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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Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek (2005) ★★★½

October 4, 2024

Overview The thrill is in the hunt. Stranded backpackers in remote Australia fall prey to a murderous bushman, who offers to fix their car, then takes them captive. Review Wolf Creek is an Aussie serial killer flick that really establishes a unique villain in Mick Taylor (played by John Jaratt). He walks the line between seeming like a friendly (even jovial) bushman, to a cold, malice-filled beast. After watching this movie, you’ll learn never to purchase a $1500 car for a remote road trip. If you do, you just might become reliant on a stranger such as Mick, the Crocodile Dundee of murdering down-on-their-luck tourists. Don’t do it…don’t end up a head on a stick! Rating: ★★★½ (out of 5)

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Pyewacket

Pyewacket (2017) ★★★

October 3, 2024

Overview Be careful what you wish for. Someone might be listening. A frustrated, angry teenage girl awakens something in the woods when she naively performs an occult ritual to invoke a witch to kill her mother. Review Pyewacket is from director Adam MacDonald (Backcountry) and displays his minimalistic approach to horror film. He presents a few horrific, shocking sequences/scenes in his movies preceded by slow build character construction. As with both of his films I’ve watched, these gripping scenes pay off and make it worth your while. Pyewacket goes from natural horror and dabbles with the occult. Conjuring witches through black magic which is a nice addition to MacDonald’s resumé.

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Backcountry

Backcountry (2014) ★★★½

October 2, 2024

Overview Survive. A couple on a deep-wilderness hike become hopelessly lost within an aggressive black bear’s territory. Review Backcountry is an effective natural horror film that is really straightforward and simple. It builds nicely the relationship between the characters before thrusting them into a life-altering shared nightmare. The strength of this movie is its plausibility. And, yes, there’s enough horror in that single scene to satisfy and scar/scare the hell out you. Rating: ★★★½ (out of 5)

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Last Straw

Last Straw (2023) ★★★

October 1, 2024

Overview A rural roadside diner becomes the host of a maniacal killing spree – leaving a young waitress to clean up the mess. After hard-headed Nancy fires the staff at her dad’s diner, she decides to cover the last shift of the night by herself. Little does she know, she is far from alone. The day is coming back to haunt her and when things begin to spiral out of control, she must fight for her life over the course of one long night. Review Last Straw is a vague mix of The Strangers, The Passenger (w/ Kyle Gallner) and I Spit On Your Grave (without the cruel rape scenes).

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Beezel

Beezel (2024) ★½

September 30, 2024

Overview The blind witch waits. Over six tumultuous decades, three unwitting guests of a cursed New England home stumble upon a sinister secret dwelling beneath its floors—an eternal witch with an insatiable thirst for the souls of the living. Review Beezel is a movie of which its poster is its pinnacle. Also, a rather cool name for a witch. But with all the power of being witchy, all she seems to be able to do is eat people, which I thought was strange. She’s like the zombie of all witches. And then she helps birth a newborn every 300 years…which, you got it, she eats. So this movie is really

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Succubus

Succubus (2024) ★★

September 30, 2024

Overview A new father going through a marital separation joins a dating app and matches with a beautiful but mysterious young woman… whose powers of seduction and manipulation entangle him in a mystery more horrifying than he could have ever imagined. Review Succubus tries to bring us a modern-take on the succubus in the new digital era. While there are some interesting takes, the movie falls short on pulling everything together to become memorable. It was definitely a film that displayed eroticism without too much full-on nudity. The acting goes from okay to sketchy in some instances. The plot perfected the teasing feeling one must get when they are in

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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.

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Although this is the official website for Shane Ryan Staley, contributions have been made by a staff of curators, artists, biographers and bibliographers collecting historical information and data on the author, including descriptions and articles pertaining to his professional career. Thank you to all contributors!