In Feedback, There are No Heroes [Review]

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Wicked Horror is the author of In Feedback, There are No Heroes [Review]. Wicked Horror is the internet's only horror fan site for free original horror movies, news, review & more.

Feedback follows Dolan Jarvis (Eddie Marsan, Ray Donovan, The World’s End) a successful late night talk show host who discusses hard hitting political topics. In the first few minutes of his show, Jarvis discusses geopolitical issues around stolen indigenous land, stereotyping of Muslim women, and more. However, his show is cut short when he is taken prisoner by masked men who make demands of Jarvis. When he doesn’t comply, they quickly show him that they mean business. Feedback plays out as a suspenseful mystery, delightfully filled with waves of tension as the viewer tries to figure out what the hell is going on. Also see: Revulsion Rewind: Looking Back on Man’s Best Friend First of all, Feedback is a fantastic film that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. When I watch movies or television, it is rare that I do not do something else while watching, typically sewing or painting, as this is an extended period I can relax and also be productive. However, Feedback had my eyes fixated on my TV from start to finish. I was enthralled with the plot. I was suckered in by the excellently crafted tension and was trying to solve the mystery at the heart of the film. Therefore, I couldn’t fathom doing anything else while I was watching this riveting film. What starts as a (seemingly) typical tale of kidnapping spirals out of control and leaves the viewer with the sentiment that in Feedback, no one is a hero. I was really impressed with the way Feedback handles violence and tension. Even as a long time horror fan, I actually found myself flinching when acts of carnage played out onscreen. It was almost too realistic. The violence in the film mirrors real life; it’s a last resort; it’s an act of passion. It’s so visceral that I almost turned away at some points. I am no stranger to the terrible things humans do, but Feedback felt so authentic that it almost felt like I was watching a real life scenario unfold. Also See: Four Horror Sequels That Cursed Their Own Franchise  The film does an excellent job with the manipulation of sound. There is no over-the-top, dramatic music. Instead, some of the most intense moments are realized by way of the sound of Jarvis talking, listening to instructions, and listening to his captors talk. This is all layered together and creates a discombobulation that made my heart race. The brilliant use of sound overwhelms the viewer to simulate what Jarvis would be feeling at that exact moment in time and it is extremely effective. Feedback is an excellent film experience that surprised, thrilled, and amazed me. If you are looking for a great drama film with horror and thriller elements, Feedback should be your next choice. You can check it out on DVD February 18. WICKED RATING: 10/10  Director(s): Pedro C. Alonso Writer(s): Pedro C. Alonso, Alberto Marini Stars: Eddie Marsan, Paul Anderson, Ivana Baquero Release: February 18, 2020 Studio/ Production Co: Ombra FIlms, Vaca Films, Xunta De Galcia Length: 97-Minutes Language: English

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Demon Squad is Well Worth a Watch [Review]

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Wicked Horror is the author of Demon Squad is Well Worth a Watch [Review]. Wicked Horror is the internet's only horror fan site for free original horror movies, news, review & more.

Demon Squad follows Nick Moon (Khristian Fulmer, The Night Shift), a paranormal private investigator and his new hired hand Daisy O’Reilly (Erin Lilley, The Night Shift). Nick quickly realizes that the task he was hired to complete is more involved than he once believed and he loses himself in a quest to keep the world from ending. Also see: Rob Zombie’s 3 From Hell Comes to Shudder in Time for Valentine’s Day!  Demon Squad has a lot of strong components. What struck me the most was that this was not an origin story, but rather in medias res. In medias res, by definition, is a narrative work opening in the midst of the plot. But in Demon Squad, this means that the viewer is seeing Nick in the middle of his career rather than the middle of the storyline. Nick Moon is a fascinating character who has already established himself in the local scene of demons, ghouls, goblins, etc… And instead of bogging viewers down with this information, Demon Squad makes the choice to show us instead. There are several interactions between Nick and a police detective, as well as various demons (including a demonic madam) that inform the viewer he has a history with these folks, even if the details aren’t explicitly mentioned. Further, upon beginning investigations, Nick already has methods, tools, and a system that show the viewer he is much more than a gumshoe detective. This world that is shown throughout the film and the way Demon Squad presents it reminded me a bit of the John Wick universe and how (as the viewer) you put together the nuance of the hitman underworld through John Wick’s interactions. Aside from solid world building, Demon Squad’s greatest strength is that of its actors, both protagonists and antagonists. Everyone in this film put a lot of heart into their performances. The chemistry between Nick and his love interest is believable enough that it creates legitimate tension when there is conflict. Moreover, all the villains, demons, and other paranormal entities of the film  really embrace their roles. I felt both horrified and moved by their presence. There is genuine loss in the flick (no spoilers) and because of the journey that I had with these characters I was invested to the point that it was legitimately upsetting. Overall, Demon Squad is an independent horror feature that is indeed worth your time. The colorful world presented as well as the fantastic characters and storyline all provide a stepping stone for a hopefully expansive greater universe. WICKED RATING: 7/10  Director(s): Thomas Smith Writer(s): Erin Lilley, Thomas Smith Stars: Khristian Fulmer, Erin Lilley, Leah Christine Johnson Release: Available now on DVD and on demand. (Full list here) Studio/ Production Co: Fighting Owl Films Length: 97-minutes Language: English Sub-Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Horror Follow us on social media! Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Youtube.

