Sinister Screens

Sinister Screens movie reviews is an online ‘zine published by horror professional Shane Ryan Staley, focused on his love for horror & weird cinema. Here you’ll find his latest reviews, articles and year’s best lists.

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Starry Eyes

Starry Eyes (2014) ★★½

Overview She would kill to be famous. A hopeful young starlet uncovers the ominous origins of the Hollywood elite and enters into a deadly agreement in exchange for fame and fortune. Review Starry Eyes is a grim tale of obsession. The lead character’s obsession with fame drives the narrative into a horrific deterioration of body and soul. The downward spiral of Sarah Walker (played by Alex Essoe) is convincing and harrowing. But the film lacks a cohesive and convincing storyline. The acting is hit or miss. Overall not a bad film. Just somewhat thin and unremarkable. Rating: ★★½ (out of 5)

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Hagazussa

Hagazussa (2017) ★★★

Overview A Heathen’s Curse. In the 15th century, a young goatherd living alone in a mountain hut feels a dark presence in the woods. Review Hagazussa is a sloooow burn that really goes all out with mesmerizing cinematography and a morose soundtrack. It’s not for the casual moviegoer. If you want to really see horror in another place and time period, then this is a great movie to watch. It’s an Austrian film, but there is little dialogue. The plot is somewhat diluted to the aforementioned amenities. But it makes up with stunning nightmarish visuals. If you’re in the mood for something very different, very grim and bleak, then add

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Villains

Villains (2019) ★★★

Overview Two bad people are about to meet two worse people. When their car breaks down, a couple on the run headed southbound for a fresh start in the Sunshine State break into a nearby house looking for a new set of wheels. What they find instead is a dark secret, and a sweet-as-pie pair of homeowners who will do anything to keep it from getting out. Review Jules rules! Really a great cast, but Maika Monroe steals the shows. Some of her facial expressions and confused gazes were priceless. This movie is rather weak from a horror perspective, but truly entertaining to watch both parties square off in the

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It Follows

It Follows (2014) ★★★½

Overview It doesn’t think, it doesn’t feel, it doesn’t give up. When carefree teenager Jay sleeps with her older boyfriend for the first time, she learns that she is the latest recipient of a fatal curse that is passed from victim to victim via sexual intercourse. Death, Jay learns, will creep inexorably toward her as either a friend or a stranger. Jay’s friends don’t believe her seemingly paranoid ravings, until they too begin to see the phantom assassins and band together to help her defend herself. Review It Follows takes the perils and vulnerability of coming of age sexual experimentation and nicely blends classic horror tropes. What you get is

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In Fabric

In Fabric (2018) ★½

Overview A killer dress. A haunting ghost story set against the backdrop of a busy winter sales period in a department store, following the life of a cursed dress as it passes from person to person, with devastating consequences. Review In Fabric is not for everyone. Especially me. Not all A24 releases are captivating. This movie was dull, pointless, and missed any and all points when it came to comedy. Going in, I must have known down deep this was going to miss the mark. It clung like a barnacle on my watch list for more than a year before I finally got around to watching it. It was indeed

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MaXXXine

MaXXXine (2024) ★★★

Overview Hollywood is a killer. In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past. Review MaXXXine is the weakest film in the X trilogy. Too much of a departure from horror. And the story just seemed lackluster and forced. There was nothing remotely scary about the movie and the crime element seemed almost undercooked. After it ended, I felt uninvested in the outcome, yet, as a character study, somewhat satisfied by where Maxine ended up. It was a weird mix of feelings. MaXXXine

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ABOUT SINISTER SCREENS

Sinister Screens Movie ReviewsSinister Screens Movie Reviews is a captivating online publication curated by the esteemed horror aficionado, Shane Ryan Staley. As an established figure in the realm of horror and weird literature, Staley’s passion permeates every aspect of the ‘zine, offering readers a thrilling journey into the dark and enigmatic world of cinematic artistry. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering dedication to the genre, Staley’s reviews share what he’s been watching, general thoughts and critiques, providing readers with insightful analyses that delve deep into the heart of each film.

Within the pages of Sinister Screens, readers can expect to discover Staley’s latest musings on a diverse array of horror and weird cinema offerings. From spine-chilling classics to avant-garde masterpieces, Staley’s reviews offer a comprehensive exploration of the genre’s rich tapestry, catering to both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. With each review, Staley invites readers to join him on a voyage of discovery, where the boundaries of reality blur and the macabre beckons.

In addition to his reviews, Sinister Screens also serves as a hub for Staley’s thought-provoking articles and meticulously curated year-end lists. Through these features, Staley sheds light on the intricacies of horror cinema, exploring themes, trends, and emerging talents within the industry. Whether delving into the psychology of fear or celebrating the innovative visionaries pushing the boundaries of the genre, Staley’s articles offer readers a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and artistic merit of horror and weird cinema.

At its core, Sinister Screens is more than just a platform for movie reviews—it’s a testament to Staley’s unwavering passion for the macabre and his relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence. Through his work, Staley invites readers to embrace the darkness, to confront their deepest fears, and to experience the transcendent power of horror and weird cinema in all its spine-tingling glory.