I’ve just made my first horror book read list. Why? I’ll tell you.

I remember the day vividly – the cold dread that seeped into me as news of the Hollywood writers and actors strike hit the headlines. 

I thought of my favorite horror shows and films grinding to a halt would cause deep frustration for me as horror films are my outlet.

But like every good horror protagonist, I knew I had to adapt, find a way to satiate my craving for chilling tales. 

Then it hit me – I had horror books – which I always had, but I could now read more as the strike continues. So I decided to create a formal horror book read list of the top five books I wanted to read. 

I’ve always read horror books and journals, but my frenzied movie-watching often meant that at times I could be too distracted and didn’t read as much as I’d like.

Now, however, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to be more deliberate about reading my horror books.

I’ve handpicked five fresh-off-the-presses books for my horror book read list that will keep me company.

What lies ahead, are my thoughts on these chosen titles and the reasons why they made the cut. 

My expectations, my hopes, and a sneak peek into their intriguing premises will, I hope, give you a glimpse into my horror-reading journey. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find a title or two to add to your own reading list.

Delving into Whisperwood – A Foray into the Eerie Unknown

Published on July 11 by Flame Tree Press, and distributed by Simon & Schuster, Whisperwood tells us of a world where the sinister resides in whispers and where escape might be an elusive dream, which is why this landed on my horror book read list.

After I  bought it for my Kindle, I read the dedication: “Dedicated to all the seekers looking for escape. May you always find it and may it always be more than you’d ever hoped for.” And that spoke to me. 

In our galaxy, with all its 40 billion habitable planets, I sometimes daydream about snagging one for myself. Just imagine, me living all alone on my own planet, far away from the noise and all the drama! So I can relate. 

If the chills aren’t pricking at your skin yet, the first sentence, “There was a devil there the day I died,” hints at a narrative that shreds the ordinary.

According to the synopsis on the Simon and Schuster website, Whisperwood is a tale of a woman named Anna who is seeking peace from the chaos of life and a bizarrely witch-hunting ex. 

She lands in the off-the-grid town of Whisperwood. But as is often the case with secluded, seemingly tranquil towns, there’s more than meets the eye, and soon Anna finds herself unable to leave, even though she wants too. So, she’s stuck there. 

This synopsis instantly reminded me of the bone-chilling film MidSommar, where an idyllic Swedish town cloaks a sinister nightmare.

It’s written by Alex Woodroe, who hails from Romania, has previously published in the Dark Matter Magazine and appeared on the Nosleep podcast. 

Initial reviews hint at a well-paced narrative and commendable writing, a promising start for any author. 

However, what piques my curiosity is the thematic exploration of escape. Will Whisperwood serve as an asylum or a prison for Anna? How does the backdrop of witch-hunting frame her ordeal? What lies beneath the veneer of a quaint town?

In Whisperwood, it seems like Woodroe is inviting us into a labyrinth of the unknown, where each twist and turn is a whispered secret waiting to be revealed. 

As a horror enthusiast, this sounds like the perfect summer read, complete with all the chills and thrills one could hope for.

Eagerly Anticipating The Beast You Are – A Terrifying Sojourn into Dark Corners

Paul Tremblay‘s latest anthology, The Beast You Are, was unleashed upon the world on July 11 and is also on my horror book read list.

 As a writer of horror short stories myself, I not only wanted to read Tremblay’s tales, but also uncover the craft beneath them.

The Beast You Are is not your average collection of fright-filled tales. It hosts 15 short stories alongside a novella (which also lends the book its title), making it an array of the supernatural, the gothic, and the ghostly. There’s something lurking in its pages for everyone, making it an enticing prospect.

A quick visit to the Harper Collins website I previewed a couple of the stories. One short story that instantly grabbed my attention was The Dead Thing.

Here, we’re introduced to a kid dealing with addict parents – a real-life horror story even without any supernatural elements. The kid’s younger brother finds a shoebox with a ‘dead thing’ inside, creating a perfect horror setup that promises a whirlwind of dread and curiosity.

Another standout story is The Last Conversation. This tale features a protagonist waking up in a hospital, subjected to the whims of a lady named Anne. Considering hospital settings are scary enough, I’m already feeling the chills.

What makes me even more eager to jump into this anthology are the reviews praising it for its craftsmanship and exploration of dark themes. As someone continually working to refine my writing, I am hoping to learn a lot from Tremblay’s prowess in the narrative building.

Tremblay’s previous work, The Cabin at the End of the World, was a magnificent piece that was highly acclaimed and later turned into a film, released by Universal Pictures on February 3, 2023.

With a glittering reputation as an award-winning author and a Bram Stoker award under his belt, Paul Tremblay is a master of the macabre. And The Beast You Are seems to be his latest beastly gift to horror enthusiasts.

Upcoming Horrors: Burn the Negative – An Unconventional Slash of Fear

Although I don’t usually find myself gravitating towards slasher themes, every now and then a book comes along and makes me question my preferences. This time around, it’s Burn the Negative by Josh Winning that’s making me deviate from my horror norm for my horror book read list.

