As well as directing, Peele has made a name for himself producing under his production company, Monkeypaw Productions. His company has been responsible for many other projects, including the recent Candyman, The Twilight Zone and Spike Lee’s BlackKklansman.

Get Out

Peele’s directorial debut propelled him into a household name, alongside its star Daniel Kaluuya. A horror/ thriller focusing on racial tensions, the film follows Chris (Kaluuya) as he meets his white girlfriend’s family. Despite some initial reservations, it turns out Chris has a lot more to be worried about than he first thought. The film was a massive hit, earning over $255 million and becoming the tenth most profitable film of 2017. It was nominated for 3 Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Kaluuya, it won the award for Best Orginal Screenplay. Critics have cited it as one of the best films of the 21st Century, and it has remained in the public conversation, thanks to its themes of racial tension.

Us

For his second feature, Peele once again turned to the horror genre. This time leaning fully into the genre as a response to the “genre confusion” of his previous effort. It follows a family who, while on a beach house vacation, are stalked by their doppelgangers. Peele was inspired by an episode of The Twilight Zone and a dark underpass he used to cross as a teenager. Us was also a huge success, bringing in around $255 million and earning praise from critics and audiences, with praise for the direction and Nyong’o’s performance.

Nope

Branching out into science fiction for his third outing, Peele stated that the title was a reference to the reaction he wanted from audiences. Partly inspired by the Covid-19 lockdowns and barrage of negative news headlines in 2020, it follows two siblings who attempt to capture evidence of a UFO. It opened to positive reviews and around $19.5 million on the first day of release. With some reviews noting the Speilbergian feel. Nope has divided some audiences over its story and is unlikely to do as well as his previous efforts due to cinemas still recovering from the pandemic.

What’s Next?

Peele hasn’t given any hints as to his next film, as it’s likely a few years away. It will probably be horror mixed with another genre, although he could feel like moving away from horror, as Nope feels more like an ode to exploratory science fiction films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Whatever Peele’s next project ends up being, it is likely to have something to say and reflect modern life, and something wholly unique.

Also Read: Inside the Mind of Jordan Peele

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With this list, we are going to try something different. Obviously, there are higher-profile releases coming up like Scream (2022) and Halloween Ends. But since these movies are part of big franchises they already have an inbuilt audience. Instead, this list is going to focus on original IP, or first adaptations to encourage us to watch a more diverse range of films. Now join us as we spotlight five horror movies that you should watch in 2022. 

Abruptio (????)

Puppets are creepy at the best of times. So the idea of a full-length horror film made using puppets sounds like a match made in heaven. Our story here follows Les Hackel who wakes up one morning with a bomb implanted in his neck. Though it is not clear when the film will be released it is predicted for some time in 2022. And with unique presentation at its core along with a great voice cast (including the talents of Jordan Peele, Robert Englund, the late Sid Haig, and James Marsters among others) this definitely feels like a production to keep an eye on.

Bed Rest (15^th July)

The first film from director Lori Evans Taylor (who is also writing the upcoming Final Destination 6). Bed Rest’s narrative is about a pregnant woman who tries to figure out if her house is haunted or if she is simply imagining the spooky occurrences happening around her. With a fresh talent behind the camera and a script that was on the Black List (a list of popular unproduced screenplays) in 2015, there is every possibility that this will be a creepy start for a new horror talent.

Nope (22^nd July)

Jordan Peele’s latest movie reunites him with Daniel Kaluuya and also includes Steven Yuen and Keke Palmer in the cast. Some people may need more details to be convinced to watch Nope, but when you have made movies as great and impactful as Get Out and Us, little information is needed for horror fans to get excited about Jordan Peele’s next project.

