FOLLOWING FILMS

Half a century after Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre carved its way into horror history, filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe returns with Chain Reactions, a documentary examining the seismic cultural impact of the 1974 classic. Winner of the 2024 Venice Classics Award for Best Documentary on Cinema, Chain Reactions blends never-before-seen outtakes with fresh perspectives from five artists whose lives and careers were shaped by Hooper’s film: Patton Oswalt, Takashi Miike, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Stephen King, and Karyn Kusama. Through vivid memories, sensory impressions, and reflections on trauma, Philippe constructs a layered portrait of how a scrappy, low-budget horror film became a global touchstone. The documentary also pays tribute to the shifting ways audiences have experienced Texas Chain Saw—from grainy 16mm prints to battered VHS tapes to the sharpness of digital restoration—each format carrying its own haunting resonance. Critics have called the film “an exploration...

Thank you for listening to the Following Films Podcast. Today I’m joined by Jeremy Rudd to discuss DIE’CED: RELOADED Seattle, Halloween night, 1987. Benny - an infamous serial killer long thought contained - breaks free from a high-security asylum, reborn behind a twisted scarecrow mask. As he leaves a trail of carnage across the suburbs, whispers of his gruesome past resurface, fueling panic in a city soaked in neon and fear. But Benny isn’t just killing for pleasure - he’s hunting someone. A young woman unknowingly tied to the darkest chapter of his madness becomes his fixation, and the closer he gets, the bloodier it gets. DIE’CED: RELOADED delivers a brutal, synth-drenched slasher soaked in 1980s nostalgia, where Benny carves his place in horror history - one body at a time. DIE’CED: RELOADED will be available to rent or purchase on video-on-demand on Tuesday, 8/12 Now on to my conversation with Jeremy Rudd. I hope you enjoy the show

Horror remakes often carry a bad reputation—many are cash-grabs that dilute what made the original films memorable. But every so often, a remake comes along that not only respects its source material but elevates it, reimagining classic scares for a new generation. This list celebrates ten horror remakes that got it right—whether through fresh storytelling, deeper character work, modernized visuals, or sheer atmospheric dread. These films prove that remakes can be more than recycled ideas; they can breathe new life into old nightmares. From psychological horror to blood-soaked reboots, these are the rare do-overs that truly deliver. 1. The Thing (1982) John Carpenter’s The Thing is a masterclass in paranoia and body horror. A remake of the 1951 sci-fi thriller, it’s darker, more nihilistic, and elevated by groundbreaking practical effects. The isolated Antarctic setting amplifies the tension as an alien shapeshifter infiltrates a research team, leading to a brutal breakdown of trust....

Dust off your syringes and prepare for a jolt of cinematic nostalgia—Re-Animator is coming back to life for its 40th anniversary! Fans of the cult classic won’t want to miss what Ignite Films and Eagle Rock Pictures have in store.  Ignite Films, the restoration powerhouse behind award-winning home video releases, has joined forces with Eagle Rock Pictures to create a label devoted to preserving cinematic history. Their mission? To breathe new life into timeless classics for collectors and a new generation of fans. With Re-Animator turning 40, expectations are high for what this dream team will deliver to honor the film that redefined horror comedy in 1985. Ignite’s pedigree in restoration is pretty damn solid. Their recent 4K UHD release of Invaders from Mars (1953) took home a Saturn Award and earned accolades from prestigious industry bodies like the Il Cinema Ritrovato DVD Awards and the Hollywood Professional Association. If their meticulous work on this sci-fi classic is any i...

  Calling all slasher fans! Get ready to revisit the swamp with Victor Crowley, because the iconic Hatchet series is getting the ultimate treatment. MPI Home Video's new collector-focused label, Dark Sky Selects, has unveiled its first release: Hatchet: The Complete Collection Limited Edition Steelbook. This marks the first time all four of Adam Green's cult classic Hatchet films will be available together. Packaged in a stunning Steelbook case, the 5-disc Blu-ray set boasts a bloody good time with nearly two hours of new bonus features, including "Hatchet: Swamp Tales" and "Production Journals," exclusive to this collection. The press release describes the series' return as "fully Unrated" and a "blood-soaked" experience, so gorehounds can expect the full Hatchet experience.  For those unfamiliar, the series follows the reign of terror unleashed by Victor Crowley, a vengeful monster who stalks the swamp, taking down anyone who dares ...

