Fresh off the success of “Longlegs” this past year, writer-director Osgood Perkins has put out yet another horror blockbuster in theaters. This time, in place of an original feature, he has chosen...
Ari Aster’s third theatrical release, “Beau Is Afraid,” is undoubtedly his most daunting from a viewer’s perspective. It is a three-hour display of Murphy’s Law, where everything that can go wrong does go wrong. While Aster’s first two films “Hereditary” (2018) and “Midsommar” (2019) were certainly horror films, “Beau Is Afraid” is equal parts comedy, drama and horror. With each unfolding of events, the number of possible interpretations of the story grows as the lines blur between reality, dreams, nightmares and hallucinations.
Set on the dreary, haunting moors of England, this story features a twisting roller-coaster ride of events and secrets that cannot help but pull the audience in, only to keep them in the dark. Early uncertainty in the show is reminiscent of Hitchcock's mysteries such as Rebecca, with all the beauty, class and attitude of society women in Brontë’s classic novel Jane Eyre.
Disney+’s Marvel shows have so far proven to be strong additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the movies give us the epic narratives factoring into a larger story arc, the shows give more personable stories. Ones like “Hawkeye,” “WandaVision” and “Loki” give us introspective looks into central characters that the films can’t always allot within a two-hour runtime. “Moon Knight,” the latest series, stands out for being the first Disney+ series to adapt a new hero to headline their own show. Its first episode out of six shows promise in the series being a mind-bending and exhilarating thrill-ride unlike anything Marvel’s done before.
Eleven years after the release of its fourth installment, Wes Craven’s “Scream” franchise makes a triumphant return in “Scream” (2022). As a series known for its metacommentary and satirical spin on horror clichés and stereotypes, the new entry uses this feature to great advantage and maintains a unique freshness. Directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett inherited the franchise from Craven, who passed away in 2015. While the film is dedicated to Craven, the two introduce new characters and ideas to the franchise that remain faithful to the late filmmaker's legacy. As being part of a cross-generational franchise, the film blends together Generation Z culture elements and classical conventions of slasher horror films. The result is an installment that is nostalgic, yet fresh and presents enough twists to not become a cliché itself.
We may still be in the early stages of 2022, but it is hard not to look ahead to what incredible films are in store for the year. 2021 finished up with terrific blockbusters like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and captivating dramas like “Don’t Look Up.” The lineup of films this year is expansive and looks promising. The year features multiple Marvel and DC superhero films, video game adaptations, long-awaited sequels and bone-chilling horror films, two of which were filmed here in Wilmington. This year may be another long one, but a great way to start it off is by looking out for these films coming to the closest theater or streaming service nearby.
“Last Night in Soho” is an atmospheric horror film that allows Wright to utilize his signature style outside of his established comedy genre. The film presents themes of toxic masculinity in a horrific way that will force viewers to greatly contemplate the continuance of such masculinity in the present day. With such a diverse assortment of unique films, one can only guess what Wright will tackle next.
Co-written and directed by Nia DaCosta, the Jordan Peele-produced sequel reimagines and updates the “Candyman” narrative to present the horrific flaws regarding the perception of art and social justice in the present day.The film presents a heavy theme that revolves around the differences in social class, as well as the victimization of Black people at the hands of a flawed justice system.
“The Invisible Man” has an interesting history in the world of entertainment. Originally, it was published as a novel in 1897 by H.G. Wells, who is often remembered as the father of science fiction....
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