PREVIEW: Come Home (2024) - Starring Chinaza Uche

By Jon Donnis

Get ready for a chilling journey into the heart of terror with Come Home, a gripping new horror film coming to UK digital platforms on December 9, 2024, courtesy of Miracle Media. This atmospheric cabin-in-the-woods thriller has already made waves, winning Best Film at the Ravenna Nightmare Film Festival. With its haunting story and powerful performances, it promises to leave audiences on edge.

The film stars Chinaza Uche (A Good Person, Silo), Sathya Sridharan (The Whale, Kaleidoscope), and Paton Ashbrook (House of Cards, Shameless). Directed by Nicole Pursell (The Ring Things) and Caitlin Zoz (Silo, How to Rob), who also take on lead roles, Come Home is an intense exploration of fear and survival.

The story follows newlyweds Mel (Zoz) and Ikenna (Uche) as they inherit a secluded family cabin in the remote Adirondack Mountains. Looking for a break from their hectic New York lives, they invite their friends Taylor (Ashbrook) and Arjun (Sridharan) to join them for a peaceful getaway. What begins as a hopeful retreat soon turns into a nightmare when strange and unexplainable events disturb their stay.

Something dangerous is lurking in the woods, and as the group realizes they are being hunted, paranoia takes over. Is it a human threat, or is there something supernatural in the forest? As fear mounts and their bonds are tested, they are drawn into a horrifying trap that makes them question if they will ever make it home.

Come Home is a masterclass in building tension. The directors skillfully blend psychological suspense with visceral scares, creating a movie that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. The remote Adirondack setting is brought to life with stunning yet eerie cinematography that captures the isolation and danger of the wilderness. The performances from the cast add depth and believability to the story, making the terror feel all too real.

Fans of films like The Witch and The Ritual will find much to love in Come Home. This is horror at its most gripping and unsettling. Mark your calendars for December 9 and prepare for a film that will have you looking over your shoulder long after the credits roll. Will they escape the nightmare, or will they never come home again?

Watch Trailer below:

REVIEW: Nutcrackers (2024 Christmas Film) - Starring Ben Stiller

Review by Jon Donnis

"Nutcrackers," directed by David Gordon Green, arrives as a familiar, heartwarming holiday film that's perfectly suited to those seeking a dose of feel-good cheer without anything too surprising. The film tells the story of Mike Maxwell, played by Ben Stiller, who, after the sudden death of his sister and her husband, is tasked with looking after his rambunctious nephews in rural Ohio. As he tries to close a business deal and help the kids find a foster home, Mike becomes increasingly involved in their lives, culminating in a rather unconventional holiday performance of The Nutcracker.

Despite its rather predictable narrative, Nutcrackers does have its charms. The film is filled with solid performances, particularly from Stiller, who brings a mix of comedy and vulnerability to his role. His interaction with the four Kicklighter children, each of whom has their own unique personality, is one of the film's most enjoyable aspects. The kids, led by Homer Janson as the rebellious Justice, are energetic and provide plenty of opportunities for comedic moments, though they also evoke sympathy as they deal with the loss of their parents and their uncertain future. Linda Cardellini's portrayal of Gretchen Rice, the social worker, adds a necessary grounding presence to the chaos of the Kicklighter household, even if her role is somewhat underdeveloped.

The script, penned with wit and humour, does its best to keep the energy light, though it occasionally falls into the trap of relying on the kind of clichés that we've seen time and again in holiday films. From the rich, indifferent socialite Al Wilmington (played by Toby Huss) to the subplot of Mike's competing business rival, Nutcrackers seems intent on checking off every familiar holiday movie trope. There's even a memorable sequence where the kids destroy a nativity display at a Christmas party, a scene that's entertaining but undeniably predictable.

However, the film does manage to surprise in its heartwarming moments. Mike's reluctant bonding with the children, particularly in his efforts to produce a version of The Nutcracker with Junior's "better" ballet script, forms the emotional core of the story. The idea of a quirky, low-budget, community performance against the odds, while not exactly fresh, does evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler, more earnest holiday films. And when the kids take the performance outdoors, turning it into a spontaneous street event, there's an undeniable feel-good satisfaction to watching the community come together to support the Kicklighters.

