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Caught in a cycle of disillusioned dates, a young woman believes she's finally found the love of her life... until she discovers his supernatural secret in Elric Kane's new movie The Dead Thing. With the erotic thriller now streaming on Shudder just in time for Valentine's Day, Daily Dead had the great pleasure of catching up with director/co-writer Elric Kane and stars Blu Hunt and Ben Smith-Petersen to discuss their new film, including exploring the movie's themes of dissatisfaction, the importance of spending time with their layered characters, and taking a unique approach to romance gone wrong.

Synopsis: Alex is trapped in a downward spiral of shallow hookups and tepid connections, but she is caught off guard when her dating app swipes lead her into the arms of a mysterious, charming young man Kyle. Despite their passionate night, when the sun rises, the mystery man is nowhere to be found.

In this edition of Horror Highlights, we have the one-night-only theatrical release details for Alejandro G. Alegre's I Heart Willie, trailers for Elric Kane's The Dead Thing and Mark Anthony Green's Opus, and the cover art and release info for John Harrison's new novel Residue: Paramentals Rising.

I Heart Willie Theatrical Release Date: "Hewes Pictures is excited to announce the special One Night Only®, release of I Heart Willie, a Steamboat Willie-inspired horror/slasher, coming exclusively to theaters across North America for One Night Only®, February 26th, 2025. Directed by Alejandro G. Alegre, this chilling origin story presents genre fans with a sinister reimagining of one of the most iconic cartoon characters in history, along with one of the most horrifying love stories of the year.

Synopsis: Popular YouTubers Daniel and Nico are invited to investigate a haunted property drawn by rumors of a malevolent force. The legend...

Dating is brutal, right? In Shudder's upcoming The Dead Thing, it's also terrifying. The streaming platform has now released a trailer for the upcoming horror outing. The indie feature debuted at the Fantasia Film Festival last year before making its way to London's FrightFest and the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. While there will be plenty of Valentine's Day movie offerings across streamers, The Dead Thing promises a scary date night when it lands on Shudder on February 14.

Directed by Elric Kane (best known for hosting the podcasts Pure Cinema and Colors of the Dark), the indie thriller follows a young woman named Alex (Blu Hunt), who is disillusioned with dating until she meets a charming man named Kyle (Ben Smith-Petersen). A passionate night ensues, but things get eerie quickly after Kyle vanishes. The Dead Thing's official synopsis teases that once Alex reconnects with Kyle, she "digs up a ghastly supernatural secret.

Are you a fan of erotic thrillers? If so, you're in for a treat with the upcoming release of The Dead Thing on Shudder. Here's everything you need to know about this thrilling new Shudder original film.

Elric Kane, who is known for his podcast shows Pure Cinema and Colors of the Dark, makes his feature debut with this movie. He directed this 95-minute film as well as co-wrote the script with Webb Wilcoxen (The Frontier). In addition, Yellow Veil Pictures and Rubric Pictures are the production companies behind The Dead Thing, with Matt Mercer and Monte Yazzie as producers.

It stars Blu Hunt as a young woman named Alex. Alex finds herself stuck in a cycle of meaningless hookups and unfulfilling connections until a chance swipe on a dating app leads her to Kyle, a mysterious and captivating young barista. After a passionate night together, Kyle vanishes by morning,...

Shudder, AMC Networks’ streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has acquired “The Dead Thing” ahead of its U.S. premiere at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival. The deal is for North America, U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand distribution rights.

The erotic thriller follows a young woman, lost in a series of meaningless connections, as she falls in love with a charismatic and sensitive man — who turns out to be hiding a dark secret that transforms her affair into a dangerous obsession.

“The Dead Thing” is Elric Kane’s solo feature debut. It was co-written by Webb Wilcoxen and Kane and stars Blu Hunt (“The New Mutants”) and stuntman-turned-actor Ben Smith-Petersen (“Mad Max: Fury Road”). It had its world premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival and will debut on Shudder on Feb. 14.

“I’ve been a Shudder subscriber since almost Day One and preaching about it...

