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This summer marks the return of the Hollyshorts Film Festival for its 21st edition! From August 7 to August 15, 2025, the festival will showcase the best in short-form cinema across genres and styles. But, we here at Dread Central are most excited about their lineup of horror short films, which we have the privilege of announcing today.

For this year’s event, the Hollyshorts Film Festival boasts a roster of over 40 genre entries, all of which are vying for the Best Horror award.

Highlights from the phenomenal horror slate include Iris Dukatt’s nail-biting revenge thriller Long Pork, led by Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey; Bianca Poletti’s surreal homage to 80s horror Video Barn starring Grace Van Dien and Reina Hardesty; and Xian Elder’s Black vampire drama, Woke. A chaotic family dinner is at the heart of Matt Campanella’s Sunday Sauce, featuring a standout performance from Academy Award nominee Cathy Moriarty.

Stars: Grace Van Dien, Robyn Rossouw, Tafara Nyatsanza, Keenan Arrison, Daniel Sharman, Ryan Kruger, Clancy Brown | Written and Directed by Kelsey Egan

The Fix is the latest film from South African writer/director Kelsey Egan and in keeping with the themes of her previous features, Glasshouse and I Carry You Always, it’s set in a future where pollution has rendered the Earth toxic. Unlike those two films though, it’s not to the point where people need to stay indoors, you can go out with the aid of a filtered mask or, if you can afford it, a drug known as Air Remedy, Airem for short, manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Aethera.

As a matter of fact, The Fix opens with model Ella McPhee shooting a commercial for Airem. Despite having landed the lucrative assignment of being their spokesmodel, she’s not a happy person. She lost her mother to suicide a year ago today.

Nearly 92, more controversial than ever, and coming off perhaps the least-liked film of his career, Roman Polanski has not entirely been expected to direct again. Yet he, still among our greatest filmmakers, doesn’t seem content to let The Palace‘s final shot close his story. (That will mean nothing if you’ve not seen the film; those who have understand fully.) Polanski recently met with Poland’s Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, Maciej Wróbel, who revealed that their conversation concerned “plans related to the production of a new film” that will shoot in the director’s native country. [Wiadomości Gazeta]

As Polanski tends to keep a low profile, we’ve no pre-existing details on what it might be, though this hint of advanced funding and logistics stages suggests word would arrive shortly. As for who agrees to star in it or what festival opts to premiere it––that should be...

More than a decade after the original Spring Breakers was released in 2012, the cult classic thriller is getting a sequel. Written and directed by Harmony Korine, Spring Breakers follows college students Candy, Faith, Brit, and Cotty, low on cash, who decide to rob a Florida diner so they can pay for their spring break trip. But they are soon arrested by the police. Luckily, a drug dealer/rap artist named Allen bails them out, and they opt for a life of crime.

Now, a new Spring Breakers, titled Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain, has been confirmed, per Variety. However, there's a catch that might be disappointing for big fans of the previous film. While the original Spring Breakers starred Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine, James Franco, and Gucci Mane, that will not be the case with Salvation Mountain. The sequel will feature an entirely new cast - and a new director.

While Harmony Korine‘s eyeball candy crime-spree thriller “Spring Breakers” helped boost the acting career of pop star Selena Gomez, we never imagined it would spawn a sequel, but here we are with news of “Spring Breakers 2.”

Sadly, in the report from Variety, the film titled “Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain” won’t see the return of Korine in the director’s chair as they’ve instead tapped “Tiptoes” and “Freeway” director Matthew Bright for the pic.

Continue reading ‘Spring Breakers 2’: Bella Thorne, Grace Van Dien & More Topline Road Trip Sequel From ‘Tiptoes’ Director at The Playlist.

Harmony Korine's 2013 film "Spring Breakers" is a time capsule of the early 2010s -- a time when James Franco was still a big-name movie star and Skrillex's brostep bass wobbles soundtracked all of the cool parties in town. Starring Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, and Rachel Korine, the film follows four college students who turn to a life of crime after meeting Alien (Franco), a drug dealer who convinces them to wear pink balaclavas, carry machine guns, and dance to Britney Spears power ballads.

Considering that Harmony Korine was banned from "The David Letterman Show" for causing mischief, it makes sense that he'd create a movie about renegades wreaking havoc. That said, "Spring Breakers" also taps into the universal feeling of being young, carefree, and wanting the party to last forever -- themes most of us can relate to, even if we didn't grow up listening to...

The iconic 2013 film “Spring Breakers” is getting a sequel.

Variety reported that the essence of Harmony Korine‘s classic feature will live on, sans its original stars and director, however. Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, James Franco, and more starred in the first film; now, its follow up will center on Gen Z actors for a new generation of mayhem.

“Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain” will have returning producers Chris Hanley and Jordan Gertner from the original feature. Bella Thorne, Ariel Martin, Grace Van Dien, and True Whitaker will star, with Matthew Bright directing. Christian Mercuri’s Capstone Global and its joint venture with Signature Entertainment called Capture will be launching sales in Cannes.

The logline for the sequel reads: “When a trip explodes out of control, the girls are forced to outrun the chaos they’ve created.” Muse Production’s Chris Hanley and Jordan Gertner will produce, with Capstone Studios serving as financiers.

Didn't have this latest bit of news on our 2025 movie bingo card, but here we are. Released in 2012, Harmony Korine's Spring Breakers received reasonably positive reviews from critics given its divisive subject matter, and it provided a more adult vehicle for its younger stars, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Benson, known for more light teen fare at the time. James Franco's turn in the film also received positive notices, but nothing about its reception gave the impression that more stories needed to be told. However, in this industry, one can never say never as it appears that more from this universe is coming our way.

Per Variety, a sequel to Spring Breakers is moving forward but with a brand-new cast and director. Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain will star Bella Thorne, Ariel Martin, Grace Van Dien and True Whitaker as a new set of rebellious young girls...

The Spring Breakers sequel is finally coming. The original 2013 movie, which was the third film ever distributed by A24, was written and directed by Harmony Korine (who later helmed the Matthew McConaughey movieThe Beach Bum) and followed college girls robbing a diner to fund their spring break trip and eventually being dragged further into the criminal underworld. After it made back more than six times its reported $5 million budget with a $31.7 million box office haul, multiple follow-ups were scrapped while in development, including the Jonas Åkerlund sequel Spring Breakers: The Second Coming and a web series.

Per Variety, Spring Breakers 2 is officially in the works with Capstone Global and Signature Entertainment's company Capture kicking off sales at Cannes. The movie, which is titled Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain, will be directed by Matthew Bright and follow four girls, whose spring break road trip "explodes out of control" to the point...

Get your bathing suit ready — a Spring Breakers sequel is on the way. Variety reports that Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain, the new movie from filmmaker Matthew Bright (Freeway), will follow in the footsteps of the original, even boasting a star-studded cast that will take over the next chapter of the story where Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, and James Franco left off with director Harmony Korine more than a decade ago. This time around, the action will play out between a primary ensemble that includes Bella Thorne (Shake It Up!), Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), Ariel Martin (Zombies 2), and True Whitaker (Godfather of Harlem).

In typical Spring Breakers fashion, the movie will follow the quartet of girls who strike out for the time of their lives during spring break. Billed as “a bold new ride for Gen Z,” the group will find plenty of trouble along the way with the...

A sequel to Harmony Korine’s cult classic “Spring Breakers,” which starred James Franco, Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens, is officially a go.

“Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain” comes from the producers of the 2012 original but with an all new cast — including Bella Thorne. Replacing Korine in the director’s chair will be Matthew Bright (“Freeway”).

Capture — the recently-launched joint venture between Capstone Global and Signature Entertainment — is launching sales in Cannes.

Alongside Thorne, “Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain” will star Ariel Martin (“Zombies 2”), Grace Van Dien (“Stranger Things”) and True Whitaker (“Godfather of Harlem”). The four are set to play a group of rebellious girls who hit the road for spring break in a crime thriller described as “a bold new ride for Gen Z.” But, as per the synopsis, “When their trip explodes out of control, they’re forced to outrun the chaos they’ve created.”

Producers of the original feature,...

Yellow Veil Pictures has boarded North American distribution of the sleep clinic horror film “Somnium,” setting a theatrical release for later this year. The banner will also launch international sales of the feature at the Marche du Film amid the Cannes Film Festival market. The annual international gathering kicks off Tuesday.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Yellow Veil, whose distinct curatorial eye and art-forward approach to distribution aligns perfectly with the spirit of ‘Somnium,’ writer-director Racheal Cain said in a statement alongside the deal’s announcement. “Their focus on cinema that pushes boundaries and lingers in the imagination, and their deep care for each film’s identity — from packaging to release strategy — makes them a dream home for this project.”

“With each viewing of ‘Somnium’ we discover a new theme, that’s only topped by the performances of her cast — and the visual risk she takes to build this world,...

Saban Films has secured the North American distribution rights to the sci-fi revenge thriller Redux Redux, written and directed by Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus. The film, which debuted in the Midnighter section at SXSW earlier this year, is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release later in 2025.

