Movies
Unraveling the Chilling Tapestry of Horror: A Captivating Exploration
2024-11-01
Welcome to our curated column, "Horror Explorer," where we delve into the month's most captivating movies, series, books, and all things spooky worth your attention. I'm William Earl, the editor of Variety.com and a dedicated horror enthusiast. If there's something you think I should check out for next month's edition, please don't hesitate to reach out at wearl@variety.com.

Uncover the Chilling Secrets Lurking in the Shadows

Marquee Madness: Prepare for Nerve-Shredding Thrills

Brace yourself for a nerve-shredding, thoughtful, and beautifully shot tale of terror with "Heretic" (In theaters on Nov. 8 from A24). This film follows two Mormon missionaries, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who knock on the wrong door, only to find themselves in a sinister encounter with the unsettling Hugh Grant. Filled with riveting discussions about faith and bold performances from the central trio, "Heretic" marks a significant departure from the previous works of writers-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for their contributions to "A Quiet Place" and "65." Prepare to be captivated by this thought-provoking and unsettling cinematic experience.Delve into the rich history and behind-the-scenes secrets of the "Child's Play" franchise with the epic five-hour documentary "Doc of Chucky" (Streaming on Shudder on Nov. 1). Directed by one of the producers behind "Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy" and "Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th," this comprehensive exploration is sure to delight Chucky diehards with its in-depth insights and revelations.Embrace the old-school slasher vibes with "He Never Left" (In theaters on Nov. 1 from Dread), where a wanted fugitive becomes convinced that the notorious Pale Face Killer has returned after hearing strange noises from the motel room next door. Solid performances, particularly from lead actor Colin Cunningham, and a promising premise suggest that this indie horror could be the start of a thrilling new franchise.Dive into the mystery and suspense of "Cellar Door" (In theaters on Nov. 1 from Lionsgate), where a rich man, played by the esteemed Laurence Fishburne, offers a couple, portrayed by Scott Speedman and Jordana Brewster, a free mansion with one condition: they must never open the eponymous cellar door. The guessing game begins as the audience wonders what lies behind that forbidden threshold and whether the couple's curiosity will lead them to uncover the secrets within.

Off the Beaten Path: Discover Hidden Gems of Horror

Nick Frost takes on the role of a cab driver from hell in the contained yet kinetic ghost story "Black Cab" (Streaming on Shudder on Nov. 8). With sympathetic performances from Synnøve Karlsen and Luke Norris as his kidnapped couple, director Bruce Goodison skillfully doles out twists and secrets, creating a captivating and unsettling viewing experience.Fans of the found footage serial killer films "Creep" and "Creep 2" will be delighted to dive into the spinoff series "The Creep Tapes" (Streaming on Shudder on Nov. 15). This long-awaited collection of six new nightmares from Peachfuzz's VHS collection is a sweet treat for devotees, making the time since 2017's "Creep 2" well worth the wait.

Frightening Festivals: Immerse Yourself in the Cutting Edge of Horror

The Soho Horror Film Festival in London (Nov. 22-24) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic "The Blair Witch Project" by showcasing some international debuts of ambitious found footage films. Attendees can look forward to experiencing Tim Kasher's "Who's Watching," Stuart Ortiz's "Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire," and Koji Shiraishi's "House Of Sayuri," all of which promise to push the boundaries of the genre and offer a fresh perspective on the found footage format.
Lights, Camera, Intrigue: Unveiling the Captivating Cinematic Landscape of November
2024-11-01
As the holiday season shifts from the spooky thrills of Halloween to the cozy comforts of Thanksgiving, a new wave of captivating films is making its way to the comfort of our living rooms. From the controversial rise of a real-estate mogul-turned-political powerhouse to the emotional journey of a pop star haunted by supernatural forces, this November's premium video-on-demand (PVOD) offerings promise to transport us to worlds both familiar and fantastical. Prepare to be enthralled, entertained, and perhaps even a little unsettled as we explore the best new movies coming to your screens this month.

Unlock the Secrets of the Apprentice: A Cinematic Exploration of Power and Persona

Unveiling the Rise of a Controversial Icon

Directed by the acclaimed Ali Abbasi, "The Apprentice" is a cinematic exploration of the ascendance of Donald J. Trump, charting his transformation from an ordinary real-estate mogul in the 1970s to the king of New York in the 1980s. Described as a riff on the classic tale of Frankenstein, the film delves into the intricate relationship between Trump and his mentor, the notorious Roy Cohn, played by the talented Jeremy Strong. Through this lens, the movie reveals how Trump's persona was built upon Cohn's philosophies, including his unwavering refusal to concede defeat and his relentless pursuit of victory, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Challenging Perceptions of Appearance and Identity

Doubling down on the star power, "The Apprentice" also features a captivating performance from Sebastian Stan, who takes on a very different role from his Winter Soldier persona. In this film, Stan portrays a man with neurofibromatosis who undergoes a radical procedure to alter his appearance. However, the movie's true gem is the arrival of the phenomenal Adam Pearson, whose charming and comfortable presence on screen brings the film's themes of inner character and self-acceptance to the forefront. Pearson's recent Gotham Award nomination is a testament to the power of his performance, and it's sure to spark an awards-season run that will rightfully bring him the recognition he deserves.

Coppola's Megalomaniacal Masterpiece (or Misfire?)