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Five Horror Series Cancelled Too Soon (and Five That Need to End)

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Wicked Horror is the author of Five Horror Series Cancelled Too Soon (and Five That Need to End). Wicked Horror is the internet's only horror fan site for free original horror movies, news, review & more.

We’ve all been there. The dreaded announcement that one of your favorite horror series is coming to an abrupt and unsatisfying end. Due to budget issues, low viewership, or disagreements on set, we have witnessed many horror series yanked well before their time. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and leaves one feeling unfulfilled. Inversely, there are those horror series that could have been successfully wrapped up in three seasons but continue to churn out episode after episode, despite the fact that they seemingly have nothing left to say. Love it or hate it, here are five horror series cancelled too soon and five that need to end! The Passage The Passage is based on a book series by Justin Cronin. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires have taken over the Earth. After just one season, this very promising horror series was cancelled by Fox due to a drop in ratings and scheduling issues. Maybe I’m a bit biased because one of the main characters was played by Mark-Paul Gosselaar of Saved by the Bell fame. But even if you didn’t have the hots for Zack Morris, with solid acting and a great storyline, the show was cancelled far too soon. Let’s hope another network or streaming service picks it up! Ash vs Evil Dead The Evil Dead quickly gained a cult following after its initial release in the ’80s. It was followed by two excellent sequels and a stellar remake. Next up was the Starz original series Ash vs Evil Dead, which premiered in 2015. The show brought back Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams and introduced him to some bad-ass new sidekicks. Sadly, it only lasted three seasons, but if rumors are to be believed we will be treated to another Evil Dead feature film someday! Also See: Bruce Campbell is Producing a New Evil Dead Movie with Sam Raimi Freddy’s Nightmares As a budding horror fan growing up in the ’80s, A Nightmare on Elm Street was one of my greatest joys in life. I couldn’t get enough of Fred Krueger. I was one happy little kid when (the sometimes cheesy) Freddy’s Nightmares premiered in the ’80s. This meant I was treated to a new Elm Street story every week. While Freddy didn’t feature in every episode, he always made an appearance and added his signature humor to the series in the tradition of the Crypt Keeper. Unfortunately, we were only given two seasons of Freddy’s Nightmares. Cancellation of the horror series was believed to be due to backlash from conservative markets. Also See: Eight Episodes of Freddy’s Nightmares That are Shockingly Good Dead Like Me I came upon Dead Like Me many years after its initial release in the early 2000’s. I had such a great time watching it and still can’t believe the network chose to cancel such a creative and fun series. The program featured genius writing and told the story of likable grim reapers with fantastic human flaws. There was a made-for-TV film that offered some sort of closure to the series. But Dead Like Me was definitely cancelled long before its time. The Exorcist I remember watching The Exorcist for the first time when I was way too young to handle it. To this day, that movie sits high up on my list of scariest horror movies ever made. I was almost hesitant to watch the television series because I didn’t think they could do much more with it. I was particularly happy with the first season and the major twist near the halfway point. Of course, as all good things, this too came to an end. Unfortunately, it was after just two seasons. Season two may not have been  quite as gripping as season one, but the concept still had a lot of life in it when the series got the axe. OK. We promised you five series that were cancelled too soon and five that need to end. Now it’s time for us to make good on the second half of that commitment. Keep reading for five shows that need the axe! The Walking Dead I was so stoked when the first season of The Walking Dead was announced. I am a fan of the Robert Kirkman comics and even have an edition signed by the man himself. I felt a little smug knowing beforehand who many of the central characters were and what was going to happen next. Of course, the storyline for the show veered pretty far off course from the comics, so I quickly lost that edge. However, I remained a devoted fan until Carl was killed off. Too many of the characters that the series started with are now gone and I eventually lost interest. Viewership is currently at an all time low. I think it’s high time they pull the plug on this one. Also See: The Walking Dead Season 9 and the Trouble With Peace [Review] American Horror Story I started watching AHS a few seasons after it started and quickly became a fan. However, I stopped watching about halfway through the seventh season (Cult) because there was too much political drama. We get enough news about politics in our daily lives and TV is something of an escape. Aside from that, I found the characters to be obnoxious. I tried the next season (Apocalypse), but after a couple of episodes I was bored. The show has run its course and it’s time to pull the plug. Also See: Ten Easter Eggs You May Have Missed from American Horror Story Van Helsing I read recently that there will be a fifth and final season of Van Helsing, which is great because it needs to end. The main character, Vanessa Van Helsing, is still kicking ass and I enjoy watching her beat down hordes of vampires. However, the other central character are really annoying. By the series’ third season, I’d started doing that thing where you scroll through your social media feeds while watching the show in the background. Never a good sign. Related: Script to Pieces: Van Helsing 2 Supernatural Supernatural is ending this year with it’s 15th and final season! Let me be the first to say I really do love this show. It got me through a tough year when I binge watched 12 seasons over the course of a few months. I’m not sure why I waited so long to watch it, but once I started I became thoroughly hooked. Sam and Dean are fun to watch and the the writers have come up with some very creative storylines. However, as all good things do, this too must come to an end before it starts to get too formulaic. Fifteen years is a very long run and I think it’s time Sam and Dean get some much deserved rest. Stranger Things The first season of Stranger Things was absolutely aces. There are so many things to love about a series full of 80’s nostalgia, terrifying monsters, and a rag-tag crew of kids. Season two kept up the momentum from the first season, but I was a bit disappointed by the third season. The kids are growing up and seem more interested in their love life or lack thereof. They are all going in different directions and the storyline is getting repetitive. It’s been rumored there will only be one or two more seasons, which of course I’ll watch, but I know I’m not the only one thinking it’s time to wrap things up. Also See: Stranger Things 3 Appeals to the Nerd in Us All Follow us on social media! Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Five Horror Series Cancelled Too Soon (and Five That Need to End)