Redux Redux follows Irene Kelly, played by Michaela McManus, as she travels across parallel universes seeking revenge for her daughter’s death by repeatedly killing the murderer in each world. But as Irene becomes consumed by the hunt, her grip on her own humanity begins to fray.

The project features a cast that includes Jim Cummings, Jeremy Holm, Taylor Misiak, Grace Van Dien, and newcomer Stella Marcus. Produced by Mothership Motion Pictures, the film reunites the creative team behind indie titles Funeral Kings and 13 Cameras, including producers Michael J. McGarry, Pj McCabe, Nate Cormier and the McManus brothers themselves.

The deal for North...

Saban Films has acquired the North American rights to Redux Redux for a nationwide theatrical release later this year.

The sci-fi revenge thriller is written and directed by brothers Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus (The Block Island Sound).

In an attempt to avenge her daughter’s death, Irene Kelly travels through parallel universes, killing her daughter’s murderer over and over again. She grows addicted to the revenge streak, putting her own humanity in jeopardy.

Michaela McManus (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”), Jim Cummings (Halloween Kills), Jeremy Holm (“Mr. Robot”), Taylor Misiak (“Dave”), Grace Van Dien (“Stranger Things”) and newcomer Stella Marcus star.

Redux Redux is the first film produced by Mothership Motion Pictures, formed by the McManus Brothers, Pj McCabe (The Beta Test), Nate Cormier (“Star Wars: The Clone Wars”), and Michael J. McGarry (The Wolf of Snow Hollow).

“We couldn’t be happier to be working with...

Earlier this month, we learned that Saturday Night Live‘s Kenan Thompson is executive producing a campy horror comedy film called Halloween Store, which stars Simon Rex (Red Rocket), Natalie Alyn Lind (Pet Sematary: Bloodlines), and Kai Caster (Yellowstone). Now, Deadline has revealed the names of several more cast members, and they are: Anthony Michael Hall (Halloween Kills), Lindy Booth (Wrong Turn), Thomas Dekker (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), Nicholas Hamilton (Brave the Dark), Sydney Park (The Walking Dead), Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (American Carnage), and Drew Ray Tanner (Riverdale).

Director Shane Dax Taylor, whose previous credits include the Stephen Lang thriller Isolation, the Bella Thorne horror thriller Masquerade, the Dolph Lundgren action film The Best Man, and the Kelsey Grammer war movie Murder Company, is at the helm of Halloween Store, working from a script written by Chad Law and Josh Ridgway. The story follows...

With production wrapped in Hawaii, the full cast of Halloween Store has been revealed by Deadline.

Anthony Michael Hall (Halloween Kills), Thomas Dekker (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Nicholas Hamilton (It), Lindy Booth (Dawn of the Dead), Sydney Park (“The Walking Dead”), Grace Van Dien (“Stranger Things”), Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (Bumblebee), and Drew Ray Tanner (“Riverdale”) complete the ensemble.

They join the previously announced Simon Rex (Scary Movie 3), Natalie Alyn Lind (“The Goldbergs”), and Kai Caster (“Yellowstone”).

In the horror-comedy, a group of people find themselves trapped inside a costume store on Halloween night with a mysterious killer on the loose.

Shane Dax Taylor (Murder Company) directs from a script by Chad Law (6 Bullets) and Josh Ridgway (The Flood).

“Saturday Night Live” stalwart Kenan Thompson and Steven Schneider are among the executive producers on the project.

Artists for Artists, Big Bad Pig Productions, and Racer Entertainment are producing,...

Exclusive: After wrapping production this month in Hawaii, Deadline can reveal the final members of the Halloween Store cast.

Lindy Booth, Sydney Park, Grace Van Dien, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. and Drew Ray Tanner complete the ensemble of the upcoming camp horror comedy, joining the previously announced Simon Rex, Natalie Lind, Kai Caster, Anthony Michael Hall, Thomas Dekker and Nicholas Hamilton.

From writers Chad Law, Josh Ridgway and director Shane Dax Taylor, Halloween Store follows a group of people who find themselves trapped inside a costume store on Halloween night with a mysterious killer on the loose.

Booth plays Claudia, once the town’s golden girl—prom queen, head cheerleader, and Wes’s (Rex) wife—who is back on the market and ready to remind everyone exactly what they’ve been missing. Beneath her flawless exterior lies a woman who never forgets a grudge, and...

After being delayed several months by the writers strike and the actors strike, season 5 of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things (which is also the last season of the show) finally went into production at the start of 2024 with a twelve month shooting schedule, wrapping at the end of December. Series creators the Duffer Brothers are working hard to get the season ready for release by the end of the year – and Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos told Variety he doesn’t think there will be a “dry eye” watching this final season.

