News

Extreme Haunts: Why (Some of Us) Want to Live in Fear

Published

7 years ago

March 25, 2017

Do you love horror movies? I mean really love horror movies? Would you want to experience that level of fear in real life? Participants of Extreme Haunts – such as McKamey Manor, Gates of Hell and BLACKOUT – submit themselves to all kinds of terror and torture to do just that.

They are – of course – controlled environments, however, participants don’t have any indication of what exactly they’re in for. The McKamey Manor haunt, for example, can last up to 7 hours, and they typically only allow a small number of carefully selected patrons per weekend. Think of it as less of a haunted house and more of a horror marathon.

Described by many as “the most terrifying experience on Earth”, participants could be tied up, gagged, force-fed rotten eggs and other nasty things, covered in blood and other questionable substances, and shoved into caskets or freezers for long periods of time. They don’t use a safe word, so you’re locked in until the whole ordeal is over. No amount of begging or screaming will get you out.

But why, you may ask, would someone sign up for that on their own volition? Well believe it or not, there are actually around 24,000 people on that particular waiting list.

via Pinterest

A tense and terrifying scene from a horror movie may trigger our “agent detection mechanism” – a nifty little evolutionary trait that maintains constant vigilance in uncertain situations. It’s that cringe of dread that makes us stay alert and aware of any danger. Once the muscle-tightening, breath-holding and heart-pounding subside, you feel an intense wave of relief. Our body triggers a release of adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine that ends up feeling pretty damn good.

For some, the fight-or-flight trigger that they used to get from horror movies just isn’t there anymore. They’ve trained themselves to know that what they’re seeing isn’t real. Perhaps, in this training, there arises the desire to test their mettle in similar situations. To go up against a Jason or a Leatherface and come out victorious. To truly “live out your own horror movie”. These haunts can be a safe way to test out your psychological survival skills without any real danger.

Part of what makes extreme haunts so successful is that they create a safe space that doesn’t always feel safe. BLACKOUT creator Josh Randall explains that they typically receive a better response when it’s something that feels real. Being kidnapped or tortured, for example.

When participants are placed in a maze with costumed zombies or vampires chasing them, it’s a fun thrill. But it doesn’t feel like a real threat. Having a stranger tie you up, physically attack you and scream in your face elicits a much more visceral response. I should note that BLACKOUT participants are required to go through the haunt alone.

via The Raven & Black Cat

Extreme haunts allow the participants to project their own fears into the situation. If you happen to have a fear of drowning, being forced underwater will be particularly effective in scaring you senseless. They prey on these fears – using elements like claustrophobia, psychosexuality, violence, and complete darkness – to break you down and leave you shaking.

One of the many differences between your run-of-the-mill haunted house and an extreme haunt is the complete lack of control over your experience. If you’re being herded through a haunt like cattle, you can clearly see the actor in a rubber mask jumping out mechanically after every 4 or 5 people.

When you’re forced to go through an extreme haunt alone, you don’t know what to expect or when to expect it. You must completely submit yourself to the experience, knowing the reputation of how intense the experience should be. Your fight-or-flight response is on constant overdrive. You’re exhausted into a state of pure terror.

Participants may take part in an extreme haunt to feel like they’ve accomplished or survived something extraordinarily difficult – which, by all accounts, they have. The haunts are described as controlled and safe, but they may not feel that way. The struggle is real. The terror is real. McKamey Manor, in particular, has come under criticism with conservative online groups targeting the attraction’s extreme methods.

Some people may relish the idea of submitting themselves to this level of torture at the hands of total strangers. Others – if faced with the same situation – would go straight for throat-punches with a resounding “NO THANK YOU!”. So what do you think? Would you be up for one of these extreme haunts, and if so, why? Check out our video below and tell us if you’re on board.

Feature image and video clip courtesy of Chris Fischer

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News

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

Published

5 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

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.

“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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News

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

Published

6 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Cameron McFarland

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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Lists

New to Netflix (U.S.) This Month [May 2024]

Published

8 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Timothy Rawles

atlas movie Netflix starring Jennifer Lopez

Another month means fresh additions to Netflix. Although there aren’t many new horror titles this month, there are still some notable movies well worth your time. For instance, you can watch Karen Black try to land a 747 jet in Airport 1979, or Casper Van Dien kill giant insects in Paul Verhoeven’s bloody sci-fi opus Starship Troopers.

We are looking forward to the Jennifer Lopez sci-fi action movie Atlas. But let us know what you are going to watch. And if we have missed something, put it in the comments.

May 1:

Airport

A blizzard, a bomb, and a stowaway help create the perfect storm for the manager of a Midwestern airport and a pilot with a messy personal life.

Airport ’75

^{Airport ’75}

When a Boeing 747 loses its pilots in a midair collision, a member of the cabin crew must take control with radio help from a flight instructor.

Airport ’77

A luxury 747 packed with VIPs and priceless art goes down in the Bermuda Triangle after being hijacked by thieves — and time for a rescue is running out.

Jumanji

Two siblings discover an enchanted board game that opens a door to a magical world — and unwittingly release a man who’s been trapped inside for years.

Hellboy

^Hellboy

A half-demon paranormal investigator questions his defense of humans when a dismembered sorceress rejoins the living to wreak brutal vengeance.

Starship Troopers

When fire-spitting, brain-sucking bugs attack Earth and obliterate Buenos Aires, an infantry unit heads to the aliens’ planet for a showdown.

May 9

Bodkin

^Bodkin

A ragtag crew of podcasters sets out to investigate mysterious disappearances from decades earlier in a charming Irish town with dark, dreadful secrets.

May 15

The Clovehitch Killer

^{The Clovehitch Killer}

A teenager’s picture-perfect family is torn apart when he uncovers unnerving evidence of a serial killer close to home.

May 16

Upgrade

After a violent mugging leaves him paralyzed, a man receives a computer chip implant that allows him to control his body — and get his revenge.

Monster

_Monster

After being abducted and taken to a desolate house, a girl sets out to rescue her friend and escape from their malicious kidnapper.

May 24

Atlas

^Atlas

A brilliant counterterrorism analyst with a deep distrust of AI discovers it might be her only hope when a mission to capture a renegade robot goes awry.

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory

The Camp Cretaceous gang come together to unravel a mystery when they discover a global conspiracy that brings danger to dinosaurs — and to themselves.

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