Fear-filled horror sequel 100 CANDLES GAME: THE LAST POSSESSION - On Digital, January

Get ready to feel the fear as 100 CANDLES GAME: THE LAST POSSESSION, the spine-chilling sequel to the terrifying 100 Candles Game, gets its UK debut on digital this January, courtesy of 101 Films.

In this chilling horror anthology, timeless ghost stories are brought into the digital age, delivering a fear-filled night of terror for a group of influencers, desperate for daring content to captivate their followers and grow their fan-base…  

The band of bloggers make it their mission to spend a night at the chilling Stonewall Mansion, a place shrouded in mystery and tales of terror, where they hold the ancient Japanese ritual "100 Candles".

Encircled by the flicker of a hundred flames, the group takes turns to share terrifying ghost stories, unaware that their actions are about to evoke the spirit of the Black Countess and let otherworldly forces into this world.

As each tale unfolds, the bloggers find themselves trapped in a nightmarish game, where the only way to survive is to bring back the demons they've unleashed and continue the game until the last candle burns out.  

Prepare yourself for a night of total terror as 100 CANDLES GAME: THE LAST POSSESSION illuminates the darkest corners of the human psyche.  

Gather your bravest friends, light some candles and press play, but beware, as the final candle burns out, you’ll soon learn some games are not meant to be played. 

View the Trailer on YouTube.

100 CANDLES GAME: THE LAST POSSESSION will possess Digital platforms from the 13th January 2025

 

Freddie Prinze Jr. Thriller THE GIRL IN THE POOL - On Digital January

Tom is struggling to maintain his composure during his birthday celebration as he’s secretly concealed the body of his murdered mistress in his family's home. Paranoia grips him as he navigates through whispers and cryptic hints from those around him. 

As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers he's not the only one hiding something, leading to a tense unravelling of truths and betrayals amidst a desperate search for answers, revealing a twist that nobody could have seen coming. 

Starring Freddie Prinze Jr. (Scooby-Doo), Monica Potter (Saw), and Kevin Pollak (The Usual Suspects), THE GIRL IN THE POOL is written by Jackson Reid Williams and directed by Dakota Gorman (Natural Disasters). 

View the Trailer on YouTube.

THE GIRL IN THE POOL is available on Digital Platforms 20 January. Distributed by Signature Entertainment

 

 

Unsettling horror BEEZEL - On Disc and Digital, January

In this unsettling new horror, told over six tumultuous decades, three unwitting guests of a cursed New England home stumble upon a sinister secret dwelling beneath its floors - an eternal witch with an insatiable thirst for the souls of the living.

A creepy chronicle of increasingly sinister legends and dark history, it offers a series of narratively linked vignettes, exploring the influence of an ancient evil upon several generations of the same family. 

Assembled from disparate types of “found footage”, the film presents its varied stories across multiple formats, from Super-8, to VHS, to the HD digital camera of a mobile phone, not simply suggesting the passage of time, but also the changes in how people record, interact with, and interrogate their own experiences through the years.

From the exciting filmmaking duo, Aaron Fradkin and Victoria Fratz Fradkin of Social House Films, they have been dubbed one of the fastest growing creators in horror, with their popular short films even going viral. Beezel marks a bold and unsettling new outing not to be missed by genre fans.

Dazzler Media presents Beezel on Blu-ray, DVD and Download-to-Own from 6 January 2025

View the Trailer on YouTube. 

Pre-order the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk

Pre-order the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

 

 

Paranormal horror THE WHISPERING MAN - On Disc and Digital from Vipco/Bayview

Inspired by the Whisperer legend of Columbia and Venezuela, which in turn has inspired countless other urban legends all the way up to the more recent Slenderman.

Synopsis:
After inheriting an ominous painting from his grandparents home, a family soon becomes disturbed by a demonic presence trapped within the painting known as The Whispering Man. 

As strange things within their home increase, they suspect the painting may have somehow been responsible for their grandparents death as well, in this found footage horror from the Director of MOTH.

THE WHISPERING MAN was Written by Bálint Szántó and Directed by József Gallai. The film stars Dávid Fecske, András Korcsmáros and Ágota Dunai.

