“Traumatika” is a Messy, Yet Bone-Chilling Exploration of Emotional Pain
Over the years, horror fans have seen their fair share of trauma metaphors. From its earliest days, the genre has existed as a way to confront our darkest fears, but Jennifer Kent’s 2014 film The Babadook arguably kicked off a modern phase of stories exploring the darkness of the...
“Jurassic World: Rebirth” Finds Dino Smash Fun In Thin Characterization
When the original Jurassic Park debuted in 1993, the world was stunned by incredibly realistic depictions of historically accurate dinosaurs. Based on the novel by Michael Crichton, Steven Spielberg’s impressive film is the perfect blend of adventure and science traversed by a well-rounded cast of complex yet relatable characters....
“M3GAN 2.0” Is a Bombastic Feminist Fantasy
In the three years since M3GAN premiered, AI seems to have exploded. No longer a novelty or household DJ, we’re now using ChatGPT to run every conceivable aspect of our lives. From help composing difficult emails or inspiration for creative work to therapy, friendship, and romance, we’ve increasingly begun...
“28 Years Later” Seeks Humanity in a Shattered World
By now it’s safe to say that Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later will stand the test of time. Not only did it reinvent the zombie subgenre with Rage-infected humanoids sprinting across the British countryside, it kicked off a cultural zombie obsession with titles breaking through to mainstream audiences. But...
“Drop” Is a Cozy Thriller That’s Perfect for Date Night
What do horror fans look for in a date night movie? While those of us used to extreme gore and violence can make a romantic evening out of the most savage film, first dates usually call for a softer touch. We want a compelling story that will hold our...
“Hell of a Summer” Is a Crowd-Pleasing Remix of the Classic Slasher Formula
Hell of a Summer adds Gen Z flare to this classic subgenre by pitting a group of self-absorbed teens against a bloodthirsty killer....
“Touch Me” Defends the Monstrous Millennial
Of all the generations alive today, millennials seem to be the most reviled. Constantly shamed for their love of avocado toast, we’re called weak or soft and blamed for killing everything from diamonds, gyms, and napkins, to the concept of traditional marriage itself. Yet millennials have also seen their...
“Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare” is a Promising Slasher that Fails to Take Flight
Let’s be honest. Peter Pan has always been a little bit creepy. J. M. Barrie’s original story follows a series of child abductions with the title character serving as a thinly disguised metaphor for the angel of death. No matter how charming the original Disney film and subsequent musical...
It’s Difficult to Fall In Love With “Love Hurts”
We all know what we’re getting with a Valentine’s Day movie. Perhaps a creative meet cute or friends to enemies subplot enacted by gorgeous actors with sparkling, white teeth, immaculate wardrobes, and flawless hair. They’re designed to ensure our continued belief in love and exemplify relationship goals. But those...
“Push” Is a Symbolic Battle Between a Pregnant Woman and Dangerous World
Charbonier and Powell keep the story draped in shadows, revealing just enough of this formidable killer to chill us to the bone....