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The phrase "style over substance" is usually meant to be pejorative, but it doesn't have to be. It can be used to describe masterpieces like Suspiria, Beyond the Black Rainbow, Branded to Kill, Thx-1138, Playtime, In the Mood for Love, and countless other films, not to mention experimental cinema. There is nothing wrong with that. Ash, the new film by Steven Ellison (aka musician Flying Lotus), epitomizes style over substance, and it's stylish as hell. The only problem is that it tries too hard to have substance, and instead delivers a narrative full of plot holes, recycled ideas, and little emotional investment. Fortunately, the style of Ash and the lead performance by Eiza González are so impressive that it tips the scales heavily in the film's favor.

Space Is the Place for Flying Lotus

Flying Lotus is a visionary of sorts, and it's impressive how he managed to incorporate his...

Quick LinksMovies Coming to Paramount+Movies Coming to ShudderMovies Coming to MaxMovies Coming to PeacockMovies Coming to HuluMovies Coming to Netflix

Watching movies in theaters can be an exhilarating experience, but not every film necessitates such an expensive and time-consuming effort. Luckily, we also have streaming services that bring these films to our homes, offering a seamless experience for movie enthusiasts. However, there are numerous platforms that provide a large number of movies on a monthly basis, making it difficult to find something to watch. Fret not; we've prepared a directory of all the movies that will be available on major streaming services in February 2025, including Netflix, Prime Video, Shudder, and more.

Movies Coming to Paramount+

Paramount Pictures/Sony Picture Releasing

Here's every movie coming to Paramount+ in February 2025:

A Mighty Heart — February 1

A Walk on the Moon — February 1

Adore — February 1

Along Came A Spider — February 1

American Gigolo — February...

Laurence R. Harvey has joined the cast of Megan Tremethick’s forthcoming uncanny horror project, Spoiling You. The accomplished actor—renowned for unsettling performances in The Human Centipede series—takes on the role of a devoted fanatic of Asmr performer Miss Mutter. This wild and unpredictable character unleashes chaos in the film’s chilling narrative. Tremethick, who also stars in the film, contributes both on screen and behind the camera to bring the story to life. The film is co-written by producer Lawrie Brewster, adding his distinctive storytelling expertise to the project.

Spoiling You fuses the creeping dread of J-horror with the hypnotic allure of Asmr as Miss Mutter’s devoted fans fall deeper under her spell. Tension escalates when one of her most fervent admirers, portrayed by Stephen Kerr, makes a daring leap from virtual obsession to an in-person encounter—triggering a chilling chain of events that tears at...

The Human Centipede, Tom Six's divisive body horror franchise, will arrive with its wholesome three entries on a platform exclusively curated for horror fans. If you happen to have Betelgeuse's taste for horror, beginning Feb. 24, fans of the disgusting franchise that gets funnier with every sequel, will be able to stream not one, not two, but all three Human Centipede films on Shudder.

If you're into very compelling historical dramas based on fact, then you need to leave this post and head on to the next one. This is exclusively for fans of the wicked, gross, and almost offensive horror offshoots. The Human Centipede (First Sequence), The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) and The Human Centipede 3 (Final Sequence) will start streaming on Shudder next month to follow up on the mood following Valentine's Day, when passion may have faded out.

The announcement was made by the streamer,...

The horror genre is no stranger to the label “most disturbing.” Viewers are constantly searching for the next film that is the scariest, weirdest, or most vile, whether that is through body horror, perverse sexual scenes, gore, or sheer psychological suspense. Films such as A Serbian Film, The Human Centipede, and Cannibal Holocaust often dominate and end up on the top of such lists. However, one lesser-known contender is the 1989 silent experimental horror film Begotten, which is also regarded as one of the “most disturbing” horror films ever made.

Body horror is an interesting subgenre. It tends to butt up against other subgenres like sci-fi horror, werewolf movies, or creature features. However, it's distinct because it is often grotesque and brutal, with scenes depicting harm to the body that make the skin crawl.

Movies that offer the purest form of body horror make the list of the best of all time. These films push human anatomy to its limits, bringing the horror from the inside out where it can't be escaped. Sometimes these movies are hard to watch, and no matter what, they're beyond terrifying.

The Substance Is a Recent Body Horror With Staying Power Released 2024

Metascore: 78 IMDb: 7.6/10 Rotten Tomatoes: 91%

The Substance should get all the praise because it's one of the best films of the year. The movie follows a washed-up Hollywood movie star named Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who is depressed about her 50th birthday.

