THE WEEKLY SHIVER

Big News! My new podcast just launched where i talk to horror industry insiders about what makes the industry click. Here is a link if your interested…

🩸 FRESH CUTS

• Final Destination: Bloodlines hits theaters May 16, reviving the franchise with a chilling family curse. Tony Todd returns as William Bludworth, and the trailer has already racked up over 178 million views worldwide.

• Ryan Coogler's Sinners reimagines the vampire mythos in the Jim Crow-era South, blending historical realism with horror to explore America's societal tensions.

• The real Annabelle doll will be on display at San Antonio's Psychic & Spirit Fest on May 17, offering fans a rare glimpse of the infamous artifact.

👁️ CREATOR SPOTLIGHT

Felipe Vargas: Director of "Rosario"

Felipe Vargas brings a fresh perspective to horror with Rosario, a film that intertwines cultural identity and supernatural terror. Starring Emeraude Toubia, the story follows a woman confronting dark family secrets in her grandmother's apartment.

"Horror is a mirror reflecting our deepest fears and truths," Vargas notes.

With Rosario releasing May 2, Vargas is poised to become a significant voice in culturally rooted horror

🔪 DEEP DIVE

The Evolution of the Vampire Archetype

From Bram Stoker's Dracula to modern interpretations, vampires have long symbolized societal fears and desires. In Sinners, the vampire becomes a lens to examine historical injustices and moral complexities.

Key points:

• Historical Reflection: Vampires often mirror the era's anxieties, from aristocratic fears to racial tensions.

• Moral Ambiguity: Modern portrayals delve into the internal conflicts of immortality and ethics.

• Cultural Metaphor: The vampire serves as a versatile symbol for various societal issues.

Understanding these evolutions enriches our appreciation of vampire narratives and their relevance today.

👻 HORROR HISTORY

"Cujo" and the Power of Alternate Endings

Dee Wallace, star of the 1983 film Cujo, advocated for changing the book's tragic ending, believing audiences couldn't handle the child's death. Stephen King later thanked her, acknowledging the film's impact.

Legacy impact:

• Audience Sensitivity: Highlighted the importance of considering viewer emotional responses.

• Adaptation Flexibility: Showed that changes from source material can enhance a story's reception.

• Author Collaboration: Demonstrated successful collaboration between authors and filmmakers.

This decision set a precedent for future adaptations balancing fidelity and audience engagement.

🧟 MONSTER MANUAL

Vampires: From Aristocrats to Avatars of Oppression

Vampires have transformed from symbols of aristocratic excess to representations of marginalized struggles. In Sinners, they embody the horrors of systemic injustice.

Evolution:

• 19th Century: Elegant predators reflecting upper-class fears.

• 20th Century: Romanticized figures grappling with immortality.

• 21st Century: Metaphors for societal issues like racism and

This evolution underscores the vampire's versatility in exploring complex themes.

📺 WHAT TO WATCH

NEW RELEASES

• Rosario: A woman uncovers dark family secrets in her grandmother's apartment. (Theaters)

• Fear Street: Prom Queen: An '80s-themed slasher where prom candidates are disappearing. (Netflix, May 23)

• Train to Busan: A gripping zombie outbreak on a speeding train. (Netflix)

HIDDEN GEMS

• The Ugly Stepsister: A twisted fairy tale horror. (Shudder, May 9)

• The Moogai: An Indigenous horror exploring cultural fears. (Netflix Australia)

LEAVING SOON

• Smile: A psychological horror exploring a mysterious curse. (Netflix, leaving May 31)

📚 READING LIST

NEW RELEASES

• Port Luck (Timothy King): A creature horror tale set in a cursed town.

• Clifton Falls 4 (Lee Andrew Taylor): The latest in the zombie horror series.

CLASSIC REVISITED
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty remains a seminal work in horror literature, exploring themes of faith and demonic possession with unparalleled intensity.

🎮 GAME OVER

Post Trauma: A survival horror game reminiscent of Resident Evil and Silent Hill, offering classic gameplay with modern graphics.

The Midnight Walk: A stop-motion horror game inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, delivering a unique visual experience.

🎭 HORROR HAPPENINGS

• CT HorrorFest: May 3-4, Stamford, CT. Meet horror icons, including Art the Clown.

• Texas Frightmare Weekend: May 23-25, Irving, TX. Featuring Bruce Campbell and other horror legends. 💀 FINAL THOUGHT

As horror continues to evolve, it reflects and challenges our deepest fears and societal issues. From reimagined vampires to culturally infused narratives, the genre remains a powerful mirror to our world.

🔮 NEXT WEEK

• Exploring the resurgence of folk horror in modern cinema.

• Interview with the creators of The Midnight Walk.

• A retrospective on the Paranormal Activity franchise.

• Top horror podcasts to keep you up at night.