Dark Harvest (9^th September)

We all love having a new iconic villain to gush over, and Dark Harvest appears to be offering just that. Based upon a novel by Norman Partridge and brought to us by cult horror favourite David Slade (Hard Candy, 30 Days of Night & Black Mirror: Bandersnatch) this film concerns an annual tradition where a monster, called Sawtooth Jack, rises from a cornfield to scare and kill any residents of a midwestern town unfortunate enough to come across his path. One hope exists however. If one of the residents is able to kill him they can earn their freedom and escape the town. While the plot sounds interestingly subversive what catches our attention here is the prospective look of the antagonist, a monstrous creature with the head of a pumpkin (see the picture below). If done right Sawtooth Jack could join Jack Skellington and Sam as a modern Halloween icon. 

Don’t Worry Darling (23^rd September)

Like with Jordan Peele’s Nope, excitement for Don’t Worry Darling is largely based on the pedigree of those involved. This is Olivia Wilde’s sophomore directorial effort after the well-received Booksmart. It also stars the incomparable Florence Pugh alongside Chris Pine, Gemma Chan, Harry Styles and Wilde herself. But the story also looks intriguing, focusing on a 1950s housewife who slowly begins to uncover the dark secrets at the heart of a community that her husband is involved with. With an enticing premise and that kind of talent, there is no need to worry about the movie finding an enthusiastic audience.

And these are just five 2022 horror movies to add to your watchlist. Which films did I miss that you are looking forward to? Please get discussing and let’s get excited for horror in 2022. Happy New Year horror fans.

Also Read: Netflix Horror Movie Written Entirely Using Artificial Intelligence

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Say my name!

Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) lives with his girlfriend Brianna (Teyonah Parris) in Chicago, and both are extremely passionate about art. She’s an art curator, and he’s a painter trying to make a name for himself. However, while his work about gentrification shows a lot of creativity, passion and authenticity (or at least according to us), the critics and gallery owners aren’t fond of his work. To please them, Anthony is using the Cabrini-Green housing project as his next inspiration. Sadly, those now-abandoned buildings have more secrets than he could have imagined. He meets William Burke (Colman Domingo) during his observation, who tells him about the famous killer ‘Candyman’, who saw death and destruction in the ‘90 with his hook.

Anthony is instantly captivated by this legend. He doesn’t only use it as a source of inspiration, but he also does what he shouldn’t do—saying Candyman five times while looking in the mirror. As anyone knows, with this act, you summon the killer. Soon, the art world is being struck by unexplainable deaths, which has an odd positive impact on McCoy’s success. The more deaths occur, the more successful McCoy becomes and the more he gets sucked into the Candyman story to the point his passion for it becomes an obsession…

Impressive talent emerging

Those who have seen the first two movies will notice that the protagonist in this film has changed. Instead of a white woman, it’s now a black man analyzing the Black legend. However, the original topics such as race, community, gentrification and police brutality are still present. Despite the slight change in the protagonist, DaCosta’s approach has definitely taken the Candyman story and this movie to a whole new level.

First of all, because she allows stunning new talent to shine. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Aquaman) puts on a terrific and authentic performance. He brings real emotions to the screen, thanks to which the story is more alive than ever. Parris (If Beale Street Could Talk, Where Children Play) does an impeccable job, too, as the compassionate and headstrong woman. While she delivers every line with a lot of power, she excels by showing her characters’ emotions through facial expressions. We can’t wait to see what her next collaboration (The Marvels) with DaCosta will bring.

The supporting actors are definitely also ones to watch (even more). Domingo (Zola, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) his performance is certainly a strong one we will never forget. There’s also some lightness in the film thanks to the fun and cheerful performance by Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (The Kid Who Would Be King, Benjamin) as Brianna’s brother.

A horror movie wouldn’t be a horror movie without jump scares, gore scenes and unnerving moments. When it comes to jump scares, Candyman is a little bit of a let-down. You know that if people say Candyman five times in the mirror that something terrible will happen, so the element of surprise isn’t just fully effective anymore. However, there’s an abundance of gore and nerve-racking moments. Those are mainly because of the stunningly shot scenes and the stunning makeup effects.