First appearing in 2016 and the latest installment hitting theaters this year, the Terrifier franchise has been a success among horror fans with its scenes of unrelenting violence and chief antagonist, Art the Clown. The series is a saving grace for many fans who have been craving the type of escapism and macabre awe that seems to have been missing from the slasher genre. Up until recently, many fans voiced their discontent regarding many offerings that are tame in comparison and lack the operatic levels of violence that the Terrifier franchise is so unapologetic in depicting.

On the one hand, the series deserves praise for its use of practical effects and carnage that have reportedly traumatized some members of the viewing audience. The Terrifier franchise has found a fan base who crave violence and enjoy the feeling of being shocked. Beyond this surface level of visceral imagery and attempted transgression, there exists little else.

Its ironic that when a horror movie is truly effective at producing fear, I never want to see it again. While there are some incredible horrors, like Stanley Kubricks The Shining, that I'll happily rewatch several times over, noticing something new with each viewing, other horrors told me everything I needed to know with a singular viewing, and although I enjoyed them the first time around, I have no desire to rewatch. In fact, some were so bone-chillingly horrific that the thought of having to experience them for a second time actually gives me anxiety.

There are lots of great movies that are so brutal I could only watch them once, and this is especially relevant for horror films. It might be that the movies excessive depiction of violence was just too much for me to take, but in other circumstances, it was not the literal imagery that made for difficult viewing,...

When you think of the most disturbing movie ever, what comes to mind? If youre not in the absolute trenches of extreme horror, you might say something like Saw or The Human Centipede, and thats entirely fair. Not every horror fan likes those kinds of body horror, torture porn flicks. However, some do, and thats when we start seeing the real f*cked-up stuff. For a lot of those viewers, its A Serbian Film, which has become synonymous with disturbing, and for good reason. Its rife with the worst humanity offers, such as necrophilia and pedophilia, with enough gore to turn even the most seasoned horror veterans stomach. For similar reasons, other people might say Sal, or the 120 Days of Sodom. Of course, there are plenty of others in fact, there are whole iceberg charts dedicated to ranking the worst of the worst but these are just a taste of...

This article is part of IndieWire’s 2000s Week celebration. Click here for a whole lot more.

To seriously paraphrase the cat from “Coraline,” you might think horror movies in the 2000s were all hokey, exploitative, and bad… but you’re wrong.

We’re rounding out 2000s Week with a consideration of the scariest cinema the decade had to offer. That’s a fitting exercise as our blast from the past becomes yesterday’s news, and IndieWire’s exhausted staff catches its collective breath.

Hindsight is a funny thing. What differentiates the memories we want to keep from the nightmares that won’t leave us alone? With dozens of hidden-gem horror titles tossed out to make room for a measly top 13, this list wishes it knew. But, trapped in a torture chamber of our own making, the following curation was made with a variety of baseline good horror films that are fun,...

New Trailer for The Front Room: "Everything goes to hell for newly-pregnant Belinda (Brandy) after her mother-in-law (Kathryn Hunter) moves in. As the diabolical guest tries to get her claws on the child, Belinda must draw the line somewhere…"

Directed by Max Eggers and Sam Eggers Screenplay by Max Eggers and Sam Eggers Based on the Short Story by Susan Hill Produced by Lucan Toh, Babak Anvari, David Hinojosa, Julia Oh Starring Brandy Norwood, Andrew Burnap, Neal Huff, and Kathryn Hunter

The Front Room is heading to theaters on September 6th

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Black Chariot: "Inspired by the works of the cinematic legend and Master of Suspense, born on this day in 1899, Hex Studios is excited to announce Black Chariot, an intense and deeply disturbing supernatural horror directed by Lawrie Brewster. Drawing from Alfred Hitchcock’s dark thrillers like Rebecca (1942) and Psycho (1960), Brewster seeks to invoke the master's spirit in his latest spine-chilling horror noir.

Ride the Black Chariot: A Hitchcockian Horror of Vengeance and Retribution

Hex Studios is excited to announce Black Chariot, an intense and deeply disturbing supernatural horror directed by Lawrie Brewster, inspired by the macabre genius of Alfred Hitchcock. Drawing from Hitchcock’s dark thrillers like Rebecca (1942) and Psycho (1960), Brewster seeks to invoke Hitchcock’s spirit, combined with his love of classic film noir and Val Lewton’s atmospheric slow-burn horrors.

Director Lawrie Brewster shared, “My childhood was spent haunted and mesmerized by the romantic and seductive veil Hitchcock cast over me. It shaped my vision of horror, sensuality, and my understanding of fear and obsession. I am thrilled to finally produce a horror film that combines my love for the genre with inspirations drawn from his incomparable genius. Creating a period film and a love letter to that era, in a portrayal of horror that is as hauntingly beautiful as it is terrifying,...

