Week 21: This week's rolling film blog, looking at the latest movie news and trailers from the British and international indie film scene.
Film News & Trailer Talk As It Happens, Week Commencing 15th May 2023.
Film News & Trailer Talk As It Happens, Week Commencing 22nd May 2023.
This weeks films covered are:
WRATH OF DRACULA, DAYDARK, INLAND, COCAINE SHARK, VIOLETT, FEAR THE INVISIBLE MAN, THE BYSTANDERS, THE BUTTERFLY QUEEN, THE FLOOD, CURSED WATERS, WAR PONY.
WRATH OF DRACULA will be released by @highfliersfilms on 21st August 2023.
Outline: A determined Mina Harker (Hannaj Bang Bendz) embarks on a courageous quest to liberate her beloved husband, Jonathan, from the clutches of the foreboding Castle Dracula. Guiding her through this treacherous undertaking is the enigmatic Professor Van Helsing, whose expertise proves invaluable in their pursuit. Together, they navigate the dark corridors and unearth the secrets that lie within, determined to save Jonathan from the nefarious grasp of the infamous vampire.
Directed by Steve Lawson, WRATH OF DRACULA stars Hannaj Bang Bendz, Ayvianna Snow, Sean Cronin, Mark Topping, Marta Svetek, Carl Wharton.
EuroObscura drop trailer for Italian thriller DAYDARK.
DAYDARK is currently being marketed at the Marchè Du Film in Cannes.
Outline: In the chilling world of DAYDARK, the boundaries between waking life and harrowing nightmares intertwine, trapping a sorrowful father within a malevolent game of pursuit and evasion. In a disorienting twist of fate, the father's anguish reaches a new level when an unidentified voice, embodying the very murderer responsible for his child's demise, disrupts his reality. Thus begins a twisted contest of wits, designed to test the limits of the father's sanity. With a calculating tone devoid of empathy, the killer dangles enigmatic hints, tantalizingly tormenting the father's mind and pushing him perilously close to the edge of lunacy. As the stakes soar to alarming heights, the father is confronted with an unnerving choice: surrender to his deepest fears or unravel the grim veracity concealed within this sadistic labyrinth.
DAYDARK, an Italian production helmed by Kalama Film in collaboration with Apocalypsis, led by Sergio Stivaletti, boasts a captivating backdrop of picturesque Italy. This cinematic creation stars Ferdinando Gattuccio, Marco Balzarotti (known for his remarkable Italian voice dubbing work for Batman and Saint Seyia), and the esteemed actor from the 1970s, Corrado Solari (renowned for his appearances in Duck You Sucker, The Manhunt, and The Tough Ones).
Rory Alexander
Verve Pictures drop trailer for UK drama, INLAND.
Outline: INLAND unfolds as a contemporary folktale within the enchanting countryside of England, where surreal landscapes serve as the backdrop. This captivating narrative delves into the psyche of a young man grappling with a shattered sense of self and an otherworldly experience, triggered by the perplexing disappearance of his mother, leaving no clues behind. With the guidance of a paternal figure and loyal companions from his past, the young man embarks on an introspective expedition, unveiling a path marked by profound emotions and haunting visions.
INLAND boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, showcasing the remarkable talents of British actor Rory Alexander in his inaugural leading role, alongside the acclaimed Mark Rylance, who earned an Oscar for his work in Spielberg's "Bridge of Spies." Rory's previous credits include notable performances in Danny Boyle's "Pistol," "August Osage County," "Untamed," "The Laramie Project," and "Then You Run." Joining them in this cinematic venture are Kathryn Hunter (known for Joel Coen's "The Tragedy of Macbeth," "Andor," and "All or Nothing"), Nell Williams, Shaun Dingwall, Alexander Lincoln, Sebastian Orozco, Eleanor Holliday, and Jake Gwilliam (details of their cast and filmography credits can be found below). Serving as the feature debut for the immensely talented Fridtjof Ryder, both writer and director, INLAND has garnered immense praise, with Mark Rylance expressing his desire to collaborate with Ryder once again on his upcoming project.
INLAND will be in released in UK Cinema, 16th June 2023.
Available now in the US on VOD, and on DVD from 11th July 2023.
Wild Eye Releasing drop trailer for B movie, COCAINE SHARK.
