On October 16th, After Dark Films will be reviving their annual horror film festival thanks to a new partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. “8 Films To Die For” promises to give fans eight fantastic independent horror experiences that they can sink their teeth into.
In preparation for this special event, we wanted to take the time to give a quick overview of all of the movies that are a part of this impressive lineup. So without further ado, here are this year’s “8 Films To Die For” picks.
Bastard
Bastard is an 80’s stylized slasher movie that successfully captures all the qualities of classic horror films and introduces this dynamic to a newer generation of audiences. The story revolves around five strangers who become suspects and victims when a mass murderer goes on a killing spree in an isolated mountain town. These strangers consist of a newlywed serial killer couple, a suicidal police officer, and a runaway brother and sister duo. With so many explosive elements at play, this promises to be one film that will definitely capture your attention.
Bastard was written by Patrick Robert Young and is directed by Powell Robinson and Young. The film stars Tonya Kay (Get Him to the Greek), Rebekah Kennedy (Season of the Witch), Burt Culver (The Paper Boat), Ellis Greer (A Small Death), Dan Creed (Dinner Party), and Will Tranfo (The Creation of Aspen).
Lumberjack Man
Lumberjack Man is a unique horror film filled with gore, suspense, scantily clad women, and plenty of comedy from start to finish. The story takes place at a Church Camp during spring break and involves a demon logger wreaking havoc on everyone in the vicinity. In many ways, this plot is similar to most Friday the 13th films, but the comedic element pushes the formula in a new direction.
Lumberjack Man was directed by Josh Bear, produced by Bill Muehl, and written by Ed Kuehnel and Matt Entin from a story created by Bear and Muehl. The film stars Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill), Alex Dobrenko (Bloody Homecoming), Ciara Flynn (Replica 114), Chase Joliet (Zombex), and Adam Sessler (X-Play).
Murder in the Dark
Murder in the Dark is a contemporary horror/thriller that takes the theme of murder mysteries and elevates the intensity to greater heights. The story revolves around a group of young people who decide to play a party game while on vacation in a Turkish town. Shortly thereafter, someone decides to take the game too far and people are slowly killed off one-by-one. The film is highly experimental in the sense that the actors weren’t allowed to read the script at anytime during the production. The end result is interesting and leads to many raw, yet memorable performances throughout.
Murder in the Dark was written and directed by Dagen Merrill, and produced by Jamie Burke and Chris ‘Doc’ Wyatt. The film stars Luke Arnold (Black Sails), Phil Austin (The Final Destination, The Pursuit of Happyness), Yann Bean (Out of the Woods), Samrat Chakrabarti (Extinction), Kiran Deol (Seven Psychopaths), Eme Ikwuakor (The New Republic), Simone Tang (Sorrow and Joy), Mary Kate Wiles (Into the Night), and Murielle Zuker (Ocean’s 7-11).
Re-Kill
Re-Kill is a post-apocalyptic horror film that takes place 5 years after an outbreak wipes out 85% of the world’s population. The story focuses on a war between reanimated humans and regular humans as a S.W.A.T. unit attempts to kill the remaining infected before a second outbreak starts. The film has all the makings of a Walking Dead episode and is sure to interest those who are looking for more action in their horror movies.
Re-Kill was written by Michael Hurst (Room 6) and directed by Valeri Milev (Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort). The film stars Bruce Payne (Passenger 57), Mark Adams (21 Jump Street), and Scott Adkins (The Bourne Ultimatum).
Suspension
Suspension is a thrilling horror film and the visually stunning follow up to Savage Island. The story follows a high-school student named Emily who recalls her jailed father’s killing spree and expresses herself by drawing horrific pictures in her sketchbook. Once her father escapes prison, he targets Emily and her friends during another bloody murdering rampage. The bone-chilling trailer above doesn’t disappoint and will definitely interest those who are looking for a twisted, yet satisfying storyline.
Suspension was written by Kevin Mosley (Puppet Killer) and produced/directed by Jeffery Scott Lando and Sage Brocklebank. The film stars Ellen MacNevin (Supernatural), Steve Richmond (iZombie), Rustin Gresiuk (Flicka: Country Pride), Taylor Russell (Falling Skies), Duncan Ollerenshaw (Hell on Wheels), and Sage Brocklebank (Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore).
The Wicked Within
The Wicked Within is a classic horror film that deals with themes of possession and non-stop nightmares. Shortly after a little girl passes away, a vengeful demon spirit arises and takes possession of a vulnerable family with the goal of tearing them apart one-by-one. Fans of films like Poltergeist will certainly enjoy this movie, but may also be left frightened for days on end afterward.
The Wicked Within was directed by Jay Alaimo and produced by Gianni Capaldi and Enzo Cilenti. The film stars Karen Austin (Summer Rental), Gianni Capaldi (Blood of Redemption), Enzo Cilenti (Guardians of the Galaxy), Sienna Guillory (Love Actually), Michele Hicks (Mulholland Drive), and Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight).
Unnatural
Unnatural is a ravenous horror film that shows what can happen when Man decides to play God. Set in an Alaskan wilderness, the narrative focuses on the escape of a man-hunting create and the sheer amount of brutality that it unleashes on an unsuspecting group of cabin dwellers. This is essentially the definitive creature film of the show and absolutely shouldn’t be missed.
Unnatural was written by Ron Carlson and Arch Stanton, directed by Hank Braxtan, and produced by Ron Carlson. The film stars James Remar (Dexter), Sherilyn Fenn (Rude Awakening), Graham Greene (The Green Mile), Stephanie Hodes (Life Blood), Q’orianka Kilcher (The New World), Ivana Korab (If You Only Knew), Ray Wise (RoboCop), and Allegra Carpenter (The Fault in Our Stars).
Wind Walkers
Wind Walkers is a spine-chilling Native American tale that takes place in Florida. The story revolves around a U.S. soldier that returns home from duty and discovers that his best friend is missing. Shortly thereafter, he comes under attack by an ancient Native American curse that has ties to his friend and must find a way to break free from it. This is a very unique entry for the series, but the tone and message behind the story definitely makes it one film worth watching.
Wind Walkers was written and directed by Russell Friedenberg, and produced by Iron Circle Pictures and Sweet Tomato Films. The film stars Phil Burke (Hell on Wheels), Russell Friedenburg (Among Ravens), Kiowa Gordon (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse), Zane Holtz (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Christopher Kriesa (Cast Away), Castille Landon (Sex Ed), and Glen Powell Jr. (The Expendables 3; The Dark Knight Rises).
For more info, please visit www.8filmstodiefor.com
This concludes my preview on After Dark’s “8 Films To Die For” series. Do any of the movies above interest you? If so, please feel free to tell us which ones and why in the comments section below.
