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Stranger Danger: 5 Films That Show Why You Should Never Trust a Stranger

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We assume that people are generally trustworthy. When we’re in a bind, you can often rely on the kindness of strangers to help. Car trouble? A stranger might be able to get you back on the road. Injured? Maybe a stranger knows First Aid.

But – as horror fans – we all know that things are not always as they seem. That over-enthusiastic new acquaintance of yours might not actually be all sunshine and rainbows. There’s a moment – like a switch – that flips and you suddenly realize that shit feels weird. Like, really weird.

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So lock your doors and screen your calls, because I’ve collected 5 movies that provide an excellent example of that “oh no, they’re definitely crazy” moment that triggers our collective social anxiety.

Bug (2006)

“An unhinged war veteran (Michael Shannon) holes up with a lonely woman (Ashley Judd) in a spooky Oklahoma motel room. The line between reality and delusion is blurred as they discover a bug infestation.”

Michael Shannon is always convincing. There is something that’s a little unnerving about him, but you wouldn’t dare call him a liar, right? While our hapless leading lady struggles to find meaning beyond her previous relationship with an abusive Harry Connick Jr., she becomes smitten with the mysterious stranger and is increasingly drawn into his deranged obsession.

I want to mention that this was originally a stage play by Tracy Letts (who also wrote the screenplay for the film), also starring Michael Shannon. Now, watch this movie and imagine seeing him perform this role, live, directly in front of you. I would pay so much money to see that.

Creep (2014)

“When a videographer answers a Craigslist ad for a one-day job in a remote mountain town, he finds his client is not at all what he initially seems”

What did I tell you. Never trust a stranger, especially one that is super enthusiastic about your new friendship. Mark Duplass really shines in this found-footage cautionary tale, delivering a performance that is equal parts sympathetic and extraordinarily creepy. If you’ve ever been uncertain about meeting someone from an online ad, this will not help.

Misery (1990)

Classic example. The kindness of strangers is a beautiful thing, until it turns into something much more insidious. You would think that it would be an ideal situation – writer gets into car accident, writer is rescued by nurse who happens to be his #1 fan – but this film serves as a perfect example of why you should never trust anyone. They just might be obsessively crazy.

Funny Games (1997/2007)

They seemed like such nice young boys. You’d never suspect a thing, until they’re killing your dog and beating you with you own golf clubs. Even if they’ve been introduced to you by a mutual friend (or so it seemed), this film shows why you should still exercise caution when letting strangers into your home. And always keep your phone in your pocket. You never know when their intentions are sinister.

Audition (1999)

It’s all fun and games until it’s totally not because that stranger you auditioned to be your potential girlfriend was always crazy and now she’s decided to torture you. I hope that is a lesson learned, because you have flown right into the danger zone, friend.

 

Looking for another list of situations that you should avoid? Check out our list of 5 Movies You Wouldn’t Want to Survive.

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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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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