Yellow Veil Pictures has proudly announced the international premiere of Elric Kane’s debut solo feature, The Dead Thing, an obsessive and lust-driven thriller set to captivate audiences at Pigeon Shrine FrightFest. The film will screen on 26th August at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, promising a unique blend of horror and romance that will leave viewers spellbound.

The Dead Thing marks a significant milestone for Kane, known for his work as the host of the Pure Cinema podcast and Fangoria’s Colors of the Dark podcast. This debut solo feature is based on a script co-written with Webb Wilcoxen and produced by Matt Mercer and Monte Yazzie, with Colors of the Dark co-host Rebekah McKendry (Glorious) serving as executive producer. Yellow Veil Pictures is handling worldwide sales, underscoring the film’s anticipated global appeal.

Starring Blu Hunt, Ben Smith-Petersen, John Karna, and Katherine Hughes, The Dead Thing delves into...

Mike Mignola and Ben Stenbeck Return to the Hellboy Universe with The Serpent in the Garden: Ed Grey and the Last Battle for England: "Mike Mignola and his longtime collaborator Ben Stenbeck are joining forces to create the next chapter of the Hellboy Universe in The Serpent in the Garden: Ed Grey and the Last Battle for England, a new 3-issue miniseries written by Mignola and drawn by Stenbeck with colors by Dave Stewart, with lettering from Clem Robins. Issue 1 will be published in November by Dark Horse Comics. Nineteenth-century paranormal investigator Ed Grey’s illustrious and otherworldly career has been a pivotal part of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy Universe. From his first appearance of Hellboy: Wake the Devil to his unforgettable roles in Hellboy in Hell and Sir Edward Grey: Witchfinder, Grey has always been one of the most important and enigmatic figures in the Hellboy Universe.

“Ed Grey...

Yellow Veil Pictures has boarded worldwide sales for Cannes on Elric Kane’s feature The Dead Thing, which it was announced on Thursday will premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival in July.

Described as a contemporary haunted romance and urban legend for the internet dating app era, the film follows a young woman who, lost in a string of meaningless hook-ups, falls in love with a sensitive and charismatic man harbouring a dark secret that turns their affair into a twisted obsession.

Kane co-wrote the script with Webb Wilcoxen (The Frontier)

The Dead Thing stars Blu Hunt, Ben Smith-Petersen...

At one point, there was hype for The New Mutants, the film that was being promoted as a horror entry in the X-Men franchise… but unfortunately, things didn’t end up going very well for that project. Hopefully it will all work out better for the new genre movie The New Mutants cast member Blu Hunt stars in: The Dead Thing, which is described as being “a neo-realist take on an Invisible Man story”.

According to Deadline, The Dead Thing will see Hunt taking on the role of a

young woman who, lost in a string of meaningless hookups, falls in love with a sensitive and charismatic man who she soon discovers harbors a dark secret that turns their affair into a twisted obsession.

Hunt is joined in the cast by John Karna (Lady Bird) and Katherine Hughes (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), with Ben Smith-Petersen (Mad Max: Fury Road...

A friend to many here in the horror community, Elric Kane will be making his directorial debut with The Dead Thing, and Deadline reports that filming has wrapped in Los Angeles.

Blu Hunt (The New Mutants), Ben Smith-Petersen (Mad Max: Fury Road), John Karna (Lady Bird) and Katherine Hughes (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl) will star in the film.

Deadline details, “Billed as a neo-realist take on an Invisible Man story and a modern urban legend for the online dating era, the film follows a young woman (Hunt) who, lost in a string of meaningless hookups, falls in love with a sensitive and charismatic man (Petersen) who she soon discovers harbors a dark secret that turns their affair into a twisted obsession.”

Elric Kane wrote the script with Webb Wilcoxen (The Frontier).

Producers for The Dead Thing include Monte Yazzie and Matt Mercer, with Rebekah McKendry (Glorious) on board as executive producer.

Overseen by Festival Director Monte Yazzie (who can be heard on the Corpse Club podcast and whose film reviews are featured on Daily Dead), the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival kicks off this Thursday, August 12th, at the Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, and the lineup is once again an eclectic array of enlightening, insightful, and altogether enthralling films from around the world, including The Last Matinee, The Strings, Blood Conscious, and The Night House!

