The new split season of ‘American Horror Story’ presents a fractured family and a creative take on a classic creature, but already shows fatigue. “There’s no magic pill for greatness.” American Horror Story heads into its tenth season with Double Feature and at this point the overall horror theme for each season–as well as the […]
Author: Daniel Kurland
[Review] “Game Over” Ends the First Season of “American Horror Stories” With a Playful Look to the Past
Everyone’s favorite Murder House returns in a meta season finale that questions fan service and when it’s appropriate to return to the past. “We are like huge ‘American Horror Story’ fans…” I initially lamented at the start of this season of American Horror Stories that an episode that’s set within an existing American Horror Story […]
[Interview] Nick Antosca and Lenore Zion Share the Creepy Ingredients Responsible for “Brand New Cherry Flavor”
Nick Antosca and Lenore Zion reveal the secret sauce that makes ‘Brand New Cherry Flavor’ such a hypnotic and prescient horror classic. It’s never been a more exciting time for horror–whether it’s with the caliber of movies that get released, the way in which television and streaming services have embraced the genre, the level of […]
[Review] Netflix’s “Brand New Cherry Flavor” Is ‘Mulholland Dr.’ Meets “Channel Zero” and It’s Glorious
Netflix’s horror opus is a lucid love letter to revenge that thrives on nightmare logic, unhinged performances, and Hollywood’s fake veneer. “Curses aren’t real.” There’s a line of dialogue early on in Nick Antosca and Lenore Zion’s Brand New Cherry Flavor where a character innocently remarks, “You know those nights where every twenty minutes you […]
[Review] “American Horror Stories” Goes “Feral” in the Woods for the Spinoff’s Best Episode Yet
American Horror Stories turns to the many horrors that lurk in the woods with a strong entry that subverts expectations and takes big swings. “This is about experiencing nature; getting outside of our comfort zones.” American Horror Stories has turned to many of horror’s most popular premises for its debut season and so an episode […]
[Review] “American Horror Stories”: ‘BA’AL’ Explores the Fears of Early Parenthood With Predictable Episode
“All I ever wanted to do was to be a mom, and I suck at it.” One of the more disturbing sub-genres to invade horror is the uncomfortable territory of “pregnancy horror.” There are few things more horrifying than a woman at the height of pregnancy–and vulnerability–becoming the target of a vicious attack. There are […]
[Review] “American Horror Stories”: Danny Trejo Stars as Killer Santa in “The Naughty List”, a Mixed Bag That’s Filled With More Coal Than Toys
American Horror Stories conjures inspired scares with a murderous Santa, but falls flat with its vile cast of social media-obsessed Grinches. “We’re not just gonna sit here, Barry. We’re gonna record it.” I love Killer Santas. There’s something absolutely twisted about the perversion of this symbol of purity and childhood innocence, whether it’s through the […]
[Retrospective] Brian De Palma’s ‘Blow Out’ Is Still a Scream 40 Years Later!
De Palma’s sleek conspiracy theory thriller and sleuth slasher film, Blow Out, turns 40 and its message rings in our ears even stronger now. “Just worry about the scream, all right?” It’s a stark truth to understand that everything that you see and hear cannot always be trusted and that cinema is the ultimate expression […]
[Review] “American Horror Stories” Heads to the “Drive In” for an Encouraging Third Episode
The cost of art and the relationship between cinema and spectator come under scrutiny in this bloody, mindful American Horror Stories entry. “Fear?” “Why do you think horror films were invented?” There are no shortage of horror films that take place within movie theaters, but it’s considerably rarer for the carnage to be set at […]
[Review] “American Horror Stories” Struggles for Fresh Air in Lackluster Series Premiere
The American Horror Story episodic anthology spin-off starts with classic imagery that fits like a latex glove, but struggles for fresh air. “People love to be scared…” Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story marked a radical turning point not just for mainstream horror programming on television, but it’s also largely responsible for the massive resurgence of […]
[Review] “Wellington Paranormal” is an Exceptional Spinoff That Often Surpasses “What We Do in the Shadows”
‘Wellington Paranormal’ is the horror comedy that genre fans have been waiting for and it’s far more than a silly ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ spin-off. Television has become a haven for cutting edge horror content and there are greater risks being taken with programs that gleefully deconstruct the genre or combine it together […]