VIPCO & BayView Entertainment released THE WHISPERING MAN earlier this year on Digital Platforms worldwide and now the film has been released on Tubi and is available to watch for FREE on TUBI 

Physical media fans will also be happy to know that THE WHISPERING MAN is now out on US BD (Region FREE) courtesy of VIPCO and BayView Entertainment.

Buy the US BD from Amazon.com

Horror channel NYX UK unwraps '12 Slays of Christmas' December movie marathon

NYX UK is celebrating the festive season with "12 Slays of Christmas".  From December 14 through to Xmas Day at 9pm, audiences can tune in to watch a different holiday-themed horror film, mixing classic chills and modern scares in a spine-tingling countdown to Christmas. From eerie yuletide tales to terrifying slasher favourites, leading up to the climatic feature on Christmas Day, the season offers a unique holiday experience for viewers who enjoy a darker take on seasonal traditions.

 

And the holiday carnage continues on New Year’s Eve as NYX UK brings Hell direct to your living room with Lamberto Bava’s cult sequel DEMONS 2 at 9pm and the off-the-rails slasher TERROR TRAIN (1980), starring Jamie Lee Curtis, at 11pm

There is also a further eight Channel Premieres this month including DEATH ON SCENIC DRIVE (Tues, Dec 3), 9pm), ROBOT VS THE AZTEC MUMMY (Mon Dec 9, 5pm), DEAD BODY (Tues Dec 10, 9pm), CURSE OF THE DEVIL (Fri Dec 13, 9pm), THE BRAINIAC (Thurs Dec 19, 5pm), BLOODY VAMPIRE (Fri Dec 27, 5pm), BEYOND THE DARKNESS (Fri Dec 27, 9pm) and BE MY CAT (Sun Dec 29, 9pm).

Plus, on Mondays and Fridays at 4pm we have the Channel Premiere of the animated TV series THE WICKED! (2001). Based on the popular Australian children’s book series by Paul Jennings and Morris Gleitzman, this quirky, supernatural adventure follows two stepsiblings, Rory and Dawn, who can’t stand each other but are forced to team up when they uncover strange and menacing happenings in their town.

Here's the ”12 Slays of Christmas” line-up:

Sat 14 Dec @ 9pm: CHRISTMAS EVIL (1980) *Channel Premiere

Harry Stadling (Brandon Maggart) is a man obsessed with Christmas. After suffering a breakdown, Harry decides to become a “real” Santa, punishing those he deems as “naughty” in a nightmarish descent into holiday madness. This psychological horror is written and directed by Lewis Jackson.

Sun 15 Dec 15 @ 9pm: SILENT NIGHT, BLOODY NIGHT (1972)

In this gothic horror film, a man inherits his grandfather’s abandoned mansion, which once served as an asylum with a dark, murderous history. As he attempts to sell the property, townsfolk are killed one by one, seemingly haunted by the asylum's past. Directed by Theodore Gershuny and co-produced by Lloyd Kaufman, it stars Patrick O'Neal and John Carradine.

Mon 16 Dec @ 9pm: TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1972)

Episode: And All Through the House

This anthology horror film adapts several stories from the EC Comics series Tales from the Crypt. In the segment And All Through the House, a greedy woman makes the mistake of murdering her husband while an escaped mental patient dressed in a Santa Claus outfit is on the loose. Directed by Robert Zemeckis (Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Back to the Future and Forest Gump).

Tues 17 Dec @ 9pm: SANTA’S SLAY (2005) *Channel Premiere

Santa Claus (played by WWE’s Bill Goldberg) is really a demon who lost a bet with an angel centuries ago, forcing him to spread cheer. But now that the bet’s over, Santa embarks on a violent, over-the-top killing spree in a small town. This black horror comedy is written and directed by David Steiman

Wed 18 Dec @ 9pm: A CHRISTMAS CAROL WITH VINCENT PRICE (1949) *Channel Premiere

Step back in time with this 1949 classic, narrated by the legendary Vincent Price. Which tells the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the transformative power of the holiday spirit. Price's captivating narration adds a hauntingly beautiful touch to this must-watch Christmas movie. Directed by Arthur Pierson, this vintage gem that has warmed hearts, for generations.