A copycat serial killer, killing his last victim on the anniversary of the death of the original killer, decides to retire from his life of murder. But his retirement doesn’t last for long. Attacked by vicious thugs, left severely wounded and hospitalized, The Omicron Killer returns, hellbent on vengeance as he embarks on a new reign of terror! Writer-Director Jeff Knite’s The Omicron Killer unites international movie star Bai Ling (The Crow, Dumplings), “Scream Queen” Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp, Terrifier 2), and Legendary actress Lynn Lowry (George Romero’s The Crazies, David Cronenberg’s Shivers) in a high-octane, terror-filled tale of suspense. The film also features Impractical Jokers’ Rob Emmer as never seen before. Co-written by Knite with Paugh Shadow, who also plays the title character, the film is executive produced by Richard Bernstein and Stream producer Chris Guttadaro, along with Chris Lazzaro, a former producer at Fuzz On The Lens productions (Stream, Terrifier 2, Terr...

Directed by: Kevin Greutert Written by: Peter Goldfinger & Josh Stolberg Produced by: Mark Burg, Oren Koules John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back. The most chilling installment of the SAW franchise yet explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal game. Set between the events of SAW I and II, a sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer – only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, John returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through a series of ingenious and terrifying traps. ONLY IN THEATERS SEPTEMBER 29TH  

From the producers of Anna and the Apocalypse and Monsters, and in the tradition of Get Out and ‘’Black Mirror’’, Terror Films’ FOLLOWERS combines horror with black comedy to satirize today’s influencer generation while bringing a fresh new spin to the found-footage genre. What starts as hilariously bad YouTube videos develops into a warning to the world about a shocking new strain of supernatural serial killer. Jonty, a failing influencer with an ambition to reach over a million followers, will stop at nothing to become famous. A new start at university brings with it hopes of a resurgence in his popularity when a demonic presence appears in his student house. Jonty decides to stream his and his housemates’ experiences with this supernatural entity to gain the fame and fortune he’s most been craving. But at what cost? To create an authentic found footage feel over 70% of Followers was filmed by the actors themselves. Directed by the late Marcus Harben, and starring Harry Jarvis (Netfl...

FROST, directed by Brandon Slagle (Battle of Saipan), based on James Cullen Bressack’s story and adapted for screen by Robert Thompson,  and starring Vernon Wells (Mad Max 2) and Devanny Pinn (House of Manson) will be available on digital and Blu-ray October 11th. The story of a young woman and her father who have to fight for survival after being stranded on a remote mountainside during a storm. A full motion picture soundtrack for FROST is scheduled for both the CD and VINYL LP formats to accompany the film’s release and features contributions by Rick Wakeman (YES), Geoff Downes (YES/ASIA) and Terry Reid – amongst others - courtesy of Cleopatra Records. Today I'm joined by Devanny to discuss her work on Frost

  Wild Eye Releasing will release a Special Edition Blu-ray of Daniel Benedict’s The Bloody Man, a supernatural horror film reuniting A Nightmare On Elm Street 4 : The Dream Master stars Lisa Wilcox and Tuesday Knight, this December. The film is currently available on VOD. Penned by Daniel and Casi Benedict, and produced by Red Serial Films, the film tells of a young boy who, after the death of his mother, becomes obsessed with a comic book she gave him that ultimately summons the ancient monster found in its pages. Today I'm joined by Lisa to discuss her work on THE BLOODY MAN, returning to work after a self-imposed hiatus, and our dogs.  