Stranger Things has the following synopsis: A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana. After a boy vanishes into thin air, his close-knit group of friends and family search for answers and are pulled into a high-stakes and deadly series of events.

Netflix’s juggernaut sci-fi nostalgia series Stranger Things is wrapping up after an amazing run. The child stars have now become young adult actors as they’ve started to break out into newer roles, including Millie Bobby Brown fighting robots alongside Chris Pratt in the upcoming The Electric State. Finn Wolfhard recently commented that wrapping up the series was “incredibly emotional, obviously. It’s the last 10 years of my life. […] My whole childhood was there. It was sort of the Toy Story 3 moment of leaving your toys behind. It was really special. We had a long last year. We shot sort of ‘Lord of the Rings’ style with a year-long shoot. It was a great way to go out and very intense. I feel like it couldn’t have ended better.“

According to The Hollywood Reporter, his castmate Sadie Sink is all about crying for the end of this era.

Stars: Chloë Levine, Will Peltz, Gillian White, Peter Vack, Johnathon Schaech, Grace Van Dien | Written and Directed by Racheal Cain

Somnium is the first feature from writer/director Racheal Cain after a trio of shorts, Everything Beautiful, The Clancy Family Funeral Home and Roaddog. It’s a film about dreams, both literal and figurative, following Gemma as, in the wake of a painful breakup, she decides to relocate to Los Angeles and pursue her dreams of Hollywood fame and fortune.

But, as we see in the montage that follows her arrival, that’s a dream that takes more than wishing on a star to make happen. Needing to pay the bills, she takes a job working nights at a sleep research company called Somnium as a sleep sitter, watching over the sleeping patients. It’s not glamorous, and the pay isn’t much, but it’s a job, and it...

Emmy-nominated directors and “American Vandal” co-writers Kevin and Matthew McManus are back at SXSW with a revenge thriller that calls to mind another filmmaking duo: The Daniels.

The McManus brothers co-wrote and co-directed “Redux Redux,” an action film that spans various multiverses. That dash of Daniels’ Best Picture-winning “Everything Everywhere All at Once” could make “Redux Redux” one of the buzziest titles at SXSW 2025.

The official synopsis for “Redux Redux” reads: “In an attempt to avenge her daughter’s death, Irene Kelly travels through parallel universes, killing her daughter’s murderer over and over again. She grows addicted to the revenge streak, putting her own humanity in jeopardy.”

Michaela McManus leads the film, along with supporting turns from Stella Marcus, Jim Cummings, Taylor Misiak, Grace Van Dien, and Jeremy Holm.

“Redux Redux” is debuting at SXSW as a sales title. The McManus duo previously premiered their dark comedy feature “Funeral...

After being delayed several months by the writers strike and the actors strike, season 5 of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things (which is also the last season of the show) finally went into production at the start of 2024 with a twelve month shooting schedule, wrapping at the end of December. Speaking with Variety, series creators the Duffer Brothers confirmed that they’re working hard to get the season ready for release by the end of the year – and while talking to Entertainment Weekly, they also confirmed that spin-offs are in development.

Stranger Things has the following synopsis: A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana. After a boy vanishes into thin air, his close-knit group of friends and family search for answers and are pulled into a high-stakes and deadly series of events.

XYZ Films and Blue Finch Films have come on to represent North America and international rights, respectively, to the sci-fi horror thriller Redux Redux ahead of its world premiere in the Midnighter section at SXSW in March.

Hailing from brothers Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus, who were writers on Cobra Kai and co-directed The Block Island Sound and Funeral Kings, the story stars their sister Michaela McManus as Irene Kelly, who travels through parallel universes to kill her daughter’s murderer over and over again. As she grows addicted to revenge, the process begins to jeopardise her own humanity.

The...

XYZ Films and Blue Finch Films have come on to represent North America and international rights, respectively, to the sci-fi horror thriller Redux Redux ahead of its world premiere in the Midnighter section at SXSW in March.

Hailing from brothers Kevin McManus and Matthew McManus, who were writers on Cobra Kai and co-directed The Block Island Sound and Funeral Kings, the story stars their sister Michaela McManus as Irene Kelly, who travels through parallel universes to kill her daughter’s murderer over and over again. As she grows addicted to revenge, the process begins to jeopardise her own humanity.

The...

