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Now Streaming: ‘The Blackcoat’s Daughter’ is Atmospheric and Haunting

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By now, many horror aficionados have witnessed and basked in the quiet, eerie glory of Oz Perkin’s I am the Pretty Thing that Lives in the House. The film, released straight-to-Netflix last year, took just about everybody by surprise; there was seemingly no promotion for the film whatsoever. One day, it was just there. It was a true Halloween treat if I’ve ever seen one, and I became an immediate fan of Perkins.

What many don’t know, however, is that Pretty Thing is actually the director’s second film. His first, The Blackcoat’s Daughter, wrapped up filming in 2015. It took over a year until it got US distribution, and was finally shown in the States this February. Two years after the film’s completion, I’ve finally seen The Blackcoat’s Daughter – and what I’ve seen is nothing short of amazing.

IMDb.com

The film, starring Emma Roberts, follows two girls left alone in a private school. At the same time, a mysterious girl (Roberts) is on a mission to get to the school for reasons unknown. To say any more of the plot would be spoiling it, as it is a film that holds many surprises. What I can say, however, is it deals with numerous cliches of the horror genre and turns them on their heads. This is mainly a movie about possession. Make no mistake, however; another clone of The Exorcist this is not.

Much like Pretty Thing, The Blackcoat’s Daughter is drenched in atmosphere. Yet there is a heavy amount of contrast between the two films. Whereas Pretty Thing is ethereal and hauntingly beautiful, The Blackcoat’s Daughter is drowning in blackness and dread. Roberts’ performance here is stellar. Her character is enigmatic and intriguing, and though many may be turned off by her presence due to a dislike of her previous work in Scream Queens and American Horror Story, to think the actress’ inclusion of the film would hamper the effect is nothing short of foolish. Her performance in Perkins’ film proves that she has the chops to take on much more than fun and campy television.

Kiernan Shipka and Lucy Boynton both give great performances as well as the two girls left in their desolate Catholic school, but their story becomes all the more compelling given the factor of Roberts’ parallel story. Why does she want to get to the school so bad? What connection, if any, does she have with these girls? And will she ever even make it to the school, or will something happen to her beforehand?

IMDb.com

Rest assured, these questions will be answered by the end of the film. I can tell you this much, however; it’s most definitely not what you’d expect. I was certainly taken off-guard by the conclusion. It ends on a powerful and thought-provoking note – The Blackcoat’s Daughter is in no rush to spell things out for you. What this movie means and what actually occurred will take a small amount of analyzation. It’s nothing as vague as something from the mind of David Lynch, but it is incredibly smart in its effort to “show, don’t tell” nonetheless.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter is now streaming on Amazon Prime. It is highly recommended. Ambient, dark, and spooky, this isn’t a film for everyone. Yet if you give it a chance, you might walk away satisfied.

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1994’s ‘The Crow’ Coming Back to Theaters for A New Special Engagement

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The Crow

Cinemark recently announced that they will be bringing The Crow back from the dead once again. This announcement comes just in time for the film’s 30th anniversary. Cinemark will be playing The Crow in select theaters on May 29th and 30th.

For those unaware, The Crow is a fantastic film based on the gritty graphic novel by James O’Barr. Widely considered one of the best films of the 90s, The Crow’s lifespan was cut short when Brandon Lee died of an accidental on set shooting.

The official synapsis of the film is as follows. “The modern-gothic original that entranced audiences and critics alike, The Crow tells the tale of a young musician brutally murdered alongside his beloved fiancée, only to be risen from the grave by a mysterious crow. Seeking revenge, he battles a criminal underground that must answer for its crimes. Adapted from the comic book saga of the same name, this action-packed thriller from director Alex Proyas (Dark City) features hypnotic style, dazzling visuals, and a soulful performance by the late Brandon Lee.”

The Crow

The timing of this release couldn’t be better. As a new generation of fans eagerly awaits the release of The Crow remake, they can now see the classic film in all of its glory. As much as we love Bill Skarsgard (IT), there is something timeless in Brandon Lee’s performance in the film.

This theatrical release is part of the Scream Greats series. This is a collaboration between Paramount Scares and Fangoria to bring audiences some of the best classic horror films. So far, they are doing a fantastic job.

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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Hugh Jackman & Jodie Comer Team Up for a New Dark Robin Hood Adaptation

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A report from Deadline details director Michal Sarnoski’s (A Quiet Place: Day One) newest project, The Death of Robin Hood. The film is set to feature Hugh Jackman (Logan) and Jodie Comer (The End We Start From).

Michael Sarnoski will write and direct the new Robin Hood adaptation. Jackman will be reunited with Aaron Ryder (The Prestige), who is producing the film. The Death of Robin Hood is expected to be a hot item at the upcoming Cannes film market.

Hugh Jackman, The Death of Robin Hood
Hugh Jackman

Deadline describes the films as the following. “The film is a darker reimagining of the classic Robin Hood tale. Set of its time, the film will see the title character grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, a battleworn loner who finds himself gravely injured and in the hands of a mysterious woman, who offers him a chance at salvation.”

Lyrical Media will be financing the film. Alexander Black will produce the film alongside Ryder and Andrew Sweet. Black gave Deadline the following information about the project. “We are thrilled to be part of this very special project and to be working with a visionary director in Michael, a phenomenal cast in Hugh and Jodie, and producing with our frequent collaborators, Ryder and Swett at RPC.”

“This is not the story of Robin Hood we’ve all come to know,” Ryder and Swett stated to Deadline “Instead, Michael has crafted something far more grounded and visceral. Thanks to Alexander Black and our friends at Lyrical along with Rama and Michael, the world is going to love seeing Hugh and Jodie together in this epic.”

Jodie Comer

Sarnoski seems to be excited by the project as well. He offered Deadline the following information about the film.

“It has been an incredible opportunity to reinvent and freshly innovate the story we all know of Robin Hood. Securing the perfect cast to transform the script to screen was essential. I could not be more thrilled and trusting in Hugh and Jodie to bring this story to life in a powerful and meaningful way.”

We are still a long way away from seeing this Robin Hood tale. Production is expected to begin in February of 2025. However, it does sound like it will be a fun entry into the Robin Hood canon.

That’s all the information we have at this time.

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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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