FOLLOWING FILMS - Podcast, Movies, Music, and More

Shelby Oaks is an ambitious and deeply personal horror film that wears its influences openly while still striving to carve out its own unsettling identity. Directed by Chris Stuckmann, the film arrives with a unique weight behind it, not only because of its genre aspirations but because it represents a critic turned filmmaker stepping directly into the medium he has analyzed for years. The result is a movie that feels both reverent toward horror history and intensely concerned with the emotional fallout of obsession, guilt, and belief. A particularly notable comparison is Roger Ebert, whose transition from criticism to filmmaking resulted in Beyond the Valley of the Dolls, written with Russ Meyer. While the film is wildly different in tone and intent from Shelby Oaks, it stands as a reminder that critics have occasionally made bold, unconventional leaps into creation. Ebert’s script was unapologetically excessive, satirical, and deeply aware of the cinematic landscape it was commenting...

Following its acclaimed premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it received the People’s Choice Award, and a successful nationwide release, Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck is heading back to theaters for a single evening on October 1. This special screening will be accompanied by an exclusive conversation between filmmaker Mike Flanagan and actor Mark Hamill, giving audiences behind-the-scenes insight into the creative process, the film’s emotional themes, and the lasting influence of Stephen King’s short story. Tickets are available beginning September 24 through major ticketing platforms and participating theaters. The film will be shown in Dolby Cinema at AMC locations and on RPX screens at Regal theaters. Based on King’s novella from If It Bleeds, the film follows Charles “Chuck” Krantz, whose story is told backwards—from his death in a collapsing world to his joyful childhood. More contemplative than terrifying, the film reflects on love, memory, and mort...

Today I'm joined by cinematographer James Kniest’s to discuss his latest work, The Midnight Club. Created by Mike Flanagan the series begins streaming on Netflix on Oct. 7. Based on the 1994 novel of the same name as well as other works by Christopher Pike, the premise of the show takes place at a hospice for terminally ill young adults when eight patients come together every night at midnight to tell each other stories — and make a pact that the next of them to die will give the group a sign from the beyond. A trailer is available here. Kniest, as the lead DP on the series, shot five episodes (Ep. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7), and has a long history of collaborating with Flanagan having The Midnight Club mark their fourth time working together. Previously, they have collaborated on the feature film Hush, and Netflix hit series The Haunting of Bly Manor and Black Mass.