Original Source via Wicked Horror

Wicked Horror is the author of Five Horror Series Cancelled Too Soon (and Five That Need to End). Wicked Horror is the internet's only horror fan site for free original horror movies, news, review & more.

We’ve all been there. The dreaded announcement that one of your favorite horror series is coming to an abrupt and unsatisfying end. Due to budget issues, low viewership, or disagreements on set, we have witnessed many horror series yanked well before their time. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and leaves one feeling unfulfilled. Inversely, there are those horror series that could have been successfully wrapped up in three seasons but continue to churn out episode after episode, despite the fact that they seemingly have nothing left to say. Love it or hate it, here are five horror series cancelled too soon and five that need to end! The Passage The Passage is based on a book series by Justin Cronin. It’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where vampires have taken over the Earth. After just one season, this very promising horror series was cancelled by Fox due to a drop in ratings and scheduling issues. Maybe I’m a bit biased because one of the main characters was played by Mark-Paul Gosselaar of Saved by the Bell fame. But even if you didn’t have the hots for Zack Morris, with solid acting and a great storyline, the show was cancelled far too soon. Let’s hope another network or streaming service picks it up! Ash vs Evil Dead The Evil Dead quickly gained a cult following after its initial release in the ’80s. It was followed by two excellent sequels and a stellar remake. Next up was the Starz original series Ash vs Evil Dead, which premiered in 2015. The show brought back Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams and introduced him to some bad-ass new sidekicks. Sadly, it only lasted three seasons, but if rumors are to be believed we will be treated to another Evil Dead feature film someday! Also See: Bruce Campbell is Producing a New Evil Dead Movie with Sam Raimi Freddy’s Nightmares As a budding horror fan growing up in the ’80s, A Nightmare on Elm Street was one of my greatest joys in life. I couldn’t get enough of Fred Krueger. I was one happy little kid when (the sometimes cheesy) Freddy’s Nightmares premiered in the ’80s. This meant I was treated to a new Elm Street story every week. While Freddy didn’t feature in every episode, he always made an appearance and added his signature humor to the series in the tradition of the Crypt Keeper. Unfortunately, we were only given two seasons of Freddy’s Nightmares. Cancellation of the horror series was believed to be due to backlash from conservative markets. Also See: Eight Episodes of Freddy’s Nightmares That are Shockingly Good Dead Like Me I came upon Dead Like Me many years after its initial release in the early 2000’s. I had such a great time watching it and still can’t believe the network chose to cancel such a creative and fun series. The program featured genius writing and told the story of likable grim reapers with fantastic human flaws. There was a made-for-TV film that offered some sort of closure to the series. But Dead Like Me was definitely cancelled long before its time. The Exorcist I remember watching The Exorcist for the first time when I was way too young to handle it. To this day, that movie sits high up on my list of scariest horror movies ever made. I was almost hesitant to watch the television series because I didn’t think they could do much more with it. I was particularly happy with the first season and the major twist near the halfway point. Of course, as all good things, this too came to an end. Unfortunately, it was after just two seasons. Season two may not have been  quite as gripping as season one, but the concept