Welcome to the latest edition of our (semi) regular crowdfunding feature here on Nerdly – Back This! – where we take a look at some of the cool content taking the crowdfunding route on sites such as Indiegogo, Greenlit and Kickstarter. In this edition, we’re spotlighting Black Chariot, the latest film from Hex Studios and director Lawrie Brewster.

Hex Studios’ Black Chariot is an intense and deeply disturbing supernatural horror directed by Lawrie Brewster, inspired by the macabre genius of Alfred Hitchcock. Drawing from Hitchcock’s dark thrillers like Rebecca (1942) and Psycho (1960), Brewster seeks to invoke Hitchcock’s spirit, combined with his love of classic film noir and Val Lewton’s atmospheric slow-burn horrors.

Director Lawrie Brewster shared:

My childhood was spent haunted and mesmerized by the romantic and seductive veil Hitchcock cast over me. It shaped my vision of horror, sensuality, and my understanding of fear and obsession. I am...

"Wild" is the perfect word to describe what we all witnessed in the latest season of The Boys. In all fairness, that's pretty much how you could describe every episode of the Amazon Prime Video show, but the season 4 finale especially. Despite IGN giving The Boys' final episode of season 4 a 6/10—an above-average score, barely—they could flip that six upside down and give it a nine. It was nothing short of epic and disturbing, leaving us both thrilled and unnerved.

There was a time it seemed that The Boys relied on shock factor, from the disturbing scene in "Life Among the Septics" that made The Human Centipede look tame. And who can forget the nauseating experience Huey had with Tek Knight and Ashley in "Dirty Business" that left him traumatized? Poor Huey. The plot was a bit slow-moving, and one could argue some personal plots, like those of Kimiko,...

Ride the "Black Chariot" - A Hitchcockian Horror of Vengeance and Retribution: "Hex Studios is excited to announce Black Chariot, an intense and deeply disturbing supernatural horror directed by Lawrie Brewster, inspired by the macabre genius of Alfred Hitchcock. Drawing from Hitchcock's dark thrillers like Rebecca (1942) and Psycho (1960), Brewster seeks to invoke Hitchcock's spirit, combined with his love of classic film noir and Val Lewton’s atmospheric slow-burn horrors.

Director Lawrie Brewster shared, “My childhood was spent haunted and mesmerized by the romantic and seductive veil Hitchcock cast over me. It shaped my vision of horror, sensuality, and my understanding of fear and obsession. I am thrilled to finally produce a horror film that combines my love for the genre with inspirations drawn from his incomparable genius. Creating a period film and a love letter to that era, in a portrayal of horror that is as hauntingly beautiful as it is terrifying,...

This article contains spoilers for The Boys Season 4.

The Boys' new season doubles down on the shock factor with more ultraviolence and gratuitous nudity. Showrunner Eric Kripke confirms they pulled a vulgar prank on Claudia Doumit to sell a shockingly explicit scene.

Season 4 of The Boys premiered with three episodes out of the gate and it's chock full of vulgarity; the show has yet to come up with something wilder than Herogasm but it did pay homage to The Human Centipede. Those unaware that the film even existed were in for a rude awakening with a recreation of its culminating scene in "Life Among the Septics", but at least the episode didn't go into the dirty details. Some were relieved they were spared from the horror after witnessing Episode 1's closing scene (which had Victoria Neuman opening a Butcher's "innocuous" email). Showrunner Eric Kripke took to X to confirm that...

For most shows, a three-episode season premiere would be too much to take in at one time.

For The Boys? It's hardly enough.

A lot can happen in two years, but this season picked up right where it left off in 2022, and the continuity was kind of comforting, in a way.

There's more to the story, of course. Between seasons 3 and 4, the creator of The Boys brought us a spinoff in Gen V, which focused on a younger generation of supes.

But don't worry — if you haven't had a chance to get caught up on Gen V yet, it's okay. The Boys Season 4 has enough going on to keep you busy.

This premiere was one for the books. It had everything.

Related: Chance Perdomo's Tragic Death Deprives Us All of His Incredible Talent

We started off with Season 4 Episode 1, titled "Department of Dirty Tricks."

The episode could have easily...

The MPA gave Kevin Smith's The 4:30 Movie an R rating, despite Smith's intentions of making a PG-13 film. This rating dispute with the MPA is unusual for Smith, who has successfully appealed past ratings for his films. Despite no f-bombs, sex, or nudity, The 4:30 Movie was rated R due to "pervasive innuendo" by the MPA.

Actor and director Kevin Smith has lost a major battle with the Motion Picture Association (MPA) over the age rating for his next project, The 4:30 Movie. Smith shot to fame in the 90s indie cinema scene with his self-funded comedy Clerks. Since then, Smith has become a fan favorite director, creating Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Dogma, and Mallrats, among many others.

