The horror fan's Friday ritual—news, recs, and the weirdest finds from across the Horrorverse.

FRESH CUTS 🩸

Clown in a Cornfield
Eli Craig’s adaptation of Adam Cesare’s YA slasher novel hits theaters today. Set in a decaying Missouri town, it follows teen Quinn (Katie Douglas) as she confronts a chainsaw-wielding clown named Frendo. While the film boasts gruesome kills and a queer subplot, critics note its predictability and lack of distinctiveness.

Final Destination: Bloodlines
Releasing May 16, this sixth installment features Tony Todd’s final performance as the enigmatic William Bludworth. The film promises to delve deeper into the franchise’s mythology, exploring Bludworth's origins and his connection to death.

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
Director Jane Schoenbrun's upcoming film, starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, is described as a “sleepover classic” blending humor and gore. Production begins this summer, with Mubi handling theatrical and streaming releases.

CREATOR SPOTLIGHT 👁️

Jane Schoenbrun: Director of "We're All Going to the World's Fair" and the upcoming "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma."

Schoenbrun continues to explore themes of identity and nostalgia through a horror lens. Their latest project promises a blend of humor, gore, and emotional resonance.

With production starting this summer, fans eagerly await this unique addition to the slasher genre.

DEEP DIVE 🔪

The Slasher Renaissance: Why 2025 Feels Like 1985

From "Clown in a Cornfield" to the return of "Final Destination," slashers are back in a big way.

Key points:

• Nostalgia-driven revivals are tapping into the aesthetics and themes of '80s horror.

• Modern slashers are incorporating diverse characters and subverting traditional tropes.

• Streaming platforms are investing in slasher content, making it more accessible than ever.

This resurgence reflects a cultural desire to revisit and reinvent familiar fears for a new generation.

HORROR HISTORY 👻

25 Years of "Final Destination"

The original "Final Destination" premiered in 2000, introducing audiences to the concept of death's design.

Legacy impact:

• Spawned a successful franchise with five sequels.

• Influenced a wave of supernatural horror films in the early 2000s.

• Introduced iconic character William Bludworth, portrayed by Tony

The series' blend of fate, death, and elaborate set-pieces continues to captivate audiences, as evidenced by the upcoming "Bloodlines."

MONSTER MANUAL 🧟

Killer Clowns: From Circus Tents to Cornfields

The archetype of the killer clown has evolved, reflecting societal fears and cultural shifts.

Evolution:

• 1980s: Films like "Killer Klowns from Outer Space" introduced campy, extraterrestrial clowns.

• 1990s: Stephen King's "It" brought a more sinister, psychological approach.

• 2020s: "Clown in a Cornfield" presents a grounded, slasher take on the trope.

These figures tap into deep-seated fears of the uncanny, blending childhood innocence with malevolent intent.

WHAT TO WATCH 📺

NEW RELEASES

• "Clown in a Cornfield": A teen confronts a murderous clown in a small town. (Theaters)

• "The Damned": Icelandic fishermen face supernatural horrors. (Hulu)

HIDDEN GEMS

• "Drag Me to Hell": A cursed loan officer fights for her soul. (Tubi)

• "Vacancy": A couple discovers snuff films in their motel room. (Tubi)

LEAVING SOON

• "Quarantine": Found-footage horror depicting a deadly outbreak. (Tubi)

READING LIST 📚

NEW RELEASES

• "Overgrowth" (Mira Grant): A biotech horror exploring the dangers of unchecked innovation.

• "Immaculate Conception" (Ling Ling Huang): A tale of obsession and mind-sharing

CLASSIC REVISITED
"The Shining" by Stephen King remains a masterclass in psychological horror, delving into isolation, madness, and the supernatural. Its themes continue to resonate in today's explorations of mental health and familial dysfunction.

GAME OVER 🎮

Resident Evil 9: Rumors suggest a return to survival horror roots with a semi-open world set on a Southeast Asian island. Themes may include cloning, cults, and genetic experiments. An official announcement is anticipated at the Summer Game Fest in June.

The Midnight Walk: This claymation horror game features a resurrected protagonist and a lantern companion named Potboy Boy. Players navigate a dark world, solving puzzles and battling enemies.

HORROR HAPPENINGS 🎭

• FrankenCon 2025: Alcoa, TN, May 9–10. Celebrating classic horror with panels and screenings.

• Monster-Mania Con 2025: Baltimore, MD, May 9–11. Meet horror icons and explore vendor booths.

• ShudderCon 2025: East Ridge, TN, May 10–11. Focused on indie horror and streaming content.

• Texas Frightmare Weekend: Irving, TX, May 23–25. Featuring appearances by Bruce Campbell and other genre

FINAL THOUGHT 💀

The slasher genre's resurgence in 2025 reflects a collective yearning for the visceral thrills of the past, reimagined for today's audiences. By blending nostalgia with contemporary themes, these films offer both comfort and innovation, proving that the slasher is far from dead.

Thank you for all your support!

I just want to take a second and say thanks. I hope my Newsletter can become something you look forward to receiving every Friday.