Tag: scaremeplease

Ghost Stories Review

by Finn the Brave, posted in Movies

Introduction

Ghost Stories (2017) is a chilling British horror anthology that blends psychological and supernatural terror into a suspenseful, twist-laden film. Directed by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, the film follows Professor Philip Goodman, a skeptical investigator of paranormal claims, as he examines three disturbing cases that challenge his beliefs. With its eerie atmosphere, unsettling storytelling, and strong performances, Ghost Stories aims to pay homage to classic horror anthologies while offering a fresh take on the genre.

Let me be upfront by saying I am a huge fan of horror movie anthologies—I seem to enjoy them even when they aren’t particularly well-made. There’s something about the structure of interconnected, bite-sized tales of terror that I find irresistible. However, that doesn’t mean I can’t recognize when an anthology falls flat or fails to deliver a satisfying experience. Some rely too heavily on jump scares, while others struggle with pacing or weak wraparound stories. So where does Ghost Stories rank among its peers? Does it deliver a hauntingly memorable experience, or is it just another forgettable entry in the genre? Let’s take a closer look.

Horror Elements

At the beginning of the movie, the true antagonist isn’t immediately clear, as the film presents itself as a straightforward supernatural investigation. Initially, the cases Professor Philip Goodman examines seem to suggest that the ghosts and demons haunting the victims are the primary sources of terror. However, as the film progresses, it becomes evident that the real antagonist is something far more psychological—Goodman himself. His deep-seated guilt and suppressed trauma manifest through the terrifying stories he encounters, leading to a shocking revelation that reframes the entire narrative. The sinister force at play isn’t just the supernatural but the haunting nature of Goodman’s own mind, making Ghost Stories as much a psychological thriller as it is a horror film.  Honestly, I went into this movie not knowing this (the trailer doesn’t give too much away), so I initially thought this was just going to be another supernatural-scares sort of film.  This made the psychological twist so much more powerful at the end.  

Professor Philip Goodman is a highly believable protagonist in Ghost Stories (2017), thanks to both strong writing and Andy Nyman’s nuanced performance. As a skeptic and debunker of the paranormal, Goodman is grounded in logic and reason, making his descent into fear and uncertainty all the more compelling. His reactions to the eerie events he investigates feel natural—initially dismissive, then subtly unnerved, and eventually completely unraveled. Unlike many horror protagonists who make irrational decisions for the sake of scares, Goodman approaches each case methodically, making his transformation into a man questioning his own reality all the more effective.  This slow suspenseful build only adds to the horror. His backstory, which is gradually revealed, adds layers to his character, making him not just a vessel for the audience but a deeply flawed and human figure whose fears are far more psychological than supernatural.

In addition to having a believable protagonist, I also felt as though the different characters’ reactions were uniquely portrayed by their character and realistic.  With the first case to be examined, that of Tony Matthews, his reaction to the supernatural events reflects what his character would actually do:  turn on a happy song up loud, call his co-worker for comfort, pick up a hammer (weapon), and call out a threat to whatever is out in the darkness tormenting him.  Simon Rifkind, the second case study, reacts in a similar fashion in that he attempts to grab a weapon (a rolled up map is better than nothing).  Instead of going into “fight mode” as Matthews did, he instead chooses to run from the car when the monster enters it.  Considering how fragile his character seems, this fits what he’d actually do quite well.  Finally, Mike Priddle, the 3rd and final character, reacts differently as well.  Being an intelligent business man, he approaches paranormal events with a logical approach.  For example, when the baby diapers fly across the floor in the nursery, he checks all the windows for a potential draft.  Again, it fits his character and I appreciate these subtle differences immensely.  

Movie Elements

While many anthologies rely on disconnected short tales with a simple wraparound narrative, Ghost Stories cleverly weaves its segments into a larger, more cohesive mystery that builds toward an unexpected and deeply unsettling conclusion.  Additionally, its willingness to subvert expectations—particularly in how it recontextualizes its supernatural elements—adds a layer of depth rarely seen in traditional anthology horror. Rather than just telling scary stories, the film ultimately explores the nature of fear, guilt, and the fragile state of the human mind, making it a refreshingly original entry in the genre.  

The pacing of Ghost Stories is deliberate, gradually building tension rather than relying on constant scares or action. The film takes its time establishing atmosphere and character, particularly through Professor Philip Goodman’s methodical investigations. Each of the three cases unfolds with a slow, creeping dread, allowing the horror to simmer rather than explode all at once. While this approach effectively heightens suspense, some viewers may find the film’s measured pace a bit too restrained, especially in the first half. However, the steady buildup pays off in the final act, where the narrative accelerates into a surreal, mind-bending climax. The film’s pacing ultimately mirrors its psychological themes—drawing the audience deeper into Goodman’s unraveling reality—making for an experience that is unsettling, if at times intentionally slow-burning.

