If you're like me and love binge watching paranormal TV shows and documentaries (and by love I mean I might have a problem), then I highly recommend spending the new year chilling on the couch with these beauties:
All directed and produced by DJ Prozak (Steven Shippy), these bone-chilling documentaries into the paranormal world in - of all places - Sagniaw, Michigan, will surprise you.
I could see the evolution of the filming style and quality as the documentaries progressed over the years, with the last two actually scaring me, and that is a feat.
Heartfelt, original, intense, and frightening, these films are clearly made out of the love the for the area, people and their stories.
All available on Amazon Prime, so get your popcorn ready, turn off all the lights, and get ready for a thrill ride!
*Note: updated in 2019 to include A Haunting on Finn Road.
Happy November 1st! It was a pretty exciting October challenge, this year. With record breaking views on both the blog and the Roku channel, I'd like to think that everyone enjoyed the entertainment this month :)
It was a little strange simply streaming all the movie picks this year instead of popping into my local video store, I have to admit. RIP Rain City Video. But overall, it was a fun experience, as always.
Thanks again to those who reached out to Horror Habit for the Celebrating Independent Artists day. Until next year, if you would like me to help spread the word on your work, simply send me a message through the contact tool on the website and I'll share it on my Shout-Outs and Film Press Releases page.
To my utmost surprise, my Husband joined me in watching several of the films this year. I might be turning him into a horror movie fan after all...
I started October attending a memorial service for a good friend of mine who passed suddenly. It was heartbreaking. And yet, I had a little experience right before Halloween that might just suggest he's sticking around to keep an eye on all of us from time time time. Mad love, man. [mad crossed out and written backwards in crayon]. Peace.
Overall, it was a very good October challenge. I love them, and I am officially looking forward to not watching a horror movie everyday for a while. On to Documentary November! (coined by my Husband), where we'll just watch real life horror stories.
Thanks again for joining me on my adventure, everyone! As per usual, I'm going to take a little break from posting for a while and will see you in December!
Happy Halloween everyone!! Here is 18 brilliant short horror films to spook up your day.
Why 18 you ask? Because this is the 8th month of the old Roman calendar and the 10th month of the current calendar. BRAINS!
So without further ado, below is my pick of some of the best out there. With a review of 18 words or less, and in no particular order, please enjoy Horror Habit's 2017 Short Horror Film Festival.
Spira: This film asks, "What happens if a psychiatric patient's madness becomes contagious?" Lord help us all if that happens.
The Disappearance of Willie Bingham: Mentally and emotionally gruesome and very chilling, this short looks into an alternative capital punishment method...
But Wait!!! There's more! Be sure to check out the short horror films available on this year's Celebrate Independent Horror Films post: http://horrorhabit.blogspot.com/2017/10/celebrating-independent-horror-movies.html
It's another year and another October Challenge festival in the Horror Habit world. Although 99% of the month is dedicated to watching films, one day of the month is dedicated to independent artists and film makers who are putting the latest and greatest out there!
Some producers and directors have contacted Horror Habit recently, and I would like to give their work a proper plug as best as I can! I'm going to list these in the order that I've received them. Where possible check these films out, support your local artists, support independent horror films, and be on the lookout for the reviews!
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Title: Let Her Out
Directed by: Cody Calahan
Here's a super creepy story about a woman and her evil twin... or is it?! Released in theaters and VOD as of October 20th, so be on the lookout for Let Her Out! “...an emotional, engaging horror thriller that centers on the mental and psychological state of Helen, a young Toronto bike courier who has recently awoke in the hospital after a traumatic incident."
From the Press Release:
TriCoast Entertainment’s horror division, DarkCoast presents the USA release of Cody Calahan’s Canadian-horror, female psychological thriller, “LET HER OUT”, in collaboration with Black Fawn Films and Breakthrough Entertainment.
