September 2024 Horror Preview

One month away from Halloween but who’s counting?

September 6th

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Tim Burton reunite for another story about the ghost with the most – in the wake of a recent death, a grieving Lydia Deetz struggles to keep her family together…then Beetlejuice returns. A critical and box office success, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice also features some exciting newcomers to the franchise including Willem Dafoe (THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, ANTICHRIST), Monica Belluci (IRREVERSIBLE, MEMORY), and Jenna Ortega (X)

As a fan of the original and a fan of anything involving Willem Dafoe, color me first in the line for the Juice.

You can also read our very own Staci Layne Wilson’s review of the film here

The Front Room: Max and Sam Eggers, brothers of film maestro Robert Eggers (THE LIGHTHOUSE, THE NORTHMAN), make their feature film debut with this psychological slow burn about a pregnant yuppie couple who reluctantly agree to let the mother-in-law from hell (literally?) stay with them in their tiny apartment for a few days. Paranoia, violence, and family drama simmer to the top in a film that stars Brandy (CINDERELLA) and Kathyrn Hunter (POOR THINGS).

Unfortunately, while Kathryn Hunter’s performance has been praised in particular, the film itself has received mixed reviews and struggled to find its footing in the way that THE VVITCH did – misunderstood masterpiece or sibling nepotism gone awry? You decide when The Front Room hits theaters this month.

September 13th

Speak No Evil: Two years after the Danish film of the same name rocked Sundance, this Blumhouse remake is doing pretty well for itself…

The film stars James McAvoy (in a performance some call his best since SPLIT) as a psychotic Brit who invites an American family to stay with him in the idyllic countryside. Though Blumhouse isn’t necessarily known for their track record with remakes (MARTYRS, anyone?), Speak No Evil currently boasts an 85% on Rotten Tomatoes and is killing it at the box office right now with an 11.5 million dollar debut (only behind Beetlejuice Beetlejuice!)

September 18th

The Substance: Margaret Qualley, Demi Moore, and Dennis Quaid star in director Coralie Fargeat’s sophomore feature about an aging diva who uses a self-replicating drug to achieve renewed fame and beauty. Described as part “SHOWGIRLS, part DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE” and “Grindhouse Kubrick” – the film is being hailed as a smart, sexy, and Cronenbergesque body horror with a wicked dark sense of humor.

September 20th

Never Let Go: Last but certainly not least, Alexandre Aja (HAUTE TENSION, CRAWL) returns to the director’s chair with this paranoid chiller about a family in peril as a mother (Halle Berry) attempts to save her sons from sinister spiritual forces – Fun fact! The film was originally set to be directed by Mark Romanek.

As a fan of Alexandre Aja, I’m sure they made the right choice but it’s always interesting to wonder what could have been.

Reader Submitted Films and Shows – Release Dates and Trailers

September 4, 2024 – WHO KILLED ANGEL ADAMS

September 17, 2024 – WORLD’S MOST NOTORIOUS KILLERS (PEACOCK)

September 20, 2024 – BROKEN BIRD

September 24, 2024 – HAYRIDE TO HELL

September 24, 2024 – OUT THERE: CRIMES OF THE PARANORMAL (HULU)