Kevin Smith's The 4:30 Movie was given an R-rating by the MPA, a decision which Smith has already appealed. However, Smith has already appealed the decision, and he revealed...

From Ghost Machine Pictures comes Himalaya, a high-altitude cryptid thriller. Written and directed by Brandon Walker, Himalaya is an icy ride down the supernatural slopes of Mt. Everest. Starring Jesse LeNoir, Akihiro Kitamura, Robert Palmer Watkins, Ashley Park, and Shoko Rice.

Synopsis:

Broadcasting live from a remote Himalayan outpost, a team of experts search for the mythical “Snow Ghost,” a primitive creature the locals worship and fear. On the frigid peaks above, cryptozoologist Yuma Sato climbs inside a newly discovered ice cave. His mission: Make the discovery of a lifetime in front of an eager online audience. As Dr. Sato crawls deeper into frozen darkness, his camera reveals unexpected horrors. Could this be an internet hoax? Or will he solve the greatest scientific mystery of all time? Only those who watch will know the truth.

Produced by Ashley Park, Nathan Church and Sandy Whicker of Gmp, Himalaya is the company...

Gay cinema certainly has turned a corner lately, in the wake of films as varied as Cassandro, Rustin and All of Us Strangers, stories in which the lead character’s sexuality might form a crucial part of the tapestry of the drama but isn’t the be-all and end-all. Leading the vanguard for the next generation is this confident debut from 33-year-old British-Iraqi director Amrou Al-Kadhi, a frank and emotionally honest portrait of someone who falls outside society’s boxes and steadfastly refuses to conform to them. This emphasis on the positive is sometimes counterintuitive (more on that later), but, thanks to its core cast, Layla is an engaging study of love in the pronoun era.

Layla (Bilal Hasna) is a non-binary drag queen/performance artist who lives in London, in a house they share with a bunch of like-minded queens, a sharp, ragtag bunch more prone to discussing the...

Jaws (1975) was inexplicably rated PG and should have received a more strict rating due to its terrifying and disturbing content. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999) managed to avoid an X/Nc-17 rating despite its profane language and adult humor. The Human Centipede (First Sequence) (2009) pushed the boundaries of horror with its gruesome and disgusting body horror, deserving a rating stricter than R.

There were certain movies that, despite their extreme content, someone managed to escape without receiving an X/Nc-17 rating. The Nc-17 rating replaced the X rating in 1990 as the strictest rating given by the Motion Picture Association to guide viewers on how appropriate a film was for different audience members. The Nc-17 rating meant “No Children Under 17 Admitted”. However, there are lots of films out there that, although they should have received this strict rating, have been able to get away with a more lenient classification.

There are some extreme examples,...

Disney's early short film, The Skeleton Dance, features a playful yet eerie dance performed by animated skeletons. The skeletons in the film experiment with their bodily anatomy, using each other's heads as pogo sticks and forming giant wheels. The ending of the film, where the skeletons combine into a monstrous centipede-like creature, has a disturbing resemblance to The Human Centipede.

In just a year’s time, Steamboat Willie, who was last seen tormenting ferry passengers in an upcoming horror movie, will have to move to the side because there’s going to be another Disney creation entering the public domain space, and it’s eerily going to remind us all about a highly grotesque horror trilogy that was made in the not-so-distant past.

We’re going to be thinking – is this where the infamous body horror idea for The Human Centipede cinematic trilogy actually came from? A Disney short that...

Horror movies are most impactful when they force the heroes to live on with the consequences of their actions, leading to a fate worse than death. Films like Se7en and The Mist showcase protagonists who survive horrifying events, but are forever haunted by what happened. Characters in movies like The Human Centipede and Tusk are trapped in disturbing situations, with no hope of escape or return to normalcy.

Horror movies usually feature a good deal of chaos, terrifying events, and death, but some take things to another level and end with their characters suffering a fate worse than death. A great horror movie can grab the audience's attention and put viewers in the middle of a gut-wrenching story. Whether that means having a monstrous villain who torments the characters, or some unseen supernatural events that keep putting the heroes into horrifying situations.

Movies like Terrifier and Halloween, often classed as...

The controversial horror film "The Human Centipede" was so disturbing that it was banned in some countries, but the controversy only made it more popular. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert refused to give "The Human Centipede" a star rating, stating that the star rating system was unsuited to the film, which he found depraved and disgusting. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, "The Human Centipede" continues to be divisive, with some praising its direction and performances while others found it revolting and repulsive.