With an intriguing setup that diverges from the traditional slasher narrative, Burn the Negative piqued my interest right from the get-go. Who can resist the allure of a horror story within a horror story?

According to the synopsis on the Penguin Random House website, our journey into fear starts with a bang, literally.

The story follows former child star Laura Warren, who finds herself in Los Angeles and witnesses a man jumping from a bridge and landing alarmingly close to her car. Not the usual start for a horror tale, and I love it. It’s refreshingly unpredictable and teases a story that’s anything but typical.

Laura’s character arc promises to be a fascinating one. Her past is tainted with the curse of a horror film she starred in as a child, a dark cloud that’s followed her into adulthood, robbing her of happiness. This troubled past and the alarming present set the stage for a high-stakes struggle I’m eager to explore.

But what hooked me to read this book is the antagonist, the chillingly named Needle Man.

A good villain is integral to a horror story, and the name ‘Needle Man’ gives me goosebumps. The cursed film has led to a string of deaths, and now it’s up to Laura and her friends to unravel the mystery and break the curse.

Reviewers have lavished praise on the book, highlighting its creepiness and the enigmatic villain, Needle Man, as its major selling points. This validation only fuels my anticipation to flip open the pages of Burn the Negative.

Josh Winning has previously penned The Shadow Glass, which adds to my confidence in his storytelling abilities. As I prepare to delve into Burn the Negative, I can’t help but be excited for the unconventional journey that lies ahead.

Get Set for Goosebumps: Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

My next pick on my horror book read list is Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, which has won awards, including the British Fantasy Award and the Locus Award. 

The plot? We’re talking Nazis, persistent ghosts, and a troublesome curse that needs a swift boot to the ether. Toss in a touch of friendship drama and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a late-night, under-the-covers read.

Our leading lady is Montserrat, a lady who’s having a bit of a rough ride in a field dominated by dudes. That resonates, right? Anyway, her BFF Tristan, a fading soap opera star, is her rock in these challenging times. The catch is, she’s got a bit of a soft spot for him, but it seems the feeling isn’t exactly reciprocated. Cue the heartache.

Now, this is where it gets juicy. Montserrat is asked to film a missing scene in a haunted film with Tristan, and, surprise surprise, things start to go south. Think spiraling into a world of supernatural scares and pulse-pounding tension.

So, there you have it. A potentially haunted film set, a testing friendship, and a lingering curse – it’s a combo that promises to keep me up way past bedtime, flashlight in hand and heart pounding in chest. 

Must-Read Alert: Jackel, Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic by Tobi Ogundiran

Here’s a new collection of short stories begging me to jump into my horror book read list. I’m talking about Jackel Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic by Tobi Ogundiran.

There’s something about summer that just screams short stories, don’t you think? Maybe it’s the long, lazy days or the freedom to read at the beach, but there’s something so appealing about a quick, bite-sized tale that leaves you wanting more. 

His short story synopsis’ were so strange, I’d never considered such off-the-wall ideas. 

One of the stories, The Lady of the Yellow-Painted Library, revolves around a sales associate and a librarian with a twist of otherworldliness. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a good, eerie tale set in a library?

Then we’ve got The Tale of Jaja and Canti, where a powerful entity takes center stage. The unknown is always a solid ingredient for a good horror story, and this one’s got it in spades.

Then there’s The Goatkeeper’s Harvest. This tale features a bonkers goat keeper who discovers a young woman killed his goat and must now pay the price. Honestly, it’s so out there, I wanted to read it.

These stories caught my eye precisely because they’re so unique. They’re the kind of tales that make you go, “Huh, why didn’t I think of that?” And for that very reason, I knew I had to give Jackel Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic a try.

Plus, Tobi Ogundiran isn’t just any writer. He’s a Nigerian author whose work has been showcased in some pretty legit places. We’re talking Lightspeed, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Beneath Ceaseless Skies – the works. This guy knows his way around a good story, and I’m stoked to see what he’s put together in Jackel Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic.

So there you have it, folks. If you’re in the mood for some intriguing, thought-provoking, and downright chilling short stories, Jackel Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic is the book for you. Get ready to dive in, and don’t forget to bring a towel – you might just get more than a little spooked.

Final Thoughts on the Horror Book Read List

So that’s my first horror book read list.

From the depths of despair to the soaring heights of hope, each book offers a different perspective on what it means to be human – and what it means to be afraid.

In a time where the medium I usually turn to for my horror fix – the silver screen – has been paralyzed by strikes, these books have been a beacon of eerie, bone-chilling light. 

As we wait for the TV and film industries to reclaim their rhythm, the realm of horror literature offers an intriguing labyrinth of fear and thrill. I’ve discovered, much to my delight, that the written word can provoke a sense of dread and suspense just as potent as any visual medium.

