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Ricardo Henriquez’s “The Catcher’s Trap” is an Impressive Dark Fantasy Debut

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“The door to hell stands under a fluorescent light in an alley in Queens. The devil himself showed me.”–Ricardo Henriquez, The Catcher’s Trap

There are few experiences more satisfying than sitting down with a book and finding yourself in its pages.  The author gets you and you can feel it in your gut.  The author proves to you that you that no matter how unique your own experiences may be, someone else understands them because their life path has been similar.  That’s exactly how I felt the first time I read The Catcher’s Trap, the debut novel from Chilean born author Ricardo Henriquez.

Henriquez’s book centers around a young man named Andres.  Andres is young, handsome and in any other story would be written as the great and confident hero who never backs down as he faces challenge after challenge.  That’s not the story Henriquez is telling, however.  Instead he offers us a hero who is eaten up inside by anxiety and depression, who second guesses his every move, and who fails in his quest at least often as he wins.

In short, the author decided to make Andres real.

It all begins in Queens.  Andres has met three strangers in a bar and they’ve convinced him to tag along to a club he’s never heard of in a not so great part of the city.  Andres has made a promise to himself to stop being such a coward, and though his inner dialogue tells a different story, outwardly he is determined to step way out of his comfort zone and embrace the unknown.  Little does he know that by stepping into that club, he is setting himself up for capture by monsters, both beautiful and terrifying, straight out of his darkest nightmares.

This duality of beauty and terror plays out repeatedly in the novel, and the author uses that duality to perfectly symbolize the inner struggle that many of us know all too well.  For those prone to depression and/or anxiety our own world can be a dark and uncertain place, and even the most beautiful sun bright field of flowers can open the door to hopelessness and fear.

Henriquez deftly created a world and people who embody these abstract traits in their many stages and brings them to horrific life.  Whether it is the handsome catcher, Roman, who kidnaps humans and brings them to his world to serve his even more cruel masters, or the snake-like barbarian guards who watch over the humans and kill at will, these are monsters and their very purpose is to take your life.  If it happens slowly or quickly, that’s up to you.

The Catcher’s Trap is a fine debut novel from Ricardo Henriquez, and it’s the first in a proposed trilogy of books that will continue Andres’ quest.  Fans of Neil Gaiman would do well to get a copy.  The book is available in both ebook and paperback formats from Inkshares.com.

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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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