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Instagram Suggests #Horror Fans are in Danger of Harm

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instagram #horror

If you’ve recently been on Instagram and tried to search anything #horror, you’ve probably noticed something odd. An alert pops up, warning genre-loving Instagrammers that “posts with words or tags you’re searching for often encourage behavior that can cause harm and even lead to death”.

Another screen reads:We’ve hidden posts for #horror to protect our community from content that may encourage behavior that can cause harm and even lead to death.”

But don’t worry, they’d like to help.

Users have the option to “Get Support”, which will take them to a page that suggests they “talk to a friend”, talk with a helpline volunteer, or “get tips and support”.

And still, there are far more destructive terms that can be effectively searched on Instagram with no issue. You can even search #death, #killer, #despair, #hurt, and other emotionally loaded hashtags with no alert.

But for whatever reason, Instagram (which is owned by Facebook) has decided that #horror was harmful enough to halt and warn its users.

Horror is a genre. It’s lively; it celebrates the thrills that life can bring and pushes the limits of what effects teams are physically capable of creating. Horror is cathartic and has been known to help relieve anxiety and depression among its viewers. Horror is a lifestyle.

As a genre, it explores darkness without encouraging it; we can imagine ourselves in the position of the survivor. A quote from author Joe Hill perhaps explains it best: “Horror isn’t about extreme sadism; it’s about extreme empathy”.

Even after the horror hot takes of 2018, you would hope that we’ve moved beyond such overdramatic misunderstandings. Horror has made a lot of progress with mainstream appeal, and there’s still more on the horizon.

And while it’s noble (if not a touch misguided) for an app to provide crisis support, the implication that horror “encourages behavior” that can “cause harm and even lead to death” is a bit of a slap in the face. It harkens back to concerns about “violent movies and videogames” that are… very outdated. These negative stigmas and delinquent stereotypes are far more harmful than the media they oppose.

In the wake of last week’s shooting in New Zealand (of which a Facebook video livestream played for 17 minutes before it was reported), it is to be expected that Facebook would aim to tighten their (very) loose grip on what is published on their platform.

But this seems like an odd stance for Instagram to take. A lot of fans, creators, influencers, and merchants all follow the popular hashtag as a way to find and connect with one another on this platform, which focuses on still frame photos and 15-second video clips.

In the grand scheme of things, is a hashtag on a social media platform really that important? Not really. We’ll adapt. But perhaps that’s one of the reasons why this particular update feels so petty. Because all things considered, there are far bigger fish to fry.

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Mike Flanagan In Talks to Direct New Exorcist Movie for Blumhouse

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Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House) is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs. Not only has he created some of the best horror series to ever exist, but he also managed to make a Ouija Board movie genuinely terrifying.

A report from Deadline yesterday indicates that we may be seeing even more from this legendary storysmith. According to Deadline sources, Flanagan is in talks with Blumhouse and Universal Pictures to direct the next Exorcist film. However, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have declined to comment on this collaboration at this time.

Mike Flanagan
Mike Flanagan

This change comes after The Exorcist: Believer failed to meet Blumhouse’s expectations. Initially, David Gordon Green (Halloween)was hired to create three Exorcist films for the production company, but he has left the project to focus on his production of The Nutcrackers.

If the deal goes through, Flanagan will take over the franchise. Looking at his track record, this could be the right move for the Exorcist franchise. Flanagan consistently delivers amazing horror media that leave audiences clamoring for more.

It would also be perfect timing for Flanagan, as he just wrapped up filming the Stephen King adaptation, The Life of Chuck. This isn’t the first time he has worked on a King product. Flanagan also adapted Doctor Strange and Gerald’s Game.

He has also created some amazing Netflix originals. These include The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Midnight Club, and most recently, The Fall of the House of Usher.

If Flanagan does take over, I think the Exorcist franchise will be in good hands.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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A24 Creating New Action Thriller “Onslaught” From ‘The Guest’ & ‘You’re Next’ Duo

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It’s always nice to see a reunion in the world of horror. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 has secured the rights to the new action thriller film Onslaught. Adam Wingard (Godzilla vs. Kong) will be directing the film. He will be joined by his longtime creative partner Simon Barret (You’re Next) as the scriptwriter.

For those unaware, Wingard and Barret made a name for themselves while working together on films such as You’re Next and The Guest. The two creatives are card carrying horror royalty. The pair have worked on films such as V/H/S, Blair Witch, The ABC’s of Death, and A Horrible Way to Die.

An exclusive article of out Deadline gives us the limited information we have on the topic. Although we don’t have much to go on, Deadline does offer the following information.

A24

“Plot details are being kept under wraps but the film is in the vein of Wingard and Barrett’s cult classics like The Guest and You’re Next. Lyrical Media and A24 will co-finance. A24 will handle worldwide releasing. Principal photography will begin in Fall 2024.”

A24 will be producing the film alongside Aaron Ryder and Andrew Swett for Ryder Picture Company, Alexander Black for Lyrical Media, Wingard and Jeremy Platt for Breakaway Civilization, and Simon Barret.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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Director Louis Leterrier Creating New Sci-Fi Horror Film “11817”

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Louis Leterrier

According to an article from Deadline, Louis Leterrier (The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance) is about to shake things up with his new Sci-Fi horror film 11817. Leterrier is set to produce and direct the new Movie. 11817 is penned by the glorious Mathew Robinson (The Invention of Lying).

Rocket Science will be taking the film to Cannes in search of a buyer. While we don’t know much about what the film looks like, Deadline offers the following plot synopsis.

“The film watches as inexplicable forces trap a family of four inside their house indefinitely. As both modern luxuries and life or death essentials begin to run out, the family must learn how to be resourceful to survive and outsmart who — or what — is keeping them trapped…”

“Directing projects where the audience gets behind the characters has always been my focus. However complex, flawed, heroic, we identify with them as we live through their journey,” said Leterrier. “It’s what excites me about 11817‘s wholly original concept and the family at the heart of our story. This is an experience that movie audiences won’t forget.”

Leterrier has made a name for himself in the past for working on beloved franchises. His portfolio includes gems such as Now You See Me, The Incredible Hulk, Clash of The Titans, and The Transporter. He is currently attached to create the final Fast and the Furious film. However, it will be interesting to see what Leterrier can do working with some darker subject material.

That’s all the information we have for you at this time. As always, make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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