An insecure single mother and her erratic son read a random bedtime story for children and quickly find out the book has invited a third presence in their dark, lonely home. Claustrophobic, remorseless, and brutal even to the innocent, Australian Director Jennifer Kent's expressionistic creation doesn’t let up. All places of comfort – a mother’s... Continue Reading →
Reely Bernie Horror Fest: Halloween – 1978
Before Jason Voorhees of the Friday the 13th series and Freddy Krueger of the Nightmare on Elm Street entries, Halloween’s Michael Myers epitomized the American slasher film and haunted the autumn leaf-covered suburbs with that silly but terrifying Captain Kirk mask. “Slasher” might be an impertinent descriptor, however. Yes, there is a lot of slashing... Continue Reading →
Reely Bernie Horror Fest: Pulse (回路, Kairo) – 2001
Origin/Director: Japan/Kiyoshi Kurosawa Viewings Tally: I’ve seen it twice! No horror marathon list should exist without a Japanese horror entry, and this is one of my favorites! Synopsis: “Do you want to meet a ghost?” In the immense city of Tokyo, the darkness of the afterlife lurks some of its inhabitants who are desperately trying... Continue Reading →
Reely Bernie Horror Fest: The Innkeepers – 2011
Origin/Director: USA/Ti West Viewings Tally: This is my second viewing! I loved it when it first came out nine years ago! Synopsis: “Some guests never checked out.” During the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel’s haunted past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in... Continue Reading →
Reely Bernie Horror Fest: Eyes Without a Face – 1960
Origin/Director: France/Georges Franju Viewings Tally: This was my first viewing! I wanted to include at least one black and white classic that also happened to be an international hit. Synopsis: Dr. Genessier is riddled with guilt after an accident that he caused disfigures the face of his daughter, the once beautiful Christiane, who outsiders believe... Continue Reading →
Reely Bernie Horror Fest: Lake Mungo – 2008
Origin/Director: Australia/Joel Anderson Viewings Tally: This was my second viewing! It had been five years since, and I wanted this to fulfill my found footage subgenre in my horror lineup. Synopsis: After 16-year-old Alice Palmer drowns in a local dam, her family experiences a series of strange, inexplicable events centered in and around their home.... Continue Reading →
Reely Bernie Horror Fest: Relic – 2020
Origin/Director: Australia, USA/Natalie Erika James Viewings Tally: This is my first viewing! I figured I should add a recent horror release to my list, and this one received above average reviews last summer. Synopsis: When Edna – the elderly and widowed matriarch of the family – goes missing, her daughter and granddaughter travel to their... Continue Reading →
Reely Bernie Horror Fest Officially Begins!
It all starts with this leaf. For me, this fallen amber-hued leaf represents the promise of the upcoming autumn season, which is undoubtedly my favorite season of the year. Radiant colors begin appearing on trees and end up on the ground to a crackling sound that brings you back to younger days. This is the... Continue Reading →