Though it lacks the kind of inventiveness that would make it stand out in the crowded holiday film market, Nutcrackers succeeds in providing a solid dose of entertainment. It's the kind of movie that doesn't take risks or push any boundaries, but its warmth and humour will still leave many viewers with a smile on their faces. The film's greatest strength lies in its simplicity: it doesn't aim to be groundbreaking or particularly deep but instead sticks to the basics of holiday storytelling, offering a classic tale of family, redemption, and love.

That said, Nutcrackers is, for all its charm, a rather forgettable entry in the genre. While enjoyable enough in the moment, it doesn't linger long in the memory. Its predictable plot and reliance on familiar tropes mean it's unlikely to make a lasting impact, but it's a perfectly pleasant choice for those looking for a holiday film that doesn't challenge or provoke too much. In the end, Nutcrackers does exactly what it sets out to do: entertain and uplift, but without leaving any lasting impression. It's a safe, if somewhat sweet, family film that will undoubtedly find its audience, especially during the festive season.

Nutcrackers is a solid, if unremarkable, Christmas film. It brings together solid acting, a few genuine laughs, and an emotional core that will appeal to fans of heartwarming holiday stories. It's the kind of film that, while it may not revolutionise the genre, will leave you feeling good as the credits roll. For those in need of a simple, feel-good holiday movie, it ticks all the right boxes, even if it doesn't break any new ground. On the whole, it's a safe bet for a cosy night in, with enough warmth to make it a pleasant, if fleeting, experience. 6/10.

Out Now on Streaming - https://apple.co/49imBjD

COMPETITION: Win Monster on Blu-ray

Second Sight Films has announced that the Oscar®-winning Monster starring Charlize Theron is set for a Standard Edition Blu-ray release on 9 December 2024.

And to celebrate, we have a great competition for you and a chance to win a copy on Blu-ray

Synopsis:

Charlize Theron gives a tour-de-force performance as America’s first female serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Monster (2003)from director Patty Jenkins (Wonder Woman), which earned her accolades galore, including the prestigious Best Actress Oscar® in 2004. Now more than 20 years on from its original, lauded theatrical release, the film is set for a Standard Edition release on 9 December 2024 from Second Sight Films.

Reviews:

‘It’s got the energy of shocksploitation trash, the insights of shrewd psychological drama and, most importantly, it’s got a barnstorming performance from Charlize Theron’

★★★★ The Guardian

‘Immaculate performances combine with confident… direction… a thought-provoking drama laced with humour and pathos… a great soundtrack, too’

★★★★ Empire

Order from Amazon - https://amzn.to/4idojqx

Enter now for a chance to win.

What is the name of the character played by Charlize Theron in Monster?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 16-12-24

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

PREVIEW: I Saw Black Clouds (2024 Film) Starring Nicole O’Neill

By Jon Donnis

Ghost Dog Films, a British independent studio, has brought its award-winning 2021 live-action video game I Saw Black Clouds to life as a feature film. (We reviewed the game over on our sister site at https://www.gamingcouchpotato.co.uk/2022/06/review-i-saw-black-clouds-on-pc-steam.html) Now streaming, this 79-minute psychological thriller dives deep into grief, guilt, and buried trauma, combining mystery, horror, and drama into a chilling story.

Written and directed by Iain Ross-McNamee, the film takes place in a small English town that feels like a character in its own right. The setting, dark and shrouded in secrets, draws heavily from Scandi-noir influences. Against this eerie backdrop, the story follows Kristina, played by Nicole O'Neill, as she returns home to unravel the truth behind her friend Emily's sudden death.

Emily's death is officially ruled a suicide, but Kristina struggles to accept this explanation. Her search for answers leads her into a tangled web of strange events, supernatural encounters, and hidden truths. Ghostly apparitions and unsettling visions blur the line between reality and nightmare, forcing Kristina to face not only the dark forces surrounding her but also the pain and guilt she has carried for years.

