It’s a testament to the talents of directors Jon Gorman and Thomas Edward Seymour that they can transplant a Rudyard Kipling horror tale in to contemporary America, and still derive a creep or two. Though “Mark of the Beast” seems like another cabin in the woods horror tale on the surface, deep down it strives to break any conventions, and brings about a unique disgusting monster among a small group of friends.
Gravity (2013)
Many audiences have compared Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity” to the indie horror film “Open Water.” And in many ways that comparison is perfectly apt. Much in the way the aforementioned film sought out to provide audiences with a feeling of aimlessness, sea sickness, and a futile fight for survival, “Gravity” strips away any feeling of equilibrium or safety from the very second it begins. The safety being, of course, gravity. The characters within the scope of the film are engaging in a space walk and have nothing but a tether to keep them tied to their ship. When that option is gone, there’s nothing we can do but submit to the void of space and let fate take hold.
Nebraska (2013)
In “Nebraska,” Woody Grant is convinced that he’s won a million dollars. So convinced is he that he’s won, that soon everyone begins to believe it. What were once old friends, are now people intent on collecting a debt from him, while old relatives come knocking at his door asking for a hand out. Woody Grant is known as the town degenerate, a man who lived life as a loser and will die a loser, only when he perceives himself as a winner, do people begin to believe he is, and try to exploit that.
Horror Anthology Movie Volume 1 (2013)
What with the welcome renaissance of the anthology horror film, indie filmmakers are pooling their resources to deliver films that can showcase everyone’s talents while entertaining an audience. “Horror Anthology Movie Volume 1″ is by no means a masterpiece, but it’s a very solid horror film with directing and storytelling that’s above par in comparison to many other anthologies I’ve seen in the past. Composed of six short films sewn together as one movie, “Horror Anthology Movie Volume 1” attempts to side step common horror tropes in favor of something new and unique.
The Burning (Collector’s Edition) (1981) [BluRay/DVD]
The eighties were apparently a time where summer camps were dens for psychopaths and murderers, and “The Burning” displays no exception. Even more vicious than the first “Friday the 13th,” Tony Maylam’s slasher revenge film is a violent and very creepy horror film steeped in eighties slasher tropes, but still manages to feel fresh and unique to this day. Maylam’s direction keeps the film at a brisk pace, while Tom Savini’s special effects inspire quite the cringe, even today. Cropsey is one of the more underrated slasher icons from the eighties.
Witchboard (1986) [Blu-Ray/DVD Combo]
Director Kevin Tenney’s “Witchboard” is a spooky, but damn silly supernatural mystery that really works in the context of the eighties and really nothing else. Unlike “Night of the Demons,” you really have to consider the time period in order to enjoy “Witchboard” for its elements that will give you occasional chills, while also inspiring a few eye rolls here and there. This is a decade where the Ouija Board was still considered something of a mystic item, so director Tenney plays with such a superstition.
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Sexual Dysfunction (2013)
Director Jacob Viness definitely has some interesting directorial skills, displaying the madness about sexual addiction and what chaos it can wreak. Director Viness spotlights a young man named Paul who is hopelessly addicted to sex to where it’s painful, often ending in nights spent with diseased prostitutes and strangers he meets on the streets. He’s anxious to find a way to end his suffering and find a path in life, and through this he uses his religion to help him on his path. But that’s where the narrative goes off the rails, unfortunately.