After being delayed several months by the writers strike and the actors strike, season 5 of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things (which is also the last season of the show) finally went into production at the start of 2024 with a twelve month shooting schedule, wrapping at the end of December. A month removed from the filming of the finale, series star Finn Wolfhard took a moment to discuss what it was like to finish working on the show while talking to Variety. Meanwhile, fans are speculating that Stranger Things season 5 might premiere sometime in the final months of 2025 – with some sources saying that it’s likely to have a split release, like Netflix did with season 4.

Stranger Things has the following synopsis: A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins,...

After being delayed several months by the writers strike and the actors strike, season 5 of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things (which is also the last season of the show) finally went into production at the start of the year with a twelve month shooting schedule… and now that the year is coming to an end, Netflix has announced that filming on Stranger Things season 5 has officially wrapped!

Netflix broke the news while sharing multiple behind-the-scenes images on social media:

That's A Wrap On Stranger Things. See you in 2025. pic.twitter.com/DWkIwMMOJ3

— Netflix (@netflix) December 20, 2024

Stranger Things has the following synopsis: A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana. After a boy vanishes into thin air, his close-knit group of friends and family search for answers and are...

Each week, we handpick a selection of stories to give you a snapshot of trends, updates, business moves, and more from around the creator industry. This week, one creator battles against the federal government, while another battles against men on the internet.

Creator commotion

Grace Van Dien spoke up at the Streamer Awards. The Stranger Things actor received a lot of criticism after signing with FaZe Clan during the organization’s turbulent 2023. While presenting at the Streamer Awards, Van Dien registered some of her feelings by hitting FaZe Clan with a sarcastic jab. Current FaZe Clan leaders, including CEO FaZe Banks, took exception to the swipe.

Nerd Leading the Nerd is playing the 100 greatest video games of all time. A new gaming channel is embarking on a two-year quest to review all off the titles on IGN’s list of the best games ever. Hopefully they don’t run into...

Since stealing and then subsequently breaking our hearts as Chrissy Cunningham in the penultimate season of Stranger Things, Grace Van Dien has been picking up new roles left and right. By the time she had her fatal run-in with the Upside Down, Van Dien was already making a name for herself and enjoying the buzz that came with leading roles in Netflix’s other drama series, Greenhouse Academy, and NBC’s short-lived series, The Village. In the time since she joined the Stranger Things family and her character’s death opened up an interdimensional portal, the actress has been incredibly busy. With several irons in the fire, the title that Van Dien was most eager to speak about with Collider’s Taylor Gates during a panel at FanExpo San Francisco was Silver Star.

Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.

Beatles ’64 (David Tedeschi)

While Andrei Ujică’s Twst / Things We Said Today, which premiered on the fall festival circuit this year, took a more avant-garde approach to Beatlemania in the United States, the David Tedeschi-directed, Martin Scorsese-produced Beatles ’64 is a far more straightforward and therefore fan-pleasing documentary about the Fab Four. Capturing their February 7, 1964 descent upon NYC, the neatly-assembled, restored archival footage shot by Albert and David Maysles is the finest part of the documentary, while present-day talking heads memories from Paul McCartney (speaking on how their lyrics attempted to make a universal yet personal connection), Ringo Starr, and especially David Lynch provide welcome context. The Mulholland Dr. director remarked about seeing Beatles in a boxing ring, waxing poetic about...

Stars: Grace Van Dien, Robyn Rossouw, Tafara Nyatsanza, Keenan Arrison, Daniel Sharman, Ryan Kruger, Clancy Brown | Written and Directed by Kelsey Egan

The Fix is the latest film from South African writer/director Kelsey Egan and in keeping with the themes of her previous features, Glasshouse and I Carry You Always, it’s set in a future where pollution has rendered the Earth toxic. Unlike those two films though, it’s not to the point where people need to stay indoors, you can go out with the aid of a filtered mask or, if you can afford it, a drug known as Air Remedy, Airem for short, manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Aethera.

As a matter of fact, The Fix opens with model Ella McPhee shooting a commercial for Airem. Despite having landed the lucrative assignment of being their spokesmodel, she’s not a happy person. She lost her mother to suicide a year ago today.

“The Fix” is a compelling investigation of environmental survival in the present sci-fi scene, breathing new life into dystopian scenarios. This South African indie film, released on June 23, 2024, transports audiences to a near-future world in which breathable air has become a luxury and human adaptation is no longer a choice, but a necessity.

Ella, a supermodel played by Grace Van Dien, is central to this riveting narrative. She goes from being a business ambassador to an unexpected rebel. The film effectively depicts the convergence of climatic crisis, pharmacological control, and individual agency, creating a frightening world similar to our current direction.

Director Kelsey Egan imagines a planet where toxic air radically alters human existence. People live by combining pricey pharmaceutical medications with protective masks, resulting in a bleak social landscape in which survival is inextricably related to economic status. When Ella accidently comes into contact with an experimental medicine that begins to physically modify her,...