The horror genre is home to many controversial and divisive movies, and one, in particular, led to Roger Ebert refusing to review it. Due to their style, purpose, characters, and the themes addressed in horror movies, these often receive backlash and some even end up being banned in different countries. Other horror movies benefit from the controversy they generate and become quite popular, largely thanks to their quality,...

Eli Roth expresses interest in making more Hostel and Cabin Fever movies. Hostel was released at the height of the "torture porn" horror era, and it's unclear if the premise would resonate as much today. Saw X recently saw big success at the box office, suggesting Hostel 4 could work if it strikes a balance between evolving its premise and sticking to its roots.

Hostel director Eli Roth reveals that he's interested in returning to the franchise all these years later. First released in the U.S. in 2006, Hostel comes at the height of the "torture porn" era of horror. Roth's horror film follows a group of travelers who inadvertently find themselves wrapped up in a disturbing scheme in which wealthy individuals pay to torture and kill random people. Roth's sequel was released in 2007, with a third, directed by Scott Spiegel, coming in 2011.

Now, in a recent interview with CinePOP,...

Although disgusting, the Human Centipede films have created a deep fascination with the gross and twisted world of body horror. If you know, you know; if you don't, you're likely more well-adjusted than the rest of us. Directed by Tom Six, The Human Centipede is a trilogy of films — released in 2009, 2011, and 2015 — widely known as depraved and, well, icky. It's the story of three people trapped by a deranged German surgeon after their car breaks down. This surgeon has a sick, twisted desire to torture them in various, inhumane ways and eventually turn those three people into a human centipede. How does he plan to do that, you might ask. He conjoins them through their gastric systems, of course! In simple terms, he puts them on their hands and knees and sews them together from mouth to anus.

The Human Centipede trilogy was inspired by director Tom Six's desire to create a "movie centipede" with a seamless narrative across the films. Six considered making a fourth movie but has since retracted the idea, stating that the trilogy was always intended to be a comedy. There is a possibility of a spin-off featuring a "human caterpillar" concept, with a female villain and a potential setting in Japan.

Perhaps the most revolting trilogy in existence, the sickening tale of The Human Centipede comes straight from the mind of Dutch filmmaker Tom Six. In 2009, The Human Centipede (First Sequence) kicked off the acting careers of Winter Williams and Ashlynn Jennie, who played Lindsay and Jenny, respectively. Six discussed the inspiration behind the trilogy in a video interview from 2011, saying: "I once saw a child molester on television and thought, 'What would be a good punishment for him?' I said,...

Many horror films like to claim to be “feminist”, but how does this work throughout different decades, genres, and feminist waves? Some horror movies have become feminist cult classics, even if they were not originally intended to do so— how does reclaiming the violence against women serve the greater movement? With the genre being historically hostile and violent towards women, can a horror film ever truly be feminist?

The scene is familiar: a bored teenage babysitter answers the phone or hears the doorbell ring and ends up getting slaughtered in an elaborate chase scene. A group of friends-- classically the jock, the stoner, the slut, the cheerleader, and the virgin-- all gather in a cabin in the woods before they are violently picked off one by one. Slashers are a wildly popular subgenre of horror, and for good reason: they are violent enough to scare but still follow a discrete formula.

It's been over 10 years since the shocking Tom Six film entered the cinema world with mixed results. In many cases, The Human Centipede won't go down on the list as one of the greatest horror films of all time since the reviews were divided by critics and fans; in fact, The Human Centipede holds the distinction of being the only review to receive no stars from legendary critic Robert Ebert. However, there's no denying the impression that this controversial film made. The Human Centipede did an excellent job of grossing out audiences, but the main reason that this film left such a lasting impact is that it taps into a different fear that the horror genre isn't used to. Psychological horror is nothing new, but the mental fear that The Human Centipede plays on is. The Human Centipede explores the "what if" scenario, instilling the notion that there are fates worse than death.

Many horror movies receive unjust criticism, often due to misconceptions or unrealistic expectations from audiences and critics. Some heavily criticized horror films actually have strong elements worthy of praise, such as intricate plots, central performances, and creative kills. The horror genre is diverse, and movies should be appreciated for their unique tones, objectives, and subversions of traditional horror tropes.

It's fairly common for horror movies to receive blunt criticism, but some truly do not deserve it. Many horror movies are criticized for being poor reproductions, often relying on cheap effects and jump scares to deliver their depicted horrors. However, even these heavily critiqued films often contain elements worthy of praise.

The horror genre is littered with movies met with harsh reviews and excessive criticism. Many of these have been condemned unjustly, either because mainstream critics could not see past the oblique visual style or because audiences entirely missed the point.

