THE WEEKLY SHIVER

FRESH CUTS 🩸

• Final Destination: Bloodlines hits theaters today with a unique IMAX-exclusive version featuring aspect ratio shifts as ominous markers signaling death's arrival. This version will only be available during the film’s opening week in IMAX theaters and never in home formats or streaming.

• DD Next Level, the latest installment in the Tamil horror-comedy franchise, releases today. The film follows a critic who gets pulled into the world of the horror films he once mocked.

• Bring Her Back, an Australian horror film directed by the Philippou brothers, is set to release on May 30. The film explores deep psychological terror within the familiar "trapped-in-a-house" subgenre.

CREATOR SPOTLIGHT 👁️

Jane Schoenbrun: Director of Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma

Jane Schoenbrun is set to release her next horror feature, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, with stars Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson. The film revolves around a filmmaker's obsession with the original "final girl" actress from a fictional slasher franchise, leading to a revival of horror from the depths of a lake.

"I wanted to create a 'sleepover classic' blending humor and gore," Schoenbrun describes.

Production begins this summer in British Columbia, with Mubi handling theatrical and streaming releases.

DEEP DIVE 🔪

The Revival of the 'Final Destination' Franchise

After nearly 15 years, the Final Destination franchise returns with Bloodlines, introducing a fresh narrative twist where death targets the descendants of an original survivor.

Key points:

• Directed by Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky, the film blends reverence for the franchise's cinematic legacy with innovative filmmaking techniques.

• The IMAX-exclusive version features a creative use of aspect ratio shifts as ominous markers signaling death's arrival. The film serves as a direct sequel to 2009's The Final Destination, focusing on a college student who discovers her family should never have existed because her grandparents cheated death.

This revival not only pays homage to the original series but also introduces innovative cinematic techniques, offering a fresh experience for both new and longtime fans.

HORROR HISTORY 👻

Revisiting 'The Exorcist' (1973)

As The Exorcist celebrates its 52nd anniversary, its impact on the horror genre remains profound. The film's portrayal of demonic possession and the battle between good and evil set a new standard for horror cinema.

Legacy impact:

• Pioneered the subgenre of religious horror.

• Introduced groundbreaking special effects and makeup.

• Influenced countless films exploring themes of possession and exorcism.

Modern horror continues to draw inspiration from The Exorcist, evident in recent films exploring similar themes with contemporary twists.

MONSTER MANUAL 🧟

The Evolution of the Slasher Villain

Slasher villains have been a staple in horror, evolving from masked killers to complex characters with intricate backstories.

Evolution:

• 1970s-1980s: Introduction of iconic characters like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees.

• 1990s: Meta-commentary in films like Scream redefined the genre.

• 2000s-Present: Exploration of the psychology behind the killer, adding depth to the character.

The slasher villain remains a mirror to societal fears, adapting to reflect contemporary anxieties and cultural shifts.

WHAT TO WATCH 📺

NEW RELEASES

• Final Destination: Bloodlines: The latest installment in the franchise introduces a new narrative twist. (In Theaters)

• DD Next Level: A Tamil horror-comedy where a critic gets pulled into the world of the horror films he once mocked. (In Theaters)

• Bring Her Back: An Australian horror film exploring deep psychological terror within the "trapped-in-a-house" subgenre. (In Theaters May 30)

HIDDEN GEMS

• Clown in a Cornfield: Adapted from the 2020 novel by Adam Cesare, this slasher film features a murderous clown wreaking havoc on a small town. (In Theaters)

• Hurry Up Tomorrow: A psychological thriller starring The Weeknd as a sleep-deprived musician spiraling into a surreal journey. (In Theaters)

LEAVING SOON

• Sinners: Michael B. Jordan's horror film set in 1930s Mississippi has been a box office success, grossing $220 million domestically. Catch it before it leaves theaters.

READING LIST 📚

NEW RELEASES

• The Devils (Joe Abercrombie): An epic fantasy featuring a notorious band of anti-heroes on a bloody journey.

• Bochica (Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro): A haunted house horror exploring themes of isolation and the supernatural. CLASSIC REVISITED

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson remains a seminal work in psychological horror, delving into the complexities of fear and the human psyche. Its influence is evident in modern horror literature and adaptations.

GAME OVER 🎮

REPO Introduces Progressive Difficulty Scaling

The co-op horror game REPO has introduced significant gameplay changes with its new Overcharge mechanic. Designed to balance gameplay, Overcharge causes a player's robot to explode if they hold a monster too long. To address early feedback, this mechanic will now be introduced only after level 10, with additional challenges appearing at every 10-level milestone thereafter. This progressive difficulty scaling aims to preserve fun and challenge across all levels.

HORROR HAPPENINGS 🎭

• HorrorConUK 2025: Rotherham, UK, May 17-18. A gathering for horror enthusiasts featuring panels, merchandise, and guest appearances.

• Texas Frightmare Weekend: Irving, TX, May 23-25. Meet horror legends like Bruce Campbell and Ti West in person.

FINAL THOUGHT 💀

The horror genre continues to evolve, embracing new narratives and innovative techniques while paying homage to its roots. From the revival of classic franchises to the emergence of fresh voices, horror remains a mirror to our deepest fears and societal anxieties. As we navigate through these chilling tales, we are reminded of the genre's power to both terrify and reflect.