Not only the use of mirrors is terrific but also the use of music. Music is undoubtedly vital to the Candyman movies, and it’s not different this time. Every non-dialogue scene is full of music that gives this movie a modern, horror, and captivating vibe.

A stylish, ambitious and exciting horror sequel

Making a sequel is never easy, especially not when you didn’t write or direct the first movie. However, DaCosta takes on that difficult job with a lot of grace and dignity. Together with an exceptional cast, she creates stunningly looking shots. These scenes will make you cringe in a very way, though and overall, an extremely stylish, ambitious and exciting horror sequel.

Candyman is out now in U.K. cinemas

Rating: (4 / 5)

Also Read: What Happens To Your Brain Watching A Horror Movie?

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Today we’re looking through 8 exciting upcoming horror releases that will (hopefully) release this year. We will give a brief synopsis of what we know about these films. And explain why you should be excited to see them.

1. In the Earth (30th January – Sundance Film Festival)

Ben Wheatley’s latest film focuses on a scientist and a park scout going on an equipment run after a virus infects the world (topical). Wheatley’s projects are always fascinating thanks to his ability to get great performances from his actors and effectively build atmosphere. In the Earth also sees Wheatley round up prior collaborators, including Reece Shearsmith (A Field in England), Hayley Squires, and Mark Monero (Happy New Year, Colin Burstead). Let’s hope this is another winner.

2. The Blazing World (31^st January – Sundance Film Festival)

Carlson Young’s debut feature is about a woman drawn into a surreal world where her sister is still alive. This movie deserves more attention from the trailer alone. The candy-coloured lighting juxtaposes brilliantly against a foreboding soundtrack and frightening images. Like a smiling man in black, and a worried girl amongst her smiling friends. The Blazing World looks like David Lynch meets Suspiria (1977). What a nightmarish treat.

3. Prisoners of the Ghostland (1^st February – Sundance Film Festival)

From cult director Sion Sono (Suicide Club and Love Exposure) this action, horror, thriller follows a notorious criminal (Nicolas Cage) who must break an evil curse to recover a missing girl. While the story sounds generic the pairing of Cage’s and Sono’s odd talents could lead to another Cage cult horror hit like Mandy and Colour Out of Space. With production stills showing Nic Cage’s quintessential mania, Prisoners of the Ghostland looks like a fun time.  

4. Morbius (19^th March)

This MCU adjacent Sony movie focuses on Morbius, the living vampire. Jared Leto plays brilliant biochemist Michael Morbius whose experiments to cure himself of a disease result in him developing abilities such as super strength, echolocation, and gaining a thirst for human blood. With a horror-inspired aesthetic Morbius looks like a welcome attempt to try something different from other MCU films. Let’s hope this horror comic book film lands better than New Mutants.

5. Last Night in Soho (23^rd April)

When a young woman obsessed with 1960s fashion travels back in time and meets her idol things take a dark turn as time begins falling apart. Last Night in Soho comes to us from Edgar Wright. Wright”s track record alone should entice anyone to see this movie. And with a cast that includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Terence Stamp, Rita Tushingham, and the late Diana Rigg, Last Night in Soho should be on everyone’s radar.

6. The Green Knight (30^th July)

Whenever A24 releases a new horror film the horror community takes notice. Starring Dev Patel as Sir Gawain, David Lowery’s latest project reimagines the classic folktale with a decidedly darker edge. The trailer should excite any horror fan. Full of creeping camerawork, unnerving music, and nightmarish fantasy creatures, The Green Knight looks set to please fans of the niche studio.

7. Candyman (2021) (27^th August)

With Tony Todd returning as the iconic villain, Jordan Peele (Get Out and Us) contributing to the screenplay and producing the film, which will be a spiritual sequel rather than a remake of the classic film, and promising new director Nia DaCosta helming the project all of this adds up to a film that looks to be respecting the legacy of the original Candyman while offering something that looks fresh and new.

