We are pleased to bring you the first look of our newest horror feature from Slasher Studios: Dismembering Christmas. Make sure to like the film on Facebook for updates on the upcoming slasher as well as pick up your limited edition Dismembering Christmas t-shirt today. It’s going to be a gory good time!!
The film follows Jay (Maika Monroe), a young, friendly, and genuinely happy girl. One night Jay goes on a date with a young man and the two end up having sex. Upon doing so she gets knocked out. When she awakens, it is revealed to her that “it†has not been transferred to her. She is told that “it†will continue to haunt her unless she passes it on. However, if the person who currently has “it†is killed by it, the person prior will also die and continue down the line. Jay then begins to find herself being stalked by mysterious presences. She then enlists the help of her friends in order to help escape the curse.
It Follows is written and directed by David Robert Mitchell. I’d read a great amount of buzz about this film and I became extremely excited for it. The film did not disappoint at all. The story is an extremely cool concept. It takes the idea of sexual activity and the diseases along with it and flips it. The film is truly terrifying in that there is so much that is left unknown. We only get a vivid idea of what “it†is, but we are left just as clueless as Jay. It is because we are left with this unknown feeling that help make the film extremely terrifying. The whole film kept me on the edge of my seat with many intense and scary moments.
I won’t reveal any of these moments because they have to be seen in order to be felt. The presences that Jade sees are much more terrifying than I expected, a lot of this is due to how they are presented. Again, I won’t reveal exactly what makes them terrifying, because again, it has to be seen to understand. It is essentially something almost out of someone’s nightmare (ironically Mitchell was inspired to make the film because of a nightmare he had).
We are also given a group of VERY likable characters. Jay is an extremely likable lead and we really become connected to her and hope she makes it out okay. She is also played amazingly by Maika Monroe. Monroe is truly a discovery and a very talented actress whom I hope to see more of in horror. Hell, more of in general. The friends that the character Jay has are also extremely likeable. They come off a realistic and they are hands down the most dependable friends I’ve seen in a horror film. More often than not, the friends will believe the lead is crazy and don’t believe her. Here, they stand by Jay throughout the whole film and do what they can to help her.
Each of the actors provide great comedic timing with some of their lines, and you can really feel the chemistry amongst the group. Just a brilliant cast and performances. One thing that I just marveled at during the film was the EXCELLENT score. I cannot stress enough how amazing it is. It’s so perfectly used in the scenes and also what makes the scenes so chilling. It gave me the same feel as the scores of Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street and some of Texas Chain Saw Massacre combined with Suspiria.
Luckily I was able to catch an early screening of it at the Fargo Film Festival a whole week before its actual release. The producers did a Q&A after the screening and revealed that a lot of their inspiration for the film as far as its atmosphere and tone and filming style came from classics like Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream. This I agree with wholeheartedly, I could totally sense elements of each of these films in it. Which also added to one of the reasons I genuinely loved the film. It Follow is easily the best original horror film I’ve seen in a LONG time. It is genuinely scare, has some good laughs, great characters and story, and solid performances. It is a film that will definitely stay with you after you see it.
–Cody Landman
Last month we finished production on our second Slasher Studios feature film, Dismembering Christmas. We had a bloody blast making this holiday horror film and we can’t wait to show all the slasher fans out there the final film. In order to get the film out to as many people as possible, we are looking for a little extra help in raising money for our blu-ray release. If we can raise $1500, we can make an additional 300 blu-rays to give out to backers as well as take to horror cons. We have some once-in-a-lifetime rewards available to so check it out and thanks for supporting indie slashers!!
Become an Indiegogo backer today here: Dismembering Christmas Indiegogo
About the film:
In 2013, Slasher Studios we released our first slasher feature entitled Don’t Go to the Reunion. After playing in over a dozen film festivals and winning several awards (including Best Actress at Crimson Screen Horror Film Festival and Audience Choice at Killer Film Fest). Now, we are ready to deck the halls with lots of bodies!
A tribute to the glory days of holiday horror, Dismembering Christmas can best be described as Friday the 13th meets Black Christmas. Have you ever wanted a Friday the 13th set in the winter? Well..so did Slasher Studios and that’s why they created this movie just for you. Practical effects from beginning to end, likable characters, and a kick ass final girl…what more could you want in a slasher?
Plot:
It was supposed to be a holiday vacation they would never forget, not a holiday vacation they would never survive.