So here’s to the books that keep our pulse racing, the stories that plunge us into the dark and then pull us back into the light. 

Here’s to the nightmarish visions, the eerie whispers, and the chilling sensations that remind us we’re alive. 

Here’s to the books that terrify us, challenge us, and ultimately, help us grow.

And it’s about time for me to go back to reading! The world of horror awaits.

Prepare yourselves for an electrifying journey through the eerie corridors of the supernatural. 

This month, I’m delving into a spine-tingling lineup that promises to thrill and chill in equal measure. 

From the enigmatic realms of astral projection to the spectral whispers of vengeful ghosts, and even a bone-chilling encounter with alligators, you’re in for a wild and wicked ride. 

Oh, and let’s not forget the mysterious embalmed hand that unleashes a Pandora’s box of terror. 

So, fasten your seatbelts and brace yourselves for a blood-curdling adventure that will have you clutching the edge of your seat in terror. 

It’s time to explore the shadowy depths of July’s horror offerings.

INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR – UNVEILING THE NIGHTMARE CONTINUUM

Insidious: The Red Door, the fifth installment of the acclaimed Insidious franchise, follows in the footsteps of its revered predecessor, the 2010 horror classic – one of my favorite films.

Known for its groundbreaking exploration of astral projection, the original Insidious captivated audiences with its compelling storytelling and well-developed characters.

Now, as the latest entry in the franchise, Insidious: The Red Door faces the daunting task of surpassing its predecessor’s legacy. 

While it remains to be seen if it can reach the same heights, even if it achieves half the greatness of the original, it will undoubtedly satisfy fans of the series.

So here’s the setup. A decade has passed since Josh and his son, Dalton, have escaped the clutches of the Further, the harrowing realm where the living and the demonic coexist. 

In Insidious: The Red Door, their lives have taken a dark turn. Josh is now separated from his family after a painful divorce. 

Meanwhile, Dalton, now on the cusp of adulthood, is preparing to embark on his college journey. Yet, the haunting memories of their past encounters with the Further continue to linger, and they must confront their inner demons to find peace and closure.

It comes out on July 7 in theaters.

BIRDBOX BARCELONA: A TERRIFYING SPANISH THRILLER IN A DYSTOPIAN WORLD

Based on the 2014 post-apocalyptic horror novel by Josh Malerman, this Spanish horror thriller Birdbox Barcelona takes us on a suspenseful journey that explores the harrowing experiences of those who struggle with the unseen misery that plagues them.

While you may recall Malorie Hayes’ intense struggle for survival in the original Birdbox, Birdbox Barcelona is not a spin-off but rather another chilling story set in the same timeline, shedding light on the plight of another individual grappling with the unimaginable horrors of an unseen presence.

In this film, looking at the mysterious entities that have invaded the world proves fatal. The consequences are unknown, but they drive anyone who lays eyes upon them to the point of self-destruction. To survive, everyone must navigate their surroundings with blindfolds, even though sight is the most vital sense of all.

Follow the story of a father and daughter, as they join forces with others in a quest for survival in a dystopian future where these malevolent entities roam freely, posing an imminent threat to humanity.

This Spanish horror thriller brings a fresh and chilling take on the genre, infusing it with the distinct flavor of Barcelona. 

It comes out on July 14 on Netflix.

THE FLOOD: A WILD BATTLE FOR SURVIVIAL IN THE DEPTHS OF LOUISIANA

This old-fashioned horror tale – The Flood – takes us into the heart of Louisiana, where an intense and brutal clash unfolds between prisoners and guards vs. alligators. Personally, I’m rooting for the alligators. 

It sounds like a thrilling ride where survival is the ultimate goal, and the line between predator and prey becomes blurred in a twisted game of life and death. These kinds of films can be a lot of fun even if they aren’t very complex.

Here we have prisoners in a Louisiana jail who make a break for it during a horrible storm that unleashes the gators who apparently haven’t had lunch yet. 

I’m assuming that as the characters navigate the treacherous swampy jail caused by the flood, the looming threat of the alligators amplifies the tension, drawing audiences into the heart of the horror.

The Flood promises to be a wild and thrilling horror experience that celebrates the raw intensity of old-fashioned storytelling. 

With its relentless action, intense atmosphere, and unrelenting battle for survival, this film may offer a gritty and visceral journey that horror enthusiasts will embrace. 

Go Gators!

It comes out on July 14 in theaters.

COBWEB: FAMILY SECRETS UNLEASH TERRIFYING NIGHTMARES

Cobweb takes us into the lives of a bullied child and his harrowing encounters with an insidious presence lurking within the walls of their home. 

Eight-year-old Peter becomes the target of a relentless and mysterious tapping sound emanating from inside his bedroom wall. 

Despite his parents’ insistence that it’s merely a figment of his imagination, Peter’s fear intensifies as he becomes more disturbed by the incessant knocking that only he can hear. 

Of course, no one believes him, which is routinely used in horror films where only one person really knows the truth as he or she is completed alone and ostracized within that knowledge – a sheer horror if there ever was one.