8. Malignant (2021 TBA)

Finally, little is known about this project, but it’s a reportedly original idea from horror master James Wan. Who birthed great modern horror films like Saw, Insidious, and The Conjuring movies. And honestly, that pedigree is all you should need to be excited.

There you have 8 upcoming horror releases you should watch (if possible) this year. Are there any future horror releases you’re anticipating? Please let us know.

Also Read: The Best Horror Films of the Decade

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From his work on the Oscar-nominated Get Out, which won him the best original screenplay accolade and his follow-up Us. He has also made a name for himself and his production company in the horror genre, producing the upcoming Candyman reboot.

Who is he?

Peele got his break on Mad TV, a sketch comedy show, where he also met Keegan-Michael Key. The two would then go on to make their own sketch show, Key and Peele, which ran from 2012 to 2015, and several skits went viral online. Their success spawned Keanu, a buddy comedy in which the two rescue a cat from gangsters. It received positive reviews, and the duo continued acting together, playing FBI agents in the first season of Fargo and stuffing fairground toys in Toy Story 4.

While his comedy had made him well known, he has also made a name for himself in the horror genre with his directorial debut, Get Out. A social thriller tackling race issues, it had a great buzz and earned Oscar nominations. Peele won forBest Original Screenplay, making him the first African American to win the award.

In an interview, Peele compared his comedy background to his horror feature and how the genres have some things in common. How both are often used to shine a light on society and issues, and how they often hinge on revelations. While they are usually considered opposites, they are rather alike and humour is often sprinkled into his films. He carried this into his next film Us. Where Get Out dealt with race, this focused on class and privilege. It also received great reviews, although no Oscar nominations.

Peele’s work often has something to say, which is apparent in his films as well as The Twilight Zone, an anthology which usually ends with a twist and a moral. Peele narrates the series, in place of Rod Serling, who gives the opening and closing narration to each episode.

Monkeypaw Productions

In 2012, Peele founded Monkeypaw Productions, which produced the series Key and Peele as well as the duo’s feature film Keanu, which Peele wrote and starred in. Peele has slowly stopped acting, finding directing more fun. It probably helps that his two efforts so far, Get Out and Us, have been hugely successful, both having scored over 80 on Metacritic.

As well as his own work, Monkeypaw also produces work from other writers, with them producing Spike Lee’s BlackKklansmen as well as the upcoming Candyman reboot. They are also involved in the latest iteration of The Twilight Zone, with Peele also narrating. Several other projects are also in development, like Lovecraft Country and the second season of Amazon’s Hunters.

The Future

Peele doesn’t seem like he is going anywhere anytime soon. Although he is moving away from acting, he is still actively writing, producing and has ideas for his next few films already. Some of his sketches have had features developed around them for a while, but time will tell if anything comes of them. Most people are likely excited for his next feature, although he appears to be focused on Candyman, which he is producing. There are currently no hints as to what his next feature could be, but it’s sure to be excellent.

Also Read: My Favourite Actor: Octavia Spencer

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Today we’re going to look at what makes Blumhouse special by finding out more about their company ethos and history. And listing off the five best films that Blumhouse has produced.

About Blumhouse

Blumhouse Productions was founded in 2000 by Jason Blum. The studio’s goal is to produce high-quality micro-budget films. These projects can then be sold to wide audiences through big studio distribution. Its first big success was 2009s Paranormal Activity, which Paramount distributed. On a $15,000 budget, it made over $193 million worldwide, putting Blumhouse on the map. Blumhouse has since had many big studios distribute their movies. Such as Netflix, Warner Bros., and in 2014, they signed a 10 year deal with Universal. Which has helped many of their productions to gain more attention through Universal’s marketing.