The new live-action science fiction thriller “The Fix”, is written and directed by Kelsey Egan, starring Grace Van Dien, Keenan Arrison, Tafara Nyatsanza and Robin Rossouw, releasing November 22, 2024 in theaters:

“…when a troubled model takes a new drug at a party, she suffers a shocking transformation. Pursued by authorities and a dangerous gang, she hunts for a ‘fix’ to reverse the effects, only to discover her mutations could save the human race…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

The Fix is an indie sci-fi film from South Africa that features an intriguing premise, with stilted performances and direction. The film stars Grace Van Dien, who recently found viral success for her role in Stranger Things as Chrissy Cunningham. Now in a leading role, Van Dien steps up to play a supermodel living in a dystopian future where the air is toxic.

The Fix, released on June 23, 2024, follows an image-conscious partygoer who experiences a shocking transformation after taking a mysterious drug. Struggling to revert the effects, she uncovers her role as a vital element in saving humanity.

Director Kelsey EganRelease Date November 22, 2024Writers Kelsey EganCast Greteli Fincham, Aidan Scott, Litha Bam, Duane Behrens, Zinzi Lennon-Ritchie, Robyn Rossouw, Tafara Nyatsanza, DeVille Vannik, Hanni Heinrich, Dan Hirst, Ryan Kruger, Caleb Payne, Matthew Van Leeve, Nicole Fortuin, Keenan Arrison, Shane John Kruger, Terri Lane, Grace Van Dien, Daniel SharmanCharacter(s) Aethera Corp Security,...

The following contains spoilers for The Fix. Proceed with caution.

By nature, science-fiction and horror have always been cousins of sorts. While sci-fi epics like Star Wars and horror staples like Child's Play may not be in the same league, other movies like The Colour Out of Space represent a unique marriage of styles. But the glue that binds these genres together is the subgenre of body horror. One of the best examples of this is David Cronenberg's The Fly or Shinya Tsukamoto's Tetsuo: The Iron Man. Both stories follow the unlucky fate of an individual forced to transform into something that's neither human nor animal but, instead, entirely new. It's chilling and nauseating, and Kelsey Egan's The Fix shares similar DNA while setting up an ambitious idea.

The movie is set in a world where air quality has plummeted, and people can't breathe the toxic atmosphere without a mask.

Dystopia is feeling more and more like home. The Fix, stars Grace Van Dien as Ella McPhee, a model with a complex past, and an even more complex genetic structure after she accidentally takes an experimental drug. The movie is a science-fiction body horror thriller that feels pretty similar to our recent history despite all its high-concept qualities.

In a future with toxic air that requires masks (get ready for 2020 flashbacks), there is a race to figure out a cure or solution to survival. Enter Ella, daughter of a supermodel who died by suicide. Ella takes what she thought was a party drug when confronted with the truths about her unfaithful, trouble-making lover, Tully (Tafara Nyatsanza), who has a clandestine relationship with Ella's best friend, Gina (Robyn Rossouw). This is where the film starts to fumble a bit just because so much emotional weight is thrust upon the character before...

After being delayed several months by the writers strike and the actors strike, season 5 of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things (which is also the last season of the show) finally went into production at the start of the year and is now deep into its twelve month shooting schedule… and while a premiere date for the last batch of episodes hasn’t yet been announced, it’s drawing near, as evidenced by the recent teaser reveal of every episode’s title. As for what we can expect from the final season of Stranger Things, cast member Finn Wolfhard has let it be known that “a lot of action sequences” is on the list.

Stranger Things has the following synopsis: A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana. After...

After being delayed several months by the writers strike and the actors strike, season 5 of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things (which is also the last season of the show) finally went into production at the start of the year and is now deep into its twelve month shooting schedule… and during an appearance at the Happy Sad Confused podcast’s 10th anniversary celebration, cast member David Harbour said the series finale will be worth the wait, because it’s the best episode they’ve ever done.

Stranger Things has the following synopsis: A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana. After a boy vanishes into thin air, his close-knit group of friends and family search for answers and are pulled into a high-stakes and deadly series of events.

The character of Jim Hopper on the hit Netflix series Stranger Things has a tragic history, having lost a young daughter named Sara to cancer – an illness he blames on the fact that he served in the Chemical Corps during the Vietnam War and worked with Agent Orange. Sara was glimpsed in flashbacks in the season 1 finale, where she was played by child actress Elle Graham. The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is currently in production, and Sara will be making another appearance in this last batch of episodes – but that Stranger Things season 1 finale was eight years ago, so Graham, who is now 15 years old, has aged out of the role. That’s why Carmen Cuba Casting has sent out a casting call letting us know that Stranger Things is looking for a new, US-based actress who resembles Graham and can play Sara in Stranger Things season...