But what is that strange knocking? Based on the trailer, I have a sneaking suspicion. But per usual, I reserve the right to be completely wrong – as I routinely am. I guess we’ll have to find out. 

It comes out on July 21 in theaters.
 

TALK TO ME: UNLEASHING THE SUPERNATURAL IN A TERRIFYING ENCOUNTER

With its recent preview screenings and world premiere at renowned film festivals, this 2022 Australian supernatural horror promises to deliver spine-chilling thrills that may keep audiences on the edge of their seats. 

In Talk to Me, we follow the journey of Mia, a young woman whose curiosity leads her to participate in a séance. 

Little does she know that this seemingly harmless act will have grave consequences. 

As Mia dares to grab hold of a mysterious embalmed hand during the séance, she unwittingly releases a dark and sinister entity upon herself. 

What initially appeared to be a harmless prank becomes a horrifying nightmare as Mia becomes entangled in a supernatural web that she never anticipated.

Mia’s story serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the allure of dabbling in the unknown.

Talk to Me explores the inherent dangers of delving into the supernatural realm without fully understanding the consequences. Exactly, this is why I don’t own an Ouija board. Can you imagine the trouble I’d get up to?

As Mia grapples with the aftermath of her ill-fated decision, she realizes her grave mistake and must confront the malevolence that now haunts her every move.

Good luck, Mia. Based on the trailer, it doesn’t sound like it turns out well for you. 

It comes out on July 28 in theaters. 

MY TOP HORROR PICKS

As we move further into July, we are in for a treat with a diverse lineup of chilling films to look forward to. From astral projection ghost stories to bone-chilling monster horrors, there’s something for every aficionado of the genre.

As I look over my watch list, my anticipation is heightened for the releases of Insidious: The Red Door and Talk to Me.

The thought of being transported into these spine-chilling worlds, experiencing the fear, suspense, and adrenaline that only the horror genre can provide, fills me with anticipation.

But now it’s time to turn the spotlight on you. 

Which of these upcoming horror films has piqued your interest? Will you venture into the astral dimension of Insidious: The Red Door, explore the unseen horrors of Birdbox Barcelona, or immerse yourself in the treacherous depths of The Flood? 

Perhaps you’re drawn to the gripping tale of Cobweb or the cautionary supernatural encounter of Talk to Me.

I invite you to share your thoughts and tell me which films you’re most excited about. Are there other horror films on your radar that we haven’t mentioned? 

So, whether you’re a fan of supernatural hauntings, psychological mind-benders, or gruesome creature features, there’s something for everyone.

So many times in supernatural horror stories, only one person knows the terrifying truth. The horror of being so alone with this stark, unsettling reality while everyone else thinks you’re lost to lunacy is perhaps the loneliest place in the world. 

Smile is an eloquent narration of a seemingly simple tale. While it maybe is cliché that a main character is tormented by the truth while those around find her unhinged, Smile managed to transcend familiar tropes, making me think about it long after I’d seen it.

Also, there’s a magic that happens when direction, performance, and script work so harmoniously. Smile combined all three elements well, a tribute to the skill and artistry that have gone into its planning and execution.

Despite earning resounding acclaim, the horror film Smile finally found a spot on my watchlist. When I eventually saw it, I was struck with an immediate regret for not having indulged sooner.

Unmasking the shadows

Smile appears to be about the war between sanity and psychosis while creating a unique tale of psychological terror. 

Smile presents us with Rose Cotter, a compassionate psychologist who routinely steps outside the confines of her professional obligations to help her patients, some of whom are truly disturbed. In one early scene, Rose facilitated treatment even though the patient was uninsured, which resulted in a reprimand from her superior. 

But then, a woman named Laura Weaver steps into Rose’s life, altering it completely. Laura is gripped by an unusual terror. Something – although Laura doesn’t know what – is hunting her. She sees a legion of faces, all grinning at her, pushing her to the edge of her sanity. 

When Rose tries to help Laura, it catapults her into a never-ending nightmare she can’t escape as she also starts to see it.

So what is Smile really about? For me, it’s telling that a psychologist is the main character here. It’s ironic then that she, of all people, is losing her mind. Slowly Rose turns from a confident and highly competent therapist into a former shadow of herself, all in less than four days. Instead of a healer, Rose becomes haunted as she too experiences what her patients do, which is to lose her mind over time.

Smile isn’t just about macabre terror, but rather a journey into the terrifying reality of mental decline.

At its core, Smile becomes a metaphor for the heartbreak and confusion accompanying loss of sanity as many older people worldwide find themselves experiencing as they age. Still, others with mental illnesses also experience that their minds slowly lose their moorings. This film offers a disturbing view into how a mind disintegrates over time.

For me, the film could also be interpreted as a statement about how trauma warps the mind, as many people with PTSD continue to suffer after a horrific experience that they can’t leave behind. 

