You’d be hard-pushed to find a teenager alive who wouldn’t jump at the chance to let loose in an empty Ikea, after dark. Especially when there’s paintballs and mass destruction on the cards. So it’s no surprise that Rkss stage such a fantasy, as the set-up for their Gen Z focussed somewhat-slasher; a half-baked cautionary tale on vapid activism, with a particularly gnarly killer at the helm.
The directorial collective, otherwise known as Canadian trio François Simard, Anouk Whissell, and Yoann-Karl Whissell, are well-loved on the genre circuit. Heroes of ’80s pastiches Turbo Kid and Summer of 84 (the latter of which offers one of the most memorably downbeat finales of almost any horror this side of the millennium), their latest, Wake Up, is certainly more of a move towards the present. Doing away with much of the team’s stylish neon and bigger production values,...
The directorial collective, otherwise known as Canadian trio François Simard, Anouk Whissell, and Yoann-Karl Whissell, are well-loved on the genre circuit. Heroes of ’80s pastiches Turbo Kid and Summer of 84 (the latter of which offers one of the most memorably downbeat finales of almost any horror this side of the millennium), their latest, Wake Up, is certainly more of a move towards the present. Doing away with much of the team’s stylish neon and bigger production values,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Ben Robins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Anyone who has encountered Garth Marenghi’s oeuvre knows that there’s a joy and a certain playful energy that comes when no one has to pretend a story isn’t a story. “Saltburn” is a prime example of those benefits, which only makes the well-heeled vanity of the Catton family funnier and the inchoate longing of Oxford student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) to become a fixture in the life of uni mate Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) more twisted. The film achieves a certain paradoxical honesty by putting a heightened gloss on very fake people who are trying to appear completely normal.
It’s not that the film breaks the fourth wall. But nothing is too much for “Saltburn.” And that approach to storytelling is what gives writer and director Emerald Fennell the freedom to use her frames to heighten the tension in relationships, twist the knives of betrayal, and...
It’s not that the film breaks the fourth wall. But nothing is too much for “Saltburn.” And that approach to storytelling is what gives writer and director Emerald Fennell the freedom to use her frames to heighten the tension in relationships, twist the knives of betrayal, and...
- 12/25/2023
- by Sarah Shachat
- Indiewire
People tend to conflate Lovecraftian horror with tentacled sea-monsters and secretive fish cults, but one of the absolute best of the author’s weird tales features almost none of the aesthetic elements traditionally associated with his writing. Following a college student who befriends a paranoid musician condemned to play strange melodies every night in order to ward off otherworldly horrors, The Music of Erich Zann remains my personal favorite example of a story using art to comment on the human condition.
It’s not the only Lovecraft story about a troubled artist (with yarns like Pickman’s Model likely borrowing from the poets and painters of Robert W. Chambers’ The King in Yellow collection), but I think the tale of Erich Zann still resonates today because most readers can relate to the Sisyphean ordeal of being forced to repeatedly perform a task in order to keep their world from falling apart.
It’s not the only Lovecraft story about a troubled artist (with yarns like Pickman’s Model likely borrowing from the poets and painters of Robert W. Chambers’ The King in Yellow collection), but I think the tale of Erich Zann still resonates today because most readers can relate to the Sisyphean ordeal of being forced to repeatedly perform a task in order to keep their world from falling apart.
- 11/20/2023
- by Luiz H. C.
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Losers’ Club‘s Randall Colburn is joined by one of his favorite songwriters, Zac Pennington (Popular Music/Parenthetical Girls), to unpack the parodic pleasures of U.K. cult hit Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, a loony hospital horror soap that’s maybe-sorta-definitely taking the piss out of Stephen King.
The pair discuss low-rent ’80s horror, hearing Matt Berry’s voice for the first time, and how genuinely strange it is that Darkplace came out just months before King’s own Kingdom Hospital, his short-lived ABC hospital horror soap. Popular Music’s lush and haunting new album, Minor Works, is available now.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers head to Hollywood King. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens...
The pair discuss low-rent ’80s horror, hearing Matt Berry’s voice for the first time, and how genuinely strange it is that Darkplace came out just months before King’s own Kingdom Hospital, his short-lived ABC hospital horror soap. Popular Music’s lush and haunting new album, Minor Works, is available now.
Stream the episode below and return next week when the Losers head to Hollywood King. For further adventures, join the Club over long days and pleasant nights via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, RadioPublic, Acast, Google Podcasts, and RSS. You can also unlock hundreds of hours of content in The Barrens...
- 11/3/2023
- by Randall Colburn
- bloody-disgusting.com
Another trio of Dark Sky Films titles have made their way onto Screambox, joining previously dropped classics Willow Creek, Minor Premise, and The Deeper You Dig (more details).
Place your bets on who will win in Dark Sky Films’ Ghost Killers vs Bloody Mary, now streaming on Screambox.
Fabrício Bittar’s horror-comedy tells of four YouTubers with expertise in paranormal activity who attempt to tackle the mystery of a ghost that haunts a high school bathroom. This film is batshit insane.
The film is being sold in the spirit of Peter Jackson’s earliest work, “An exercise in hilariously bad taste, featuring gratuitous sex, violence, profanity and one seriously pissed-off ghost.”
The feature directorial debut of Paul Owens, Landlocked is a creative new horror movie that incorporates actual footage in the form of childhood home movies.
Now streaming on Screambox, Landlocked‘s use of a family’s original home videos...
Place your bets on who will win in Dark Sky Films’ Ghost Killers vs Bloody Mary, now streaming on Screambox.
Fabrício Bittar’s horror-comedy tells of four YouTubers with expertise in paranormal activity who attempt to tackle the mystery of a ghost that haunts a high school bathroom. This film is batshit insane.
The film is being sold in the spirit of Peter Jackson’s earliest work, “An exercise in hilariously bad taste, featuring gratuitous sex, violence, profanity and one seriously pissed-off ghost.”
The feature directorial debut of Paul Owens, Landlocked is a creative new horror movie that incorporates actual footage in the form of childhood home movies.
Now streaming on Screambox, Landlocked‘s use of a family’s original home videos...
- 10/20/2023
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
The latest episode of "Star Trek: Lower Decks" is set on the Ferengi homeworld of Ferenginar, a planet that has long been ruled by an aggressive capitalist philosophy. Everything in Ferengi society revolves around profit and acquisition, and money forms the basis of every one of their major beliefs. In the Ferengi afterlife, one enters Heaven by paying the exorbitant entrance fee. The holiest Ferengi book is a list of 285 money-related aphorisms called The Rules of Acquisition. All of Ferenginar's financial interests are overseen by a Pope-like figure called the Grand Nagus. In the final episodes of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," the largely underestimated and surprisingly compassionate Rom (Max Grodénchik) became the Grand Nagus, ushering in a new era. Rom gave rights to workers, previously forbidden in Ferengi society.
The plot of the new episode involves Lieutenants Tendi (Noël Wells) and Rutherford (Eugene Cordero) having to go undercover as...
The plot of the new episode involves Lieutenants Tendi (Noël Wells) and Rutherford (Eugene Cordero) having to go undercover as...
- 10/5/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
You’ve got your Casualty and Doctors – medical soaps that have been around forever and will hopefully stay around forever to reliably entertain, educate and break in the stars of tomorrow. Next, there are your factual medical shows of questionable taste – Embarrassing Bodies, 101 Things Removed From the Human Body and other fleshlump-zoo tours that’d put anybody off their dinner.
And then there are the following – quality 21st century hospital dramas, documentaries and comedies, all of which present their unique take on the world of medicine. Leave your own recommendations below.
