FOLLOWING FILMS

The long-running and fan-favorite horror series Final Destination is set to make its return with Final Destination Bloodlines, bringing a new chapter of supernatural terror to the big screen. Scheduled for a theatrical and IMAX release on May 16, 2025, in the U.S. (and internationally beginning May 14), the film promises to continue the franchise’s tradition of chilling premonitions and inescapable fate. The upcoming installment features a fresh ensemble cast, including Kaitlyn Santa Juana (The Friendship Game, The Flash), Teo Briones (Chucky, Will vs. The Future), Richard Harmon (The 100, The Age of Adaline), Owen Patrick Joyner (Julie and the Phantoms, 100 Things to Do Before High School), and Anna Lore (They/Them, Gotham Knights). Also joining the cast are Brec Bassinger (Stargirl, Bella and the Bulldogs) and horror icon Tony Todd, who reprises his role from the original Final Destination films. Todd, best known for his chilling portrayal of the titular character in the Candyman fra...

Few songs capture the raw energy of the 1980s quite like Maniac, the electrifying hit made famous by Michael Sembello in the classic film Flashdance. Now, decades later, the punk-infused power of Tess and The Details is giving this beloved track a fresh, high-voltage revival. In this episode of The Following Films, we sit down with the band to dive into their bold reimagining of Maniac—exploring what drew them to the song, how they infused their signature sound into the arrangement, and what it means to bring new life to an ‘80s anthem. From studio insights to the personal connections they have with the track, this conversation peels back the layers of their creative process and the thrill of covering a song that still gets hearts racing today.

  Welcome to The Following Films Podcast , where we dive deep into the world of cinema, storytelling, and the creative minds behind it all. I’m your host, Chris Maynard, and on today’s episode, we’re exploring the fascinating intersection of horror and documentary storytelling. Joining me is acclaimed author Elizabeth Hand , here to discuss her participation in FIRST WORD ON HORROR —a gripping new documentary horror series available to stream on Substack. This series features intimate and insightful interviews with some of the genre’s most compelling voices, including Stephen Graham Jones, Paul Tremblay, and, of course, Elizabeth Hand herself. To watch her episode and explore more from FIRST WORD ON HORROR , head over to etchstudio.substack.com .

As a fan of The Devil’s Candy and The Loved Ones, Sean Byrne’s latest horror feature, Dangerous Animals, is one I’m excited to see. Starring Jai Courtney (Suicide Squad), Hassie Harrison (Yellowstone), and Josh Heuston (Dune: Prophecy), this film is set for an exclusive theatrical release on June 6, 2025. Dangerous Animals follows Zephyr, a rebellious surfer who is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat. She must figure out how to escape before becoming the next victim in a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below. Directed by Sean Byrne and written by Nick Lepard, the film has a runtime of 93 minutes and is presented in English. The official teaser trailer and poster have been released.

DEEP BLUE SEA  (1999) is a sci-fi horror film that reinvents the classic shark attack thriller with a mix of high-tech experiments, action-packed sequences, and unexpected twists. Directed by Renny Harlin, the movie takes viewers deep into an oceanic research facility, where a group of scientists is conducting experiments on sharks in a bid to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, their research goes horribly wrong when the genetically enhanced sharks become smarter and more dangerous than anticipated. The story follows Dr. Susan McAlester and her team at Aquatica, a floating laboratory where they have been manipulating shark brains to increase their size and intelligence. Among the team is Carter Blake, a skilled shark wrangler with a mysterious past, and Russell Franklin, a corporate executive sent to oversee the project. As a powerful storm rolls in, a chain of disastrous events traps the group inside the facility while the enhanced sharks, now capable of strategic think...

Released in 1996, THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT is an exhilarating action-thriller directed by Renny Harlin and penned by Shane Black. The film features Geena Davis as Samantha Caine, an ordinary schoolteacher grappling with amnesia, and Samuel L. Jackson as Mitch Henessey, a struggling private investigator. As Samantha embarks on a quest to uncover her past, she learns she was once Charly Baltimore, a highly skilled assassin. This shocking revelation sets off a chain of dangerous events, drawing the duo into a high-stakes battle against powerful enemies. The film's narrative explores the tension between Samantha’s quiet, suburban life and her lethal, hidden past. For eight years, she has lived peacefully in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, working as a teacher and raising her young daughter, Caitlin. However, a sudden violent incident rekindles memories of a life she cannot fully remember. Determined to find out the truth, Samantha partners with Henessey, and together they uncover a sinister go...

Released in 1980 and directed by Paul Schrader, American Gigolo is a defining neo-noir film that left a significant impact on Hollywood. It explores themes of isolation, materialism, and moral ambiguity. Starring Richard Gere in the lead role, the film presents a gripping story of a male escort entangled in the world of the elite, only to find himself implicated in a murder case. With its sleek visuals, thought-provoking narrative, and an iconic soundtrack by Giorgio Moroder featuring Blondie’s Call Me, American Gigolo remains an essential piece of 1980s cinema. The film centers on Julian Kaye (Richard Gere), a high-class male escort in Los Angeles who caters to wealthy clients. Julian embodies sophistication and confidence, carefully curating his image and lifestyle. However, his existence is upended when he becomes a prime suspect in a brutal murder. As he fights to prove his innocence, he confronts the reality of his profession and the superficiality of his relationships. At its cor...