The film also exploits our discomfort with excessive, inexplicable smiling. An unwarranted grin is unnerving, and Smile uses this all too human instinct to the fullest extent. It gives the uncanny valley feel throughout, where you know something is wrong but not exactly what. 

The directorial skill shines through with the inventive use of camera angles. By turning the frame upside down, the film creates the feeling of what it must be like to have your world turn upside down as you’re losing your ability to think clearly.

While I was watching it, I wondered how it would end. So many horror films start out well with a great idea but then cop out at the end as if no one knew how to finish it. But this film planned all the way to the end with a disturbing finale I didn’t see coming.  

Rose is in an impossible situation, and the suspense of her possible escape kept me wondering how she could find her way out.

But Rose also has a secret that the audience isn’t shown until later, which adds to her character’s complexity, further elevating Smile from a fun horror flick to a deeply disturbing psychological exploration about the loss of mental acuity.

Final Thoughts

Smile creates a well-crafted horror narrative, where each element compliments each other, creating a combination of anxiety, intrigue and fear.

With an ending that promises to invade your nightmares, Smile didn’t take the easy way out, but rather took a road that may etch itself into your mind for some time after you’ve watched it.

So, take a plunge into the dark depths of this film, and when you do, let me know what you think, as I always like to share ideas and observations.

Pinpointing why the original Evil Dead (1981) stands as a horror classic always seemed elusive to me. 

Its plot was straightforward enough: Five Michigan State University students – Ash, his girlfriend Linda, and their friends Cheryl, Scott, and Shelly – venture to a secluded cabin in the woods. 

There, they stumble upon the Necronomicon, an ancient book that, once read aloud, awakens a malevolent force known as the evil dead. 

This seemingly simple tale, however, was woven together with the right amount of pacing and presentation that now it’s considered a horror classic.

One of my favorite scenes in The Evil Dead is the opening sequence of menace and foreboding that lingers long after the credits roll. The camera’s journey, flying over a tranquil landscape of towering trees, painted an eerie picture of an unseen force. 

This sweeping shot, similar to a modern-day drone capture, let us all know about the impending horror that would soon enough befall the five college students.

When news broke of Evil Dead Rise, I knew I’d see it. It came out in theaters in April, but it just became available on Max. While it’s a departure from the original in many respects, it still remains true to its horror roots. 

Just as the original film did over four decades ago, Evil Dead Rise offers its own brand of chilling storytelling that horror enthusiasts may want to see.

Embracing the New, Respecting the Classic

As the latest installment in the Evil Dead film series, this 2023 supernatural horror splatterfest follows the story of sisters Beth and Ellie, according to the trailer.

Ellie is a single mom and tattoo artist raising three kids in a soon-to-be-demolished Los Angeles apartment complex, and Beth arrives to visit the family. 

Ellie’s teenage son Danny stumbles upon relics from 1923, and a peculiar book and record that unleashes the Deadites, demonic spirits that take over people’s bodies. Every one of the Deadites seems to be in perpetual bad moods, hellbent on killing everyone they come in contact with for reasons known only to them. 

So from here, let the blood begin. 

Evil Dead Rise is an unrelenting splatter fest, nearly from start to finish. Its scenes, at times, feature characters quite literally soaked in blood from head to toe where only their eyes poke through. 

This relentless thrill ride barely gives you a moment to catch your breath, so don’t expect deep character development. 

But what the film might lack in character depth, it makes up for with surprising plot twists. 

Just when you think there’s no way for the story to advance, it shocks you with a cleverly conceived pivot. 

In particular, I liked the opening scenes, which set a horrifying tone, with a classic cabin in the woods trope and morally ambiguous characters. The gore fest in these scenes set the stage for the rollercoaster of horror that follows.

Now, let’s talk about the Deadites. If you liked the franchise, which spans five films, including Evil Dead Rise, you will be thrilled to know that these demonic entities are back in full force and they are just as pissed off as ever. 

The makeup and special effects teams didn’t disappoint as they created some truly nightmarish visuals that creeped me out.

In this film, blood is a main character. Whether it’s spurting, spraying, or just ominously pooling, the copious amounts of blood featured in this film are a testament to the lengths Evil Dead Rise is willing to go to satiate its fans’ lust for horror.

Despite its breakneck pacing and frenzied horror, Evil Dead Rise weaves in some unexpected moments. 

Just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s going, it veers off in a surprising direction, ensuring that your attention never wavers.

Final Thoughts

What makes the beginning of Evil Dead Rise particularly impactful is its homage to the series’ roots with the opening scenes paying tribute to the iconic ‘cabin in the woods’ setting. 

In essence, Evil Dead Rise is a film designed for the horror aficionado who appreciates a blood-fest galore. 

If you like blood, guts, and gore, this film is for you. 

This latest addition to the Evil Dead series leaves nothing on the table.

So, buckle up, and prepare yourself for a wild ride that will rattle you to the bone. 