Blumhouse is also a haven for creatives. As it allows the filmmakers creative freedom to make the projects they want to make, even if many aren’t well received. Consequently, they have attracted a wide range of established directors to work with them. Such as M. Night Shyamalan, James Wan, Spike Lee, and more. And as previously mentioned Blumhouse has been a starting platform for several acclaimed modern filmmakers. Like Jordan Peele, Leigh Whannell, and Joel Edgerton. But what are the best projects Blumhouse has had a hand in?

Blumhouse’s Top 5 Films

1. Whiplash

Andrew wants to be a well-respected drummer, but his teacher Fletcher believes that to achieve greatness you must be truly ruthless. With the borderline abuse Fletcher heaps on him, can Andrew achieve his dream and keep his sanity? Blumhouse not only helped Damien Chazelle to produce Whiplash but also produced the original Whiplash short film to attract investors. Allowing us to get my personal favorite Blumhouse film.

2. Get Out

Jordan Peele’s directorial debut about a white woman, Rose, taking her black boyfriend, Chris, to meet her outwardly progressive, but secretly shady family was an immediate smash hit with critics and audiences. It also became one of the few horror films to be nominated for best picture and became the highest-grossing feature debut by a black director in history. Get Out is probably Blumhouse’s most significant contribution to modern horror.

3. BlacKkKlansman

BlacKkKlansman follows black police officer Ron Stallworth, who infiltrates the Ku Klux Klan over the phone. With the help of white Jewish officer, Flip Zimmerman, he aims to prevent violence from the KKK. While a coproduction the film embodies the Blumhouse spirit of low budget passion projects with a message similar to other Blumhouse projects like The Purge. BlacKkKlansman is both incredibly entertaining and incendiary regarding its message. The fact that Blumhouse was willing to commit to something so outrageous shows why it has gained a lot of good faith from filmmakers.

4. Split

Three girls are kidnapped by a man named Kevin. They discover that Kevin has twenty-three different personalities. And another personality, “The Beast”, will soon be manifesting itself, aiming to kill the girls. Can the girls make it out of their prison before it’s too late? Of M. Night Shyamalan’s Blumhouse films (the others being The Visit and Glass) this is undoubtedly the best. With two incredible performances from James McAvoy and Anya Taylor-Joy, a story that keeps you hooked with fascinating characters; a good level of suspense, Split is a rewarding ride.

5. The Invisible Man (2020)

With Elisabeth Moss’ bravura performance, an intriguing story about a woman fleeing from her abusive scientist boyfriend only for him to use his scientific knowledge to wreak havoc on her life and sanity and beautiful direction that builds tension to almost unbearable levels simply by using negative space within a shot, The Invisible Man (2020) is a great showcase for what low budget horror is capable of.

And so ends our foray into the best that Blumhouse has to offer. Have I missed any of your favourites? Be sure to tell me your Blumhouse recommendations in the comments.

Also Read: What Happens To Your Brain When You Watch A Horror Film

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What’s it about?

Haunted by a traumatic experience from the past, Adelaide grows increasingly concerned that her past will catch up to her. Her worst fears soon become a reality when four masked strangers descend upon the house, forcing the Wilsons into a fight for survival.

“Us” is currently available to watch in cinemas.

The post Rachael RnR Reviews Jordan Peele’s “Us” appeared first on Big Picture Film Club.

What’s Going On?

A family holiday back to the beach she visisted as a child brings back unsettling memories for Adelaide and triggers a sense of something truly terrible coming. Unfortunately, her feelings are proven right when late at night a group of four people, a family, are spotted hanging around outside their holiday home. As Gabe, husband and father, confronts the group things quickly escalate and soon it’s a house invasion at which point Adelaide, Gabe and their children realise their attackers look exactly like them.

Behind The Scenes

This is the second film by Jordan Peele after 2017’s Oscar-winning Get Out and expectations are high. Peele was known primarily for many years as one half of comedy sketch group Key and Peele, who while not well known in the UK were a big deal in America. After two films Peele is already making a name for himself as a master of horror and he seems like the perfect person to present the rebooted Twilight Zone. As someone who is not a huge horror fan Peele’s films have had a big impact on me.