A revolting image mashes up an innocent scene from The Lion King with the grotesque concept of The Human Centipede, ruining childhood memories. Disney movies are being reimagined as horror films due to the recent success of Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. The Lion King, inspired by various sources, could be the next Disney movie to receive a horror reimagining, exploring the dark aspects of the animal kingdom.

The Lion King crosses over with The Human Centipede in a truly revolting image that casually ruins childhoods. The Lion King began as an animated Disney movie in 1994, touting timeless themes of family, responsibility, and the circle of life, which make it a culturally relevant and enduring classic. The Human Centipede, on the other hand, is a controversial horror film from 2009 that is infamous for its grotesque concept of surgically connecting people mouth-to-anus.

A new image shared by Marc Bernardin on Instagram combines...

South Park spares no one as it parodies everything from horror films like The Silence of the Lambs to iconic movies like Scarface and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The show has a knack for turning beloved horror movies into hilarious parodies, like a Children of the Corn storyline and a spoof of Red Dragon. South Park even takes on classic horror villains, like Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street and the disturbing surgeon from The Human Centipede, with its signature satirical twist.

South Park will parody anything and everything, including some of the most terrifying horror films ever made, from The Silence of the Lambs to A Nightmare on Elm Street. No one is safe from the satirical wrath of Trey Parker and Matt Stone. South Park lampoons both the liberal and conservative views of every political issue and the show has mocked every celebrity from Barbra Streisand to Tom Cruise.

The magic of cinema. The lights dim, the screen illuminates, and we’re transported to another world. But what happens when that world contains… another world? Horror has long been a genre that loves to play with its audience, and nothing says “I see you” quite like a movie-within-a-movie. It’s like a Russian doll of terror, layers of scares unfolding one after another… and who doesn’t love a good nesting nightmare?

Let’s dive into the meta-madness of horror films that give us a double dose of dread, with the movie-within-a-movie trope!

Universal 10. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) Movie-Within-a-Movie: Halloween (1978)

Dr. Daniel Challis (Tom Atkins) stumbles upon a sinister plot by the Silver Shamrock mask company to harness Stonehenge’s mystical powers and harm children on Halloween night. Amidst this chaos, a TV commercial advertises the original Halloween movie, suggesting a universe where Michael Myers’ terror is mere fiction.

Whether you’re a passionate John Kramer devotee or a haughty cinephile dismissing Jigsaw’s legacy as so-called “torture porn,” the “Saw” franchise absolutely got to you. Yes, you.

Back in theaters for the 2023 Halloween season, James Wan and Leigh Whannell’s indie shocker-turned-big budget ringer redefined splatter films for the post-9/11 masses and kicked off a resurgence that led to Eli Roth’s “Hostel,” Rob Zombie’s “The Devil’s Rejects,” Tom Six’s “The Human Centipede,” and more. Its notorious gore drew in the eyeballs of not just dedicated genre fans but also countless looky-loos too scared to go beyond the surprisingly dense “Saw” summaries on Wikipedia.

You can bet those same people will be back to devour every morsel of “Saw X,” director Kevin Gruetert’s third at-bat for the series (he also helmed “Saw VI” and “Saw 3D”), starring Og Jigsaw Tobin Bell and set between the...

Taika Waititi's film Next Goal Wins receives mixed reviews, with some describing it as a decent sports comedy but not his best work. Reviewers note that the movie is fun but predictable, lacking in surprises or originality. Some critics believe that Waititi played it safe with this film, missing an opportunity to take risks and deliver something more impactful.

Taika Waititi's latest film Next Goal Wins has already debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, and the first reviews are in, anticipating a new funny and emotional story from Thor: Love and Thunder director, but not his best.

The film, which is based on a true story, follows soccer coach Thomas Rongen on his difficult task of leading American Samoa national team to victory. Next Goal Wins stars Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss.

The movie was recently delayed...

Critics are saying that Next Goal Wins is reasonably charming and funny but falls short of being a winner due to its blandly generic story. The movie follows coach Thomas Rongen as he tries to guide the underdog American Samoa national team to victory. Next Goal Wins features an impressive cast including Michael Fassbender, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss.

The reviews are in for Next Goal Wins, the new movie from director Taika Waititi. Based on a true story, the movie follows coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) as he attempts to lead the underdog American Samoa national team to victory. The cast of the movie also includes Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss.

Ahead of the official Next Goal Wins release date on November 17, the movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10. In the hours after its premiere, critics...

Does it count as a white savior movie if the white character is the one who needs saving? In “Next Goal Wins,” the world’s top-grossing indigenous director, Taika Waititi, retells the story of how American Samoa went from having the world’s worst soccer team to, well, not the worst. While a white man was involved, the movie — which suggests how a film like “Cool Runnings” might be made with 30 years’ more cultural enlightenment — is mostly about how their coach (Michael Fassbender) needs an attitude adjustment. Come to think of it, that’s essentially the formula for most white savior movies.