"We could create a whole new population to harvest..." Gravitas Ventures has unveiled an official trailer for an indie sci-fi thriller called The Fix, a unique dystopian creation from indie filmmaker Kelsey Egan as her third feature film. This premiered at a festival earlier this year and will be on VOD starting in November. A toxic compound infects earth's atmosphere. Pharmaceutical giant, Aethera, sells immunity to those who can afford the daily dose... most can't. In this climate change ravaged future with toxic air, a young model takes a new "party" drug causing a physical transformation making her into their next test subject. She freaks out and tries reversing it searching for a "fix" but learns that her mutations could actually save humanity. Huh - an interesting eco-thriller twist. I guess...? The film stars Grace Van Dien (daughter of actor Casper Van Dien), Clancy Brown, Daniel Sharman, Aidan Scott, Chris Fisher,...

One of the best parts about modern sci-fi is its ability to hold up a mirror world we live in while also reminding us how much worse things could (and very well might) get. Such is certainly the case in Kelsey Egans upcoming feature, The Fix, which blends the fears we now have living in a post-covid-19 world with something akin to the opioid epidemic. In an exclusive first look, Collider is proud to unveil the trailer for the thought-provoking production that will celebrate a digital release on November 22. Starring the likes of Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), Clancy Brown (The Penguin), Daniel Sharman (Teen Wolf), and more, the teaser gives audiences a quick glimpse into the terrifying world of The Fix.

Production has wrapped on writer/director Taylor Cohen’s Strobe, a thriller that The Hollywood Reporter describes as being “Edm-focused.” Suzanna Son (Red Rocket), Chace Crawford (The Boys), Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming), Mena Suvari (American Beauty), Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends), Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi), Steve Howey (True Lies), Bella Murphy (Coming 2 America), Anthony C Garcia (A Holiday Chance), and musician Matt Champion star in the film, which is coming our way from Happy Place and Super Frog.

Strobe sees Son taking on the role of a high school senior who embarks on an obsessive quest to track down a mysterious Edm artist.

Tara Razavi, Nate Matteson, and Hiro Murai are producing the film. Happy Place provided the financing, alongside executive producer Clayton Moore. Happy Place founder Razavi provided the following statement: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Strobe to life as Taylor Cohen’s first feature film.

Chace Crawford is to star in ‘Strobe’.‘The Boys’ star, 39, will appear in the Happy Place thriller alongside ‘Red Rocket’s' Suzanna Son in what will be director Taylor Cohen’s Hollywood debut, after he previously helmed music videos for artists like Billie Eilish, Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj.Happy Place’s founder Tara Razavi told The Hollywood Reporter: "We’re incredibly excited to bring ‘Strobe’ to life as Taylor Cohen’s first feature film."Suzanna Son was a perfect creative fit, and we are so lucky to have her in the leading role. Taylor has been a key collaborator in our short-form projects for years, and his ability to craft visually stunning and emotionally resonant stories has always stood out. "Now, he’s bringing that same innovative energy and style to ‘Strobe’ which, paired with Suzanna’s and the cast’s remarkable performances, will deliver a truly captivating cinematic experience.

Known more recently for his role as the misogynist superhero The Deep in Prime Videos fan-favorite series, The Boys, Chace Crawford is diving into the world of thrillers in his upcoming project. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie, titled Strobe, will center around the world of Edm (electronic dance music). The feature will also star Suzanna Son (Red Rocket), Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things), and Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming). Son leads the cast as a high school senior who becomes enveloped in an Edm artist and obsessively tries to make their paths cross.

Edm is set to get another movie moment with the forthcoming feature Strobe.

Suzanna Son (Red Rocket), Chace Crawford (The Boys), Mena Suvari (Rzr), Grace Van Dien (Stranger Things) and Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming) star in writer-director Taylor Cohen’s film, which has recently wrapped production. Hailing from production companies Happy Place and Super Frog, Strobe is a thriller centering on a high school senior (Son) embarking on an obsessive quest to track down a mysterious Edm artist.

Rohan Campbell (The Monkey), Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi), Steve Howey (True Lies), Bella Murphy (Coming 2 America) and Matt Champion round out the cast. Tara Razavi (Apple Music’s Up Next), Nate Matteson (The Bear) and Hiro Murai (Mr. and Mrs. Smith) serve as producers, with Happy Place financing the project alongside executive producer Clayton Moore.