Acting is one of the film’s strongest aspects, with each performance adding depth and authenticity to the film’s eerie atmosphere. Andy Nyman delivers a compelling lead performance as Professor Philip Goodman, perfectly capturing his character’s skepticism, growing unease, and eventual unraveling. Paul Whitehouse, Alex Lawther, and Martin Freeman each bring something unique to their respective segments.  

Whitehouse portrays a working-class man haunted by a tragic encounter with raw realism.  In fact ,as I was watching his story unfold, I couldn’t help but be reminded of someone I knew exactly like him that I worked with many years back.  Specifically, when the spooky stuff starts to happen to him during his night shift, he kind of blows it off at first, something I felt to be very much, Lawther’s performance as a deeply disturbed teenager is intensely unsettling, and Freeman adds a charismatic yet chilling presence that lingers long after his scenes. The cast’s commitment to their roles makes the supernatural elements feel all the more believable, elevating Ghost Stories beyond a typical horror anthology into something far more psychological and immersive.

Cinematography was yet another aspect of the film that was done well. The camera often lingers on empty spaces, creating a sense of unease and suggesting the presence of something unseen. The use of dim lighting and shadowy compositions heightens the feeling of claustrophobia and uncertainty, with scenes that seem to be on the edge of revealing something terrifying, but never fully expose it until the right moment. The framing is precise, often focusing on the protagonist’s reactions or the subtle movement in the background, adding to the unease. Particularly effective are the moments when the camera holds on still shots, allowing the audience to linger in the discomfort of a scene, with every shadow or flicker of light amplifying the growing sense of dread. One specific example of this is during a scene with the character Tony Matthews.  After exploring the far end of the basement level of his building and discovering nothing amiss, he tries to calm his nerves by smoking a cigarette.  In the background, the audience can see the lights in the hallway behind him turn off one by one; this was incredibly effective.  

Conclusion

Overall, Ghost Stories is a meticulously crafted horror anthology that blends supernatural chills with psychological depth, offering a uniquely unsettling experience. With strong performances, a slow-burning but effective pace, and masterful use of cinematography and sound design, the film builds an eerie, immersive atmosphere that almost requires a second viewing. While its deliberate pacing and layered storytelling may not appeal to all horror fans, those who appreciate psychological horror and well-executed suspense will find plenty to admire.  As I’ve mentioned in other articles, I have ADHD.  With this in mind, when I say that this movie captured my full interest, it means it was extremely interesting.  I like to take notes during both my viewings of the movies I review, and with this one I actually had to pause it so I could jot stuff down as I didn’t want to miss a single second.  More than just a collection of ghostly encounters, Ghost Stories is a chilling exploration of guilt, fear, and the blurred lines between reality and the mind’s darkest corners.

Final Scare Me Please Score:  Coma from hell, out of 100

Link To Official Trailer

Have you watched this movie?  What did you think of it?   Did you guess the ending? Which was the scariest story to you?  Anything we missed? Have an idea for what we should watch next? Drop a comment below to let us know!

The Ruins

by Finn the Brave, posted in Uncategorized

The Ruins

Introduction

Imagine being trapped in a paradise that turns into a waking nightmare; this is the premise of “The Ruins,” a chilling adaptation of Scott Smith’s best-selling novel. Directed by Carter Smith, this film plunges us into the heart of the Mexican jungle, where a group of friends on vacation stumble upon an ancient Mayan temple. What begins as a casual adventure quickly descends into terror as they discover that something malevolent lurks within the ruins. The movie masterfully combines lovecraftian horror with psychological dread, crafting an atmosphere that is as claustrophobic as it is terrifying. As the vines tighten and the body count rises, “The Ruins” ensures that viewers will never look at an innocent hiking trip the same way again.

Horror Elements

“The Ruins” distinguishes itself within the horror genre with its unique and menacing antagonist: the sentient, carnivorous vines that inhabit the ancient Mayan temple. These vines are not just passive plants but active predators, exhibiting a terrifying level of malevolence.  Unlike typical horror villains, these vines possess a cunning intelligence. They can mimic human voices and sounds, creating confusion and manipulating the group into making fatal mistakes. This psychological manipulation deepens the horror, as the characters cannot trust their own senses.  