In Front Of The Camera

Most of the cast play two characters so Winston Duke has to be both reassuring father Gabe and violent brute, Abraham. While the focus is on the whole family Lupita Nyong’o is undoubtedly the star of the movie with two amazing performances as Adelaide and her doppelganger, Red. The children, Shahadi Wright Joseph and Evan Alex, are both great and are especially creepy when being the doppelgangers.

Does It Work?

As I said, expectations were high after Get Out and this film met those high expectations. As soon as the doppelgangers arrive the film is a non-stop terrifying ride. Each doppelganger is their own unique brand of horrifying: Adelaide’s speaking in a rasping voice about what horror she has been through and what awaits, Gabe’s is a brute dishing out violence at any opportunity, Zora (the daughter) has an unsettling manic look to her and Jason (the son) acts more like an animal, scuttling around the room with a very creepy mask. Each doppelganger takes on the original in an apt way (e.g. Zora is told to run and is chased by her double as Zora had recently discussed quitting Track and Field events) which suggests an in-depth knowledge of the family.

The film has many twists and turns and unexpected events so I won’t go too much into the plot so as to avoid spoilers. The normalcy of the family at the beginning sets up a wonderful family life. Gabe is such a “Dad” character making stupid jokes, telling off the children and insisting on planning activities none of the others wanted to do – I assure you, Gabe, nobody wanted to go fishing. There are problems that are hinted at such as Adelaide’s possibly traumatic past and how Jason seems to always wear a mask (I couldn’t work out whether it was meant to be Chewbacca or just a generic creature) but overall they seemed a very happy family. The film also manages to be funny, especially before the horror gets going, it’s a rather nice comedy of a happy family and is a gentle reminder that for a long time Jordan Peele was primarily a comedian.

Adelaide’s character goes on a harrowing journey that begins with her as a terrified mother, relying on her husband or the curiously missing police to save them to a truly formidable presence. It is hard to overstate just how brilliant Lupita Nyong’o is in the film, playing the fragile Adelaide or giving intense monologue’s as Red to Adelaide finding her strength.

The film primarily seems to be about identity and the feeling of how if things had been different you could be a completely different person. What connection does a genuine doppelganger have with you? Who has the greater claim to “your” identity? Does undergoing horror make you horrific? Are we only good because we live in a pleasant society where you can make a life without being bad? The viewer is left to make up their own mind about most of this.

Of course this isn’t just a philosophical film about identity but a brutal horror movie. The violence feels awfully real and a great deal of convincing blood is shed. The sheer oddity of battling a mirror image of yourself increases the disturbing nature and surely everyone watching would be imagining how they would have handled their own evil doppelganger.

The films looks great. The doppelgangers have a very distinct look, wearing identical red boilersuits and a single leather glove and all are armed with very sharp scissors (at the cinema I saw the film at the staff wore the same red boilersuits). The image of the doppelgangers standing outside in the darkness, barely illuminated, is very disturbing and memorable. Jason, the first to spot them, instantly identifies them as a family and I think that is exactly how they appear. The beach town is a beautiful backdrop to the horrors than unfold, a favourite touch of mine was the carnival attraction that young Adelaide gets lost in, in the 1980s its a cultural appropriating Native American “spirit journey” but in the present a more generic, and less offensive, Wizard Forest.

The film also uses music really well. I don’t know if I’ll ever listen to Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys without getting a chill down my spine. But there is a trade-off that because of this film I might laugh at Fuck The Police by N.W.A. The original soundtrack is positively chilling with the song “Anthem” bringing dread, fear and auditory flashbacks to many other great horror film soundtracks.

This film is a success on every level and I’m surprised to say that I might have actually enjoyed this film more than Get Out. If you’re a fan of horror or not go and see this film – albeit it might be too much for the very squeamish or easily creeped out.

Verdict: (4 / 5)

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