Thurs 19 Dec @ 9pm: DON’T OPEN ‘TILL CHIRSTMAS (1984)

This British slasher film presents a sinister twist on holiday horror, focusing on a masked killer who stalks and murders people dressed as Santa Claus throughout London. The story follows Inspector Harris as he races to catch the killer before more bodies pile up.

Fri 20 Dec @ 9pm: SANTA CLAUS (Mexico) (1959)

This unique Mexican fantasy film, directed by René Cardona, follows Santa Claus as he prepares for his annual Christmas Eve deliveries. However, he faces an unusual foe—Satan himself, who sends his demon assistant, Pitch, to Earth to corrupt children and ruin Christmas.

Sat 21 Dec @ 9pm: SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964) *Channel Premiere

This endearingly cheesy sci-fi adventure, which has subsequently become a cult, follows a group of Martians who kidnap Santa Claus in an attempt to bring joy to the children of Mars. Directed by Nicholas Webster, this is a bizarre, low-budget romp that blends Christmas cheer with sci-fi antics.

Sun 22 Dec @ 9pm: SILENT NIGHT. DEADLY NIGHT (1984) *Channel Premiere

This notorious slasher film follows Billy Chapman, a young boy traumatized after witnessing his parents’ murder by a man in a Santa costume. As an adult, Billy snaps, donning a Santa suit and embarking on a bloody rampage. The film became infamous upon release but later gained cult status.

Sun 23 Dec @ 9pm: SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT: PART 2 (1987) *Channel Premiere

This sequel follows Ricky Caldwell, Billy’s younger brother, who is similarly traumatised by his family’s violent past. Four years after the events of Silent Night Deadly Night, Ricky Caldwell is being held in a mental hospital, having followed in his brother Billy’s footsteps and committed a series of murders. Hell bent on avenging his brother’s death, Ricky escapes to continue the family tradition of Christmas carnage.

Mon 24 Dec @ 9pm: ALL THE CREATURES WERE STIRRING (2018) *Channel Premiere

This anthology horror film explores different holiday-themed horror scenarios, from a couple facing a cursed holiday gathering to shoppers trapped in a deadly parking lot on Christmas Eve.

Tues 25 Dec @ 9pm: BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974)

Often cited as one of the earliest slasher films, Black Christmas follows a group of sorority sisters who are stalked and murdered by an unseen killer during Christmas break. Directed by Bob Clark, it remains a beloved classic for its effective scares and significant influence on the slasher genre.

Also, the Christmas movie marathon continues from 9pm till 5am through Dec 24th and 25th.

And adding to the seasonal spirit, the channel has tweet-alongs on @nyxtvuk happening during SANTA’S SLAY (Tuesday, December 17th) and SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT (Sunday, December 22nd).

Freeview 271 / Channelbox App / TCL TVs / Distro TV

www.nyxtv.co.uk

Damian McCarthy’s ODDITY - On Disc and Digital, Jan.

Garnering praise galore on its premiere at South by Southwest Festival and following its recent bow on Shudder, Damian McCarthy’s unique, spine-tingling horror – ODDITY – is now set for its physical and digital release thanks to Acorn Media International, to kick off your 2025 in terror.

We’re introduced to Dani (Carolyn Bracken – The Gone, The Quiet Girl), alone in a big, cold, dark house, that she and doctor husband Ted (Gwilym Lee – Bohemian Rhapsody, The Great) are renovating, while he’s working late at the local mental health hospital. A disturbed young man (Johnny French – Caveat) knocks on her door…  Dani is later found brutally murdered.

With one of Ted’s patients as the main suspect, the case seems clear cut, but when he also turns up dead, a terrifying sense of fear and confusion starts to creep in and we soon realise than anything and everything is not what it seems.

One year later with the case all but closed… Dani’s blind twin sister Darcy, a self-proclaimed psychic and collector of cursed items, pays an unexpected visit to the house, where Ted now lives with new girlfriend Yana (Caroline Menton – All Creatures Great and Small, Altar Boy).

Darcy is convinced she holds the key to her sister's murder and brings with her the most dangerous items from her cursed collection.  She is determined to prove who killed her sister whatever the cost and unleashes unimageable nightmarish vengeance.