When Mark and his friends go up to his fathers new vacation home for Christmas vacation, they were ready for a fun time. Out in the middle of nowhere, the house is cheerfully decorated for Christmas. But an unknown visitor is there, and one by one they are murdered. Its Christmas and not a creature is stirring except the killer in the house…
DONT FORGET:
Our top backer on this campaign will receive the below Jason handpainted artwork by Zachary Allen. This is a once in a lifetime chance to own a kick ass piece of art. The winner of the painting will be announced the day after the Indiegogo campaign ends.
At Slasher Studios we like to spotlight up-and-coming horror films that we think are working checking out for all the horror fans out there. Today we are taking a look at The Nightmare Man, a new film written and directed by Jason Harlow, that has mere hours left on Indiegogo to raise funds. This sounds like a killer movie and for fans of Slasher Studios, they even have some Don’t Go to the Reunion & Dismembering Christmas signed posters as rewards. Check it out below and remember to keep supporting indie horror!
From The Nightmare Man creator:
Hello, my name is Jason Harlow, and I am the writer/director of The Nightmare Man. With The Nightmare Man, my team and I want to make a film that is not only original and unique, but also 100% serious in tone and remarkably terrifying. We’ve already assembled an insanely talented cast and crew; all we need now is the funds to get this thing rolling.
We are looking to raise $13,000 to help cover the cost of special effects, post-production, catering, transportation, and locations, as well as the many other grueling costs we may be faced with over the course of the production of this film. Donations begin at just $1 and any donation of $50 or more will result in your name being listed in the closing credits! If you want to be a part of a ridiculously memorable supernatural horror film, here’s your chance.
The film follows a man named Jonathan Nelson, who has spent his last few weeks suffering from insomnia. He soon begins to have trouble distinguishing the difference between dreams and reality after having a series of disturbing dreams orchestrated by a creepy figure known as THE NIGHTMARE MAN.
Become a backer: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-nightmare-man-feature-horror-film
Like The Nightmare Man on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenightmaremanmovie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W93vRJa40a8
Last Tuesday I watched Stonehearst Asylum (2014) for the first time. This was the first Blu-ray screener I received from my job to review. When it first came out in theaters I had missed it. I remember it coming out a week before Halloween last year. I knew nothing about the movie and the poster looked interesting but far from appealing. I did like the cast however but it didn’t seem like a movie that was worthy of being seen on the big screen. Well I’ve checked it out and I must say that Stonehearst Asylum is a good movie, but not great. The acting performances are solid, especially those from Kate Beckinsale, Jim Sturgess and David Thewlis. I did like the fact that this movie is based on the short story “The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether” by Edgar Allan Poe. This movie was very stylish in its costumes and settings. The camerawork by Brad Anderson (The Machinist, Vanishing on 7th Street, The Call) was very good. The story, while interesting on paper, feels stretched out thin for the movie.
I really liked the sudden plot twist at the end of the movie. Stonehearst Asylum is not a movie I’d consider ‘horror’ but more of a ‘mystery/thriller’. I also thought the movie was very tame for a PG-13 flick, especially due to the lack of blood and some jump scares. This movie could’ve been better if it had a faster pacing, the running time should’ve been shortened by at least 10 minutes. Because I hardly knew anything about this movie I was still hooked from the beginning till the end. It is good to have seen once, there is a good balance between psychological thriller and drama. I would recommend Stonehearst Asylum, but don’t expect too much from it as it ultimately played very safe.
Wanna read some more reviews of mine? Visit Ferdi’s Movie World and you can find plenty of more!
–Ferdi Akkulak
Katharine Isabelle is back with a vengeance! 88 follows the story of Dwen a young women who is seeking revenge on the people whom she thinks brutally murdered her boyfriend. With nothing but revenge on her mind she ultimately puts herself and those who try and help her in dangerous.
88 comes to us from director April Mullen and stars horror icon Katharine Isabelle who takes on the lead role in this gripping thriller. 88 was actually the first film I saw of 2015 and I must say it is a shockingly brilliant thriller. Running at just 88 mins it was exciting from start to finish.
The film introduces new ideas for the audience and makes you think about new and interesting concepts which before you may not have thought about. The ideas and themes which are raised in this film should alone be a credit to it as it makes it more than just your average revenge thriller.
There were moments in the film where the tension is so high you can’t take your eyes off the screen. Katahrine Isabelle is mesmerizing as always and another reason why your eyes will be glued to the screen.
There are many scenes of awesome gore effects and blood splatter that makes this film brilliant for gore fans out there but doesn’t overuse the gore factor. Without giving too much away, one shockingly moment that got me finds Gwen (Isabelle) in a motel bathroom pulling back a shower curtain. That scene stuck with me for some time after the film ended mainly for the fact it was so unexpected.
