review
The Banished (2025): A Haunting That Fails to Deliver
Joseph Sims-Dennett’s The Banished arrives with promise—folk horror set in the Australian wilderness, a premise that feels ripe for tension and dread. The film’s visuals are undeniably striking, with sweeping shots of isolated landscapes that emphasize isolation and unease. However, despite strong production elements, the story stumbles under its own weight.
The narrative structure is deeply problematic, jumping between timelines in a way that feels more like an artistic experiment than a coherent horror film. This approach, while ambitious, alienates viewers who are trying to follow the story. The pacing is erratic, and character development is sparse, leaving audiences disconnected from the protagonist’s plight.
What could have been a chilling exploration of fear and survival instead becomes a frustrating puzzle. While the film’s atmosphere is occasionally effective, it’s not enough to salvage a weak plot or unengaging characters. Fans of the genre will find little to love here, and even seasoned horror viewers may struggle to stay invested. A tighter script and clearer storytelling could have elevated this into something truly unsettling. As it stands, The Banished is a missed opportunity.
Film Details
| Director | Joseph Sims-Dennett |
|---|---|
| Cast | Meg Clarke, Leighton Cardno, Gautier de Fontaine, Tony Hughes, Di Smith, Rasmus Toyra, Lawrence Ola, Raphael Sikic, Paul Dowson, Vicki Gard |
| Runtime | 97 min |
| Rating | NR |
| Country | Australia |
| Where to Watch | JustWatch · IMDB |
Summary
A young bride's wedding night turns into her worst nightmare when her ridiculously rich in-laws force her to play a gruesome game of… — Horrortainment News
Tyler Gillett’s Ready or Not is a brisk, bloody blend of horror and dark comedy that leans into its absurd premise with surprising gusto. The film follows a young bride whose wedding night spirals into a twisted game of hide-and-seek orchestrated by her wealthy, sinister in-laws. While the setup may feel familiar—think The Most Dangerous Game meets Game Night—the movie finds its own twisted voice in the chaos.
The film starts a bit slowly, but once it hits its stride, it delivers a steady stream of thrills and laughs. Samara Weaving anchors the story with a strong performance as the increasingly desperate bride, while the supporting cast, including Andie MacDowell and Mark O’Brien, delivers perfectly over-the-top villainy. The gore is moderate and well-placed, fitting the tone of a genre-bending thriller.
Ready or Not doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is: a fun, well-paced horror-comedy with enough scares and snappy dialogue to keep audiences engaged. It’s a solid entry in the modern horror landscape, and one that rewards those willing to surrender to its madness. We’re looking forward to reivew its sequel.
Film Details
| Director | Tyler Gillett |
|---|---|
| Cast | Samara Weaving, Mark O’Brien, Adam Brody, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell, Melanie Scrofano, Kristian Bruun, Elyse Levesque, Nicky Guadagni, John Ralston |
| Runtime | 96 min |
| Rating | R |
| Country | United States of America |
| Budget | $6,000,000 |
| Box Office | $57,615,777 |
| Where to Watch | JustWatch · IMDB |
Summary
A farm boy reluctantly becomes a member of the undead when a girl he meets turns out to be part of a band of vampires who roam the… — Horrortainment News
While Synapse FIlms’s announcement might be an April Fool’s prank, our review of Near Dark is not.
Kathryn Bigelow’s “Near Dark” is a masterclass in blending horror and action, creating a thrilling ride that will leave you breathless. This 1987 gem boasts outstanding performances from its talented cast, including Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, Lance Henriksen, Bill Paxton, and Jenette Goldstein.
The film’s pacing is expertly crafted, slowly building tension as our protagonist, Caleb, finds himself entangled in a world of modern-day vampires. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, making their characters’ interactions all the more believable and unsettling. As the stakes rise (yeah, we went there), Bigelow’s direction ensures that the action scenes are both intense and well-choreographed.
What truly sets “Near Dark” apart, however, is its unique take on vampire lore. By stripping away traditional Gothic trappings, Bigelow creates a sense of realism that makes the horror all the more palpable. The vampires here are not romanticized or sympathetic; they’re brutal, animalistic, and terrifying.
With a gore level that’s “just right,” “Near Dark” is sure to satisfy fans of the genre without becoming gratuitous. Overall, this cult classic is a must-see for horror enthusiasts of all experience levels. So, buckle up and hit the open road with “Near Dark” – but be prepared for a wild and unforgettable ride.
Summary
A man and his son arrive at a rave lost in the mountains of Morocco. They are looking for Marina, their daughter and sister, who… — Horrortainment News
While Oliver Laxe’s Sirāt is not a horror film, it’s also not a film for the faint of heart—or the conventional horror fan. It’s an unsettling, immersive experience that defies genre expectations, blending dread with an experimental narrative style that will leave even seasoned viewers questioning what they’ve just witnessed. Set against the stark, unforgiving landscape of Morocco’s mountains, the story follows a father and son searching for his missing daughter amid a haze of rave culture and existential dread.
The film’s pacing is deliberately unhurried, allowing tension to build slowly but relentlessly. Laxe’s direction emphasizes atmosphere over plot, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits roll. The cast, led by Sergi López, delivers performances that feel raw and authentic, grounding the surreal elements in human emotion.
While the film’s structure may alienate casual viewers, those willing to embrace its avant-garde approach will find themselves deeply moved. Sirāt is a film that demands patience and an open mind, rewarding viewers with a visceral, unforgettable experience that blurs the line between reality and nightmare.
A bold, unsettling journey—essential viewing for fans of experimental cinema.
Film Details
| Director | Oliver Laxe |
|---|---|
| Cast | Sergi López, Bruno Núñez, Stefania Gadda, Joshua Liam Henderson, Richard Bellamy, Tonin Janvier, Jade Oukid, Ahmed Abbou, Abdellilah Madrari, Mohamed Madrari |
| Runtime | 115 min |
| Rating | R |
| Country | Spain, France |
| Budget | $7,000,000 |
| Box Office | $10,445,082 |
| Where to Watch | JustWatch · IMDB |
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