Strobe, which does not yet have an announced release, marks the first feature for Happy Place.

Indie film distributor Gravitas Ventures has secured U.S. and Canadian rights to “Between The Beats,” a feature documentary chronicling San Francisco’s early 1990s rave scene and its lasting impact on the Bay Area.

Directed by Martin O’Brien and produced by O’Brien and Mike Koeppel, the film features prominent figures from the era, including Brian Behlendorf, DJ Harvey, DJ Dan and DJ Doc Martin. It examines the DIY ethos and psychedelic community spirit that defined the scene.

The documentary explores how the all-night electronic music dance parties attracted diverse crowds and became catalysts for many attendees who later became significant players in Silicon Valley, global dance music and activism.

O’Brien, who was involved in creating the San Francisco rave scene, said: “The film was made to take viewers on a journey back to an early ’90s music scene that has since grown into the hugely popular Edm/electronica phenomenon across the globe.

Indie film distributor Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. and Canada and select international territories on sci-fi thriller “The Fix,” starring Grace Van Dien, who appeared in “Stranger Things.”

It will be released on Nov. 22 on digital and cable transactional video on demand.

Directed by Kelsey Egan, “The Fix” co-stars Daniel Sharman, Keenan Arrison, Tina Redman, Robyn Rossouw, Tafara Nyatsanza, Nicole Fortuin and Clancy Brown.

The story takes place on a viral infected Earth years into the future, where only the rich can afford to buy immunity. It takes a turn when a wild child takes a new designer drug at a house party, inadvertently becoming an unintended test subject.

“Our journey from script to screen began in 2013, so we couldn’t be more excited to share this wild ride with the world,” said Egan in a statement. “To achieve ambitious action and VFX in a small indie is a rare feat,...

After being delayed several months by the writers strike and the actors strike, season 5 of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things (which is also the last season of the show) finally went into production at the start of the year and is now deep into its twelve month shooting schedule… So deep, in fact, that the cast has gotten together for a read-through the script for the final episode – and while speaking with ComicBook.com, cast member David Harbour revealed there was “heavy weeping” during the reading of that script.

Stranger Things has the following synopsis: A love letter to the ‘80s classic genre films that captivated a generation, Stranger Things is a thrilling drama set in the seemingly normal Midwestern town of Hawkins, Indiana. After a boy vanishes into thin air, his close-knit group of friends and family search for answers and are pulled into a high-stakes and deadly series of events.

Kelsey Egan’s The Fix introduces a future where the air is toxic and people need to wear masks to survive (sound familiar?). However, model Ella’s (Grace Van Dien) life takes an unexpected turn when she takes a mysterious drug that begins to transform her body. What happens when this mutation holds the key to saving […]

The Fix Movie Review – The South African Sci-Fi Body Horror Proves to Be Too Ambitious for Its Own Good Written by Sergio Pereira for Fortress of Solitude...

Kevin & Matthew McManus, the brothers behind The Block Island Sound, have wrapped production on a new horror movie titled Redux Redux, Variety reports this afternoon.

In the upcoming Redux Redux, “Irene Kelly (Michaela McManus) travels through the multiverse, killing her daughter’s murderer over and over again.

“She grows addicted to the revenge streak, putting her own humanity in jeopardy.”

Michaela McManus stars alongside Jim Cummings, Jeremy Holm, Taylor Misiak (“Dave”), Grace Van Dien (“Stranger Things”) and Stella Marcus.

Redux Redux is the first movie from the McManus brothers’ Mothership Motion Pictures.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be working with the entire Mothership team to bring Redux Redux to the big screen,” said the McManus brothers. “We’re thrilled to follow up The Block Island Sound with another genre bender starring our sister in her most violent role yet. We can’t wait to share it with audiences next year.

Exclusive: The latest original from African streamer Showmax, sci-fi drama The Fix, will open Mip Africa.

This marks the third year in a row a Showmax original has opened the event, which is an offshoot of MIPCOM. Last year, Canal+ co-production Spinners took the slot. Mip Africa is part of Fame Week Africa, a Reed Exhibitions initiative focused on African creativity.

The Fix, written and directed by Kelsey Egan, is set in a dystopian future Cape Town in South Africa where the air is toxic. A model, played by Grace van Dien (Stranger Things), takes a new designer drug at a party and suffers a shocking shocking transformation. She is soon pursued by forces with competing interests in the drug’s effects, and discovers that her mutations could save the human race.

Cast includes Daniel Sharman (Fear The Walking Dead), Clancy Brown (John Wick 4), and Nicole Fortuin from Heart of the Hunter,...