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TADFF 2022 Review: ‘Something in the Dirt’ is Uniquely Benson & Moorhead

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Something in the Dirt

The fifth film from the dynamic filmmaking duo of Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, Something in the Dirt is a cosmic sci-fi puzzle buddy comedy – the kind of film that only Benson and Moorhead could pull off. 

In the film, new neighbors John (Moorhead) and Levi (Benson) witness supernatural events in their Los Angeles apartment building, and realize that documenting the paranormal could inject some fame and fortune into their wasted lives. An ever-deeper, darker rabbit hole, their friendship frays as they uncover the dangers of the phenomena, the city, and each other.

Something in the Dirt showcases their particular brand of offbeat storytelling, though classifying the film’s genre is no easy task. With elements of buddy comedy, cosmic horror, supernatural mystery and existential explorations, conversations between John and Levi cycle through some rather heady topics as the film bounces between narrative formats. 

It’s mostly a real-time third-person capturing of the events (with flashes of stock footage to accompany the dialogue), but it’s also partially a retrospective documentary that incorporates their own “found” footage and reenactments. 

It’s an interesting structure that allows the story to unfold just in the way they want it to. Hints are dropped and details are unreliable so – as an audience – we’re guided and misled into choosing what reality we want to believe. It’s a unique beast, born out of COVID lockdown. 

The film was shot almost entirely in Benson’s own apartment with a tiny crew; it’s a testament to the power of DIY filmmaking. Benson and Moorhead are very hands-on with their films and – between the two of them – always wear multiple hats (writer, director, editor, cinematographer, producer, and visual effects). 

It seems that with each new film, Benson and Moorhead are pushing themselves a little further to just get weird with it. The characters are unexpected (a gay doomsday evangelical and an asexual registered sex offender) and their performances are grounded and humble in a way that you want to see as much of them as you possibly can. 

They’re working through a lot, both in their own lives and with this great cosmic mystery they’ve stumbled upon. LA serves as a muted backdrop to their drifting lives, stripping away any associated glamour to show the city as it is; with wandering coyotes, low-flying airplanes, electrical hums, and the accepted looming threat of a potential forest fire. 

Something in the Dirt throws a lot at its audience, but it’s less grandiose and bombastic as some of their prior films. Those expecting something as action-driven as Synchronic or The Endless will be surprised by its calm pace. While there’s still a lot going on, it focuses more on theories, theorems, relationships, and humanity. 

It’s appropriately named; Something in the Dirt is perhaps their most grounded film, despite all the otherworldly mystique. Fans of Benson and Moorhead will enjoy the cognitive sci-fi and savvy storytelling we’ve come to expect from the duo. With their characteristic flair and creative chemistry, it checks off a lot of boxes. That said, if you’re hoping for something fast-paced and punchy, perhaps keep digging.

Something in the Dirt played as part of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival‘s 2022 lineup. The film releases on November 22.

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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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