Outline: An infamous drug lord associated with the mafia has released a novel and dangerously addictive stimulant known as HT25 onto the city streets. This potent substance is derived from sharks that have been illicitly confined in an undisclosed laboratory, resulting in horrific and grotesque side effects.
However, when an unforeseen explosion and subsequent leakage occur within the secret facility, a formidable onslaught of mutated sharks and other monstrous creatures is unleashed upon the world. As chaos ensues, a courageous and determined group of individuals takes it upon themselves to confront the escalating carnage, striving to bring an end to the nightmarish rampage.
COCAINE SHARK is directed by Mark Polonia and written by Bando Glutz. It stars Samantha Coolidge, Ryan Dalton, Natalie Himmelberger, and Titus Himmelberger.
A terrifying sea creature!
Film trailer drop for Steven J. Mihaljevich's, Australian horror, VIOLETT.
Outline: In the tranquil town of Miles, a string of perplexing child vanishings has plunged the community into a bewildered stupor. Waves of sorrow ripple through the streets, infiltrating a hushed abode where a frail Mother Sonya resides, consumed by dread that a nameless malevolence is poised to snatch away her 11-year-old daughter, Violett. Estranged from her husband, Sonya's mounting paranoia resurrects remnants of a troubled past, threatening her sanity and jeopardizing the very essence of her cherished bonds. As uncanny visions and unsettling figures from the neighborhood materialize, Sonya is on the verge of uncovering not merely one macabre truth, but a series of grim revelations.
VIOLETT world-wide sales are being handled by @TheMovieAgency
Releasing in the UK & US from 6th June 2023
FEAR THE INVISIBLE MAN to be released in UK/US, 13 June 2023.
Outline: In an intriguing narrative, a youthful widow from Britain offers sanctuary to a former medical school comrade who has mysteriously acquired the ability to render himself unseen. As his seclusion intensifies and his mental stability unravels, he plots to unleash a merciless wave of slaughter and dread throughout the city, with the widow serving as the sole harbinger of his existence.
FEAR THE INVISIBLE MAN (2023) Behind the scenes
Join @BritFlicksExtra's Rob Wallace as he takes you on an exclusive journey behind the scenes of the highly anticipated UK thriller, FEAR THE INVISIBLE MAN. Get an insider's glimpse of the set and delve into conversations with director Paul Dudbridge, DOP Alex Metcalfe, and lead actress Mhairi Calvey. Discover the secrets, challenges, and creative process that brought this film to life. Mark your calendars for the UK release on June 13, 2023, and prepare to be captivated by FEAR THE INVISIBLE MAN.
THE BYSTANDERS to close the Sci-Fi London, 6th June. Outline: Have you ever pondered why unfortunate events occur in your life despite your utmost efforts? Well, it's possible that The Bystanders are behind it all, playing with your fate out of sheer boredom. The Bystanders are ethereal beings, invisible and immortal, who are meant to serve as guardian angels. However, these Bystanders have been plucked from the human realm, comprising mostly of disillusioned individuals lacking companionship—a collection of outcasts and loners.
Enter Pete, a fresh recruit thrust into this peculiar existence. His seasoned mentor, Frank, weary from his experiences, finds little amusement in their assigned humans. In a lighthearted moment, Frank suggests the whimsical idea of swapping their charges, adding a touch of levity to their otherwise exasperating duties.
Outline: Have you ever pondered why unfortunate events occur in your life despite your utmost efforts? Well, it's possible that The Bystanders are behind it all, playing with your fate out of sheer boredom. The Bystanders are ethereal beings, invisible and immortal, who are meant to serve as guardian angels. However, these Bystanders have been plucked from the human realm, comprising mostly of disillusioned individuals lacking companionship—a collection of outcasts and loners.
Enter Pete, a fresh recruit thrust into this peculiar existence. His seasoned mentor, Frank, weary from his experiences, finds little amusement in their assigned humans. In a lighthearted moment, Frank suggests the whimsical idea of swapping their charges, adding a touch of levity to their otherwise exasperating duties.
THE BUTTERFLY QUEEN to be showcased at SOHOME Horror Pride online film festival from June 29th to July 2nd.
Join us for the UK premiere of THE BUTTERFLY QUEEN, an eccentric and nightmarish fantasy that explores the quest to reclaim a cherished friendship. This extraordinary film will be showcased at the SOHOME Horror Pride online film festival from June 29th to July 2nd.