Call the Midwife
Watch on: BBC One and BBC iPlayer (UK); PBS Masterpiece (US)
If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, then you haven’t been paying attention. There’s a popular misconception that BBC One’s long-running Sunday night drama Call the Midwife is a sickly sweet, rose-tinted, tweer-than-twee nostalgia-fest. Nuns on bicycles! Cockneys with hearts of gold!
And then there are the following – quality 21st century hospital dramas, documentaries and comedies, all of which present their unique take on the world of medicine. Leave your own recommendations below.
Call the Midwife
Watch on: BBC One and BBC iPlayer (UK); PBS Masterpiece (US)
If you know, you know. And if you don’t know, then you haven’t been paying attention. There’s a popular misconception that BBC One’s long-running Sunday night drama Call the Midwife is a sickly sweet, rose-tinted, tweer-than-twee nostalgia-fest. Nuns on bicycles! Cockneys with hearts of gold!
- 7/15/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
It may have taken Nic Cage over 40 years to play Dracula in "Renfield," but he previously donned fangs for one of his most out-there performances in "Vampire's Kiss."
It's kind of surprising that it's taken this long for Nicolas Cage to play Count Dracula. If any actor was born to play the most famous vampire on the planet then surely it was our generation's most unpredictable screen legend. Now he's getting his chance in the comedy "Renfield," where he stars alongside Nicholas Hoult, who plays Dracula's beleaguered goon in the midst of an identity crisis. Cage has always expressed interest in vampire lore. He produced the 2000 film "Shadow of the Vampire," a fictionalized version of the making of "Nosferatu" that imagines what would have happened if an actual vampire had been among the cast. Mostly, however, his highly specific strain of acting has been saved for playing mere mortals. There...
It's kind of surprising that it's taken this long for Nicolas Cage to play Count Dracula. If any actor was born to play the most famous vampire on the planet then surely it was our generation's most unpredictable screen legend. Now he's getting his chance in the comedy "Renfield," where he stars alongside Nicholas Hoult, who plays Dracula's beleaguered goon in the midst of an identity crisis. Cage has always expressed interest in vampire lore. He produced the 2000 film "Shadow of the Vampire," a fictionalized version of the making of "Nosferatu" that imagines what would have happened if an actual vampire had been among the cast. Mostly, however, his highly specific strain of acting has been saved for playing mere mortals. There...
- 4/13/2023
- by Kayleigh Donaldson
- Slash Film
This post contains spoilers for "Avatar: The Way of Water."
The "Avatar" movies have had a huge impact, cultural and otherwise. When James Cameron's original "Avatar" came out in 2009, it made 3D cool again in a way that it hadn't been for decades and really pushed the envelope for motion-capture and digital effects. Cameron's sci-fi epic was so immersive that it even left some moviegoers feeling depressed that they didn't actually live on Pandora.
Sure, the story in "Avatar" is derivative and its characters are paper-thin, but they're not the focus of the film, they are vessels through which Cameron explores his outlandish visuals and bold ideas. Jake Sully doesn't matter as much as the idea of an avatar does. Likewise, the film is a daring modern blockbuster that portrays the U.S. military in a clear-cut villainous light.
Despite their many problematic aspects, the "Avatar" movies are nevertheless giant,...
The "Avatar" movies have had a huge impact, cultural and otherwise. When James Cameron's original "Avatar" came out in 2009, it made 3D cool again in a way that it hadn't been for decades and really pushed the envelope for motion-capture and digital effects. Cameron's sci-fi epic was so immersive that it even left some moviegoers feeling depressed that they didn't actually live on Pandora.
Sure, the story in "Avatar" is derivative and its characters are paper-thin, but they're not the focus of the film, they are vessels through which Cameron explores his outlandish visuals and bold ideas. Jake Sully doesn't matter as much as the idea of an avatar does. Likewise, the film is a daring modern blockbuster that portrays the U.S. military in a clear-cut villainous light.
Despite their many problematic aspects, the "Avatar" movies are nevertheless giant,...
- 1/4/2023
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
Great British Bake Off fans are throwing one particular name in the ring as Matt Lucas’ replacement.
On Tuesday (6 December), the Little Britain actor announced he was stepping away from the baking competition, which is known as The Great British Baking Show in the US.
Noel Fielding reacted to the news in a touching “farewell” post on Instagram, revealing what he will “miss” about his co-host.
In response to Fielding’s post about Lucas, his followers shared the celebrity they think should join the comedian on the series: Julia Barratt.
Should Barratt be announced as the new host, it would mark a fun reunion for fans of comedy series The Mighty Boosh.
Fielding and Barratt found fame as the comedy troupe that began on stage shows and radio before getting their own BBC Three sitcom.
“The clear choice will be to now hire Julian Barratt,” one fan wrote, with another...
On Tuesday (6 December), the Little Britain actor announced he was stepping away from the baking competition, which is known as The Great British Baking Show in the US.
Noel Fielding reacted to the news in a touching “farewell” post on Instagram, revealing what he will “miss” about his co-host.
In response to Fielding’s post about Lucas, his followers shared the celebrity they think should join the comedian on the series: Julia Barratt.
Should Barratt be announced as the new host, it would mark a fun reunion for fans of comedy series The Mighty Boosh.
Fielding and Barratt found fame as the comedy troupe that began on stage shows and radio before getting their own BBC Three sitcom.
“The clear choice will be to now hire Julian Barratt,” one fan wrote, with another...
- 12/7/2022
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
A creation of comedians Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade, Garth Marenghi is a fictional horror author who has earned a fan following through his appearances in the stage shows Garth Marenghi’s Fright Knight and Garth Marenghi’s Netherhead, as well as the TV shows Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace and Man to Man with Dean Learner. Now Marenghi (who has been played on stage and screen by Holness) is back – and fans finally have the chance to read one of his novels! Garth Marenghi’s TerrorTome has been published and is now available to order in e-book or audiobook editions at This Link.
Garth Marenghi’s TerrorTome has the following description:
Dare you crack open the TerrorTome? (Mind the spine)
When horror writer Nick Steen gets sucked into a cursed typewriter by the terrifying Type-Face, Dark Lord of the Prolix, the hellish visions inside his head are unleashed for real.
Garth Marenghi’s TerrorTome has the following description:
Dare you crack open the TerrorTome? (Mind the spine)
When horror writer Nick Steen gets sucked into a cursed typewriter by the terrifying Type-Face, Dark Lord of the Prolix, the hellish visions inside his head are unleashed for real.
- 11/10/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The mark of any successful directorial debut is whether you can find the makings of a distinctive authorial voice underneath various layers of homage to the obvious influences. In the case of Fridtjof Ryder’s debut Inland, shot when the German-British director was just 20, it’s hard to uncover any personal voice in what is essentially an Anglicization of the typical David Lynch format––a surreal tale about the darkness that hides beneath unassuming suburbia. Describing anything as “Lynchian” is fast becoming meaningless in the realm of criticism, where even the most vaguely odd works have found themselves getting breathlessly labeled such, but here everything—from the title onwards—feels deliberately designed to invoke comparisons. It’s a shame, considering how intriguing the character study is at the surface, that it never feels truly original in its own right.
Rory Alexander stars as the unnamed protagonist we’re introduced to...
Rory Alexander stars as the unnamed protagonist we’re introduced to...