As the film reaches its suspenseful ending, I actually didn’t want the film to end as I felt that it was completely brilliant in every way. However, the ending might be a bit of a let down for some people in its predictability but, for me, I loved it! I thought the ending (although I kind of seen it coming) was still unexpected in many way. That I gasped at the end tells you that I enjoyed the film.
Overall, I can not recommend this film enough horror fans, crime film fans and thriller fans across the board anyone will like this but as with most films it will not be for everyone.
88 received a US DVD and Blu-Ray release from Mulenium Entertainment in January 2015 with a Canadian Release expected for March 2015. The film makes its world premiere at Glasgow Fright Fest this Friday.
–Ross Wilcock
You asked for it and now it’s here! We are proud to bring you our official Dismembering Christmas t-shirt! Show off your slasher style and make it a blood-red Christmas all year round. we only have a total of 50 of these shirts so order yours today. The first 20 people who order a shirt will receive a FREE 11×17 Dismembering Christmas poster with their t-shirt order. These are soft and comfy Anvil shirts and we think the kelly green with look perfect as you slasher up the night! Please note that t-shirts and posters will ship on/around Friday, March 13th and you will receive an email confirmation when your shirt as shipped. Thanks for the slasher support everyone!!
Artwork by the awesome Garreth Gibson Illustrations.
As fan of Katharine Isabelle and with it being Women in Horror month I thought I would take some time to talk about some of my favorite Katharine Isabelle horror films. The following list spreads through her entire career.
Disturbing Behavior – 1998
Disturbing Behavior takes us all the way back to 1998 when Katharine had a supporting role in the cult teen horror/sci-fi hit Disturbing Behavior in which she plays the sister of James Marsden.
This film follows the story of two teens played by James Marden and Katie Holmes who, after noticing some changes in their classmates at school, learn that the adults in the town have some very disturbing things planned for the teenagers in the town.
Although her role was just supporting, Katharine does play a vital role especially as the film reaches its climax. She joins forces with Marsden and Holmes to try and solve the mystery of the town.
Even from this early role she played a key role in horror and that was just the beginning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLwVItF2z6M
Early Television Appearances
Katharine has also had some very memorable cameos in some of the best horror tV shows including Smallville, The X-Files and, of course, her brilliant performance as Ava in the smash CW Supernatural drama Supernatural.
In TV, she went from cameo to leading/supporting roles after having a 10 episode role in the US version of the British horror cult series Being Human.
These roles, although memorable, are just a few of the small reason why Katie belongs in the horror hall of fame.
Ginger Snaps – 2000
In 1999 Katie won the leading role alongside friend Emily Perkins in the critically praised Canadian werewolf cult classic Ginger Snaps.
Following the story of two sisters, Ginger and Bridget, who make a promise to be together forever. However, after Ginger is attacked by a strange creature one night, things change for the two and things take a rather sinister. Ginger begins to change not just as her teenage hormones start to come into play but her actions become animal like as well. Bridget has to decide to save herself or die with her sister.
Ginger Snaps had a bit of a rough start in Canada and the USA, despite the film gaining critical praise at the 2000 Toronto International Film Festival. It wasn’t until the films international release that audiences began to take notice of this Canadian horror gem.
Ginger Snaps is still Katie’s bigger role to date. Ginger Snaps is something to be proud of and is one of the best and most respected horror films in the genre. The film is gaining more and more fans as the years go by.
Freddy Vs. Jason – 2003
In 2003, Katharine joined the ranks of such iconic actress as Adrienne King, Amy Steel and Heather Langenkamp when she made her slasher movie franchise debut in Freddy vs Jason. The film sees the return of two of horrors most iconic villains: Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees. FvJ sees the two joining forces to take out the new generation of Elm Street teens and making nightmares a reality once again.
Katharine was originally supposed to play the lead role of Lori (which ultimately went to Dawson’s Creek star Monica Keena) but the director wanted her to take on a “more challenging” role. This lead to much conflict between Katie and the director. In the end, Katharine ended up playing the role of Lori’s best friend Gibb.
Ginger Snaps 2 & 3 – 2004
After FVJ, Katharine and co-star Emily Perkins returned to their iconic roles when Ginger Snaps returned with a series of back-to-back sequels. With Katharine playing a more supporting role in the 2004 sequel Ginger Snaps: Unleashed. Unleashed follows the story of Ginger’s sister after the events of the original. Her role is still very important, but limited, as she was guiding Bridget through the transformation.
Katharine returned as a leading role in the prequel Ginger Snaps: The Beginning. This saw the two sisters in the 18th century. It was a period piece rehash of the original in which we find out the blood line would forever be cursed with the Werewolf curse.