In this whimsical tale, Casey, a non-binary cartoonist and sheep farmer, embarks on an audacious adventure with Robin, their wandering best friend. Together, they must retrieve a mystical sketchbook from the treacherous horror forest ruled by the enigmatic Butterfly Queen. Within these enchanted woods, the Queen dictates the laws, posing a formidable challenge to our courageous duo.
Described by The Montpelier Bridge as "endearing, heartfelt, and visually stunning," THE BUTTERFLY QUEEN has garnered critical acclaim. It triumphed as the Best Feature at the esteemed Chicago International Indie Film Fest and was awarded Best Adventure Film at the prestigious Wisdom Tree International Film Fest.
Clocking in at a captivating 77 minutes, this cinematic gem hails from the United States and is skillfully directed by Liam O'Connor-Genereaux. The remarkable performances by Kade Pintado, Despoina, and Sophia Anthony bring the vibrant characters to life, adding depth and charisma to this extraordinary tale.
THE FLOOD will be released in US hits Theaters & Digital Platforms July 14, 2023, by @sabanfilms4890.
THE FLOOD stars Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers, Alita: Battle Angel, Sleepy Hollow), Nicky Whelan (Hall Pass, Halloween II) and Louis Mandylor (Rambo: Last Blood, Suckers), and Mike Ferguson (The Last Deal, The Colonials) as Floyd McGraw.
Outline: During a severe 50-year storm in Louisiana, five prisoners find themselves in a challenging situation while being transported. Forced to seek refuge, they take shelter in a dilapidated sheriff's department. In an unexpected twist, both the prisoners and the police officers must join forces and collaborate in order to overcome a common threat: a horde of man eating alligators.
Adam Werth's CURSED WATERS to commence production July 2023.
After their ship is sunk during a fierce naval battle, a band of pirates makes a desperate escape to a seemingly uninhabited island nearby. However, little do they know that this seemingly tranquil land holds far more sinister secrets than anticipated. With the Navy hot on their heels, the pirates must navigate the treacherous terrain while discovering the island's eerie inhabitants—a terrifying cult. As their survival becomes increasingly uncertain, they find themselves entangled in a web of mysteries, uncovering the island's hidden depths. Can these pirates endure the perils that await them? Will they find a way to escape the clutches of both the cult and the pursuing Navy?
CURSED WATERS will star Glenn Plummer (South Central, Showgirls, SAW II), Michael Pare' (Eddie and the Cruisers, The Philadelphia Experiment, Hope Floats), Vernon Wells (The Road Warrior, Weird Science, Commando), and John Wells (Christmas Collision, Arena Wars, Wolf Hound).
Embark on a thrilling adventure of treasure hunting and survival with an intriguing twist in the captivating film, CURSED WATERS. Producers Michael and Sonny Mahal have assembled an exceptional ensemble of talent, making this their most ambitious project to date. Returning to the director's chair is the skilled Adam Werth, who teams up with the talented Bj Mezek (known for their work on "Death Count," "Night of the Tommyknockers," and "Amber Road") for the screenplay. Not only does Mezek contribute their writing prowess, but they also grace the screen as the enigmatic character, Drake. Michael Su behind will be Director of Photography.
Picturehouse Entertainment to release native American drama WAR PONY, in UK/Irish Cinemas, June 9th.
Outline: Exquisite, tender, and utterly captivating, WAR PONY weaves together the intertwined narratives of two Oglala Lakota men as they navigate the journey to adulthood on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Bill, a resilient 23-year-old portrayed by Jojo Bapteise Whiting, yearns to create a meaningful existence for himself. Whether engaging in unconventional endeavors like siphoning gas, making deliveries, or even breeding Poodles, his unwavering determination propels him towards the elusive "American Dream."
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Matho, brought to life by the talented LaDainian Crazy Thunder, eagerly awaits the arrival of manhood. Yearning for the recognition and affection of his young yet distant father, Matho's desperate quest for approval leads him down a path of self-destructive choices. As the consequences of his actions unravel, he finds himself ill-equipped to confront the harsh realities of the adult world.
In WAR PONY, these mesmerizing tales unfold in tandem, shedding light on the complex lives and personal struggles of two individuals grappling with their place in the world.