still had a lot of life in it when the series got the axe. OK. We promised you five series that were cancelled too soon and five that need to end. Now it’s time for us to make good on the second half of that commitment. Keep reading for five shows that need the axe! The Walking Dead I was so stoked when the first season of The Walking Dead was announced. I am a fan of the Robert Kirkman comics and even have an edition signed by the man himself. I felt a little smug knowing beforehand who many of the central characters were and what was going to happen next. Of course, the storyline for the show veered pretty far off course from the comics, so I quickly lost that edge. However, I remained a devoted fan until Carl was killed off. Too many of the characters that the series started with are now gone and I eventually lost interest. Viewership is currently at an all time low. I think it’s high time they pull the plug on this one. Also See: The Walking Dead Season 9 and the Trouble With Peace [Review] American Horror Story I started watching AHS a few seasons after it started and quickly became a fan. However, I stopped watching about halfway through the seventh season (Cult) because there was too much political drama. We get enough news about politics in our daily lives and TV is something of an escape. Aside from that, I found the characters to be obnoxious. I tried the next season (Apocalypse), but after a couple of episodes I was bored. The show has run its course and it’s time to pull the plug. Also See: Ten Easter Eggs You May Have Missed from American Horror Story Van Helsing I read recently that there will be a fifth and final season of Van Helsing, which is great because it needs to end. The main character, Vanessa Van Helsing, is still kicking ass and I enjoy watching her beat down hordes of vampires. However, the other central character are really annoying. By the series’ third season, I’d started doing that thing where you scroll through your social media feeds while watching the show in the background. Never a good sign. Related: Script to Pieces: Van Helsing 2 Supernatural Supernatural is ending this year with it’s 15th and final season! Let me be the first to say I really do love this show. It got me through a tough year when I binge watched 12 seasons over the course of a few months. I’m not sure why I waited so long to watch it, but once I started I became thoroughly hooked. Sam and Dean are fun to watch and the the writers have come up with some very creative storylines. However, as all good things do, this too must come to an end before it starts to get too formulaic. Fifteen years is a very long run and I think it’s time Sam and Dean get some much deserved rest. Stranger Things The first season of Stranger Things was absolutely aces. There are so many things to love about a series full of 80’s nostalgia, terrifying monsters, and a rag-tag crew of kids. Season two kept up the momentum from the first season, but I was a bit disappointed by the third season. The kids are growing up and seem more interested in their love life or lack thereof. They are all going in different directions and the storyline is getting repetitive. It’s been rumored there will only be one or two more seasons, which of course I’ll watch, but I know I’m not the only one thinking it’s time to wrap things up. Also See: Stranger Things 3 Appeals to the Nerd in Us All Follow us on social media! Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

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Revulsion Rewind: Looking Back on Man’s Best Friend

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Wicked Horror is the author of Revulsion Rewind: Looking Back on Man’s Best Friend. Wicked Horror is the internet's only horror fan site for free original horror movies, news, review & more.