- 10/25/2022
- by Alistair Ryder
- The Film Stage
Neil Jordan’s ‘Marlowe’: Liam Neeson And Diane Kruger Feature To Debut At San Sebastian
The Official Selection of the San Sebastian Festival will close with the world premiere of Marlowe, the latest film by Irish filmmaker Neil Jordan. The film will debut on September 24 at the Kursaal Auditorium with the film’s stars Liam Neeson and Diane Kruger in attendance. Based on the novel The Black Eyed Blonde by John Banville, the film is set in 1930s Los Angeles and follows private eye Philip Marlowe (Neeson) as he receives a commission to find the missing lover of a beautiful heiress. The film is produced by Alan Moloney, Gary Levinsohn, Mark Fasano, Billy Hines, Philip Kim, and Patrick Hibler. Shot in Barcelona and Dublin, the film is a co-production between Parallel Films, Hills Productions, and Davis Films, with support from Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland.
ITV Studios France Names New...
The Official Selection of the San Sebastian Festival will close with the world premiere of Marlowe, the latest film by Irish filmmaker Neil Jordan. The film will debut on September 24 at the Kursaal Auditorium with the film’s stars Liam Neeson and Diane Kruger in attendance. Based on the novel The Black Eyed Blonde by John Banville, the film is set in 1930s Los Angeles and follows private eye Philip Marlowe (Neeson) as he receives a commission to find the missing lover of a beautiful heiress. The film is produced by Alan Moloney, Gary Levinsohn, Mark Fasano, Billy Hines, Philip Kim, and Patrick Hibler. Shot in Barcelona and Dublin, the film is a co-production between Parallel Films, Hills Productions, and Davis Films, with support from Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland.
ITV Studios France Names New...
- 9/1/2022
- by Jesse Whittock and Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
“Dodger,” the high-octane family drama based on Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” is set to return to the BBC for three specials.
Production has just wrapped in Bristol on the three one-off episodes, which include a Christmas-themed offering, with Christopher Eccleston (“Doctor Who”) returning as Fagin and Billy Jenkins (“Peaky Blinders”) returning as the eponymous child pickpocket.
Also returning for high jinks in Victorian London are Ellie-May Sheridan (“Call The Midwife”), Aabay Ali, Connor Curren, Mila Lieu, David Threlfall (“Shameless”), Alex Kingston (“Doctor Who”), Rhys Thomas (“The Fast Show”), Javone Prince (“No Time To Die”), Lucy Montgomery (“Disenchantment”), Saira Choudhry (“Life”), James Fleet (“Vicar of Dibley”), Lenny Rush (“A Christmas Carol”) and Sam C Wilson (“Hanna”).
They are joined by newcomers to the series Anita Dobson (“EastEnders”), Robert Lindsay (“My Family”), Mark Benton (“Waterloo Road”), Rufus Jones (“Home”), Matthew Holness (“Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace”) and Jane Horrocks (“Absolutely Fabulous”).
“Dodger” will air...
Production has just wrapped in Bristol on the three one-off episodes, which include a Christmas-themed offering, with Christopher Eccleston (“Doctor Who”) returning as Fagin and Billy Jenkins (“Peaky Blinders”) returning as the eponymous child pickpocket.
Also returning for high jinks in Victorian London are Ellie-May Sheridan (“Call The Midwife”), Aabay Ali, Connor Curren, Mila Lieu, David Threlfall (“Shameless”), Alex Kingston (“Doctor Who”), Rhys Thomas (“The Fast Show”), Javone Prince (“No Time To Die”), Lucy Montgomery (“Disenchantment”), Saira Choudhry (“Life”), James Fleet (“Vicar of Dibley”), Lenny Rush (“A Christmas Carol”) and Sam C Wilson (“Hanna”).
They are joined by newcomers to the series Anita Dobson (“EastEnders”), Robert Lindsay (“My Family”), Mark Benton (“Waterloo Road”), Rufus Jones (“Home”), Matthew Holness (“Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace”) and Jane Horrocks (“Absolutely Fabulous”).
“Dodger” will air...
- 9/1/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
If you can believe it, this summer marks the 10th anniversary of BAFTA-winning British comedy series Toast of London’s genius pilot episode, co-created by and starring the ever memorable Matt Berry. He plays the obliviously unsuccessful actor and wannabe lothario Steven Toast; a man with zero brains and even less grace.
With four seasons down, including this year’s Toast of Tinseltown set across the pond, Toast of London is responsible for some legendary moments in comedy. The mere mention of the show among fans will elicit responses such as “Yes I can hear you, Clem Fandango!”, “Fire the nucular weapons!” and “Well, he can f**k that sky high”.
Toast is joined on the show by a clueless agent, a genteel landlord who’s also a retired actor, an arrogant acting rival and a casual lover who happens to be that rival’s wife. That’s not to...
With four seasons down, including this year’s Toast of Tinseltown set across the pond, Toast of London is responsible for some legendary moments in comedy. The mere mention of the show among fans will elicit responses such as “Yes I can hear you, Clem Fandango!”, “Fire the nucular weapons!” and “Well, he can f**k that sky high”.
Toast is joined on the show by a clueless agent, a genteel landlord who’s also a retired actor, an arrogant acting rival and a casual lover who happens to be that rival’s wife. That’s not to...
- 8/20/2022
- by Rosie Fletcher
- Den of Geek
Garth Marenghi fans rejoice! The good author is back at it with a newly announced hardcover, ebook and audiobook release titled "Garth Marenghi's Terrortime." I can sense some of you are politely nodding your heads and shining a "I'm happy that you're happy" smile and otherwise have no idea what I'm talking about. To you good people, I humbly request you seek out the early aughts bit of British weirdness that goes by the name of "Garth Marenghi's Darkplace."
Marenghi is a fictional horror writer played by Matthew Holness whose books are so popular that he's given his own TV show with total creative freedom. Of course he directs and stars despite not having any experience at either and the resulting show is so bad that it never found and audience and was thought lost to time. In the early 2000s, Garth salvages the 20-year-old footage and finally gives it the release it deserves.
Marenghi is a fictional horror writer played by Matthew Holness whose books are so popular that he's given his own TV show with total creative freedom. Of course he directs and stars despite not having any experience at either and the resulting show is so bad that it never found and audience and was thought lost to time. In the early 2000s, Garth salvages the 20-year-old footage and finally gives it the release it deserves.
- 8/18/2022
- by Eric Vespe
- Slash Film
Author, dream weaver, visionary, plus actor Garth Marenghi (Matthew Holness) is back! This time in novel form with the upcoming release of Garth Marenghi’s TerrorTome.
TerrorTome will release in hardback, e-book, and audiobook from Hopper Studio on November 10, 2022.
Garth humorously describes his novel as:
“Less a book, more a petrifying mind-realm, or ‘psych-zone’, if you will (and you must), TerrorTome charts the paranormal adventures of fictional horror paperback author Nick Steen. Rejected by both Heaven and Hell for his blasphemous visions, Nick is a fallen angel now living in purgative limbo (his hometown of Stalkford), chained (literally) to a cursed typewriter, in a flat which also forms a part-cosmic portal to unexplored demonic realms. When Nick’s imagination escapes, leaking out of his own head, Stalkford is overrun with the fictional horrors of his own books, their incarnate denizens hellbent on destroying Stalkford, outer Stalkford and possibly sightly further.
TerrorTome will release in hardback, e-book, and audiobook from Hopper Studio on November 10, 2022.
Garth humorously describes his novel as:
“Less a book, more a petrifying mind-realm, or ‘psych-zone’, if you will (and you must), TerrorTome charts the paranormal adventures of fictional horror paperback author Nick Steen. Rejected by both Heaven and Hell for his blasphemous visions, Nick is a fallen angel now living in purgative limbo (his hometown of Stalkford), chained (literally) to a cursed typewriter, in a flat which also forms a part-cosmic portal to unexplored demonic realms. When Nick’s imagination escapes, leaking out of his own head, Stalkford is overrun with the fictional horrors of his own books, their incarnate denizens hellbent on destroying Stalkford, outer Stalkford and possibly sightly further.