Upon encountering the film Influencer, I wasn’t super stoked. At first glance, I thought the film, now streaming on horror platform, Shudder, would be on my watch list since it lacked the supernatural undertones that usually draw me to horror films. 

Then there was the title – hmm, didn’t say much to me.

In some respects, it resembled The Rental, a flick without any menacing ghosts or malevolent ghouls and a title that uninspired me. However, that thriller was unexpectedly enjoyable, which persuaded me to consider Influencer with a more open mind.

Influencer was not just a psychological thriller but a maze of convoluted twists and turns. Interestingly, the story comes from the antagonist’s point of view, allowing us to witness her plan unfold. I watched and wondered about her next calculated move as she got more bogged down with unexpected obstacles.

Why Influencer probably deserves to be on your watchlist will be explored in the subsequent paragraphs, ensuring a spoiler-free discourse for those yet to experience this intriguing feature.

The Dark Side of Social Media Stardom

Influencer begins with Madison, a social media influencer whose brightness might not match her popularity, and whose self-esteem seems to be precariously balanced. 

Upset by an unexpected disappointment when her boyfriend, Ryan, leaves her stranded ahead of a much-anticipated vacation to Thailand, Madison decides to venture out solo.

In Thailand, Madison meets CW, a charismatic young woman who appears to be an ideal companion. 

Madison’s journey gets more complicated upon pairing up with CW, but she doesn’t know it yet.

While CW appears to be the perfect friend, Madison is drawn into more danger, but she doesn’t seem to see signs as much as she should and brushes them off.

Influencer employs a slow-burn approach to story-building. The opening scene offers a tantalizing hint of the malevolence yet to unfold. While watching it, I kept thinking back to that opening scene as I saw Madison hopping around Thailand without much intrigue. I knew sooner or later that one scene would prove pivotal, so it kept my attention. 

Remember that familiar saying: “Appearances can be deceiving.” The film takes this theme and weaves it through the story all the way to the end. By using the world of social media, where so much is just smoke and mirrors, this lesson is demonstrated in how Madison and CW’s carefully curated personas are nothing but a ruse. 

Madison and CW are both disguised behind their projected identities that sharply contrast against their outward appearances at times. Both are deceiving in their own ways, displayed most obviously at the film’s end. 

Influencer is a lesson that you can’t judge everything by outward appearances because the truth hides within us all and those who take such a simplistic approach are doomed to pay a high price. 

Between Friendships and Fear

Influencer gives us a nuanced portrayal of the relationship between Madison and CW that on the surface, seems rather superficial, but it has been well thought out in the film. 

Initially, one could easily believe that Madison’s character is mere decoration against the strong-willed and enigmatic CW.  However, the film delves into Madison’s character, which doesn’t readily reveal itself, although hints of her true nature are sprinkled throughout.

One of the movie’s most potent scenes unfolds on a beautiful Thai beach when CW momentarily breaks character telling a chilling tale that Madison refuses to believe. 

The CW character deserves special mention here as she managed a delicate balance. She easily moves between the superficial charm and darker elements of her personality.

The relationship between Madison and CW isn’t what it seems as it’s disguised, even to the audience. 

Final Thoughts

Influencer looks at the perplexing dance between truth and deception when the veil is lifted. It makes us question what we see and hear as truth, especially in the digital landscape that’s portrayed just for our benefit much of the time. 

I was particularly struck by the choice to focus on CW, whose personality leaves much to be desired. It’s a daring move to spotlight such a morally bereft character.

Once you’ve immersed yourself in the deceptive tranquility and unfolding horrors of Influencer, do share your thoughts with me. 

It’s always fascinating to delve deeper into these complex narratives, and your perspective would certainly add another layer to this intriguing cinematic experience.

Get ready to mark your calendars! June is set to be an epic month for horror movie releases. 

From evil to the edgy, paranoid to paranormal, you find something to satisfy your horror fix. 

No matter if you’re drawn in by classic horror scares or hoping for a new, chilling romp, this summer is poised to deliver a terrifying, filmatic thrill ride.

Let’s delve into these films and find out why June looks like a summer of screams. 

Here’s a list of horror films I’ll likely see and why. 

The Boogeyman (June 2 – Theaters)

Based on a Stephen King short story, The Boogeyman is about high school student Sadie and her younger sister Sawyer who are dealing with the recent death of their mother. Their depressed father, Will, a therapist, is so depressed from his wife’s death that he’s unable to function, even for the sake of his girls.

If that isn’t bad enough, one of Dad’s patients unexpectedly shows up at their home – and it gets worse – this patient unleashes an evil entity that feeds off of the family’s misery. 

The Boogeyman sounds like a horrifying combination of psychological and supernatural horror that explores the fallout of a family in the depths of despair. 

It’s likely to be an excellent film simply because it was not scheduled for a theatrical debut. According to a Gizmodo article, it was slated for a streaming release on Hulu. But positive test screenings led it to be released on the big screen, a choice that only amplifies the anticipation surrounding this film. 