The vines are a dual threat, attacking not only the mind, but also the body. They infiltrate and consume the flesh, causing grotesque injuries and infections.  The invasive nature of the vines, burrowing into the characters’ bodies and sprouting from within, creates a visceral body horror. The infection and its manifestations are horrifying, tapping into primal fears of bodily invasion and corruption.  As if all this weren’t bad enough, the vines are omnipresent, covering the temple and surrounding areas, making any escape attempt seem futile. Their pervasive presence creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, trapping the characters in a nightmarish landscape where every move they make is watched and countered by the vines.  When they do try to escape, the Mayan villagers surrounding the temple attack them mercilessly, even killing one within their group.

The characters in “The Ruins” respond to their dire situation in ways that feel genuine and relatable. Their initial excitement and curiosity turn into panic and desperation as they realize the severity of their predicament. The group’s dynamics—friction, fear, and varying degrees of hope and despair—reflect how real people might behave under extreme stress.  In particular, the psychological breakdowns and paranoia experienced by the characters are portrayed in a manner that aligns with real human behavior under extreme duress. Their mental and emotional unraveling adds depth to the horror, making their fear and desperation palpable.  In addition to this, the characters’ attempts to survive (such as rationing supplies, creating makeshift medical solutions, and strategizing for escape) are based on practical and logical responses to their situation. This adherence to realistic problem-solving techniques enhances the believability of their struggle.

The film’s sound design plays a pivotal role in building tension, with the eerie ambient sounds of the jungle—rustling leaves, distant animal calls, and the hum of insects—creating an immersive backdrop that constantly reminds viewers of the characters’ isolation and lurking dangers. Strategic use of silence heightens suspense, making the sudden disruptions by the vines more jarring. The vines themselves are brought to life with unsettling audio cues like slithering noises and creaking tendrils, establishing their menacing presence even when off-screen. Distorted, echoing voices mimic human sounds, deepening psychological horror and creating confusion. Sudden loud noises and musical stingers provide effective jump scares, while Graeme Revell’s haunting score underscores the film’s emotional beats, from growing dread to frantic desperation.

Movie Elements

With the movie being so different from the book, it was hard to judge this fairly at times (I thought the book was way better), but despite this I felt as though the director did an excellent job with a few things, the first being cinematography.  The film often uses natural lighting to create a realistic and immersive environment. Bright, oppressive sunlight during the day contrasts sharply with the deep, inky darkness of the night, emphasizing the characters’ vulnerability and isolation.  The cinematography frequently employs tight, claustrophobic shots that mirror the characters’ entrapment. Close-ups of anxious faces and confined spaces within the ruins intensify the feeling of suffocation and panic, drawing viewers into the characters’ nightmarish experience.

The second strength of the film lies in the compelling performances of its cast. Jonathan Tucker as Jeff, Jena Malone as Amy, Shawn Ashmore as Eric, Laura Ramsey as Stacy, and Joe Anderson as Mathias deliver nuanced portrayals that ground the film’s supernatural horrors in believable human emotion. Tucker’s performance as the determined and pragmatic Jeff anchors the group’s efforts to survive, while Malone’s portrayal of Amy captures a blend of vulnerability and resilience. Ashmore and Ramsey skillfully depict a couple unraveling under stress, with Ramsey’s portrayal of Stacy particularly standing out as she descends into paranoia and desperation. Anderson’s role as Mathias adds an element of cultural depth and urgency. Together, their interactions convey a palpable sense of camaraderie and tension, making their plight feel immediate and personal. Their realistic reactions to the escalating terror, from initial disbelief to ultimate despair, enhance the film’s emotional impact and elevate the horror experience.

Finally, I felt as though the pacing was exactly what this type of horror movie should be.  It balances this to maintain suspense and steadily build tension throughout the film. From the outset, the movie swiftly immerses viewers in its unsettling atmosphere, quickly transitioning from the idyllic vacation scenes to the eerie discovery of the ancient temple. This rapid escalation sets the tone for the relentless dread that follows. As the characters become trapped, the pacing shifts to a more deliberate rhythm, allowing the horror to unfold gradually and methodically. Each moment of calm is punctuated by bursts of intense action or shocking revelations, keeping the audience on edge. The film’s pacing effectively mirrors the characters’ deteriorating mental and physical states, with moments of frantic activity followed by periods of ominous stillness, heightening the sense of claustrophobia and impending doom. This careful modulation of tempo ensures that the tension never wanes, leading to a climactic conclusion that feels both inevitable and satisfyingly harrowing.  

