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Dead End Drive-In (1986) – An Ozploitation Classic more Relevant than ever.
Summary
A review of Brian Trenchard-Smith's Dead End Drive-In (1986), an underrated Australian cult film where a couple becomes trapped in a government detention center disguised as a drive-in. The film combines vibrant '80s punk aesthetics with social commentary that remains relevant today.
Dead End Drive-In (1986) – An Ozploitation Classic more Relevant than ever.
Dead End Drive-In is an under-rated Australian cult film that blends dystopian Sci-Fi, social satire, and Ozploitation into one mind-blowing package. Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, the film takes a desolate but crazily entertaining look at a future where society has given up on its undesirables by imprisoning them in a rundown drive-in which has been turned into a government-controlled detention centre.

The story follows Jimmy (Ned Manning) and his girlfriend, Carmen (Natalie McCurry) as they go to the drive-in for what should be a good night out. Instead, they find themselves captive when their car’s wheels are stolen—a trap staged by the government to keep the unemployed and delinquents contained. What evolves is a vividly stunning descent into a punk-infused fever dream, where the youth learn to adapt to their new prison in surprising ways.
Dead End Drive-In is soaked in vibrant colours, graffiti-covered cars, and the classic punk/new-wave fashion style that screams ‘80s to the extreme. The soundtrack engulfs the anarchic energy, and Trenchard-Smith’s direction sees the film remains fast-paced and visually spectacular.

Overall Dead End Drive-In is a social commentary. It scrutinises a society that willingly distracts itself with entertainment while the government quietly locks away those deemed unfit for society. This film encompasses youth disillusionment, materialism, media control and shadowy government bodies, all topics so relevant to now.
Director Brian Trenchard-Smith is an Australian filmmaker known for his contribution to genre cinema, particularly Ozploitation. His career, which spans several decades, is defined by his ability to craft high-energy and visually stunning films, culminating in classics such as The Man from Hong Kong and Turkey Shoot.
Final Verdict:
If you love Ozploitation films and dystopian cinema, Dead End Drive-In sits on top of the must-see Australian classic movies. In today’s political and social climate, its storyline and social commentary make it a must-watch film.


From the Editor:
While Dead End Drive-In is available on various streaming platforms around the world, we recommend you look for the 4K UHD release.
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Week of June 4, 2026

Horror
‘Widow’s Bay’ – Guillermo del Toro Calls Horror-Comedy the Best Streaming Series in Years — Guillermo del Toro praised *Widow’s Bay* as possibly the best streaming series in years, calling it a standout horror-comedy with strong narrative craft. His endorsement adds weight to what Bloody Disgusting already hailed as a promising debut that blends eerie atmosphere with genuine comedic timing. The series’ success could signal a new direction for Apple TV+, proving that genre-bending storytelling still has room to thrive in the current streaming landscape.
‘Evil Dead Wrath’ Has Wrapped Production; Releasing in 2028 — Evil Dead Wrath has completed production and is set for a April 2028 release, with Francis Galluppi directing a new story featuring a fresh cast of characters. The film follows the same formula as Evil Dead Burn, introducing a new group to the cursed Book of the Dead, ensuring the franchise stays relevant without relying on nostalgia. With Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert producing, expect another polished but unremarkable entry in the series.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Horror Classic The Birds Is Getting A TV Reboot — Alfred Hitchcock’s *The Birds* is getting a limited series reboot with Sarah Snook attached, written by Tom Spezialy and produced by Universal International Studios. While the original remains a masterclass in slow-burn terror, reimagining it in modern times—especially in Alaska with a new female lead—risks diluting what made the film so unsettling in the first place. The project’s early stage and lack of network home suggest it’s more of a speculative move than a guaranteed hit, but it’s worth watching how they balance honoring Hitchcock’s legacy while making it fresh for today’s audiences.
TVLong Lost ‘Late Night Horror’ Vampire Anthology Episode Discovered — A lost 1968 BBC episode of *Late Night Horror* starring Richard Matheson has resurfaced after decades missing, thanks to fan detective work. The find is remarkable not just for its rarity but because it’s one of only two of the anthology’s six episodes recovered, with the BBC having reportedly destroyed the rest due to viewer complaints. Its appearance at Grindfest marks a rare victory for cult horror preservation, even if the black-and-white version may be all we get—though fans are already hoping for a color restoration.
Sam Raimi Is Producing TERRIFIER Director’s Next Movie — Damien Leone is developing his next film, *Tortures of the Damned*, with Sam Raimi producing through their Ghost House label. The project marks a significant step for Leone beyond the *Terrifier* franchise, though Lionsgate’s enthusiasm feels more like industry validation than a creative leap. Raimi’s involvement signals a push to elevate Leone’s work into mainstream horror territory, but it remains to be seen if he can translate that fan loyalty into a compelling original story.
‘Hellraiser’ – Three Classic Clive Barker Comic Books Back to Shelves! — BOOM! Studios is reissuing three classic Hellraiser comic books in meticulously reproduced facsimile editions, featuring work by Clive Barker and artists like Gene Colan and Dario Carrasco. These releases come just ahead of the upcoming *Hellraiser: Revival* video game, signaling a strategic push to reintroduce Barker’s mythos to both longtime fans and newcomers. The timing suggests a deliberate effort to capitalize on renewed interest in the franchise, though it’s unclear if these reissues will spark fresh creative momentum or simply satisfy nostalgic collectors.
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HTN ROUNDUP! May 12 2026