The truly original film has been described as ‘Scary, mysterious, upsetting and effecting’ by Nerdist, with Floating World commenting ‘The sense of unease McCarthy creates has no equal… his effective filmmaking – unnerving framing, sense of claustrophobia and timing really pays off’ and arrives on Blu-ray, DVD and digital on 6 January 2025.

This is one ODDITY you’ll definitely want on your shelf.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Pre-order the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk

Pre-order the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

 

 

Aussie Zombieroo Horror RIPPY - Set for Release on Digital and DVD!

TERMINATOR and ALIENS star Michael Biehn goes up against a zombie kangaroo in the horror chiller RIPPY, the feature debut from director Ryan Coonan.  

Also starring Tess Haubrich (ALIEN: COVENANT), as a small town sheriff dealing with an epidemic of killing by kanga in her small town, RIPPY is a creature feature like no other - if you thought COCAINE BEAR was trouble, he’s got nothing on the seven foot tall, hopping mad killer zombieroo.

SYNOPSIS:
A series of gruesome murders is terrifying the inhabitants of the Australian outback settlement of Axehead.

The town’s only law enforcement officer and sheriff (Maddy), searches for clues. However, her investigations lead nowhere – until her uncle mentions a massive, seven-foot zombie kangaroo that he is convinced is responsible for the bloodshed.

Determined to end the nightmare and save her town, Maddy, side by side with her Uncle and Aunt Donna, confronts the killer kangaroo in a fight to the death.

Superbly shot against an atmospheric outback setting, and mixing thrills and chills with the occasional chuckle, Coonan’s debut packs a gloriously gruesome punch in the tradition of animals run amok favourites such as RAZORBACK, ROGUE and BLACK SHEEP.

RIPPY is released on Digital platforms from 30th December and on DVD 13th January 

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Pre-order the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

 

 

Chilling Nordic horror THE DAMNED - in UK & Irish cinemas, January

Vertical has announced that Thordur Palsson's ominous and chilling thriller THE DAMNED will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 10th January 2025. 

Starring Odessa Young (The Staircase, Mothering Sunday) and Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London), The Damned is a tense psychological horror film that follows 19th-century widow, Eva. Tasked with making an impossible choice when a ship sinks off the coast of her isolated fishing outpost during the middle of an especially cruel winter.
 
With provisions running low, Eva and her close-knit community must choose between rescuing the shipwrecked crew and prioritizing their own survival. Facing the consequences of their decision and tormented by guilt, the inhabitants wrestle with a mounting sense of dread and begin to believe they are all being punished for their choices.
 
Following its premiere in November, the Cork International Film Festival 2024 awarded an Honourable Mention to THE DAMNED commenting 'The Damned is a juggernaut of a film, breathing fresh life into a well-trodden genre. Its powerful use of the landscape and compelling performances make it truly deserving of this Special Mention.' 

View the Trailer on YouTube. 

THE DAMNED will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 10th January 2025.

 

Cast announced for UK Tour of GHOST STORIES - West End hit set to terrify the UK

Casting is today announced for Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s worldwide cult phenomenon GHOST STORIES, which is set to embark on its first full UK national tour opening at Churchill Theatre, Bromley on Friday 17 January 2025. 

Dan Tetsell (Rivals - Disney+) will play Professor Goodman, David Cardy (Birds of a Feather - ITV) will play Tony Matthews, Clive Mantle (Casualty - BBC) will play Mike Priddle, Eddie Loodmer-Elliott (Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness) will play Simon Rifkind, with Lucas Albion as ensemble and Simon Bass as understudy. 

Synopsis:
When Professor Goodman, arch-sceptic out to debunk the paranormal, embarks on an investigation of three apparent hauntings – as recounted by a night-watchman, a teenage boy, and a businessman awaiting his first child – Goodman finds himself at the outer limits of rationality, and fast running out of explanations.

After exhilarating audiences for two years in the West End and across the world with record breaking, sell-out productions and a smash hit film, GHOST STORIES is "Genuine scary fun” (Sunday Times), a worldwide phenomenon more spine-tingling and fantastically terrifying than ever.

