Phenomena (2023)

Three middle-aged women who investigate paranormal events are put to the test when their leader Father Pilón disappears. Inspired by the real Hepta Group.

My thoughts: Lightweight horror comedy that dutifully checks off all the standard occult tropes. Notable for its atypical middle-aged female protagonists, but aside from that…Nothing to see here, folks. Move along.

3/5

Teeth (2007)

Still a stranger to her own body, a high school student discovers she has a physical advantage when she becomes the object of male violence.

My thoughts: Those hoping for clever satire are going to be disappointed as this movie does the bare minimum with its gonzo premise. The moments of genuine dark humor are off-set by themes related to rape and incest. The performances and direction are…awkward.

3/5

Death’s Roulette (2023)

Seven people are kidnapped and suddenly find themselves part of a deadly game.

My thoughts: An interesting premise with some equally interesting twists that would have landed better with more engaging characters and better stronger performances.

3/5

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

A twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.

My thoughts: Bloody relentless from start to finish which makes it, for me, the horror equivalent of Temple of Doom.

3.5/5

Renfield (2023)

Renfield, Dracula’s henchman and inmate at the lunatic asylum for decades, longs for a life away from the Count, his various demands, and all of the bloodshed that comes with them.

My thoughts: Cage and Hoult are terrific and the movie is a ton of fun, but it’s hampered by some seriously suspect casting and stylistic choices. Starts strong, ends weak and nonsensical.

3/5