Go here to check out the full schedule for this year's International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival (as well as the Phoenix Film Festival), and to learn more, visit HorrorSciFi.com and PhoenixFilmFestival.com!

"Now in its 17th year, the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival happens in conjunction with the yearly Phoenix Film Festival with a dedicated theatre all opening weekend and screenings all week long.

The 2021 International Horror and Sci-fi Film Festival...

Following its initial release in the Halloween season, the technological terrors of Jacob Chase's Come Play will be unleashed on Digital beginning January 12th, followed by a Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand release on January 26th from Universal.

We have the official press release with full details below, and in case you missed it, check out Monte Yazzie's review and Jonathan James' video interviews with the cast and crew!

Press Release: Universal City, California, January 5, 2021 – A young boy who struggles to connect with others turns to his cell phone and tablet for companionship, befriending a strange and sinister non-human creature in the spine-chilling paranormal thriller, Come Play, available to own for the very first time on Digital January 12, 2021 and on Blu-ray™️, DVD and On Demand January 26, 2021 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Starring Gillian Jacobs (“Community”), John Gallagher Jr. (“Westworld”), Azhy Roberston (Marriage Story), and Winslow Fegley (Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made...

Daily Dead's Gialloween celebration continues on this episode of Corpse Club, as co-hosts Heather Wixson, Bryan Christopher, and Monte Yazzie discuss Adam Brooks and Matthew Kennedy's The Editor and Yann Gonzalez's Knife + Heart. From their clever homages to gialli of the past to their creative kills, scintillating scores, and bold styles all their own, listen as the co-hosts celebrate these intriguing neo-giallo films on this episode of Daily Dead's official podcast!

You can listen to the new episode of Corpse Club right now on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, TuneIn, YouTube, Pandora, and SoundCloud.

As a special treat for Daily Dead readers, we have officially launched our Corpse Club website and memberships. Not only can you view past episodes, but you can also sign up to be an official Corpse Club member to enjoy a wide range of rewards, including a shirt and pin that are to die for,...

If reading Monte Yazzie's insightful Class of 1980 retrospective on Flash Gordon made you want to revisit the space opera or experience it for the first time, then you're in luck, because Arrow Video is releasing the cult movie on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD in both limited and standard editions on August 18th, alongside a new Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD release of David Twohy's Pitch Black, and we have the full lists of special features for both sci-fi films.

You can check out the complete release details and cover art for the new home media releases of Pitch Black and Flash Gordon below, and to learn more, visit Mvd Entertainment Group's website.

This August, Arrow Video releases its first ever titles in 4K Ultra HD - two sci-fi classics, the superb space shocker Pitch Black, starring Vin Diesel, and the beloved and brilliantly timeless Flash Gordon,...

Over the last several years on Daily Dead, we've celebrated the 30th anniversaries of notable horror and sci-fi movies in our "Class of..." retrospective series, and this year we're switching things up by commemorating movies that are celebrating their 40th anniversaries!

Kicking off our Class of 1980 retrospective series, the Corpse Club co-hosts take a look back at Ken Russell's Altered States on this episode of Daily Dead's official podcast!

Listen as co-hosts Heather Wixson, Bryan Christopher, and special guest Monte Yazzie (Daily Dead contributor and Festival Director of The International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival) dive into the Oscar-nominated adaptation of Sidney Aaron's (aka Paddy Chayefsky) novel of the same name, from its amazing makeup effects and indelible depictions of mind-altering experiments to Russell's creative direction and the memorable performances by a talented cast featuring William Hurt, Blair Brown, Bob Balaban, Charles Haid, Thaao Penghlis, and Drew Barrymore.

So,...

If you have yet to "give your soul to the dance," or you want to fall under the hypnotic spell of 2018's Suspiria again and again, your wait is now over, as Lionsgate has released the Luca Guadagnino's reimagining of Dario Argento's classic 1977 movie on digital ahead of its Blu-ray release on January 29th, and to celebrate, we've been provided with a new featurette to share with Daily Dead readers.