Not only that, it’s directed by Rob Savage, who led the 2020 horror film Host, one of that year’s best, in my opinion, and it’s been brought to life by the writing team Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, and Mark Heyman.

This horror film could be the summer’s best. 

Brooklyn 45 (June 9 – Shudder)

The title doesn’t sound like a horror film, but Brooklyn 45, brought to us by horror streaming platform, Shudder, is a supernatural thriller set in a Brooklyn brownstone at the end of World War II. 

According to the trailer, four friends come together to comfort another friend, who is dealing with the grief of his wife’s recent suicide, just six weeks ago, so of course, somebody suggests they hold a séance where a supernatural presence emerges and won’t let them leave the room. 

It purported to be a slow-burning horror film that instills fear during a gritty time in American history – the 1940s. We don’t see many horror films set in this time or space, which already sets this film apart. 

But that’s not the only interesting part of this film. Inverse reports that the film’s director Ted Geoghegan wrote the screenplay with his father, an air force veteran who has since passed away. The pair likely penned a film that captured the historical nature of the time that most of us can never truly understand.

Horror Fuel reports it’s coming to Shudder on June 9.

Jagged Mind (June 15 – Hulu)

A new horror film from director Kelley Kali, Jagged Mind, produced by 20th Digital Studio and Hulu Originals, streams exclusively on Hulu starting June 15, according to Variety Magazine

The story revolves around Billie, a woman plagued by inexplicable blackouts and bizarre visions. She soon comes to believe she’s trapped in a series of time loops that begin after she meets her new, mysterious girlfriend.

With a unique and compelling plot and interesting characters, Jagged Mind may stand out among this year’s horror summer offerings. 

The Blackening (June 16 – Theaters) 

So, mark your calendars and ready yourself for an unusual Juneteenth weekend with The Blackening. 

If you like horror and comedy, this film is for you. Director Tim Story, known for his work in Think Like A Man and Barbershop, brings us The Blackening, where, according to the trailer, a group of Black friends reunites for a Juneteenth weekend getaway, but their happy vacation takes a wrong turn when they find themselves in the crosshairs of a sadistic killer in a remote cabin, who insists they play a deadly game together. 

So if you like horror, comedy, or both, this film looks like it will in equal measure amuse, horrify and make us think as this group of friends fight for survival in a game they never expected to play.

Unwelcome (June 23 – Shudder)

This horror tale follows Maya and Jamie, a couple looking to get away from the hustle of city life. Little did they know, they were trading one nightmare for another.

Saying goodbye to urban chaos, the couple finds themselves enraptured with the beauty of the Irish countryside, but it doesn’t last long as they soon realize there’s a disturbing presence lurking in the ancient forest that borders their newfound home.

Unwelcome juxtaposes the serenity of rural life with sheer terror, turning an idyllic retreat into a chilling fight for survival. Maya and Jamie uncover a horrifying truth that in their idyllic Garden of Eden hides monstrous predators. Staying alive against the evil I the forest forms the crux of this terrifying story.

Based on the trailer, the film warns against disturbing that which is better left undisturbed and that sometimes evil lurk even in some of the most beautiful of places.

Run Rabbit Run (June 28 – Netflix)

Directed by Daina Reid, Run Rabbit Run closes the month on a high note, bringing a fresh twist about the creepy kid horror trope. 

 According to the trailer, divorced mom Sarah, a fertility treatment doctor, notices her 7-year-old daughter, Mia, is exhibiting some disturbing behavior. She claims she’s Sarah’s dead sister, Alice, who also died at seven years old – and that is never good. 

Run Rabbit Run is a 2023 Australian psychological horror film that first greeted audiences at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, according to USA Today. 

It stars Sarah Snook, known for her time-bending role in HBO’s Succession, alongside Lily LaTorre, Damon Herriman and Greta Scacchi. 

Based on the trailer, I have a strong suspicion of where this story will go, so I’m interested in seeing if I’m right. We’ll see. 

Final Thoughts

June promises to be a thrilling month for horror fanatics. The spectrum of fear explored in this month’s releases is broad and wonderfully diverse, keeping the adrenaline high and the nerves on edge. 

From the disturbing story set up in The Boogeyman to the creepy kid terror of Run Rabbit Run, there’s a plate of horror for everyone.

I find myself particularly drawn to the quiet, atmospheric terror of Brooklyn 45, but I’m partial to seances, so maybe that’s why.

Yet, I’m equally excited to see the unnerving depiction of childhood fear in The Boogeyman. Childhood fears never die as they are deeply embedded in our minds, always waiting to be resurrected, so it’s interesting to see how filmmakers bring these out.

There’s much to look forward to this June – a plate of terror and a side of suspense just waiting to be devoured. 

Let me know what interests you most, seeing as I’d like to hear from other horror-philes.

The first time I saw the 1968 version of Night of the Living Dead, it stayed with me for days. Over the years, whenever I thought of it, I can recall many vivid scenes, but no more so than the poignant ending that seemed like an odd choice for a horror film.