In 2001, the American Samoa soccer team set a world record. They lost the World Cup Qualification game 31-0. Apparently, they only got worse from there. Enter Fassbender’s character, Thomas Rongen, a hothead with an alcohol problem and an emotional backstory which the movie keeps up its sleeve...

The Frightfest Guide To Mad Doctor Movies

The Frightfest Guide To Mad Doctor Movies, by Dr. John Llewellyn Probert, Isbn-10 1913051323, Isbn-13 978-1913051327, Rrp £19.99

The Frightfest Guide to Mad Doctor Movies is the seventh in Fab Press' collection. Written by Dr. John Llewellyn Probert, whose professional expertise as a urologist, novelist and film writer further extends to his work with wife (and fellow author) Kate/Thana Niveau as lost film condensed version stage-recreators Teatro Proberto. If that seems quite a lot it's indicative of the feel of the book, which continually finds ways to add a little bit more.

There's a foreword by Frightfest architect Alan Jones, who's penned two of the Frightfest Guides himself. There's also a foreword by The Human Centipede's Tom Six. After the authorial introduction, those two forewords, Probert gives us a whistlestop tour around the somewhat plastic collection of Mad Doctor movies. This sometimes strays into Mad Scientist territory,...

This article contains mentions of graphic violence, suicide, and sexual abuse.

For the average cinephile, the perfect first date can end with a movie night, but there are a number of films that should never be picked for such an occasion. Handpicking a first date movie can be a Herculean task for anyone if they wish to establish a good impression. Even if a movie is a cult classic for one, it can result in a disappointing viewing experience for the other person. Such was the fate of Kumail Nanjiani's autobiographical protatonist in The Big Sick when he tried to convince Zoe Kazan's character to watch the British horror comedy The Abominable Dr. Phibes (spoiler alert: she wasn’t impressed).

With the first date movie night being such a make-or-break deal for some, it is advisable to play it safe rather than resort to niche slow-burn dramas, explicitly grotesque horrors,...

Maybe don’t watch it – But let’s decipher this controversial movie series, and you can decide for yourself! Within horror cinema, certain films venture into the deepest recesses of human fear, leaving an indelible mark on our psyche. One such movie that has etched itself into the annals of controversial horror is “The Human Centipede.” As you gear up to explore this unsettling and provocative cinematic landscape, there are numerous aspects you ought to be aware of.

Related: 10 Terrifying Horror Movies That Will Haunt Your Dreams Forever

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Plumbing the Depths of Horror

Dr. Josef Heiter, portrayed by Dieter Laser

Released in 2009, “The Human Centipede” isn’t your run-of-the-mill horror flick. It dives headfirst into an abyss of depravity and cruelty, conjuring a grotesque nightmare. The twisted narrative revolves around Dr. Josef Heiter, portrayed by Dieter Laser, a mad scientist who becomes consumed by a horrific experiment. He kidnaps three innocent victims,...

Ah, body horror. That exquisite subgenre that makes us squirm in our seats, cringe in delicious terror, and occasionally lose our lunch. These films are not for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach. They probe, twist, and mutilate the human form in ways that are both horrifying and oddly fascinating. So, brace yourself and maybe keep a barf bag handy, as we dive into the 20 Most Disturbing Body Horror Films Ever Made.

20th Century Fox 20. The Fly (1986)

The Fly, directed by David Cronenberg, tells the story of scientist Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum), who invents teleportation, but of course, it’s not all Nobel Prizes. After an experiment with a fly goes horribly wrong, Brundle begins a grotesque transformation into a human-fly hybrid. What makes this film so disturbing is the gradual, inexorable alteration of Brundle’s body, culminating in a physical and psychological nightmare that’s impossible to forget.

Clockwise from top left: Oldboy (Cj Entertainment), Antichrist (IFC Films), Frontier(s) (EuropaCorp), Audition (Vitagraph Films)Graphic: AVClub

In 1983, horror movie maestro David Cronenberg was asked why movie audiences like scary films. His answer was that “most people would prefer to [confront their fears] in a metaphorical way, in a controlled way. They...

Some horror movies are so disturbing that viewers only want to watch them once, like "The Human Centipede" and "A Serbian Film." "Audition" starts as a melodrama but quickly turns into a horrifying tale that leaves viewers too shaken to rewatch it. "Hereditary" is an excruciating watch due to its unbearable sense of dread and gruesome moments, making it difficult to watch more than once.

Content Warning: This article contains references to torture, sexual violence, cannibalism, decapitation, animal cruelty, and child mortality.

