HORROR THRILLERS. “The Rental.” / “The Endless.” / “Mary.”

“The Rental” (2020, Hulu) horror/drama. Follows two couples who begin to suspect they are being watched in the house they rented. 


       Fronted by fine enough acting (Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Sheila Vand, Jeremy Allen White, and Toby Huss), the first half of this indie thriller was darkly provocative enough to entice longer interest. Actor Dave Franco (James bro) showed some promising directing chops with the flimsy but intriguing script that he wrote with Joe Swanberg, who is more known for writing screenplays for “micro-budget” movies. 

       But the salaciously sinister allure of this joint gets lost in the end game. The conclusion didn't make sense at all. 🎥💻📽


“The Endless” (2017, Sling) science fiction horror film directed, produced by and starring Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. Justin wrote the film, while Aaron Moorhead was the cinematographer; both also acted as editors. This indie tells the story of two brothers (yes, Mr Benson and Mr Moorhead) who visit an alleged cult to which they formerly belonged. 



       Depending on your taste per se and mood at the moment, I’d say this movie is remarkable in a bizarre way. But no splattered brains, puddle of blood, gutted stomachs, or weird-looking ETs here. So! This project provokes or inspires low-budget undertakings–a good idea or storyline, brilliant script, smart directing, and good yet unknown performers. 

      And this guy, James Jordan who is always in Taylor Sheridan’s movies and TV series, is hilariously great. As Shitty Carl, he is shitty-funny. 🎥💻📽


“Mary” (2019, Hulu) supernatural horror film. Sea captain David is looking for a way to guarantee a better life for his family and buys a ship because he believes it'll give them prosperity, but once they set sail they discover that the ship holds terrifying secrets.



       All that I can say is top talents Gary Oldman and Emily Mortimer are wasted in this horror cliché. 

       Anthony Jaswinski presented an ambitious script but director Michael Goi simply went through the motions of the genre, in a stereotypical loafing bore. 🎥💻📽


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