- 8/17/2022
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Greetings traveler, I have some great news: Garth Marenghi — author, dream weaver, visionary, plus actor — is now on Amazon. After years of being (legally) unavailable to stream here in the U.S., the hilarious cult series Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Created by Richard Ayoade and Matthew Holness, the series stars […]
The post The Most Significant Televisual Event Since ‘Quantum Leap’: ‘Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace’ is Now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video appeared first on /Film.
The post The Most Significant Televisual Event Since ‘Quantum Leap’: ‘Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace’ is Now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video appeared first on /Film.
- 7/26/2021
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
Warning: contains a spoiler for The Haunting of Bly Manor episode 6
When you belong to a cultural superpower, you get used to things being all about you. Wrapped in the soft cotton wool of cultural dominance, you so rarely feel the prick of non-recognition. To grow up the same nationality, race, and on the same patch of land as the planet’s most celebrated writers, artists and musicians is to feel that their stuff is yours too. Unlike other groups, there’s no fight for representation on your hands. The world literally speaks your language. Fiction is your comfort zone.
The extreme and enduring comfort of which must explain why the slightest jolt feels so unacceptable. The British like to think of ourselves as a solid, unflappable people, but really, we’re all paper doilies who tear at the slightest violation. And the worst violation we can suffer is at...
When you belong to a cultural superpower, you get used to things being all about you. Wrapped in the soft cotton wool of cultural dominance, you so rarely feel the prick of non-recognition. To grow up the same nationality, race, and on the same patch of land as the planet’s most celebrated writers, artists and musicians is to feel that their stuff is yours too. Unlike other groups, there’s no fight for representation on your hands. The world literally speaks your language. Fiction is your comfort zone.
The extreme and enduring comfort of which must explain why the slightest jolt feels so unacceptable. The British like to think of ourselves as a solid, unflappable people, but really, we’re all paper doilies who tear at the slightest violation. And the worst violation we can suffer is at...
- 10/15/2020
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Netflix has finally set the premiere date for “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” the long-awaited second season of Mike Flanagan’s “The Haunting” anthology series, and released the first teaser for the chilling new ghost story.
The streaming service revealed Monday that “Bly Manor,” the followup to 2018’s “The Haunting of Hill House,” will debut Oct. 9. You can watch the 1-minute, 7-second preview of “Bly Manor” here and via the video above.
Whereas the 10-episode first season of “The Haunting” was a modern retelling of Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel “The Haunting of Hill House,” the 9-episode second season is an adaptation of the supernatural stories written by Henry James, including “The Turn of the Screw.”
Also Read: 'Haunting of Bly Manor': Netflix Reveals First Look at Your New Favorite Haunted House (Photos)
“Haunting of Hill House” alums Victoria Pedretti and Oliver Jackson-Cohen will star in “The Haunting of Bly Manor,...
The streaming service revealed Monday that “Bly Manor,” the followup to 2018’s “The Haunting of Hill House,” will debut Oct. 9. You can watch the 1-minute, 7-second preview of “Bly Manor” here and via the video above.
Whereas the 10-episode first season of “The Haunting” was a modern retelling of Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel “The Haunting of Hill House,” the 9-episode second season is an adaptation of the supernatural stories written by Henry James, including “The Turn of the Screw.”
Also Read: 'Haunting of Bly Manor': Netflix Reveals First Look at Your New Favorite Haunted House (Photos)
“Haunting of Hill House” alums Victoria Pedretti and Oliver Jackson-Cohen will star in “The Haunting of Bly Manor,...
- 8/31/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Netflix has revealed a first look at “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” the long-awaited second season of Mike Flanagan’s “The Haunting” anthology series.
The streaming service dropped the poster for “Bly Manor” Monday morning on Twitter, announcing that the season will debut this fall and encouraging fans to “look beneath the surface” until then.
Soon after that, Netflix gave fans a way to dive deeper with the release of 10 first-look photos from “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” which serve as an introduction to both the new titular haunted house and the cast of characters who live in it.
Also Read: 'The Haunting of Bly Manor': Everything We Know About Netflix's 'Hill House' Follow-Up
While the 10-episode first season of “The Haunting” was a modern retelling of Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel “The Haunting of Hill House,” the 9-episode second season is an adaptation of Henry James’ works,...
The streaming service dropped the poster for “Bly Manor” Monday morning on Twitter, announcing that the season will debut this fall and encouraging fans to “look beneath the surface” until then.
Soon after that, Netflix gave fans a way to dive deeper with the release of 10 first-look photos from “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” which serve as an introduction to both the new titular haunted house and the cast of characters who live in it.
Also Read: 'The Haunting of Bly Manor': Everything We Know About Netflix's 'Hill House' Follow-Up
While the 10-episode first season of “The Haunting” was a modern retelling of Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel “The Haunting of Hill House,” the 9-episode second season is an adaptation of Henry James’ works,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Jennifer Maas and Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Just in time as Americans — and much of the world — settle indoors in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, “Black Monday” star Paul Scheer has some TV series suggestions to check out.
For the inaugural episode of Variety’s “My Guilty Pleasure,” Scheer sat down with Variety senior editor Michael Schneider to reveal his (1) TV guilty pleasure; (2) the “deep cut” show you probably haven’t heard of but he recommends; and (3) his “show-mate” — in other words, the TV series he couldn’t live without.
Of course, as “Black Monday” returns for Season 2 on Sunday, March 15, it’s also a good time to catch up on the Showtime comedy. Don Cheadle, Regina Hall, Andrew Rannells and Scheer lead the cast of “Black Monday,” an irreverent take on a group of misfit Wall Street traders who help trigger the 1987 stock market crash. (Did we mention it’s now also inadvertently timely?)
The...
For the inaugural episode of Variety’s “My Guilty Pleasure,” Scheer sat down with Variety senior editor Michael Schneider to reveal his (1) TV guilty pleasure; (2) the “deep cut” show you probably haven’t heard of but he recommends; and (3) his “show-mate” — in other words, the TV series he couldn’t live without.
Of course, as “Black Monday” returns for Season 2 on Sunday, March 15, it’s also a good time to catch up on the Showtime comedy. Don Cheadle, Regina Hall, Andrew Rannells and Scheer lead the cast of “Black Monday,” an irreverent take on a group of misfit Wall Street traders who help trigger the 1987 stock market crash. (Did we mention it’s now also inadvertently timely?)
The...
- 3/14/2020
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
By Darren Allison
On the 31st January, Silva Screen released two excellent BBC vinyl albums from the 1970s. Firstly, Paddy Kingsland was the first Radiophonic composer to see a solo release of his compositions, even though he’s not name-checked on the front of the sleeve. “Fourth Dimension”, first released in 1973, showcased Kingsland’s theme tunes for television and radio while at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. The recordings feature a rock-style backing band and synthesisers including the Vcs 3 and “Delaware” Synthi 100, and the track “Reg” from the album was also released as the B side to the 1973 single release of the iconic Doctor Who theme tune. Kingsland remained at the workshop for 21 years, leaving in 1981, during which time he composed music for much loved TV shows The Changes, Doctor Who and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy among others. Paddy Kingsland is now part of the newly-revived independent “Radiophonic Workshop...