“LET HER OUT"” is a high-concept horror film, which captures film in a psychological; terrifying way by showing that true fear is innate and inescapable. When Helen's "vanishing twin" (or one that is absorbed in utero) takes over, turning her life into a living nightmare, it is guaranteed to leave viewers with their hearts racing and chills running down their spines.
“LET HER OUT” stars fabulous stars, with Alanna LaVierge as the lead of Helen, stealing the show with her emotional, terrifying role. The film also stars Nina Kiri (“The Haunted House of Kirby Road” (2016), “Geek Charming” (2011)) and Adam Christie (“Antisocial” (2013)).
Here's a dreamy and atmospheric spine-chiller! Empty office spaces are creepy enough, but when there's someone else in there with you, that's creepy on a whole new level!
Adam is a filmmaker from Wales and recently created this 7 minute short horror film with Eddie Adamson - the same Adamson who helped create the fabulous short slenderman film, "Victim".
Check out this short film here!
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Title: Aliens: Zone of Silence
Directed by: Andy Fowler
A found footage film about aliens! I honestly don't think there are many of these out there. Having just been released on October 24th and with already an IMDB rating of 7.1, I think this is one horror fans should certainly check out.
From the producer:
The film follows a young woman who goes on a daring search for answers after her brother vanishes from the Mexican desert. But when she discovers an extraterrestrial presence, she must risk her life to expose the desert’s otherworldly secret.
Distributor Gravitas Ventures is releasing Aliens: Zone of Silence on over 100 cable and digital platforms, including Comcast, Cox, Dish Network, and Verizon Fios, in addition to Amazon Video, Google Play, iTunes, Vimeo on Demand, and Vudu. The film will also be available on DVD and Blu-ray at Amazon and Family Video.
Check out the trailer and learn a little bit more about the film here: www.alienszoneofsilence.com
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Title: Knock Knock (Short Horror Film)
Created by: L.A. based creative collective - Live From Mars
Here's a marvelous and politically powerful short horror film, Knock Knock. A story about a housekeeper just trying to do her job. "Live From Mars combines horror tropes (off-kilt angles, shadowy rooms, disembodied knocking and a monster in the closet) with a strong social metaphor..."
From the Press Release:
Brief Synopsis/Logline: When an enterprising, young, Latin American housekeeper cleans up the remains of a 4th of July celebration, something in the closet quickly turns her American dream into an AMERICAN NIGHTMARE.
About the Filmakers:
Alex Gabrielli- Director/Producer- Alex is an award winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles, CA. His fascination with movement combined with his passion for storytelling lends to a distinct creative style. He is also a technically gifted visual effects artist often employing his skills to create surreal imagery. MFA USC Film.
http://alexgabrielli.com/
Collin Leydon- Writer/Co-Director/Producer- Collin is an actor and content creator based out of Los Angeles, CA. Past producing projects have appeared in festivals as well as on network television. A firm believer in horror's ability to open up dialogue about pertinent issues, Collin seeks to create content that taps into the terror of events shaping our world today. NYU Tisch.
Evelyn Lorena- Actress- Evelyn has appeared on the Lifetime Network, a variety of commercials (Participant Media, mun2/Telemundo, IHOP) and in films at HBO Outfest Los Angeles and the Cleveland International Film Festival, among others. Recent Theater Credits include IRINA in THE THREE SISTERS and playing both THE WIFE (at Sacred Fools) & THE BRIDE (at The LATC) in Oliver Mayer's BLOODMATCH. She is a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.
About Live From Mars:
Live From Mars (a creative collective) was founded in 2015 by a group of entertainment industry professionals from NY and LA seeking to promote and support each other artistically, while exploring aesthetically challenging projects across genres.
Check out the short film here, now!
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Title: “Goosebumps Theme”: A Modern Electro Reimagining (Music)
Created By: DreamReaper (Troy Dierke)
Just in time for Halloween and to tap into your nostalgia feels, Troy has recently created a remix of the Goosebumps TV show theme song!