After opening in Bromley, GHOST STORIES goes on to visit: London, Richmond Theatre; Bath, Theatre Royal;  Plymouth, Theatre Royal; Sheffield, Lyceum; Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes Theatre; Salford, Lowry; Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre; Liverpool, Playhouse; Woking, New Victoria Theatre; Edinburgh, Festival Theatre; Aberdeen, His Majesty's Theatre; Glasgow, Theatre Royal; Norwich, Theatre Royal; Newcastle, Theatre Royal; Nottingham, Theatre Royal; Southend, Cliffs Pavilion; Birmingham, Alexandra Theatre; Belfast, Grand Opera House; Leicester, Curve; Wycombe, Swan Theatre; Southampton, Mayflower Theatre; Wolverhampton, Grand Theatre; Brighton, Theatre Royal; Shrewsbury, Theatre Severn; Malvern, Malvern Theatres; Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre.

WARNING:
Please be advised that Ghost Stories contains moments of extreme shock and tension. The show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. We strongly advise those of a nervous disposition to think very seriously before attending.).

Are you brave enough to book?

For more information visit: https://ghoststoriesplay.com/

 

Found footage horror MOTH - On Disc and Digital from VIPCO & BayView Ent

The Mothman legend, originating from West Virginia folklore, dates back to 1966. In the nearly 60 years since a local claimed to see a man-sized bird creature, the tale has taken on a life of its own and is just as much a subject for compelling speculation as other cryptozoological creatures such as Bigfoot, El Chupacabra, and The Loch Ness Monster.

Synopsis:

Thora, a university professor, decides to travel to Central Europe to investigate one of her favourite legends, thanks to a growing number of recent sightings. 

She is joined by her student, the rather odd and reclusive Adam, with whom she videos the places where the creature is said to have appeared, but as night falls, it is no longer just a question of whether they can get to the bottom of the Mothman legend, but also whether they will survive the adventure.

MOTH was Written by József Gallai and Lídia Szabó and Directed by Gergő Elekes, József Gallai. The film stars Lídia Szabó, József Gallai and Rob Oldfield.

View the Trailer on YouTube. 

The film is available to view for free on TUBI

Physical media fans will also be happy to know that MOTH is also available on US Blu-Ray (Region FREE) courtesy Amazon.com

Horror compilation BEHIND THE SHADOWS - Available in Paperback and Kindle

There just may be some evil truths to a real-time haunted covered bridge in Kingsville, Maryland.  Count Dracula is dead, and one of his cavern-bound brides is following in his dastardly footsteps, prowling Victorian London in search of a coven of her own.  Young Jessica and her Vietnam-surviving father share a sordid secret; little does Jessica’s dad know she has one more that’s about to root its ugly head.

There’s something about that carnelian-colored guitar pick which turns the average player into a fret god, but is the cost of its power worth murder?  The Death of Superman is all the rage of 1992 and Hell is about to rain from the skies upon geeks in line for second print comic books. Professional baseball player Jake Puzzella committed a crime in the name of love; the paycheck’s come due in the bottom of the sixth.  Music junkie Evan is at the end of the rope in his marriage; in the heat of passion, he fails to heed David Bowie’s caveat about Lady Grinning Soul being one’s living end.

These are some of the frights skulking inside Ray Van Horn, Jr.’s new horror collection, BEHIND THE SHADOWS. Stephen King, EC horror comics, Saturday night ghost hosts, Bram Stoker, The Twilight Zone, '80s splatter films.  All the beloved genre elements thrown into the meat grinder of Van Horn's ten tales of terror with some contemporary twists.  Behind the Shadows is coming for you from Raw Earth Ink, Van Horn, Jr.'s third book with the imprint. 

"Van Horn, Jr. takes your fondest memories, cuts the steaming hearts out of them, and feeds them to you perforce."  So declares New York Times best-selling author Michael Jan Friedman about Behind the Shadows.  None other than Chasing the Boogeyman, Becoming the Boogeyman and Memorials best-selling author, Richard Chizmar glows, "Had a blast with Behind the Shadows!  Scary, smart and entertaining!"

Buy the book from Amazon.co.uk

Buy the book from Amazon.com