Week of May 12, 2026
Horror
Hide and Don’t Speak — Momona Tamada stars in the supernatural horror *Hide and Don’t Speak*, a film about teenagers summoning a vengeful spirit through a deadly game of hide-and-seek. The involvement of *The Beast Within* director Alexander J. Farrell and producer Range Media Partners (behind *Longlegs*) suggests this isn’t another low-budget horror throwaway — though a viral game premise in a horror film is about as original as they come.
George A. Romero’s TWILIGHT OF THE DEAD — Kate Beckinsale has signed on to star in *Twilight of the Dead*, the long-gestating final film in George A. Romero’s *Dead* series, with the Paz Brothers set to direct. The project, which Romero had only a treatment for before his death, now moves forward with a new cast and crew, though it’s unclear if it will honor his vision or simply cash in on his legacy. This isn’t a resurrection of Romero’s voice so much as a reanimation of his brand, and it’s hard to imagine it delivering anything close to the cultural impact of his original work.
‘King’s Daughters’ from ‘Red Rooms’ Director — Pascal Plante returns with King’s Daughters, a historical folk horror film about a cursed transatlantic voyage of young French virgins to New-France in 1663, featuring a star-studded cast including Sandrine Bonnaire and Laurie Babin. The film’s focus on female survival and solidarity in the face of systemic oppression and supernatural dread positions it as a timely entry in the growing wave of feminist horror reimagining of historical trauma. With production set to continue in France and a 2027 release planned, this is one folktale that promises to be both brutal and beautiful.
H.P. Lovecraft’s ‘Herbert West: Reanimator’ — A new film adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s “Herbert West: Reanimator” is set to begin shooting in Alton, Illinois this June, with production ties to the legendary *Re-Animator* director Stuart Gordon’s original 1985 film. The project, helmed by cousins Roger and Jeff Lewis, aims to root the story firmly in Alton’s real locations, with local residents cast as background performers and recognizable actors expected to appear around town. While the film won’t be the first take on Lovecraft’s tale, this version’s commitment to authentic local production and casting could offer a fresh, grounded spin on a well-worn horror concept.
Netflix’s Thriller Series ‘The God of the Woods — Ella Rubin has been cast as a camp counselor in Netflix’s forthcoming thriller series *The God of the Woods*, based on Liz Moore’s novel about a missing girl and a family’s dark secrets in the Adirondacks. The show’s pedigree, with Liz Hannah and Liz Moore as co-showrunners and a cast that includes Maya Hawke and Kerry Condon, suggests it’s aiming for something more substantive than typical genre fare — though how seriously it takes the horror elements remains to be seen. Rubin’s involvement, after *Until Dawn* and *Fear Street: Prom Queen*, positions her as a potential genre regular, even if this project’s genre depth is still unclear.
The Blair Witch Project Reboot — The Blair Witch Project reboot is officially moving forward with a new cast, crew, and director, though the plot remains frustratingly vague. Dylan Clark (Portrait of God) takes the reins, and while it’s not a remake, the lack of specifics suggests the filmmakers are banking on nostalgia rather than innovation. The $10 million budget and fall filming schedule hint at a cautious, low-risk approach that feels more like a rebrand than a reinvention.