After placing second in a remix competition for Powercyan’s “Disciples of the Night,” synthwave artist DreamReaper decided the best use of the prize money was not new equipment or software, but rather to purchase an enormous collection of original 1996 Goosebumps trading cards....In addition to hoarding the cards, the Phoenix, AZ based musician has begun to include them in merchandise orders and gives them away to fans at shows. Locally, he has become known as “that fucking Goosebumps guy,” a badge he wears proudly.
Available as a free download, “Goosebumps Theme” is a modern electro reimagining of the original that reinvigorates the soundtrack for today’s dance floor. The artist utilizes his signature retro-influenced synthwave sound to flip this ’90s TV favorite into a club-ready electro banger.
Featuring huge distorted French electro bass, creepy piano arpeggios, gritty slap bass, and enough sound effects to open your own haunted house, fans of Justice, The Glitch Mob, and all things spooky are sure to enjoy DreamReaper’s fresh take on this classic throwback.
Speaking of music - here's a music video from James Drake! She's a .... Monster:
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Title: Machine Baby
Directed by: Sean Richards Buddle
This is a short horror film "...about a struggling paparazzo who gets pulled into a mad pageant manager's plot to win Miss America while trying to break the story." Also according to IMDB it won the Best WTF Short Film award at the GenreBlast Film Festival. I never knew this award existed and I'm so glad it does!
From the press release:
Machine Baby most recently screened at Nightmares Film Festival in Columbus, OH, as well as GenreBlast Film Festival in Winchester, VA. The film is now publicly available for viewing on Bloody Disgusting's World of Death series.
Note: the first minute and a half of the film (and about 15 seconds towards the end) has a lot of flashing lights. Careful, those of you with photosensitive epilepsy.
To learn more and see the film, check out the links below:
Title: Sounds to Play in the Dark
Artists: Radium Audio
This is a collection of horror sounds to welcome in your Halloween evening! Andrew, a part of the team, brought this collection to my attention, and I'll share with you what he shared with me: "....hope it darkly resonates with you."
From the site:
This horror themed sound collection is a continuation of our “Shadow Oscillations” explorations. Originated in our studios by our inhouse team who work tirelessly to research, imagine and develop some of the most arresting timbres and hands on creative approaches in our discipline of sound and music for media. The ancient art of dark storytelling is how humans explore their shadow selves, hidden desires, and greatest fears. We hope you will use SOUNDS TO PLAY IN THE DARK to twist, turn, and sculpt up your own diabolic narratives. Bind, bound, mould into chilling music scores, haunted adverts, dark films, horros tropes, whatever shadowy nebulous stories you happen to be weaving.
TONES TIMBRES FLAVOURS : Alarming, eerie, disturbing, scary, whispering, creeping, demonic, incantations, Babylonian, ancient, jump scare, distortion, spooky, supernatural, wicked, creepy and unnerving, vocally demonic, head slices, soul hits, ghost rasps, paranoid scrapes, twists and knife turns. Play these sounds in the dark, and peel back the fabric of our day to day world for a spinetingling glimpse into the eternal night …
This music is available to download for free. Learn more here!: http://radium-audio.com/horror-sounds-1/
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Title: The Babyface Killer
From: Forte Films Entertainment
I've been following the Forte brother's projects for quite a while now, starting with their short film, Anna. They produce some pretty disturbing stuff, folks! Gruesome, in blood and guts, but also in the concepts and the messages relayed in their stories.
From their site:
"Forte Films Entertainment has began making horror short films since 2007. Kevin and Matthew Forte are brothers from New York that wanna bring their vision to the film industry. Especially in the horror genre. Kevin first started with "The Appointment." Then went on to make "Orlock" and "Last Laugh." Matthew started with "Anna" and then went on doing "Wednesday's Children." The brothers are working together getting a horror web series going called "The Sin Reapers." The Forte Brothers wanna bring in new fear into the world of horror that you will never forget! Welcome to the world of Forte Films Entertainment."