On the 31st January, Silva Screen released two excellent BBC vinyl albums from the 1970s. Firstly, Paddy Kingsland was the first Radiophonic composer to see a solo release of his compositions, even though he’s not name-checked on the front of the sleeve. “Fourth Dimension”, first released in 1973, showcased Kingsland’s theme tunes for television and radio while at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. The recordings feature a rock-style backing band and synthesisers including the Vcs 3 and “Delaware” Synthi 100, and the track “Reg” from the album was also released as the B side to the 1973 single release of the iconic Doctor Who theme tune. Kingsland remained at the workshop for 21 years, leaving in 1981, during which time he composed music for much loved TV shows The Changes, Doctor Who and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy among others. Paddy Kingsland is now part of the newly-revived independent “Radiophonic Workshop...
- 2/11/2020
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Exclusive: 47 Meters Down producers James Harris and Mark Lane are exiting their partnership with UK financier The Fyzz Facility to relaunch their former label Tea Shop Productions with financier Head Gear Films (The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind).
Development and production executive Leonora Darby will also be leaving The Fyzz to join them at the new venture with Head Gear’s Phil Hunt and Compton Ross’ who will partner with the producers in developing and financing film and TV projects.
Harris will continue to be based in La and Lane will be based in the London office of Head Gear affiliate sales company Bankside Films. The duo will continue to work with UK and U.S. partners, including with The Fyzz Pictures on their titles in production. They are currently delivering We Summon The Darkness from director Marc Myers, The Informer starring Joel Kinnaman and Rosamund Pike, and Johannes Roberts...
Development and production executive Leonora Darby will also be leaving The Fyzz to join them at the new venture with Head Gear’s Phil Hunt and Compton Ross’ who will partner with the producers in developing and financing film and TV projects.
Harris will continue to be based in La and Lane will be based in the London office of Head Gear affiliate sales company Bankside Films. The duo will continue to work with UK and U.S. partners, including with The Fyzz Pictures on their titles in production. They are currently delivering We Summon The Darkness from director Marc Myers, The Informer starring Joel Kinnaman and Rosamund Pike, and Johannes Roberts...
- 5/10/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Stars: Sean Harris, Alun Armstrong, Simon Bubb, Andy Blithe, Charlie Eales, Ryan Enever, Raphel Famotibe, Joe Gallucci, Pamela Cook | Written and Directed by Matthew Holness
“Can you spy him deep within? Little Possum. Black as sin.” That’s just part of the creepy children’s poem that accentuates the sheer bloody terror in Possum, a supremely disturbing British horror flick from writer-director Matthew Holness, creator of Darth Marenghi’s Darkplace.
Based on Holness’ own short story, Possum stars Sean Harris as Philip, a disgraced children’s puppeteer who returns to his childhood home with a suspiciously large leather bag. Inside the bag is Possum, perhaps the scariest puppet ever committed to celluloid. The frankly terrifying poster for the film (google it at your peril) gives some idea of the horror, but the finished article is guaranteed to give you nightmares for weeks.
On the surface, the plot is deceptively simple:...
“Can you spy him deep within? Little Possum. Black as sin.” That’s just part of the creepy children’s poem that accentuates the sheer bloody terror in Possum, a supremely disturbing British horror flick from writer-director Matthew Holness, creator of Darth Marenghi’s Darkplace.
Based on Holness’ own short story, Possum stars Sean Harris as Philip, a disgraced children’s puppeteer who returns to his childhood home with a suspiciously large leather bag. Inside the bag is Possum, perhaps the scariest puppet ever committed to celluloid. The frankly terrifying poster for the film (google it at your peril) gives some idea of the horror, but the finished article is guaranteed to give you nightmares for weeks.
On the surface, the plot is deceptively simple:...
- 3/7/2019
- by Matthew Turner
- Nerdly
Keely Hawes, one of the breakout stars of Bodyguard, Veep’s Sally Phillips and Three Girls’ Jill Halfpenny have joined IFC and Channel 4’s comedy series Year of the Rabbit.
The trio have joined the show, which stars Toast of London’s Matt Berry, as it goes into production on location in the UK.
Hawes stars as the mysterious Lydia, Phillips is Princess Juliana of Bulgaria, and Halfpenny features as Rabbit’s ex, the deadly Flora.
The six-part series follows a group of Victorian detectives; Berry, who stars in Jim Hosking’s An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn and Matt Groening’s Netflix animation Disenchantment, plays Detective Inspector Rabbitt, a hardened booze-hound who’s seen it all, and his new, hapless, by-the-books partner, played by Parade End’s Freddie Fox. While investigating a local murder, the chief of police’s lewd but insightful adoptive daughter, played by Chewing Gum’s Susan Wokoma,...
The trio have joined the show, which stars Toast of London’s Matt Berry, as it goes into production on location in the UK.
Hawes stars as the mysterious Lydia, Phillips is Princess Juliana of Bulgaria, and Halfpenny features as Rabbit’s ex, the deadly Flora.
The six-part series follows a group of Victorian detectives; Berry, who stars in Jim Hosking’s An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn and Matt Groening’s Netflix animation Disenchantment, plays Detective Inspector Rabbitt, a hardened booze-hound who’s seen it all, and his new, hapless, by-the-books partner, played by Parade End’s Freddie Fox. While investigating a local murder, the chief of police’s lewd but insightful adoptive daughter, played by Chewing Gum’s Susan Wokoma,...
- 1/30/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
If you missed Matthew Holness' Possum last year (and word on the horror street is that it was one of the creepier releases of 2018), then you may want to circle February 12th on your calendar, because that is when Possum will be released on DVD from Dark Sky Films.
Press Release: A man trying to escape his past finds his past continually chasing him down in Possum, a chilling new horror film featuring a "quiet storm" of a lead performance by Mission: Impossible's Sean Harris. The film arrives on DVD from Dark Sky Films on February 12, 2019.
Philip, a disgraced children's puppeteer, returns to his dilapidated childhood home and lecherous stepfather, Maurice. Philip is intent on destroying "Possum,"a hideously malformed spider-puppet he carries with him in a brown leather case. Unfortunately, and horrifically, Possum refuses to be abandoned.
Philip's mind is flooded with painful half-memories and nightmarish visions,...
Press Release: A man trying to escape his past finds his past continually chasing him down in Possum, a chilling new horror film featuring a "quiet storm" of a lead performance by Mission: Impossible's Sean Harris. The film arrives on DVD from Dark Sky Films on February 12, 2019.
Philip, a disgraced children's puppeteer, returns to his dilapidated childhood home and lecherous stepfather, Maurice. Philip is intent on destroying "Possum,"a hideously malformed spider-puppet he carries with him in a brown leather case. Unfortunately, and horrifically, Possum refuses to be abandoned.
Philip's mind is flooded with painful half-memories and nightmarish visions,...
- 1/11/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Already on VOD platforms, Dark Sky Films is brining the UK horror film Possum (read our review) which stars Sean Harris of Prometheus fame, to DVD on February 12, 2019. In the film written and directed by Matthew Holness, creator of the comedy series “Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace”: The story is about a disgraced children’s puppeteer who returns to his childhood home and […]...
- 1/11/2019
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
It’s that time of year again. Let’s not pretend we don’t all love ranking things.
Honourable mentions go to A Quiet Place, which made no sense but offered a truly unique cinema experience; Sicario 2, which, against the odds, turned out to be better than the original; the very pleasant surprise that was Bohemian Rhapsody; Ralph Breaks the Internet, particularly its scary, weirdly affecting, self-reflexive final act; and Ready Player One, where Steven Spielberg turned Ernest Cline’s flimsy whimsy into a joyous pop culture treasure trove.
