Damian McCarthy’s Oddity is a haunting, tense experience that has garnered significant attention since its debut at South by Southwest. Described as “scary, mysterious, upsetting, and affecting,” the film has earned accolades for its ability to create an overwhelming sense of unease, an accomplishment that stands out even among 2024's strong lineup of indie horror films. This film initially flew under my radar until I came across a meme boldly proclaiming it the scariest film of the year.
Read MoreRuss Meyer’s Vixen Trilogy: Vixen (1968), Supervixens (1975), and Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens (1979) #BluRay
Severin Films has outdone itself by restoring and releasing Russ Meyer’s Vixen Trilogy—Vixen, Supervixens, and Beneath the Valley of the Ultravixens—in collaboration with The Russ Meyer Charitable Trust. These groundbreaking films have made their worldwide UHD/Blu-ray premieres, each painstakingly restored from original negatives by The Museum of Modern Art and Severin Films. Packed with nine hours of new and archival bonus materials, this collection dives into Meyer’s unique blend of sex, satire, and subversive storytelling, presenting them in the highest quality they’ve ever been seen.
Read MorePeter Pan's Neverland Nightmare (2025)
Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare is a bold and macabre reimagining of J.M. Barrie’s beloved tale, directed and written by Scott Jeffrey, who continues to redefine public domain stories in the horror genre. As the third installment in The Twisted Childhood Universe, the 2025 British independent film expands the series’ trademark style with a darkly creative and unsettling take on Peter Pan. With standout performances, commendable production values, and a uniquely twisted narrative, the film delivers a compelling experience for horror fans.
Read MoreDaisy Goes to the Moon
The lovely folks at Fantagraphics were kind enough to send me an advance copy of Mathew Klickstein and Rick Geary’s new graphic novel, Daisy Goes to the Moon. I’d say the story itself could be described as an all-ages affair, although the premise has a certain arty intellectualism imbued in its aesthetic. Additionally, the intro and afterword feature some language that is likely to be beyond young readers, including an enthusiastic F-bomb dropped by Klickstein during a recounting of how the project came together.
Read MoreThe Tale of Texas Pool (2024)
In The Tale of Texas Pool, director Kevin Welling delivers an impressive debut with a documentary that feels as polished and confident as a veteran filmmaker's tenth project. Clocking in at 112 minutes, the film may feel a tad long at moments, but every minute is packed with captivating stories, fascinating interviews, and a deep reverence for the sport of billiards. The documentary doesn't rely on a traditional narrator; instead, Welling expertly pieces together interviews with legendary players like Buddy Hall, Jeremy Jones, Fedor Gorst, Sky Woodward, Tyler Styer, and Nick Varner.
Read MoreUnderwater (2020) #RetroReview
While it may not have the most original story, William Eubank’s Underwater is nevertheless a pretty fun flick. Featuring a distinct sense of place with incredibly detailed sets, the isolation and alien environment of the Mariana Trench is effectively conveyed, resulting in creepy claustrophobia. Since it celebrates its 5th anniversary on the 10th, let’s take a look back at this underseen gem.
Read MoreThe North Side Killer (2024)
Khamla Savathphoune, known for Escape Room and Grey Area, makes his feature-length debut with The North Side Killer, a micro-budget thriller that blends urban tension with an intimate character-driven narrative. Clocking in at just under an hour and seventeen minutes, the film tackles heavy themes of fear, isolation, and the fragility of human connection, all against the backdrop of a killer terrorizing the north side campus and targeting vulnerable homeless drug users. The story follows Ted, a self-proclaimed ladies' man and mail carrier, and Sally, a barista of some sort navigating a new relationship amidst escalating fear and paranoia
Read MoreNumbered Lives (2024)
J.G. Clarke’s directorial and writing debut, Numbered Lives, is an impressive indie thriller that combines high production values with an engaging premise. The film follows Noah, a young man who, after a botched robbery, finds himself imprisoned under dubious circumstances. His story takes a dark and mysterious turn when he awakes in a sinister facility controlled by shadowy forces.
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