the entirety of the film though you can still hear the character’s conversations within earshot of Johnny.
It was essentially like a live-action gameplay of Dead By Daylight and notably recognizable as such! The kills were GRUESOME and, of course it being Shudder/IFC, they let you see every gut-wrenching detail. There is one kill that I still think about: partly because of the absurdity and partly because of the audience’s reaction. This is one you most definitely need to catch in a packed theater, because it will make for an unforgettable viewing experience.
In a Violent Nature is out May 31st nationwide!
That’s a wrap!
But seriously… go see In A Violent Nature. SUPPORT INDIE HORROR!! Maybe I can get Chris Nash on the podcast. Until then, though, I have a guest coming on the pod that you’re gonna immediately fall in love with! If you’ve listened to recent episodes, I’ve done nothing but brag about Chuck Tingle. Luckily, I get to ring in Pride month with him.
Tune in next week for our author interview and discussion of his upcoming Summer 2024 release Bury Your Gays: a horror fiction novel about gay media and AI in Hollywood.
In honor of Pride month coming up, tell me your fave Queer horror read or watch!
oooo i’m super excited for the substance! i’m going to in a violent nature soon and i’m already flinching i just know it’ll be gory lol