Orphan: First Kill (2022)

After orchestrating a brilliant escape from an Estonian psychiatric facility, Esther travels to America by impersonating the missing daughter of a wealthy family.

My thoughts: Any sequel (or prequel) is going to be hard-pressed to match the original’s deranged twist, but Orphan: First Kill does its unhinged best on its way to a deliriously frenzied finale.

4/5

Sea Fever (2019)

The crew of a West of Ireland trawler, marooned at sea, struggle for their lives against a growing parasite in their water supply.

My thoughts: The characters are a little shallow, the visual effects a little rough, the story a little too straightforward, but still a solid entry in the deep sea horror sub-genre.

3.5/5

Mr. Harrigan’s Phone (2022)

When Mr. Harrigan dies, Craig, the teen who befriended him, puts his smart phone in his pocket before burial. When the lonely youth sends his dead friend a message, he is shocked to get a return text.

My thoughts: It feels like the movie isn’t really sure what to do with its intriguing premise, never fully embracing its supernatural underpinnings.

3/5

Blood (2022)

Jess, a separated mother and nurse, moves with her daughter and young son Owen back into her old farmhouse. Shortly after settling in, Owen is bitten by the dog, resulting in a mysterious infection from the bite.

My thoughts: Your enjoyment will hinge on your willingness to accept one enormously implausible decision on mom’s part. And I wasn’t buying.

3/5

Play Dead (2022)

After faking her own death to steal evidence from a morgue, a young woman discovers the coroner has been using the morgue as a front for a sick and twisted business. A scary game of cat and mouse ensues.

My thoughts: Preposterous and completely nonsensical.

1.5/5