Rebirth of the Living Dead — Rebirth of the Living Dead is an independent horror film in development as a direct sequel to John A. Russo’s 1978 novel, not the 1985 film adaptation. It marks a rare instance where a sequel is rooted in the source material rather than the cult film version, which could appeal to longtime fans of Russo’s more nuanced take on the undead. The film’s reliance on AI-generated promotional art and its crowdfunding approach suggest a niche market strategy, but its commitment to honoring Russo’s original vision is noteworthy.
Society 4K Restorations — Ignite Films and Eagle Rock Pictures have announced 4K restorations of four classic horror titles — “Society,” “Horror Express,” “Bloody Birthday,” and “The Baby” — set for release in 2027. The slate underscores a renewed interest in cult and body horror from the 1970s and 80s, with a particular emphasis on films that blend social commentary with visceral unease. It’s a welcome move for collectors and genre fans, though it’s worth noting that these aren’t exactly new discoveries — they’re the kind of overlooked gems that deserve a proper high-definition resurrection.
Pascal Laugier (Martyrs) Directs Female Vampire Horror Movie — Pascal Laugier, known for Martyrs and Incident in a Ghostland, is directing a new vampire film called Nocturnal, written by David Birke of Slender Man fame. The story follows female survivors of a Vichy France refugee crisis who end up on a cursed island, with Birke’s screenplay drawing comparisons to genre classics and a rare combination of horror and character depth. It’s a welcome return for Laugier, and his stated admiration for Birke’s female-centric approach suggests a rare chance to see something fresh in a genre oversaturated with reboots.
Victorian Psycho Rated R: GORE — ‘Victorian Psycho,’ starring Maika Monroe as a Victorian-era version of Patrick Bateman, has been rated R for “strong bloody violence” ahead of its September 25 release. The film, adapted from Virginia Feito’s novel and directed by Zachary Wigon, brings a gothic horror twist to the cult classic, with a cast including Ruth Wilson and Jason Isaacs. It’s a bold move to push the genre’s boundaries, especially with its explicit content, but it remains to be seen if the film’s ambitious premise will translate into box office success.
Industry
Exorcist II Documentary — Yellow Veil Pictures has acquired North American distribution rights to *Boorman and the Devil*, a documentary about the troubled production of *Exorcist II*, featuring interviews with John Boorman, Linda Blair, Louise Fletcher, and filmmakers like Mike Flanagan and Karyn Kusama. The film offers a rare, intimate look at one of horror’s most maligned sequels, reframing it not as a failure but as a bold, flawed artistic endeavor—something that could shift how fans view the franchise. Its theatrical rollout, beginning at Quad Cinema in August, signals a growing appetite for reconsidering cult classics through the lens of filmmaking passion rather than box office disappointment.
Dennis Rush Passed — Dennis Rush, who played young Creighton Chaney in *Man of a Thousand Faces* and Howie on *The Andy Griffith Show*, has died at 74. His career spanned the golden age of television, with appearances on *Gunsmoke*, *Perry Mason*, and *Alfred Hitchcock Presents*, making him a familiar face in mid-century genre and family programming. The loss of another veteran of that era underscores how quickly we’re losing the last links to Hollywood’s golden age—those who helped define what we now call classic genre entertainment.
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