30th May 2023, Mumbai : Unveiling a fresh blend of terror and chilling narratives, the realm of horror films transcends time, defying the notion that spine-tingling scares are confined to the past. As the calendar turned to 2023, the world witnessed an influx of bone-chilling releases, captivating audiences with each passing month.
May saw the arrival of hair-raising spectacles like “The Wrath of Becky,” “The Curse of Wolf Mountain,” and “Outpost,” but the macabre parade of cinematic offerings shows no signs of slowing down in June. A myriad of captivating films awaits, promising to enthrall horror enthusiasts in the coming weeks. Among the most anticipated releases, two standout titles stand ready to send shivers down spines and rouse a sense of dread in viewers.
First on the list is “The Boogeyman,” slated for release on June 2. Drawing inspiration from Stephen King’s eponymous 1978 short story, this horror gem is poised to captivate audiences with its dark tale. Given King’s formidable reputation as a master of the genre, his previous successful adaptations such as “The Shining,” “Carrie,” and “Misery” have only amplified the anticipation surrounding “The Boogeyman.” Set against the backdrop of a high school, the story revolves around Sadie Harper (portrayed by Sophie Thatcher) and her younger sister, Sawyer (played by Vivien Lyra Blair), as they grapple with the aftermath of their mother’s tragic demise. Their father, Will, a therapist by profession, fails to provide the solace and compassion they yearn for. However, their lives take a chilling turn when a desperate patient seeking help inadvertently unleashes a malevolent presence that becomes the source of their deepest terrors.
Next in line is the captivating offering of “Brooklyn 45,” which promises a unique spin on the genre. Penned and directed by the talented Ted Geoghegan, known for his remarkable work on “Queer of Fear: The History of Queer Horror,” this real-time supernatural horror film offers a refreshing perspective rarely explored. Taking place during World War II, the story commences on a seemingly positive note as war veterans reunite in a Brooklyn brownstone parlor to aid a grieving friend who has lost his wife. However, their joyous reunion swiftly descends into the realms of the unimaginable as they find themselves ensnared in an impromptu séance, trapped within the parlor’s confines with no hope of escape. To survive, they must embrace the unthinkable: shedding more blood. Set for release on Shudder come June 9, “Brooklyn 45” is poised to leave audiences on the edge of their seats, immersed in its haunting atmosphere.
In the darkness of June’s shadows, “The Devil’s Candy” returns to the fore, captivating horror aficionados with its enticing narrative. While not a brand-new release, this film, directed and written by Sean Byrne, graces Shudder once again on June 12, breathing fresh life into the platform. Renowned for his intense and violent directorial prowess, as showcased in “The Loved Ones,” Byrne crafts an atmospheric horror experience that has garnered positive reviews from audiences. The tale follows Jesse Hellman (played by Ethan Embry), a painter whose passions revolve around two things: metal music and his wife and daughter. Unaware of the enigmatic past of their new large house in rural Texas, the family moves in, transforming it into a sanctuary for Jesse’s artistic pursuits. However, as an unwritten rule of horror films dictates, venturing into such dwellings solely due to their affordability rarely ends well. Will Jesse be able to protect his loved ones from the sinister, Satanic forces that emerge in the dead of night