Welcome creeps and cretins to a new Wicked Horror column called Revulsion Rewind. Here we will discuss all of our favorite forgotten horror gems. Those obscure treasures that made you cringe, laugh, scream, and shake your head because it was so bad it was good. For our first outing, we’ll be taking a look at the 1993 flick Man’s Best Friend. Ally Sheedy of The Breakfast Club and Short Circuit fame stars as investigative reporter Lori Tanner. While investigating local genetics company EMAX for possible animal abuse, Lori stumbles on a giant Tibetan Mastiff named Max. While filming Max’s various injuries she is interrupted by the sinister and imposing head of EMAX, Dr. Jarrett (played wonderfully by Lance Henriksen).  Lori and Max escape and Lori takes Max home to the displeasure of her boyfriend Perry. Meanwhile Dr. Jarrett goes to the local police and tells them of his missing dog. During his interview with the police we find out that Max is not your average canine. Dr. Jarrett informs them that Max is a hybrid animal spliced genetically with the aggressiveness and survival skills of some of natures most efficient predators known to man. Dr. Jarrett tells detectives he has to continually give Max mood altering drugs to keep him calm and if he is not located soon, Max will snap. Also See: ’90’s Horror Movies That Defined the Decade While with Lori, Max seems obedient, protective and basically the perfect household pet. Little does she know that he has secretly killed a mailman, swallowed a cat, chewed through her boyfriend’s brake lines, and stalked the neighborhood. As time goes on, we slowly see Max’s mental state erode and he becomes more aggressive and unstable. The rest of the film is a race to find Max before he can cause any more death, terror and destruction. And it ends with a set up for a sequel we never got. Man’s Best Friend is the kind of film that prompts you to ask yourself what you just watched when the credit roll.   Also See: Overlooked Horror Franchises That Need More Love Directed by John Lafia of Child’s Play 2 fame, Man’s Best Friend is a wonderfully crafted and sometimes hilarious send up of canine stereotypes played out against a horror backdrop. We see Max have a violent showdown with the local mail carrier and as we all know, mail carriers are the bane of a dog’s existence. We also find Max peeing on a fire hydrant, terrorizing dog catchers and chasing cats. You know, all the normal things dogs are supposed to do. While not really conquering any new territory in the giant killer dog genre, what Man’s Best Friend has going for it is the talent involved. It features a talented cast of characters a, gifted team of special effects artists, and a writer/director hot off the heels of the fan favorite sequel, Child’s Play 2.  I unashamedly love this movie. When I randomly found it in a discount bin at my local F.Y.E. store many years ago, I rushed to the register with money in hand. As soon as I got home, I popped it in and relived my childhood all over again.  While Man’s Best Friend certainly wasn’t Oscar bait (although Ally Sheedy was nominated for a Saturn Award for her portrayal of Lori Tanner) films like this bring us together. This is the type of flick you throw on at a Halloween party and watch with a group of friends. Films like this help us forge better relationships and friendships with others through our love of over-the-top, outrageous, obscure horror cinema.   Also See: Five Bad Horror Sequels That Were Almost Good So the next time you are looking for something to turn your brain off to, Man’s Best Friend should be at the top of your list. The tagline of the film basically sums up what you can expect: Nature created him, Science perfected him, But no one can control him. I hope you enjoyed the inaugural edition of Revulsion Rewind. Until next time, malicious wishes my friends. Follow us on social media! Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Youtube.

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Demon Squad is Well Worth a Watch [Review]

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Wicked Horror is the author of Demon Squad is Well Worth a Watch [Review]. Wicked Horror is the internet's only horror fan site for free original horror movies, news, review & more.

Demon Squad follows Nick Moon (Khristian Fulmer, The Night Shift), a paranormal private investigator and his new hired hand Daisy O’Reilly (Erin Lilley, The Night Shift). Nick quickly realizes that the task he was hired to complete is more involved than he once believed and he loses himself in a quest to keep the world from ending. Also see: Rob Zombie’s 3 From Hell Comes to Shudder in Time for Valentine’s Day!  Demon Squad has a lot of strong components. What struck me the most was that this was not an origin story, but rather in medias res. In medias res, by definition, is a narrative work opening in the midst of the plot. But in Demon Squad, this means that the viewer is seeing Nick in the middle of his career rather than the middle of the storyline. Nick Moon is a fascinating character who has already established himself in the local scene of demons, ghouls, goblins, etc… And instead of bogging viewers down with this information, Demon Squad makes the choice to show us instead. There are several interactions between Nick and a police detective, as well as various demons (including a demonic madam) that inform the viewer he has a history with these folks, even if the details aren’t explicitly mentioned. Further, upon beginning investigations, Nick already has methods, tools, and a system that show the viewer he is much more than a gumshoe detective. This world that is shown throughout the film and the way Demon Squad presents it reminded me a bit of the John Wick universe and how (as the viewer) you put together the nuance of the hitman underworld through John Wick’s interactions. Aside from solid world building, Demon Squad’s greatest strength is that of its actors, both protagonists and antagonists. Everyone in this film put a lot of heart into their performances. The chemistry between Nick and his love interest is believable enough that it creates legitimate tension when there is conflict. Moreover, all the villains, demons, and other paranormal entities of the film  really embrace their roles. I felt both horrified and moved by their presence. There is genuine loss in the flick (no spoilers) and because of the journey that I had with these characters I was invested to the point that it was legitimately upsetting. Overall, Demon Squad is an independent horror feature that is indeed worth your time. The colorful world presented as well as the fantastic characters and storyline all provide a stepping stone for a hopefully expansive greater universe. WICKED RATING: 7/10  Director(s): Thomas Smith Writer(s): Erin Lilley, Thomas Smith Stars: Khristian Fulmer, Erin Lilley, Leah Christine Johnson Release: Available now on DVD and on demand. (Full lis here) Studio/ Production Co: Fighting Owl Films Length: 97-minutes Language: English Sub-Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Horror Follow us on social media! Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Youtube.