Distribution Solutions, a division of Alliance Entertainment, has announced the release of Archstone’s horror-in-the-old-west, The Legend of Hawes coming to Digital on September 13, 2022! A mountain homestead is attacked by a raiding party made up of ravenous marauders. The lone survivor, a beautiful young woman hires a dangerous Gunman to help her track and exact revenge on the marauders. Together they trek to a forbidding mountain only to find that the savage marauders have a deadly secret.

Recently discovered and restored 46 years after its completion, George A. Romero's THE AMUSEMENT PARK stars MARTIN's Lincoln Maazel as an elderly man who finds himself disoriented and increasingly isolated as the pains, tragedies, and humiliations of aging in America are manifested through roller coasters and chaotic crowds.  Commissioned by the Lutheran Society, the film is perhaps Romero’s wildest and most imaginative movie – an allegory about the nightmarish realities of growing older, and an alluring snapshot of the filmmaker’s early artistic capacity and style. The “lost” film was restored in 4K by IndieCollect in New York City. Blu-ray and DVD Bonus Features Include:  Audio Commentary with Michael Gornick Re-Opening The “Park” with Suzanne Desrocher-Romero Bill & Bonnie’s Excellent Adventure with Bonnie Hinzman For Your Amusement with Artist Ryan Carr Panel Interview with Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, Sandra Schulberg, Greg Nicotero and Daniel Kraus moderated by Shudder’...

  Yellow Veil Pictures have acquired world sales rights to Kyra Elise Gardner’s debut documentary feature LIVING WITH CHUCKY. The documentary screened last weekend at Popcorn Frights and this will be followed by key festival premieres at Frightfest in the UK, and more to be announced throughout the fall. LIVING WITH CHUCKY explores the iconic Child’s Play franchise through a personal and social perspective. Directed and conceived by Kyra Gardner -- daughter to chief puppeteer for the majority of the franchise Tony Gardner -- LIVING WITH CHUCKY utilizes new and archival interview footage to expose the series cultural impact over the years, with principal cast, crew members including Don Mancini, Brad Dourif, Jennifer Tilly, Tony Gardner, and David Kirshner, alongside fans of the franchise like Marlon Wayans, John Waters, and Abigail Breslin.  Joe Yanick, Co-Founder from YVP said: “Living With Chucky is an essential look at the impact and longevity of the Child’s Play series, im...

  What Josiah Saw  is the third feature from American filmmaker Vincent Grashaw (Coldwater, And Then I Go) and world premiered to high praise at the 2021 Fantasia Film Festival and went on to win awards at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival, Screamfest, and more.  In What Josiah Saw, after two decades, a damaged family reunites at their remote farmhouse, where they confront long-buried secrets and sins of the past. The film stars Robert Patrick (The Terminator), Nick Stahl (Sin City), Scott Haze (Child of God) and Kelli Garner (Lars And The Real Girl).   Today I’m joined by Vincent to discuss his work on WHAT JOSIAH SAW. The film is currently streaming on SHUDDER. Big thanks to Bookmans for sponsoring the show and to Fort Worth for letting me use their song at the end. 

  Written and directed by an ensemble filmmaking team including : Jennifer Reeder (Knives and Skin), Chloe Okuno (Slut), Simon Barrett (The Guest), Timo Tjahjanto (Impetigore), Ryan Prows (Lowlife), Steven Kostanski (PG: Psycho Goreman) Produced by : Josh Goldbloom, Brad Miska and Kurtis Harder (Spiral), Executive Produced by : David Bruckner (The Night House) and Radio Silence (SCREAM, Ready or Not) Starring : Anna Hopkins (“The Expanse”), Christian Lloyd (“American Gods”), Kyal Legend (“Backstage”) and Budi Ross.  The Film(s) In V/H/S/94, after the discovery of a mysterious VHS tape, a brutish police swat team launches a high-intensity raid on a remote warehouse, only to discover a sinister cult compound whose collection of pre-recorded material uncovers a nightmarish conspiracy. Holy Hell - Directed by Jennifer Reeder A story about dirty cops getting what they deserve. A satisfying wraparound that ties all the films together and gives the piece an overall sense of thematic...

