A sequel decades in the making, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (now in theaters from Warner Bros.) was warmly received at its Venice premiere, with critics saying it’s a fun slice of nostalgia. Although this new chapter might not reinvent the wheel, the 1988 original was so influential for Millennial horror fans that it will be essential viewing. (Read Variety’s full review here.)
“The Front Room” (now in theaters from A24) is the wild-looking directorial feature from the Eggers brothers (who are also brothers of “The Lighthouse” helmer Robert Eggers). Brandy stars as a pregnant woman trying to care for her problematic stepmother, who, judging by the trailer, is too much of a racist zealot to get along with her new caregiver. Plus she wants to steal the baby! Early reviews have been mixed, but apparently, there are some wild twists to be had. (Read Variety’s full review here.)
“The Substance” (in theaters Sept. 20 from Mubi) has been getting rave reviews on the festival circuit as body horror with brains to spare. Demi Moore stars as the aptly-named Elisabeth Sparkle, a TV personality who is fired and tries a new fountain-of-youth-esque beauty treatment. Plenty of social satire and squirms follow in this “be careful what you wish for” story. (Read Variety’s full review here.)
Halle Berry returns to horror with “Never Let Go” (in theaters Sept. 20 from Lionsgate), an emotional supernatural thriller from director Alexandre Aja. While Aja has a keen eye for spectacle in films such as “High Tension” and his “Hills Have Eyes” remake, this story about a mother protecting her sons from insidious forces in the forest seems to verge on the overly emotional for him. Yet he also helmed the great, simple alligator thriller “Crawl,” another survival tale, so maybe Berry will help him conjure that magic again.
Also, I’d love to suggest that, as it’s on its last lap, you check out “Alien: Romulus” (now in theaters from 20th Century Studios) on the big screen — even if the somewhat mixed reviews made you cautious. While it doesn’t get everything right, there’s a lot for horror fans to enjoy in this chapter, which owes plenty to director Fede Álvarez’s love of the horror genre. Also, the all-encompassing sound and several of the setpieces are enhanced by the theatrical experience that just won’t feel the same at home. (Read Variety’s full review here.)
Miss “Trap” in theaters? It’s now out on VOD (via Warner Bros.), and while M. Night Shyamalan’s latest works better as a dark comedy than a true thriller, it’s anchored by a perfect Josh Hartnett performance and some outrageous twists. (Read Variety’s full review here.)
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