Chills and Thrills: July’s Spooky Spectacles and Unforgettable Horrors Revealed

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.