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“The Blair Witch” Meets Chilean Myth in “Wekufe: The Origin of Evil”

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The greatest, most intense horror films often have a core of truth to them.  A kernel of fact among the fiction that intensifies the terror.  In Wekufe: The Origin of Evil, Javier Attridge invites viewers to journey onto a quiet, secluded island called Chiloe that harbors a dark secret and if possible, an even darker presence.

On Chiloe, just off the coast of Chile, 70% of the total crime rate is made up of sex crimes.  Rape, incest, and molestation abound, and locals are apt to blame an evil, demonic presence for committing or causing men to commit the crimes.  But that is just one of the secrets to be discovered on Chiloe and Attridge digs deep to tell a story that could only come from this secluded corner of the world.

As the film opens, Paula and Matias are making their way to Chiloe  so that Paula can make a news report for her university about the crime statistics and their relation to the legend of the trauca demon.  She’s a complex character with just the right combination of strength and vulnerabilities to make her the perfect final girl.  Matias, Paula’s handsome boyfriend, wants to make movies and the subject of her report has sparked his imagination to make a found footage horror film based on the local mythology.  Together, they set about interviewing locals and piecing together the story of the evils that hide in Chiloe.

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Attridge, who’s making his debut as both writer and director of Wekufe, gives viewers a lot to think about as we journey through the small village and surrounding forests of Chiloe.  The overall feel of Wekufe is reminiscent of the thrill of sitting down to watch The Blair Witch Project that very first time, and it isn’t just the found footage style of the film.  Both films center around local legends; both have an uncanny knack for sparking the viewer’s imagination to fill in the blanks between what is seen and unseen.  And much like Blair WitchWekufe relies on the considerable strength of its young, central actors (once again using their own names) to engage the viewer.

Paula Figueroa, in the role of Paula, is a wonder to watch as she evolves (and devolves) as the story progresses.  What is wonderful is that she just is as believable as the intelligent, ambitious reporter as she is in her moments of weakness and fear.  Figueroa has a huge arc within the story and she embraces every moment with honesty in her portrayal.  Likewise, Matias Aldea brings depth to a role that could easily have been cast aside as the macho, stubborn boyfriend.  Matias is a whole person in the actor’s capable hands.  His portrayal as he moves from unlikely horror film maker to impassioned hero is wholly engaging, even when he makes his inevitable mistakes.

But perhaps the most unwieldy and terrifying character of all is Chiloe itself.  I confess, I knew little about Chile and its region before beginning the film, but as it unfolded, I was impressed as the film could gave voice beautifully to a people who have thrived and survived the best way they knew how.  Their courage in the face of European imperialism and the way they have both integrated and stood firmly against those influences is equally on display.

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At one point, Matias and Paula meet with a local professor and as the man speaks to the belief in these evil spirits they are investigating, he gives a quote that perfectly sums up the people of Chiloe.  “I do not believe in the brujos, but they exist.”  This idea plays out over and over throughout the film.  The locals do not necessarily believe in the influence of these evil spirits, but they will not deny that something causes the men to carry out their horrific acts.

Ultimately, we the viewers are left with the same questions and feelings as the credits roll.

Attridge and his crew present so many ideas within the film for the audience to ponder, and I wonder if that might not be his only real misstep in creating his film.  The elements play together and off each other very well, but there are moments when I could not help but feel that if I was native Chilean, it might make more sense to me.  Between dark, insatiable spirits, brujos (the Spanish word for sorcerer), and questions of European influence on Chile, it was a lot to take in for someone outside the region.  However, this did nothing to damage the film as a whole or to keep me from enjoying it.  If anything, it piqued my curiosity about the region and its beliefs.

Wekufe: The Origin of Evil is set to begin screenings at film festivals around the world.  It’s a thoroughly entertaining and engaging horror film with moments of genuine terror, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for fans of the found footage sub-genre.

You can follow Wekufe on Facebook for announcements when it will be playing festivals in your area, and also when it will be available in other formats for home viewing!  You can also click here to watch the trailer for the film and a glimpse into the intriguing imagery Javier Attridge has in store for you.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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