Explore "the secret language of dance" in the new Suspiria featurette below, read on for the full home media release details, and in case you missed them, read Heather Wixson's review and Monte Yazzie's review of the film.

Previously: "Suspiria, the reimagining of the horror cult-classic arrives on Digital January 15 and on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital) January 29 from Lionsgate.

Street Date: 1/29/19

Blu-ray™ + Digital Srp: $24.99

Program Description

Experience Luca Gudagnino’s outrageously twisted re-imagining of Dario Argento’s...

[Editor's Note: With this past year being another great one in the horror genre across multiple mediums, Monte Yazzie continues Daily Dead's "Favorites of 2018" features by reflecting on his favorite viewing, listening, and collecting experiences from 2018.]

Hereditary: Horror films have utilized the family dynamic, mostly broken beyond repair, to build visions of invasive family structure terror. Think of films like The Omen, The Shining, or even more recently, The Conjuring. What makes director Ari Aster’s first feature film different from most is the structure concerning the family, specifically the historical structure and the ongoing trauma and despair that has permeated the foundation of this family’s ancestry. Hereditary takes the viewer into horrific aspects concerning grief, trauma, and ultimately despair before unleashing the supernatural threat—it’s why the film is so effective. It’s this journey into emotion that ultimately makes the visions of horror resonate so strongly.

Suspiria: Nothing is sacred in today’s remake-obsessed film world, yet it still sounds absolutely foolish when...

If you have yet to "give your soul to the dance," or you want to fall under the hypnotic spell of 2018's Suspiria again and again, you won't have to wait long, as Lionsgate is releasing the Luca Guadagnino film (a reimagining of Dario Argento's 1977 movie of the same name) on digital beginning January 15th, followed by a Blu-ray release on January 29th.

From the Press Release: "Suspiria, the reimagining of the horror cult-classic arrives on Digital January 15 and on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital) January 29 from Lionsgate.

Street Date: 1/29/19

Blu-ray™ + Digital Srp: $24.99

Program Description

Experience Luca Gudagnino’s outrageously twisted re-imagining of Dario Argento’s 1977 horror cult classic that has been called a “grim and glorious work of madness” when Suspiria arrives on Digital January 15 and on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital) January 29 from Lionsgate. Starring Dakota Johnson, Oscar® winner and Golden Globe® nominee* Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, and Chloë Grace Moretz...

This year was a big one in the horror genre. From podcasts to movies to immersive experiences, 2017 was a banner year for horror across multiple mediums, and Monte Yazzie continues Daily Dead's 2017 reflective features by reflecting on his favorite moments from the past year.

Pure Cinema Podcast: Brian Saur and Elric Kane started Pure Cinema Podcast in early 2017. The two cinephiles, better to call them film historians, compose an educational conversation on anything and everything film with a focus on theme-driven lists. The “Tarantino” and “Life Cycle” episodes are highlights with a combined running time of over 5 hours of content. Saur and Kane are the coolest kids in film school, everyone else is just trying to sit at their table.

Suspiria 4K Blu-ray (Synapse Films): Simply stunning. Synapse released a remarkable, meticulously crafted 4K transfer of Dario Argento’s masterpiece. Every inch of this transfer is beautiful, enriching the...

If you missed It Comes at Night (read our own Monte Yazzie's review here) in theaters, you can watch the new Trey Edward Shults film from the comfort of your couch this September when it comes to Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Just be wary if your front door is red and you hear a knock on it late at night...

Press Release: Santa Monica, CA (July 26, 2017) – Fear knows no limits when the suspenseful horror-thriller It Comes at Night creeps its way onto Blu-ray™ (plus Digital HD) and DVD September 12 from Lionsgate. From acclaimed writer/director Trey Edward Shults (Krisha), It Comes at Night tells the story of a man who will do anything to protect his family, no matter who or what the threat might be. Theatrically released by A24 and starring Joel Edgerton (Loving), Chris Abbot (A Most Violent Year), Carmen Ejogo (Alien: Covenant...