And now the top ten, in no particular order. It turns out that it was a very good year for horror…
The House That Jack Built
Both a must-watch yet virtually unwatchable, Lars Von Trier’s most uncompromising film to date (quite an accolade) is the story of a self-justifying, self-aggrandising, woman-hating serial killer nicknamed “Mr Sophistication”, played with chilly brilliance by Matt Dillon.
Honourable mentions go to A Quiet Place, which made no sense but offered a truly unique cinema experience; Sicario 2, which, against the odds, turned out to be better than the original; the very pleasant surprise that was Bohemian Rhapsody; Ralph Breaks the Internet, particularly its scary, weirdly affecting, self-reflexive final act; and Ready Player One, where Steven Spielberg turned Ernest Cline’s flimsy whimsy into a joyous pop culture treasure trove.
And now the top ten, in no particular order. It turns out that it was a very good year for horror…
The House That Jack Built
Both a must-watch yet virtually unwatchable, Lars Von Trier’s most uncompromising film to date (quite an accolade) is the story of a self-justifying, self-aggrandising, woman-hating serial killer nicknamed “Mr Sophistication”, played with chilly brilliance by Matt Dillon.
- 1/2/2019
- by Rupert Harvey
- Nerdly
Despite horror’s thematic binding to society’s most current fears – this a year of parental devastation and horrors inside family units – my twenty favorite genre titles from 2018 still revel in variety: arachnid puppets, Nazi experiments, zombie musicals alike. Such morbid creativity would stick out like a sore severed thumb any other year, but today? You could drown out aforementioned absurdity with Nicolas Cage’s descent into occult revenge madness alone.
As I said, it’s been a wild year for horror – a damn fine one at that.
My ranking comes after killing many darlings, given my final tally of 118 seen horror films this year. Dig deeper, past these listed twenty, and you’ll still find plenty of gold worth mining. The following treasures just shine a little brighter and demand more attention. Feature debuts, streaming darlings, mainstream nightmares, all the works. It’s time for another end of year horror countdown,...
As I said, it’s been a wild year for horror – a damn fine one at that.
My ranking comes after killing many darlings, given my final tally of 118 seen horror films this year. Dig deeper, past these listed twenty, and you’ll still find plenty of gold worth mining. The following treasures just shine a little brighter and demand more attention. Feature debuts, streaming darlings, mainstream nightmares, all the works. It’s time for another end of year horror countdown,...
- 12/28/2018
- by Matt Donato
- We Got This Covered
To mark the release of the film Possum now playing in select cinemas nationwide and on demand, we have a limited edition signed poster, official cd soundtrack, t-shirt and book featuring the original short story. To find out where you can watch Possum, visit https://www.possumfilm.com
Possum is the debut feature film from writer/director Matthew Holness, co-creator and writer/star of the cult TV series Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace. Starring Sean Harris and Alun Armstrong, Possum is a distinctive psychological thriller which pays homage to the British horror films of the 70s. The film’s unique and stylish exploration of a man’s isolation and abandonment is accompanied by a compelling soundtrack from the legendary electronic BBC music studio The Radiophonic Workshop. The film is based on the short story Possum written by Matthew Holness and published in ‘The New Uncanny’ anthology.
The story follows disgraced children...
Possum is the debut feature film from writer/director Matthew Holness, co-creator and writer/star of the cult TV series Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace. Starring Sean Harris and Alun Armstrong, Possum is a distinctive psychological thriller which pays homage to the British horror films of the 70s. The film’s unique and stylish exploration of a man’s isolation and abandonment is accompanied by a compelling soundtrack from the legendary electronic BBC music studio The Radiophonic Workshop. The film is based on the short story Possum written by Matthew Holness and published in ‘The New Uncanny’ anthology.
The story follows disgraced children...
- 11/13/2018
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Dark Sky Films Proudly Announces ‘Possum’ The Highly Anticipated Directorial Debut of Matthew Holness From the producers of The Survivalist and I Am Not a Serial Killer In Theaters And On Digital Platforms November 2, 2018 A disgraced children’s puppeteer returns to his dilapidated childhood home and lecherous stepfather …
The post Critically Acclaimed Possum Directed by Matthew Holness in Theaters + Digital 11/2 appeared first on Hnn | Horrornews.net. Copyrights 2008-2018 - Horrornews.net...
The post Critically Acclaimed Possum Directed by Matthew Holness in Theaters + Digital 11/2 appeared first on Hnn | Horrornews.net. Copyrights 2008-2018 - Horrornews.net...
- 11/2/2018
- by Horrornews.net
- Horror News
Though it originally ran for just six episodes in 2004, the U.K. TV series “Garth Merenghi’s Darkplace” — an inspired spoof of supernatural anthology shows, among other things — has acquired a still-growing cult following. Its principal collaborators have all forged interesting careers since, with two recently making their feature writing-directing debuts. Released last year, cast member Alice Lowe’s “Prevenge” was a macabre piece about a unbalanced woman who starts believing her unborn child is ordering her to kill. “Darkplace” co-creator/star Matthew Holness’ new “Possum” is also about madness, being a psychological horror in which nearly all the terrors (both seen and unseen) may simply be figments of a severely withdrawn protagonist’s haunted imagination.
In script terms, Holness straddles the line between “minimalist” and “underdeveloped.” There are times when it feels like “Possum” (named after a creepy children’s rhyme much recited here) would have had its slender...
In script terms, Holness straddles the line between “minimalist” and “underdeveloped.” There are times when it feels like “Possum” (named after a creepy children’s rhyme much recited here) would have had its slender...
- 11/2/2018
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Sean Harris first grabbed me when he gave life to the tragic figure that was Joy Division's Ian Curtis in 24 Hour Party People, and then a little later in Billy O'Brien's Isolation and then I luxuriated in his cunning role in the small-screen series The Borgias. He has always struck me as an actor who gives himself over the the characters he portrays, bringing instant menace when that's required, as in the two latest Mission: Impossible blockbusters. Though I haven't seen Possum yet, he quickly conveys his character's very, er, distinctive traits in our exclusive clip. The directorial debut of Matthew Holness, who also wrote the original screenplay, Possum tells the tale of "a disgraced children's puppeteer [who] must confront his sinister stepfather and...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 11/1/2018
- Screen Anarchy
Happy Halloween, everyone! While I know it’s a bittersweet feeling that our favorite holiday is finally upon us, that doesn’t mean we have to bid the horror genre farewell any time soon. In fact, there are a ton of great genre films hitting VOD and a variety of digital platforms throughout the month of November, which should help with the sting of it no longer officially being the spooky season.
November’s digital releases kick off on Friday with Possum, Welcome to Mercy, and Monster Party, and then just a few days later, get ready for Death House, Kin, The Heretics, Beyond the Sky, and Blood, Sweat and Terrors on November 6th. One week later, the cyber thriller Searching hits various platforms (and is definitely worth a watch), and there are a few more titles making their digital debuts that day as well: Blue My Mind, Lasso, and Bloody Ballet.
November’s digital releases kick off on Friday with Possum, Welcome to Mercy, and Monster Party, and then just a few days later, get ready for Death House, Kin, The Heretics, Beyond the Sky, and Blood, Sweat and Terrors on November 6th. One week later, the cyber thriller Searching hits various platforms (and is definitely worth a watch), and there are a few more titles making their digital debuts that day as well: Blue My Mind, Lasso, and Bloody Ballet.
- 10/31/2018
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Bloody Disgusting has an exclusive clip from the UK horror film Possum (read our review) which stars Sean Harris of Prometheus fame. The film is written and directed by Matthew Holness, creator of the comedy series “Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace”, and will release on VOD November 2, 2018, via Dark Sky Films. The story is about a disgraced children’s puppeteer who returns to his childhood […]...