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The Night is Ruined in the Last 15 Minutes [Review]

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Wicked Horror is the author of The Night is Ruined in the Last 15 Minutes [Review]. Wicked Horror is the internet's only horror fan site for free original horror movies, news, review & more.

Everyone goes wrong in the California set, Iranian horror film The Night because Babak (Shahab Hosseini) wants to sleep in his own bed. After a night of partying with his brother, he insists that his family won’t stay over. He and Neda (Niousha Jafarian) pack their one-month old daughter into the car and they start the half hour drive home. Neda doesn’t want him behind the wheel after having had so much to drink, but her license is suspended. Their GPS breaks in the middle of the city, droning, “Recalculating, recalculating” repeatedly. As they bicker, Babak hits something.  When they get out to investigate, whatever he hit is gone. Babak growls, “It’s just a cat. So what?” Neda gets back in the car, but Babak spots a dark figure watching him. He doesn’t mention the apparition, but he caves and agrees to stay the night at the closest hotel.   Things escalate once they check into the Hotel Normandie. A strange boy knocks at the door, calling out for his absent mother. The mysterious figure Babak saw earlier keeps appearing, watching him. The porter lists tragedies he saw and tells Babak, “I’ve seen a lot of death, all sorts of it. The worst is the death of a child.” The atmosphere is heavy with dread.  Once he’s established that feeling, director and co-writer Kourosh Ahari shows a knack for manipulating viewers. None of the scares in The Night are new, but they’re well done. Ahari finds ways to draw out the tense moments and let his viewers sit in those moments, waiting for the jump scare. He plays enough with the timing that knowing something’s coming doesn’t make it any less jarring.  He also works with implication. His spectres are frequently heard—clanging on the roof, whispering to Babak or Neda while they try to sleep, or knocking on the door—but seldom seen. This strategy works to keep the budget low and the scares high. None of this would work without excellent sound design, which The Night has.  The scares are also relentless. Once the family gets to the hotel, something is constantly happening. As Babak and Neda lie in bed, trying to get as much shut-eye as they can before the baby wakes them yet again, whatever force is haunting them keeps coming.  The strongest part of The Night is Ahari’s refusal to give an easy answer to the two most important questions: what’s happening and why is it happening?  Early in the movie, Ahari hints at multiple reasons that this is happening to Babak and Neda. It could be that whatever Babak hit, as suggested by a black cat motif, getting its revenge on them. Maybe their new tattoos—either half of a runic symbol tattooed on their respective forearms without knowing what it meant—are cursed? Could this hotel in California (“You can check out any time you want / but you can never leave”) itself is the source of their supernatural suffering? There are frequent uses of the phrase, “No way out,” maybe referencing Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous play about hell, No Exit.  RELATED: The Twisted History of the Cecil Hotel All of these possibilities are more interesting than the regressive, anti-woman sentiment that the ending of The Night seems to imply. The revelation is frustrating, because until that point the movie is a lot of fun, and nothing implied that this is where the movie might be heading. There’s no gun introduced in the first act, but it’s going off in the third.  This is a movie I want to like. The leads, Hosseini and Jafarian, turn in strong performances. The scares are well executed, if familiar. The sound design is excellent. It’s a beautiful house with thematic termites, turning to dust by the end.  Wicked Rating – 6/10 Director: Kourosh AhariWriters: Kourosh Ahari, Milad JarmoozStars: Shahab Hosseini, Niousha JafarianRelease Date: January 18, 2020 (Santa Barbara International Film Festival) Studio/Production Co.: Mammoth Pictures, Indie Entertainment, Orama Filmworks, Leveller MediaLanguage: Persian, EnglishRuntime: 105-minute Follow us on social media! Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.

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