For over a decade now, the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival in Phoenix has been a showcase for ambitious genre projects, and this year looks to be exception, as the lineup for the April film fest includes the vampiric horror movie The Transfiguration, Graham Skipper's Sequence Break, Dave Made a Maze, Lake Bodom, and more.

Press Release: Phoenix, Az (March 17, 2017) – The International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival, celebrating their 13th year is proud to announce their key films in the 2017 lineup!

The opening night film will be Lake Bodom, a tension-filled homage to slasher genre films, where a group of teenagers try to reconstruct, minute by minute, an infamous and unsolved murder that took place at Lake Bodom in the 1960's. But as night falls, it turns out not all of them are there to play.

Additional films appearing at the 2017 International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival include:

The Transfiguration – an...

The Phoenix International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival has officially unveiled its lineup for the 2nd Annual Horror Showcase, giving horror fans three big reasons to flock to Phoenix this October 18th–20th.

Press Release: Phoenix, Arizona (September 19th, 2016) – It’s that wonderful time of year again horror fans. The International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival is excited to announce the program of films for the 2nd Annual Horror Showcase taking place over three nights from October 18th-20th at Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theaters in Phoenix, Arizona.

The inaugural event in 2015 played host to three films, The Final Girls, Bite, and Bone Tomahawk, offering eager horror fans a little something different every evening. The goal for the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival is to provide events where unique, diverse, subversive, experimental, and artistic filmmakers and films can display their creations to an eager community of film enthusiasts.

“October is the...

A summer camp killer, a transformative insect bite, and cannibalistic evil will take center stage on the silver screen at this year's International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival in Phoenix.

Press Release: Phoenix, Arizona (October 1, 2015) – There’s a chill in the air thanks to the International Horror and Sci-Fi Film Festival, which is certain to be a frighteningly good time for horror movie enthusiasts! The Fall Horror Showcase takes place next week at Harkins Scottsdale/101 from Tuesday, October 6th – Thursday, October 8th, with three horror movies playing over three days. Each night, starting at 7pm, guests will be treated to a different film and are invited to stay for a hosted discussion from local film enthusiasts. The festival will give audiences an opportunity to preview some of the best upcoming horror films.

“This event is an opportunity for genre fans to get together and watch the films they love”, quotes Monte Yazzie,...

Yesterday, we shared the Gremlins cover for Deadly Magazine #4 and we’re back with a set of preview pages from our latest issue. For the December edition of Deadly Magazine, we’re celebrating the holidays with Gizmo in celebration of Gremlins‘ 30th anniversary. Special features include exclusive interviews with Joe Dante, Chris Walas, and Zach Galligan. Having trouble finding the right gift for a horror or sci-fi fan? Heather Wixson has you covered with her extensive holiday gift guide and Monte Yazzie shares his favorite holiday horror movies.

Deadly Magazine issue #4 also has a feature on Tales from the Crypt‘s killer Santa, a look back at John Carpenter’s Starman, and details on Suicide Squad‘s all-star cast. With this being the last issue of 2014, many of Deadly‘s writers share their “Favorites of 2014,” giving readers plenty of suggestions for 2014 releases that may have been missed.

We encourage Daily...

For the December issue of Deadly Magazine, we’re celebrating the holidays with Gizmo in celebration of Gremlins‘ 30th Anniversary. Special features include exclusive interviews with Joe Dante, Chris Walas, and Zach Galligan. Having trouble finding the right gift for a horror or sci-fi fan? Heather Wixson has you covered with her extensive holiday gift guide and Monte Yazzie shares his favorite holiday horror movies.

Deadly Magazine issue #4 also has a feature on Tales from the Crypt‘s killer Santa, a look at back at John Carpenter’s Starman, and details on Suicide Squad‘s all-star cast. With this being the last issue of 2014, many of Deadly‘s writers share their “Favorites of 2014,” giving readers plenty of suggestions for 2014 releases that may have been missed.

Deadly Issue #4 will be available this week and you can get a tease of what’s ahead when we release preview pages tomorrow. We encourage...