In a bold and ambitious move, the legendary Francis Ford Coppola has finally brought his dream project, "Megalopolis," to the screen. Spending over $100 million of his own money to realize his vision, Coppola's film presents a future where an architect, played by Adam Driver, can manipulate time and reality – a concept not unlike the power of a filmmaker. While the themes of the movie may be muddled, and some of the acting may be questionable, one cannot help but admire the sheer commitment to craft on display. Coppola's willingness to take wild, sweeping swings with his filmmaking is a testament to the enduring spirit of artistic expression, even if the results don't always land with perfection.

Lorne Michaels' Backstage Antics: A Glimpse into the Birth of SNL

Shifting gears, director Jason Reitman's latest offering, "The Saturday Night Live Story," offers a loose chronicle of the 100 or so minutes leading up to the premiere episode of the most influential TV show in history. Featuring a talented ensemble cast that includes the likes of Gabriel LaBelle, Cory Michael Smith, Lamorne Morris, Nicholas Braun, Cooper Hoffman, Willem Dafoe, and Matthew Rhys, the film delves into the behind-the-scenes chaos as Lorne Michaels, played by LaBelle, tries to wrangle his cast of not-yet-ready-for-prime-time players into a cohesive whole before the cameras go live.

The Terrifying Encore of Art the Clown

For those seeking a more visceral cinematic experience, the third installment of the "Terrifier" franchise, directed by Damien Leone, is sure to satisfy. Bringing back the sociopathic clown, Art, the film largely repeats the pros and cons of its predecessor – stunning makeup effects, a captivating performance from the lead actor, and a story that struggles to maintain the audience's interest. However, for fans of the increasingly popular franchise, this latest offering is more than enough to scratch the itch for pure, unadulterated horror. The "Terrifier" movies have become a refreshing counterpoint to the "elevated horror" genre, offering a study in raw, uncompromising gore that has struck a chord with audiences craving something truly unsettling.

A Bittersweet Romance Told in Reverse

Rounding out the PVOD offerings this November is the moving romantic dramedy "Love's Labors," starring the dynamic duo of Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. The film's unique twist lies in its non-linear storytelling, as the love story is told out of chronological order, shifting back and forth through the early days of the relationship, the challenges of starting a family, and the heartbreak of a cancer diagnosis. This unconventional approach allows the clichés of the genre to be more easily swallowed, but the real draw of the film is the captivating performances of Garfield and Pugh. The former Spider-Man star, in particular, showcases his remarkable ability to convey the depths of emotion, cementing his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.
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Streaming Sensations: Unveiling November's Captivating Lineup
2024-11-01
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, November ushers in a new season of streaming delights. From the latest binge-worthy series to holiday-themed movies galore, the streaming landscape is about to get a whole lot merrier. Whether you're in the mood for heart-warming tales or edge-of-your-seat thrills, this comprehensive guide has you covered.

Unwrap a World of Streaming Wonders This November

Dive into Dark Comedies and Heartwarming Dramas

As the days grow shorter, the streaming options grow longer. November 2024 promises an eclectic mix of genres to satisfy every viewer's palate. For those seeking a touch of darkness with their laughs, Apple TV+'s "Bad Sisters" returns for a highly anticipated second season. This deliciously twisted tale of sibling rivalry and secrets is a must-watch for fans of sharp-witted, character-driven storytelling.On the other end of the spectrum, Disney+ offers the streaming debut of "Deadpool & Wolverine," a superhero crossover that's sure to delight action-loving audiences. And for those in the mood for something a little more grounded, Hulu's "FX's Say Nothing" promises a thought-provoking limited series that explores the complexities of human relationships.

Unwrap the Gift of Holiday Cheer

As the calendar flips to November, the streaming world transforms into a veritable winter wonderland. While the spooky delights of October may have been relegated to the depths of the libraries, a new crop of festive films and specials has arrived to fill the void.Netflix, Hulu, and Paramount+ are all stocking their shelves with an abundance of holiday-themed content, from classic yuletide tales like "Elf" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" to original movies like "A Holiday Engagement" and "Christmas on the Ranch." For those who can't get enough of the seasonal spirit, the options are truly endless.

Explore the Thrill of the Unexpected

While the holiday offerings may dominate the headlines, November 2024 also promises a wealth of unexpected delights. Peacock, for instance, is set to debut the exclusive streaming premiere of the blockbuster film "Twisters," a high-octane adventure that's sure to have viewers on the edge of their seats.For those seeking a more grounded, real-world experience, Prime Video's "Dinner Club, season 3" offers a unique glimpse into the lives of culinary luminaries as they gather for intimate, thought-provoking conversations. And Paramount+ is set to unveil "Landman," a new series that promises to delve into the high-stakes world of the oil industry.

Discover Hidden Gems and Familiar Favorites

While the big-name releases may grab the headlines, November 2024's streaming lineup is also peppered with hidden gems and familiar favorites. Hulu, for instance, is set to debut "Interior Chinatown," a critically acclaimed series that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the Asian-American experience.Meanwhile, Netflix is digging deep into its archives to unearth classics like "Superbad" and "Whiplash," giving viewers a chance to revisit these beloved films. And for those who prefer their entertainment a little more lighthearted, Disney+ is offering the streaming debut of the beloved "Deadpool & Wolverine" crossover, a must-see for Marvel fans.

Elevate Your Streaming Experience

As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, November 2024 promises to deliver a diverse array of content that caters to every taste and mood. Whether you're in the mood for heart-warming dramas, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, or festive delights, the options are truly endless.So, grab your remote, cozy up on the couch, and get ready to embark on a streaming adventure like no other. With so many exciting new releases and familiar favorites to discover, November 2024 is shaping up to be a truly unforgettable month for streaming enthusiasts.
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