Tarot 2024 New horror

"Tarots" attempts to bring a fresh spin to the horror genre by centering its plot around a cursed deck of tarot cards. Directed by Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg, the film follows a group of college students who, during a weekend getaway, unleash a deadly curse after a fateful tarot reading. The film's strength lies in its eerie atmosphere and chilling monster designs, which are visually impressive and memorable.

However, "Tarots" falls short in terms of originality and tension. The plot feels predictable, with each character's fate unfolding in ways that lack surprise or genuine horror. The death scenes, although inspired by the tarot readings, fail to build suspense, often coming across as anticlimactic. The dialogue, at times, feels stiff and uninspired, which further detracts from the overall experience.

On the brighter side, the film's score by Joseph Bishara is haunting and effectively sets the mood. The lore behind the tarot cards, with flashbacks to the 1700s, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, though it could have been explored more deeply.

In conclusion, "Tarots" is a mixed bag. It has the potential to be a gateway horror film for newcomers, but may leave veteran horror fans craving more depth and innovation. While it has its moments, it ultimately falls into familiar territory without making a significant impact. If you're in the mood for a light horror flick with some interesting visuals, "Tarots" might be worth a watch, but don't expect it to redefine the genre.

**Rating: 3/5**

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Gannibal (2022) season 1 review

 

Gannibal: A Gruesome Descent into a Remote Village's Secrets

Gannibal, the 2022 Japanese series, dives headfirst into unsettling territory. While sharing the title with the acclaimed American show about Dr. Lecter, Gannibal carves its own path entirely.

A Simmering Mystery in a Tight-Knit Community:

The story follows Detective Daigo Agawa (Yagira Yuya) as he relocates with his family to a seemingly idyllic village nestled deep in the forest. However, a gruesome discovery shatters the tranquility. An investigation into the death of a local elder unveils a dark secret lurking beneath the village's surface. As Daigo digs deeper, he encounters the insular Goto clan, led by the enigmatic Keisuke Goto (Mikawa Yugo). Distrust grows as Daigo uncovers unsettling customs and a possible connection to the murder.

More Than Meets the Eye:

Gannibal excels at building atmosphere. The lush forest setting creates a sense of isolation, amplifying the village's strangeness. The villagers themselves are a source of unease, their politeness laced with hidden agendas. The series masterfully utilizes silence and lingering shots, forcing viewers to confront the unspoken horrors that permeate the community.

A Feast for the Morbid:

Be warned, Gannibal is not for the faint of heart. The series delves into disturbing themes of cannibalism and violence. The brutality is portrayed unflinchingly, adding to the overall sense of dread.

A Slow Burn with a Bite:

If you crave fast-paced action, Gannibal might frustrate. The narrative unfolds slowly, building tension through subtle details and cryptic interactions. The focus is on psychological horror and the gradual unraveling of the village's secrets.

A Disturbing Delicacy:

Gannibal is a show that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It's a chilling exploration of human darkness disguised in a picturesque setting. Just be prepared for a wild ride that won't shy away from shocking you.

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Echoes from the Visser: Unraveling the Tapes in "Archive 81"

 

(Contains spoilers)

Netflix's "Archive 81" is not your typical horror series. While it delivers jump scares and unsettling atmosphere, its true power lies in its exploration of the haunting nature of the past and the ripple effects of trauma. Through the lens of found footage recovered from a mysterious fire, the series weaves a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and memory.

The story follows archivist Daniel Turner, tasked with restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from the 1990s. These tapes, recorded by film student Melody Pendras, document her investigation of the Visser apartment building, a place shrouded in a dark past. As Daniel delves deeper into the tapes, the line between his reality and Melody's footage begins to blur. He witnesses unsettling events, cryptic messages, and a growing sense of unease among the Visser residents.

"Archive 81" utilizes the found footage format brilliantly. The grainy, often distorted quality of the tapes adds a layer of authenticity and immediacy to Melody's experiences. We become invested in her investigation, sharing her fear and confusion as she uncovers a disturbing history of cults, rituals, and a mysterious entity known as "The Other."

The series delves into the psychological impact of trauma. Melody's investigation unveils a series of tragedies tied to the Visser building, each leaving an indelible mark on its residents. The tapes become a portal to their past, forcing them and Daniel to confront unresolved pain and repressed memories.

This exploration of the weight of the past is a central theme. The Visser building itself becomes a metaphor for the archive, a repository of memories that bleed into and influence the present. Daniel, by restoring the tapes, inadvertently becomes entangled in the Visser's past. He is forced to confront not only Melody's story but also his own demons.

"Archive 81" masterfully employs the horror genre to explore more profound themes. The series is not simply about jump scares; it uses the unsettling imagery and atmosphere to tap into our primal fears of the unknown and the consequences of repressed memories.