Rhys lives in the zombie-infested wasteland. His job is to capture civilians and deliver them to what's left of the military. When Rhys captures a half-zombie-half-human named Grace, he comes to believe she is the key to ending the apocalypse. The latest feature from Australian filmmaking brother duo Kiah Roache-Turner and Tristan Roache-Turner, whose previous collaborations include their breakout feature debut WYRMWOOD: ROAD OF THE DEAD, which premiered at the 2014 Fantastic Fest and put them on the map internationally for their creative use of low-budget gore and highly effective horrific story, and the 2018 TIFF Midnight Madness premiere NEKROTRONIC. The two share co-writing credits while Kiah handles direction with energetic ease and Tristan produces. With a mix of new and familiar faces from the creative worlds of the Roache-Turner brothers , WYRMWOOD: APOCALYPSE stars Luke McKenzie (Wentworth, WYRMWOOD: ROAD OF THE DEAD), Bianca Bradey (WYRMWOOD: ROAD OF THE DEAD), Shantae Ba...

2019 Directed by : Alex Greenlee and  Todd Greenlee Written by :  Alex Greenlee and  Todd Greenlee Stars : Ellen Humphries, Sebastien Charmant,  Danielle Evon Ploeger, Jasper Hammer To me, the best horror films are ones where the scares are secondary. Films where you could excise all the guts, gore, and mayhem and still be left with a film. A story that stands on its own without leaning on jump scares to placate the audience. One of the more impactful moments in HOME WITH A VIEW OF THE MONSTER  is when a character confronts someone about babyproofing a house, that's it, not a beheading or a cat jumping out of a closet, but a moment that introduces an idea, an idea that informs not only the character who is being observed but the character who is doing the observing as well.  I won't go into the exact details of the film because one of the sheer joys of Alex and Todd Greenlee's feature-length debut is discovering how each chapter of the film inform...

Today I'm joined by Hazel Doupe. She is best known for her role as Frances, an Irish Traveller teen who idolizes boxing legend Muhammad Ali and trains herself to become a boxer in the 2018 film Float Like a Butterfly, which premiered at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival.  In 2021, Doupe portrayed Ingrid in the RTÉ One thriller drama series Smother, which also starred Dervla Kirwan, Niamh Walsh, Seána Kerslake and Gemma-Leah Devereux . I had Hazel on the show to discuss her latest film You Are Not My Mother. The film is currently in select theatres and on-demand.

Directed by Chris Sivertson (I Know Who Killed Me, All Cheerleaders Die) Written by Carol Chrest (The Prophet’s Game)  Starring Christina Ricci (“Yellowjackets,” The Matrix Resurrections, Buffalo '66, Casper) Colleen Camp (Sliver, Clue, Die Hard With a Vengeance) Santino Bernard (8-Bit Christmas, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, “Bing”) Don Balderamos (Suburbicon, “Castle”) Nick Vallelonga (Green Book, The Many Saints of Newark, The Birthday Cake) A terrifying new horror awaits Laura (Christina Ricci) and her seven-year-old son Cody when they flee her abusive ex-husband and try to settle into a new life in an idyllic and remote lakeside farmhouse. Still traumatized, their physical and mental well-being are pushed to the limit as their fragile existence is threatened.  

  Today I’m joined by Jocelin Donahue to discuss her latest film OFFSEASON.  The film is about a woman who quickly returns to the isolated offshore island where her late mother is buried after receiving a mysterious letter that her mother’s gravesite has been vandalized. When she arrives, she discovers that the island is closing for the offseason with the bridges raised until Spring, leaving her stranded. One strange interaction with the local townspeople after another, She soon realizes that something is not quite right in this small town. She must unveil the mystery behind her mother’s troubled past in order to make it out alive. OFFSEASON will be In Select Theaters, On Demand and Digital: March 11 Thank you to Bookmans for sponsoring the show and Fort Worth for letting me use their song at the end!!!