The story grows darker when another friend, Charlotte, disappears. As Kristina gets closer to the truth, she discovers connections to the town's tragic past and a sinister presence that refuses to stay buried. Her quest for answers becomes a fight for survival, pushing her to confront both external dangers and her own haunted memories.

Nicole O'Neill delivers a gripping performance as Kristina, supported by Larry Rew as Alexander and Rachel Jackson as Charlotte. The visuals and sound design heighten the film's uneasy atmosphere, drawing viewers into its unsettling world.

Adapting the interactive narrative of the original video game into a linear film was no small task. Director Iain Ross-McNamee has described the process as rewarding, allowing the team to reach a new audience while maintaining the suspense and psychological depth that made the game so compelling.

Ghost Dog Films has a track record of blending cinematic storytelling with interactive experiences. Their original game received critical acclaim, winning awards for its storytelling and cinematography. Now, this feature film offers a fresh way to experience the haunting tale of I Saw Black Clouds.

For anyone drawn to psychological horror or stories that linger long after the credits roll, this film invites you to explore the darkness that lies just beneath the surface.

Out Now on Prime Video - https://amzn.to/4icCA6X

REVIEW: The Fix (2024 Sci-Fi Thriller Film) Starring Grace Van Dien, Daniel Sharman and Keenan Arrison

Review by Jon Donnis

"The Fix" is a gripping and ambitious science fiction thriller that punches above its weight, delivering an engaging tale of survival, corporate greed, and the ethical dilemmas of human evolution. Written and directed by Kelsey Egan, the film tackles a frighteningly plausible future where Earth's toxic atmosphere forces humanity to rely on a life-saving drug controlled by the ruthless pharmaceutical giant, Aethera. The film's lean 90-ish minute runtime ensures it moves at a brisk pace, keeping the viewer invested from start to finish.

At the heart of the story is Ella McPhee, played with impressive nuance by Grace Van Dien. Her transformation, both physical and emotional, drives the narrative as she navigates her mutation and the moral complexities of her role in humanity's potential salvation. The makeup and effects work on Ella's mutation is particularly commendable, managing to evoke both horror and awe despite the film's modest budget. The international cast, including Daniel Sharman as the chillingly pragmatic Eric O'Connors and Nicole Fortuin as the enigmatic Lazarus, delivers strong performances that add depth to the film's characters.

The world-building is immersive yet feels slightly constrained by budget limitations. The story focuses on a small cast of characters and a limited number of locations, which keeps the plot intimate but leaves some of the broader sci-fi elements underexplored. Despite this, Egan's direction ensures the stakes feel real and immediate, using every dollar to maximum effect. The soundtrack complements the action well, heightening tension and lending the film a polished atmosphere.

"The Fix" excels in its themes, offering a sharp critique of corporate monopolies and the ethical failings of profit-driven science. The narrative aligns the audience firmly with the underdogs, independent scientists and rebels, while portraying big pharma as chillingly manipulative. This moral dichotomy, while not groundbreaking, feels timely and resonates strongly in today's socio-political climate.

On the downside, the low budget occasionally becomes apparent in the film's inability to fully explore its more ambitious concepts. Some of the broader implications of the atmospheric toxicity and the mutagenic drug are touched on but not delved into as deeply as they could have been. However, the tight pacing and focused narrative prevent these shortcomings from detracting significantly from the overall experience.

Ultimately, "The Fix" is a testament to what can be achieved with limited resources when passion and creativity are at the forefront. It's a tightly woven sci-fi thriller that delivers both adrenaline-fuelled action and thought-provoking ideas. While it leaves you wishing for a big-budget adaptation to fully realise its potential, it stands strong as an independent production. A solid 8 out of 10, "The Fix" is an engaging and memorable ride for fans of dystopian cinema.

Out Now on Prime Video - https://amzn.to/4fNZr7f

And on Apple TV - https://apple.co/4i9erOC