Check out their Horror Web Series: The Sin Reapers - and pair it with a short film spin-off of the show in the video below:
To learn more about Forte Films Entertainment: http://www.fortefilmsentertainment.com/
And follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForteFilmsEntertainment
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A huge thank you to everyone who has reached out to Horror Habit and I hope all of your projects will be a wonderful success!
From the archives of my Draft folder comes a film I watched over a year ago and was waiting for a special occasion to finally post. The day has come.
As my first interview and my final October Challenge movie review for the month, I present the 1990 Metamorphosis: The Alien Factor!
This is a very special post because I watched this film with our friend who worked on the film! Even more special - he had not see the full thing until he watched it at our place!
This is a downright fun movie. Cheesy goodness fun. Scientific experiments - what could possibly go wrong in a remote and classified facility...The effects are incredibly entertaining, effective, and original, and it's sure to entertain a group gathering movie night. Pairs with pizza, beer, and strap in for a fun time.
Horror Habit: Hello, David! Thanks for joining us! I hope you like the tacos we just whipped up for this special event (hard shells were on sale). What is the first memory that pops into mind when you think back on your work with this movie?
David: It was the first time I got to mix up buckets of blood, gore, and slime. Then clean it up and do it all over again! We're in a warehouse - and I'm thinking to myself that we're throwing all this syrup around - we're going to be dealing with RATS. Those things never happened, thank goodness. It was also the first SciFi lab I ever got to build. With a background in theater and growing up with horror movies, it was a very fun progression for me. I started making movies in the 5th grade - and to work on this film was an incredibly satisfying feeling. I was certainly enjoying myself. What I loved most was the total collaboration with everyone. Making movies is fun, making horror movies is more fun.
Horror Habit: So you were the Lead Carpenter on this film - correct? Is there a funny story you can legally share with us?
David: Well, we came in one day (winter?) and a pipe had broken and the whole set was flooded. So here we had this really great "lab" floor that now turned into waves. Our shooting schedule was coming to an end so we had to cut slits into the floor and make it as smooth as possible again. Now that I think about it, I wouldn't say that was funny, but there were disasters on the set that you can laugh about now - they weren't funny at the time.
In the art department we had so many people creative people - they were so fun to work with. Working here was usually a cheerful endeavor and so there were jokes all the time. Even with the disasters we had a fun, joking time all the time. On top of it all, we got paid to make a horror flick - whats not fun about that?
Horror Habit: By the way, thanks again for participating in Horror Habit's very first interview. Is there anything special we should expect or be prepared for with this movie?
David: The monster here - it was scandalized in a very weird way. There are things that shoot out of the monster that look like Man Eating Vaginas.
Horror Habit: Finally, do you have any thoughts on what type of audience this movie is geared towards?
David: Well, anyone who loves 80's horror. We had people who worked on The Stuff previously, so we were working on that ascetic at the time. We had no illusions that it wouldn't be anything more than B movie fun.
Thanks, David!! Thanks for coming on over to our crazy little hobbit hole of an apartment and I look forward to watching more horror films with you!
Now, check out this fantastic trailer and use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this outrageously fun feature.
As the end of the month approaches I tend to run into the pleasent obstacles of really enjoying October in all it's forms, and I run out of time to watch a horror movie and/or review them.
Such was the case a few days ago, and rather than try to cram several movies into a single day, I thought I would share several movies crammed into one post.
I've created a list of horror films that really struck me - made an impact in my life. Some of them truly terrified me. Some shook me to my core. Others made me look at life differently, and still others are simply a staple of comfort in my world.
In short, the movies listed below will always be at the top of my list of recommendations and are my very favorite.
So if you're looking for some horror films to welcome in Halloween then might I suggest picking from this list. If you're new to horror, consider these some cornerstones of the genre, as I know I'm not the only one to have been impacted by these films.
Note, the red links will take you to the Horror Habit review.