Although the Ginger Snaps sequels were mainly released to DVD in most countries, fans were pretty pleased with the overall films.
American Mary – 2012
It was not until the 2012 breakout hit American Mary that Katharine once again proved that she was the queen of horror. American Mary was the second film from horror directors Jen and Sylvia Soska. The film saw Katharine return to a leading role in what is now her most iconic roles since Ginger Snaps. She took on this very challenging role which earned her well deserved mainstream praise with Universal Pictures in the UK picking up the film and Anchor Bay in the USA and Canada.
After the success of American Mary, Katharine took on roles in some indie comedies such as Random Acts of Romance. It was not until 2013 that she once again returned to her horror routes in the Canadian Zombie horror (and one of my personal favorite films of hers) 13 Eerie. Following this she appeared in the 2013 home invasion thriller Torment.
Present Work
In 2014 Katharine joined forces once again with Jen and Sylvia Soska in the 2014 Horror sequel See No Evil 2 which saw her staring for the first time with another horror legend, Scream Queen Danielle Harris.
As well as a crime thriller called Primary in 2014 Katharine seems to be making her mark in the crime thriller genre as noticeably seen in the 2015 action thriller 88 which is set to make its UK debut at Glasgow Fright Fest. Most recently it was her role as Margot Verger in the NBC horror series Hannibal which got her a more mainstream reputation.
–Ross Wilcock
Today I watched Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988). This was the first Friday the 13th installment I had ever watched, I saw it on VHS a few years back. Now that I’ve seen Parts 1-6 and reviewed all those already I decided to give Part 7 another spin so I could write a review for it as well. In my honest opinion, I think ‘The New Blood’ is one of my personal favorites of the Friday the 13th franchise. And not only because it was the first installment I had ever seen. There is something about this well thought out concept that is inventive yet original. Especially it being the 7TH installment in a long running franchise, I have to say I’m very impressed.
It is a very fun and entertaining sequel with some very good death scenes. (although there is an obvious lack of gore in them, which we can blame the MPAA for!) The characters are well written and very straightforward, one of the many aspects I loved of this sequel. Lar Park Lincoln was absolutely amazing as Tina Shepard. Great performance and one bad-ass and resourceful final girl! Also really loved the late Susan Jennifer Sullivan as Melissa, probably one of the best bitchy characters in horror movie history. She’s truly memorable! Also loved Susan Blu, Diana Barrows and Kevin Spirtas in this sequel. Kane Hodder makes for a frightening and surprisingly human Jason Voorhees, quite possibly my favorite Jason! The telekinesis aspect in this movie is quite great. The soundtrack, directing and dark humor are also very outstanding. I wish the running time was a bit longer but I can still recommend this classic 80’s slasher sequel to everyone. It’s not perfect but it damn sure is enjoyable to watch every single time.
Wanna read some more reviews of mine? Visit Ferdi’s Movie World and you can find plenty of more!
–Ferdi Akkulak
Today I watched Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI (1986) for the first time. I had seen parts 1 till 5 before and my favorites of those are definitely the original and Part 2. The rest felt either just good (Part 4) or just utterly bad (Part 3). While I did hear a lot of praises about Jason Lives I wasn’t that sure if I’d love it as well. Well I’ve seen it and its suffice to say that it’s one of my favorite entries in the Friday the 13th franchise! In my opinion its MUCH better than 3, 4 and 5.
This installment definitely took me by surprise since I noticed a downward spiral ever after Part 2 of the franchise. It was fun, campy and I loved the characters and especially the deaths. The performances weren’t exactly mindblowing but I am willing to admit that Jennifer Cooke as Megan became one of my favorite Friday the 13th final girls! A very sassy and likeable character that you gotta love. Also Thom Mathews as Tommy Jarvis was fantastic, my favorite ‘Jarvis’ performance of the three actors that portrayed the character from 4-6. Much better acting abilities and let’s not forget about his very charming looks! This sequel totally justified Jason Voorhees as he strikes back with a vengeance. The dark humor in this sequel was on point and I love how little I knew about this installment which made the whole experience even more awesome.
The soundtrack is superb with the highlight being the ‘He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)’ song by Alice Cooper! Loved this sequel from beginning to end, from the rad ‘Jason Bond’ opening credits to the jamming end credits. It had some minor flaws but none too drastic. Highly recommend this slasher sequel to anyone, I was blown away by its awesomeness!
Wanna read some more reviews of mine? Visit Ferdi’s Movie World and you can find plenty of more!
–Ferdi Akkulak