The ending of the series is open to interpretation, leaving viewers to grapple with the nature of reality and the power of storytelling. Did Daniel truly travel through time or was it all a manifestation of his own trauma intertwined with Melody's? This ambiguity compels us to reflect on the series' central message: the past is never truly gone. Its echoes linger, influencing the present and shaping who we become.

"Archive 81" transcends the boundaries of a horror series. It is a captivating exploration of memory, trauma, and the enduring power of the past. Through its innovative use of found footage and its haunting narrative, the series reminds us that the most terrifying monsters often reside within ourselves and within the unresolved shadows of our collective past.

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Dioramas of Despair: A Portrait of Grief in "Hereditary"

 

Ari Aster's 2018 film "Hereditary" transcends the boundaries of traditional horror, weaving a narrative of grief, generational trauma, and the insidious influence of the occult. The film follows the Graham family – Annie, a grieving artist, her withdrawn son Peter, and their unsettlingly stoic daughter Charlie – as they grapple with the death of their enigmatic grandmother, Ellen. As they navigate their loss, increasingly disturbing occurrences begin to plague the family, hinting at a malevolent force lurking beneath the surface of their sorrow.

"Hereditary" excels in its portrayal of emotional breakdown. Toni Collette delivers a powerhouse performance as Annie, a woman unraveling under the weight of grief and the unsettling revelations about her family's past. The film doesn't shy away from the raw and messy aspects of loss, depicting Annie's descent into despair with unflinching honesty. This emotional core resonates deeply, grounding the supernatural elements in a relatable human experience.

The film's horror masterfully builds through a sense of unease and dread. The seemingly innocuous details – the unsettling miniature dioramas Annie creates, the unsettling clicks from Charlie, and the oppressive atmosphere of their isolated house – all contribute to a mounting sense of disquiet. Aster utilizes slow-burn frights and a pervasive sense of wrongness, leaving viewers constantly on edge.

Beyond the scares, "Hereditary" delves into the complexities of familial relationships. The film explores how unresolved trauma can fester and warp family dynamics across generations. The Grahams are a fractured unit, each member grappling with their own issues and harboring unspoken resentments. The arrival of a demonic entity serves as a catalyst, forcing them to confront the darkness that binds them.

The film's exploration of the occult adds another layer to its thematic depth. References to pagan rituals and demonic possession hint at a sinister legacy lurking within the Graham family. As Annie delves deeper into her ancestry, the lines between grief and demonic influence become blurred, raising questions about free will and inherited fate.

"Hereditary" is a masterclass in slow-burn horror. With its exceptional performances, chilling atmosphere, and exploration of profound themes, the film stays with viewers long after the credits roll. It is a disturbing yet thought-provoking exploration of grief, family secrets, and the darkness that can reside within even the most seemingly ordinary of families.

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Sinister 2: A Deeper Descent into Bughuul's Domain

While often overshadowed by its predecessor, "Sinister 2" (2015) offers a distinct and worthwhile addition to the Bughuul mythos. It delves deeper into the entity's influence, explores fresh thematic territory, and expands upon the chilling effectiveness of the "home movies" with a new perspective.

The film's focus on a single mother, Courtney, injects a compelling layer absent from the first film. Her fierce determination to protect her children adds an emotional core that resonates throughout the narrative. Witnessing Bughuul's machinations through the lens of motherhood elevates the stakes and personalizes the horror.

"Sinister 2" capitalizes on the unsettling "home movie" concept by presenting them from the perspective of the children being manipulated. This shift creates a more disturbing and visceral experience. We see the insidious way Bughuul grooms his victims, twisting their innocence into instruments of violence. This adds a new dimension to the entity's depravity.

Furthermore, the film delves deeper into the nature of Bughuul's curse. The first film left viewers with a sense of mystery, but the sequel explores how the entity feeds off the corruption of innocence. This provides a clearer motive for Bughuul's actions and adds a layer of tragic complexity to the families he destroys.

The return of Deputy So-and-So (James Ransone) serves as a welcome anchor, connecting the two films narratively. His haunted past and unwavering determination to stop Bughuul create a compelling protagonist. The dynamic between Courtney and the Deputy injects a sense of hope and perseverance into the otherwise bleak story.

Visually, "Sinister 2" maintains the unsettling atmosphere of the first film. The use of Super 8 footage for the home movies remains effective, while the practical effects employed in the hauntings are equally chilling. However, the film also ventures into a more nightmarish aesthetic, with surreal imagery that further unsettles the viewer.

"Sinister 2" may not surpass the original in terms of pure terror, but it offers a distinct and valuable expansion of the Bughuul mythos. By focusing on motherhood, offering a deeper look into the "home movies," and exploring the entity's motives, the film delivers a fresh perspective on the horror. While some may miss the initial mystery, "Sinister 2" provides a deeper descent into the disturbing and complex world of Bughuul.

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