- 10/30/2018
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
New openers include The Hate U Give, The Guilty and Utoya - July 22.
20th Century Fox will have high hopes for Bohemian Rhapsody this weekend, its biopic of UK rock group Queen.
The film got underway with a strong £1.62m opening Wednesday night, and will be looking to considerably build on that total in the coming days.
The good news for Fox is that glossy, music-themed films have been performing particularly well at the UK box office this year. The Greatest Showman grossed north of £50m, while Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again has taken £65.5m so far to make...
20th Century Fox will have high hopes for Bohemian Rhapsody this weekend, its biopic of UK rock group Queen.
The film got underway with a strong £1.62m opening Wednesday night, and will be looking to considerably build on that total in the coming days.
The good news for Fox is that glossy, music-themed films have been performing particularly well at the UK box office this year. The Greatest Showman grossed north of £50m, while Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again has taken £65.5m so far to make...
- 10/26/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Dark Sky Films Proudly Announces ‘The Dark’ In Theaters And On VOD October 26, 2018 Debut from Justin P. Lange stars Nadia Alexander of TV’s The Sinner and Netflix’s Seven Seconds Matthew Holness is known for his comedic roles on The Office and cult favorite Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, but his first feature film Possum (which he wrote and …
The post Nadia Alexander in The Dark, Coming to Theaters+VOD 10/26 appeared first on Hnn | Horrornews.net. Copyrights 2008-2018 - Horrornews.net...
The post Nadia Alexander in The Dark, Coming to Theaters+VOD 10/26 appeared first on Hnn | Horrornews.net. Copyrights 2008-2018 - Horrornews.net...
- 10/25/2018
- by Horrornews.net
- Horror News
In Matthew Holness’s creepy tale, a troubled figure trudges across remote fenland to the scene of his unhappy childhood – and a troubling encounter
Matthew Holness is the TV comedy writer and performer who gave us that tremendous horror spoof Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace. Now he makes his cinema debut, directing an eerie film set in remote fenland Norfolk – adapted by Holness from his own short story, originally published in a 2008 collection entitled The New Uncanny, alongside work by Nicholas Royle and As Byatt. It is deadly serious, but carries with it an echo or ghost of how this same material could have been played as ironic black comedy.
Related: From Garth Marenghi to big-screen horror – what the ‘lost boy’ of comedy did next...
Matthew Holness is the TV comedy writer and performer who gave us that tremendous horror spoof Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace. Now he makes his cinema debut, directing an eerie film set in remote fenland Norfolk – adapted by Holness from his own short story, originally published in a 2008 collection entitled The New Uncanny, alongside work by Nicholas Royle and As Byatt. It is deadly serious, but carries with it an echo or ghost of how this same material could have been played as ironic black comedy.
Related: From Garth Marenghi to big-screen horror – what the ‘lost boy’ of comedy did next...
- 10/24/2018
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
In the bleak wilderness of Fallmarsh, Norfolk, disgraced puppeteer Philip (Sean Harris) returns to his dilapidated childhood home, hellbent on destroying Possum, his cursed spider-like puppet stashed in a leather travel bag. The murkiness of time, memory and mental illness, plague Philip, until he’s forced to confront his monstrous step-father Maurice (Alun Armstrong), and their horrific past unravels into madness.
The pitch-black poetry about a “possum black as soot” twists it’s way through a jangling and discordant soundscape, led by a distant and melancholic pastoral flute open’s Possum, writer-director Matthew Holness’s debut British horror film. Art installation, fairly tale and psychological thriller, Holness prowls in the shadowy abstractions of trauma and childhood abuse, blurring the lines between victim and predator – a grim enigma only a few patient and hardy souls may want to solve.
In a windswept field, we meet Philip frozen to the spot, alone,...
The pitch-black poetry about a “possum black as soot” twists it’s way through a jangling and discordant soundscape, led by a distant and melancholic pastoral flute open’s Possum, writer-director Matthew Holness’s debut British horror film. Art installation, fairly tale and psychological thriller, Holness prowls in the shadowy abstractions of trauma and childhood abuse, blurring the lines between victim and predator – a grim enigma only a few patient and hardy souls may want to solve.
In a windswept field, we meet Philip frozen to the spot, alone,...
- 10/20/2018
- by Thomas Salmon
- The Cultural Post
Matthew Holness taps into psychological horror greatness with a cerebral picture that will lay eggs in your brain.
Possum has all of the ingredients that you hope for from a debut horror picture. It tells a disturbing story about a man returning to his childhood home and caught in a tug of war with an alluring spider puppet. Possum throws its audience into a twisted puzzle and relishes the ensuing confusion. It’s a phenomenal debut film as writer-director for Matthew Holness (best known for acting in frekaing Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace), who balances a complex tightrope between tones.
Even though Possum presents a highly stylized story with plenty of disturbing and confounding visuals, this is really an internal tale about repression, living with past grief, and the power of guilt when it festers and isn’t confronted. It also eloquently explores deeper material like whether it’s possible to...
Possum has all of the ingredients that you hope for from a debut horror picture. It tells a disturbing story about a man returning to his childhood home and caught in a tug of war with an alluring spider puppet. Possum throws its audience into a twisted puzzle and relishes the ensuing confusion. It’s a phenomenal debut film as writer-director for Matthew Holness (best known for acting in frekaing Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace), who balances a complex tightrope between tones.
Even though Possum presents a highly stylized story with plenty of disturbing and confounding visuals, this is really an internal tale about repression, living with past grief, and the power of guilt when it festers and isn’t confronted. It also eloquently explores deeper material like whether it’s possible to...
- 10/17/2018
- Den of Geek
Matthew Holness taps into psychological horror greatness with a cerebral picture that will lay eggs in your brain.
Possum has all of the ingredients that you hope for from a debut horror picture. It tells a disturbing story about a man returning to his childhood home and caught in a tug of war with an alluring spider puppet. Possum throws its audience into a twisted puzzle and relishes the ensuing confusion. It’s a phenomenal debut film as writer-director for Matthew Holness (best known for acting in frekaing Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace), who balances a complex tightrope between tones.
Even though Possum presents a highly stylized story with plenty of disturbing and confounding visuals, this is really an internal tale about repression, living with past grief, and the power of guilt when it festers and isn’t confronted. It also eloquently explores deeper material like whether it’s possible to...
Possum has all of the ingredients that you hope for from a debut horror picture. It tells a disturbing story about a man returning to his childhood home and caught in a tug of war with an alluring spider puppet. Possum throws its audience into a twisted puzzle and relishes the ensuing confusion. It’s a phenomenal debut film as writer-director for Matthew Holness (best known for acting in frekaing Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace), who balances a complex tightrope between tones.
Even though Possum presents a highly stylized story with plenty of disturbing and confounding visuals, this is really an internal tale about repression, living with past grief, and the power of guilt when it festers and isn’t confronted. It also eloquently explores deeper material like whether it’s possible to...
- 10/17/2018
- Den of Geek
At FrightFest way back in August 2017, comedian-turned-filmmaker Matthew Holness showed up with a sneak-peek clip from his feature debut, the little-known-about Possum. Before it played he gave a little intro to the crowd, and made it very, very, very clear that, contrary to what the crowd knew him for it wouldn’t be funny. Not even a little bit. And he wasn’t joking. Despite only being 60 seconds long, that clip was the scariest thing that played all weekend.
Fast-forward over a year later, and Possum is finished and doing the festival rounds, prepping for a big UK release just in time for Halloween. And those extra 84 minutes are just as downright freaky as what we saw all those months ago. So naturally we sat down with Mr Holness himself to ask not only how he did it, but why. You can read our glowing review of the film here.
