Summerween Round-Up

Hello Ghouls!

It's been a short while since we last spoke, but I have been claws deep in research for my most extensive blog post yet. It did occur to me that I should touch base with you all and let you know what I have been watching. So without further ado here is what I've been sinking my teeth into...

28 Years Later

I was nervous heading into 28 Years Later based on the reviews floating around online. I try not to engage with reviews before seeing a film ,as I don't want my opinions to be influenced, however my online world is mostly made up of horror content so it was impossible to avoid this time around. Despite trying to keep an open mind, I expected the worst as I sat down in my seat with popcorn in hand.

Straight away I knew this was going to be a hit with me. The small town that had reverted back to 'traditional' English values as a way to cope with the ongoing virus was a great microcosm to showcase 'toxic masculinity'. What I originally thought was going to be a fun and punchy Zombie flick quickly turned into one of the most heart-wrenching films of the year. I had walked into the cinema questioning whether or not this was going to be a waste of money, and ended my cinema trip wondering how I was going to get my eyeliner stains out of my shirt sleeves.

One of the biggest critiques I seen circulating was the push back about the equipment used to film (an iPhone) which I don't really understand, especially after watching the film. I'm of the opinion that horror has always been one of the most resourceful genres, many horror fans would be the first to tell you this in the genre's defence. The truth is many upcoming filmmakers will be using what they have at their disposal, and 28 Years Later may inspire young filmmakers to use what they have, and to not be discouraged by pictures of film sets full to the brim with expensive HD cameras. I understand an iPhone may not look as appealing as a 35mm film camera, but that is not the technology that is most accessible today, and forgive me for thinking that we should be more interested in the film being created instead of the piece of kit it was filmed on!

I am super excited to see where this film series goes in the next few years, which reminds me, watch the new trailer for 'The Bone Temple' below:

Also, I know the creatures are called the Infected. Leave me alone nerds.

---

Bring Her Back

I'm an anxious ghoul at the best of times and Bring Her Back pushed me to my limits with tension drenched scenes paired with gut wrenching depictions of grief. The film follows two siblings adjusting to their new life after their father passes away suddenly, as they move into an enthusiastic foster parents home. Throughout the film, family secrets are revealed on all sides as supernatural forces work to bend you to their will and we are left feeling exposed and vulnerable in many moments. The supernatural elements were especially enjoyable, I thought they were creative and I appreciated them being apart of the 'Talk To Me' (2022) cinematic universe. We may have a new and exciting horror universe to explore in more depth, if we are lucky.

WARNING: if you are sensitive to violence towards children, this probably isn't the film for you.

---

Weapons

The trailer for this film has followed me to every cinema I have been to for last year, and for good reason.

Starting out with an already bizarre mystery that builds into absurdity as the run time continues, Weapons made me feel uneasy in the pit of my stomach. We follow multiple perspectives of townsfolk impacted by the missing children running into the night to never be seen again. I enjoyed the switch between different perspectives (mainly because I'm nosey) as it allowed us to piece together the mystery along with the town as the runtime continued. I don't want to spoil too much because I think this film is a great watch and perfectly demonstrates how a horror that slips under the radar can be the most damaging of all.

---

Together

Have you ever hugged a friend or your romantic partner and felt like it wasn't close enough? Maybe, you wanted to climb inside them and wear them like a nice winter coat, finally together at last. If you answered yes... 'Together' was made for you!

'Together' is what happens when co-dependency meets folk horror. We follow a couple who is struggling to figure out how they fit into each others lives anymore after going through with a big move. Going from a big city to a house surrounded by woodland would be a pretty big culture shock, however if those woods contain an ancient entity- it may explain why the property value was so low. 'Together' is brutal, disgusting and sickly sweet as we watch this couple fumble to save themselves from their fate. The body horror was a sight for sore eyes (if your eyes get sore when you're not watching people contort and come apart in miraculous ways) and kept me entertained throughout.

I think 'Together' is the perfect cold Autumn Date Night film, however your cuddling may feel more uncomfortable as the film goes on.

---

Have you seen any of these films during Summerween? Let me know what you thought down below, and don't forget to subscribe to receive email notifications of upcoming blog posts and spooky season content!

Happy Haunting,

Meg The Ghoul!