A handful of horror films are so deeply disturbing that no one who watches them ever wants to rewatch them. Some horror movies have great rewatch value. Scream and The Sixth Sense both require a couple of watches to pick up on all the clues and foreshadowing before their twist reveals. The unbridled genre-bending fun of horror comedies like Evil Dead II and Shaun of the Dead never gets old.

This article discusses cinematic depictions of sexual violence.

Once in a while, an R-rated movie is an experience that we're not sure we're meant to enjoy. Not like the taboo excitement of true crime, or the cathartic pain that comes with some documentaries. More like a feeling that we're not sure about who the intended audience is for this film ... and, dear God, are we that audience? We're watching something that skates off the edge of good taste, and just maybe, we're enjoying it.

It's an artistic conundrum that's fueled decades of controversy and censorship, from the famous "I know obscenity when I see it" Supreme Court trial to the U.K.'s all-too-familiar-today right wing conservative dalliance in the '80s with cleansing the landscape of the "video nasty." They're films from the famous to the infamous, movies that revel in pushing the boundaries. Sometimes there's a thoughtful message underneath the morass.

We've cracked the case: Here is where to watch Megan Is Missing online. While found footage horror movies had previously been attempted with the likes of Cannibal Holocaust, it was The Blair Witch Project that really popularized the format. One of the most controversial found footage movies to have emerged in the 2010s is Megan Is Missing. Director Michael Goi based this horror thriller on horrifying, real-life child abduction cases, with the movie centering on teenage best friends Megan and Amy. When Megan goes missing after interacting with a stranger online, Amy is determined to find out what happened, which leads to some incredibly upsetting reveals.

Goi, who frequently served as the cinematographer of American Horror Story, purposely intended Megan Is Missing to be genuinely disturbing. He wanted the film to be a warning to parents to be aware of their children's interactions online and to protect them against internet predators,...

Clockwise from far left: The Passion Of The Christ (20th Century Fox), The Revenant (20th Century Fox), American History X (New Line Cinema), The Human Centipede (First Sequence) (IFC Films), Sophie’s Choice (Shout! Factory) Graphic: AVClub When it comes to movie night, we all have guilty pleasures or beloved classics...

Clockwise from far left: The Passion Of The Christ (20th Century Fox), The Revenant (20th Century Fox), American History X (New Line Cinema), The Human Centipede (First Sequence) (IFC Films), Sophie’s Choice (Shout! Factory)Graphic: AVClub

When it comes to movie night, we all have guilty pleasures or beloved classics...

Here is where to watch Megan Is Missing online, and whether it's on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime. While found footage horror movies had previously been attempted with the likes of Cannibal Holocaust, it was The Blair Witch Project that really popularised the format. One of the most controversial found footage movies of the 2010s is Megan Is Missing. Director Michael Goi based this horror thriller on real-life child abduction cases, with the movie centering on teenage best friends Megan and Amy. When Megan goes missing after interacting with a stranger online, Amy sets out to find what happened, which culminates in some incredibly upsetting reveals.

Director Michael Goi, who frequently served as the cinematographer of American Horror Story, purposely intended Megan Is Missing to be genuinely disturbing. He wanted the film to be a warning to parents to be aware of their children's interactions online and to protect them against internet predators,...

In the last decade, we have “enjoyed” an onslaught of new Star Wars media. As tempting as it is to try to summarize this new era of Star Wars with a blanket critical statement, it’s challenging to actually do so. Some new Star Wars adventures have been excellent, some have been forgettable, and some have been shockingly bad. Of course, few can ever seem to agree on which adventures are which.

However, I think the one thing that unites so many recent Star Wars stories is “nostalgia.” From the moment the first Force Awakens trailer was released, it became clear that our memories of Star Wars were now hard currency. That’s been true of many post-original trilogy releases to some degree, but this era is a bit different.

There was always an understanding that many of us harbored at least some positive feelings toward the Star Wars franchise.

When you cover the arthouse business, you get used to familiar faces more than famous ones. Programmers, distributors, and sales agents may not walk the red carpet alongside their stars, but they’re at all the afterparties, in the trenches of every major film festival, constantly plotting ways to get new work seen. Their ubiquity makes it possible to visualize this pocket of the entertainment industry so when the faces change places, it stands out.

In that respect, this week was extraordinary. Within 48 hours, news broke of senior independent film executives leaving jobs they held for years, in some cases not of their own volition. Welcome to the great indie contraction.

First came John Vanco, the 18-year veteran of the IFC Center, heading to Netflix to take over the booking of New York’s Paris Theater, as well as the Bay Cinema and the Egyptian in L.A.. On its...