Fast-forward over a year later, and Possum is finished and doing the festival rounds, prepping for a big UK release just in time for Halloween. And those extra 84 minutes are just as downright freaky as what we saw all those months ago. So naturally we sat down with Mr Holness himself to ask not only how he did it, but why. You can read our glowing review of the film here.
- 10/16/2018
- by Ben Robins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Matthew Holness won the Perrier award at 26, made a much-loved series for Channel 4 and then … almost nothing. Now, at 43, he has made his first film, Possum, inspired by Jimmy Savile. And, no, it’s not a comedy
Matthew Holness has been telling people for years that Possum isn’t a comedy. “It’s not remotely funny,” he said when it was announced. “It’s not a funny film,” he reiterated before its premiere. Yet some people, “mainly comedy fans on Twitter”, still haven’t got the message.
“I think they anticipate – would prefer – a Garth Marenghi film,” he says. “But thankfully the audience members who actually shell out for a ticket appear to know what they’re in for. Within reason …”...
Matthew Holness has been telling people for years that Possum isn’t a comedy. “It’s not remotely funny,” he said when it was announced. “It’s not a funny film,” he reiterated before its premiere. Yet some people, “mainly comedy fans on Twitter”, still haven’t got the message.
“I think they anticipate – would prefer – a Garth Marenghi film,” he says. “But thankfully the audience members who actually shell out for a ticket appear to know what they’re in for. Within reason …”...
- 10/12/2018
- by Catherine Shoard
- The Guardian - Film News
One of the standout films from this year’s FrightFest was the debut feature film from writer/director Matthew Holness, who you’ll know as the co-creator/writer/star of Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace. It’s exactly the sort of film we love to champion, a labour of love with an assured hand and a truly unique take on the horror genre.
We called it ‘A quietly nasty gem that’ll make you re-think British horror altogether’ in our 4 star review of the film from FrightFest. We also spoke to Odd Studios’ Adam Johansen on the incredible creature design for the film, it’s an intriguing deep dive into a side of the business which sadly often goes overlooked. You can check that out here.
The film will be released in UK cinemas on the 26th of October. Here’s the nightmare-inducing new poster.
Synopsis
Starring Sean Harris and Alun Armstrong,...
We called it ‘A quietly nasty gem that’ll make you re-think British horror altogether’ in our 4 star review of the film from FrightFest. We also spoke to Odd Studios’ Adam Johansen on the incredible creature design for the film, it’s an intriguing deep dive into a side of the business which sadly often goes overlooked. You can check that out here.
The film will be released in UK cinemas on the 26th of October. Here’s the nightmare-inducing new poster.
Synopsis
Starring Sean Harris and Alun Armstrong,...
- 10/5/2018
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Directed by Matthew Holness, Possum tells the story of Philip, a children's puppeteer who has fallen from grace. When he returns to his childhood home, he must face not only the dark secrets of his past, but his despicable, wicked stepfather. Due out in theaters and VOD on November 2nd, Dark Sky Films has just released the official trailer for Possum and we have it for you to check out!
"Film Synopsis: A disgraced children's puppeteer must confront his sinister stepfather and a hideous puppet he keeps hidden in a brown leather bag in order to escape the dark horrors of his past.
Possum
Written and Directed by Matthew Holness
Producers: James Harris, Mark Lane, Wayne Marc Godfrey, Robert Jones
Cast: Sean Harris, Alun Armstrong
Trt: 85 min
Country: United Kingdom
Rating: Not Rated
Language: English
Genre: Horror
About the Director:
Writer/Director Matthew Holness wrote and starred in Garth Marenghi's Darkplace before moving into directing.
"Film Synopsis: A disgraced children's puppeteer must confront his sinister stepfather and a hideous puppet he keeps hidden in a brown leather bag in order to escape the dark horrors of his past.
Possum
Written and Directed by Matthew Holness
Producers: James Harris, Mark Lane, Wayne Marc Godfrey, Robert Jones
Cast: Sean Harris, Alun Armstrong
Trt: 85 min
Country: United Kingdom
Rating: Not Rated
Language: English
Genre: Horror
About the Director:
Writer/Director Matthew Holness wrote and starred in Garth Marenghi's Darkplace before moving into directing.
- 10/4/2018
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Here’s the creepy trailer for the UK horror film Possum which stars Sean Harris of Prometheus fame. The film is written and directed by Matthew Holness, creator of the comedy series “Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace”, and will release on VOD November 2, 2018, via Dark Sky Films. The story is about a disgraced children’s puppeteer who returns to his childhood home and is forced […]...
- 10/3/2018
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
Home and Film4 have today announced the programme for the third annual FilmFear season – six days of horror, extreme cinema, cult favourites and special guests coming to Manchester this October.
Acclaimed Scandi fantasy Border, co-written by the author of Let the Right One In, kicks off the season on 26th October and is the first of eight new films from across the globe to screen over the six-day event. A visceral fusion of Nordic noir, social realism and supernatural horror, Border’s genre-defying tone is matched in fellow Swedish title Videoman, a mystery-thriller/relationship-drama that will surprise audiences with its tonal shifts, while the chilling horror St. Agatha from celebrated filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman bolsters the emerging ‘Nunsploitation’ genre. Let the Corpses Tan is a ferocious take on Euro Westerns and Italian crime ‘Poliziotteschi’ genre from Belgian directing duo Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani (The Strange Colour of Your Body...
Acclaimed Scandi fantasy Border, co-written by the author of Let the Right One In, kicks off the season on 26th October and is the first of eight new films from across the globe to screen over the six-day event. A visceral fusion of Nordic noir, social realism and supernatural horror, Border’s genre-defying tone is matched in fellow Swedish title Videoman, a mystery-thriller/relationship-drama that will surprise audiences with its tonal shifts, while the chilling horror St. Agatha from celebrated filmmaker Darren Lynn Bousman bolsters the emerging ‘Nunsploitation’ genre. Let the Corpses Tan is a ferocious take on Euro Westerns and Italian crime ‘Poliziotteschi’ genre from Belgian directing duo Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani (The Strange Colour of Your Body...
- 9/20/2018
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Here’s the trailer for the UK horror film Possum which stars Sean Harris of Prometheus fame. The film is written and directed by Matthew Holness, creator of the comedy series “Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace”, and will open in UK cinemas on October 26th. The story is about a disgraced children’s puppeteer who returns to his childhood home and is forced to confront his wicked […]...
- 9/12/2018
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
Former Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace star and co-creator Matthew Holness really wants you to know that his his feature debut Possum isn’t funny. In fact, it’s about as far from the very idea of funny as a filmmaker can possibly get. Fans of Darkplace – an 80s genre spoof that’s since become the stuff of cult legend – might think I’m bluffing, and that this hyper-dark, grimy tale of a disgraced children’s entertainer is a double-cross. But it isn’t. It really, really isn’t. In fact, Possum will, without doubt, be one of the most unsettling films you see all year.
Sean Harris stars as the forever bothered Philip, a man plagued by his apparently inescapable connection to the world’s creepiest puppet; the rubber-faced, tentacled nightmare fuel he lovingly dubs Possum. When he returns home to his abusive stepfather (Alun Armstrong) and bids to finally...
Sean Harris stars as the forever bothered Philip, a man plagued by his apparently inescapable connection to the world’s creepiest puppet; the rubber-faced, tentacled nightmare fuel he lovingly dubs Possum. When he returns home to his abusive stepfather (Alun Armstrong) and bids to finally...
- 8/30/2018
- by Ben Robins
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
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