Why am I bringing it up? This month marks the 30^th anniversary of its remake – Night of the Living Dead (1990) that debuted October 19, 1990. Also, I recently reviewed another zombie film #Alive that drew the inevitable comparison.

So I started thinking of both films.

But then I considered the 1990 remake, I couldn’t remember one scene. I recalled I vaguely liked it, so I had to watch it again recently, which caused me to rewatch the original.

Like The Omen (1976) that had its own remake in 2006, the newer version paled in the original’s comparison in my opinion.

But why? I decided to delve a little deeper into why these films differ so that one remains a classic while the other leaves little impression at all.

FLASH BANG START

Both films start out the same. Brother and sister Barbara and Johnny travel to a cemetery to visit a grave. Johnny taunts his sister with one of the most famous horror lines: “They’re coming to get you, Barbara.”

In less than five minutes, zombies attack. Considering most horror films spend more time in the status quo phase, it’s shocking and effective.

At this point, I prefer the remake over the original. The old black and white film stock, cheesy music and bad audio of the 1968 version distracted from the story.

Also, I liked the remake’s use of opening credits where Barbara and Johnny are bickering about why they are making a trek to the cemetery.

But it takes off when the zombies arrive. Compared to the 1968 version, these zombies are more menacing, and there’s more gore to go around.

Barbara runs to what looks like an abandoned farmhouse where there are more great scenes involving dripping blood from the ceiling and a severed hand dropping from the banister.

But after she meets Ben, who’s the film’s main protagonist, the two films start to diverge.

TWO FILMS DIVERGE IN MIDDLE

From this point on, I prefer the original by horror director George A Romero. Why?

First, I liked the subtleties of the 1968 version, especially the use of radio and TV broadcast cleverly built tension and advanced the storyline at the same time.

The people trapped in the home have no idea what’s going on outside other than new reports that were sprinkled throughout this section of the film.

The 1990 version didn’t use this convention as often, but that’s likely because it wouldn’t have been as shocking simply because it’s a remake, and many already know the storyline.

The second reason why I liked the original far more is the characters, in particular Ben, played by Duane Jones, who’s an everyman, who is desperately trying to keep himself and others alive against the odds. 

When I watched the remake, I became bored with the constant bickering and yelling from all the characters that now appeared over the top compared to the original, which was a far quieter film.

But one of the biggest difference and perhaps the most perplexing to me dealt with the zombies. You’d think a zombie is a zombie, but not so in these two films. 

The original 1968 zombies scared me, but the 1990 remake zombies didn’t – not at all. And it’s not just because I saw the original and wasn’t shocked by zombies. I’ve seen a lot of zombie films, and I’m almost always scared. 

I chalk it up to Romero, who not only directed it but also wrote it. He had an indisputable knack for horror storytelling that included zombies with notorious films, including Dawn of the Dead (1978) and Day of the Dead (1985).

For instance, the scariest scenes to me were not when the zombies were breaking into the home. 

Rather it was Romero’s wide shots of the zombies in mass staggering toward the house. He did this several time throughout the film, which created a nuanced message that seemed to say that no matter what anyone did, the zombies would ultimately overwhelm them in end. 

The feeling of foreboding took over the film whenever those mindless creatures lumbered in screen – something which the remake lacked.

A HAUNTING AND UNEXPECTED ENDING

That’s not to say the 1990 version never had legitimately scare zombies. One in particular stands out in the film’s end. The character Sarah Cooper, played by Heather Mazur, turns into a zombie. While it’s a small role, it’s effective. 

As she staggered toward Barbara, the look on her this zombie’s face captured all the creepiness of a monster that has now become one of most unique in horror history. 

The ending of the 1990 remake felt typical, which is perhaps why I couldn’t remember the film. It seemed like no one knew how to end it, so it meandered on until it took the easiest path that didn’t satisfy. 

But the original film’s ending took a devastating turn that I didn’t expect. I think it’s the ending that caused me to remember it all these years. 

If Romero had chosen a less maudlin ending, the film would still have been novel in its idea and storytelling mode. He’d lost little credibility in that way. It’s a risk to end the film in the manner he did. 

But that choice possibly changed it from a great horror film into a classic because it seems Romero was trying to make a point as well as a film. 

And I don’t think for a moment it was an accident. The wide shots of the staggering zombies coming toward the house in the 1968 version makes sense with the ending.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Perhaps I’m overthinking it, but to me the film’s theme is a lesson about the human condition. No matter how rich you are, no matter how poor – your fate is the same. Death stalks us all, just like the zombies – mindless, persistent and seemingly unstoppable. 

We can run from it, maybe outsmart it for a time, but we can never escape it. 

In the original, Ben did everything right. He showed courage, resourcefulness and humanity. He’d lasted the night and came out the other side. But it didn’t matter – his fate was the same – just like all of ours. 

Romero’s point: Death wins in the end – always.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.