Conclusion

As I mentioned earlier, I preferred the book much more than the movie.  I believe most of the issues I had with the movie were based on time-constraints for a film, but I’ll point them out regardless.  The character development is thin, leaving viewers with little emotional investment in the fates of the protagonists. This lack of depth makes it difficult to care about their survival, reducing the tension and emotional weight of the story. Additionally, while the sentient vines are a unique antagonist, their portrayal sometimes borders on the absurd, undermining the intended horror with moments that feel unintentionally comical. The film’s reliance on graphic gore and body horror, while effective at times, can come across as gratuitous and overshadow the psychological terror that could have made the story more compelling.  Again, I think the book did an excellent job in all of these areas, it was just tough to fulfill this within a movie.

Despite my grumblings, I really did think this was a decent film.  “The Ruins” stands out as a harrowing exploration of survival and the horrors lurking in nature’s depths. With its realistic portrayal of human fear and desperation, combined with the unique and terrifying antagonist of the sentient vines, the film delivers a relentless and visceral experience. The movie’s ability to maintain a tense atmosphere, coupled with strong performances and practical effects, ensures that it leaves a lasting impact on its audience. As the credits roll, viewers are left with a chilling reminder of the ancient and primal forces that can turn paradise into a nightmare. For fans of intense, Lovecraftian-driven horror, “The Ruins” is an unforgettable descent into terror.

Final Scare Me Please Score:  Poison oak of doom, out of 100

Link To Official Trailer

Have you watched this movie? What did you think? Would you have done anything different to try and escape the ruins?  Drop a comment below to let us know!

It Watches in the Dark Review

by Finn the Brave, posted in Uncategorized

Introduction

Written by Jeff Strand, “It Watches in the Dark” is a middle-grade horror novel that blends suspense and humor. The story follows twelve-year-old twins, Oliver and Trisha, who embark on a canoe trip in Missouri with their father to celebrate their birthday. Within minutes of beginning the story (it really does get straight to the point), an accident happens, leaving their father unconscious, and the twins paddle downriver in search of help.

They come across a remote village with strange, overly helpful residents and a giant scarecrow that seems to hold a significant place in the community. The villagers insist that the scarecrow, which stands ominously in the town square, watches over them and keeps them safe. However, an old woman warns the twins not to spend the night in the village if they want to leave.

As the twins navigate this eerie environment, the scarecrow begins to exhibit supernatural behaviors, taunting and threatening them. The story takes a darker turn as Oliver and Trisha realize that escaping the village and saving their father might be more challenging than they initially thought. The novel combines elements of folk horror with a fast-paced, engaging narrative that is ideal for young readers like want to be creeped out, but not have nightmares.

Horror Literature Elements

As I typically do with horror meant for younger audiences, I listened to this as an audio book with my nephew.  The narrator did a good job with the scarecrow, not a super scary voice, but captured the complete mind control it had over the town.  Honestly, with such a short book (I think it was only about 4 hours), and with it being made for younger audiences, it’s a little tougher for me to critique as I’m not the target audience (I’m an adult, not a middle schooler).  With that being said, I feel as though kids shouldn’t be dumbed down and their age shouldn’t be an excuse for poor writing, so I’ll critique it without “holding back”.  

Let me start by saying, I have a soft spot for scarecrow horror.  Growing up, each year our mom would tell us the same scary story involving an evil scarecrow named “Bob” who terrorizes whatever town we were living in at the time (we moved a lot).  Though the story almost always ended with one of us destroying Bob, it ultimately lead to me getting the creeps anytime I passed by a scarecrow in real life.  Even the friendly-looking ones.  Even as an adult.  

It was for this reason, I was drawn to this book and recommended reading it with my nephew.  Immediately, it grabbed my attention as the introduction was a no-nonsense dive into the plot, which my ADHD appreciated.

The horror elements in the novel arent’ as in-depth as a longer novel would be, yet the author certainly captures a creepy setting within only the first part of the book.  The remote and isolated village with its eerie atmosphere and strange, overly friendly residents creates an unsettling backdrop for the story​.  In addition to this, the the village is watched over by a 50-foot-tall scarecrow that is believed to protect the villagers. This scarecrow starts exhibiting supernatural behaviors, such as speaking to the twins and issuing gruesome threats​/mind control.  

Adding almost as much to the scary setting, are the villagers themselves.  Though technically creepy characters, the villagers’ unwavering devotion to the scarecrow and their disturbing ethos contribute to the tension. The children encounter bizarre and frightening behaviors from the villagers, adding to the sense of danger and paranoia​.  This was probably the creepiest part of the story for me, as it bordered on the Lovecraftian premise.  

With that being said, the human involved between the characters takes away from the scare factor, but helped my nephew engage with it better. Since it’s a story targeting his age group, I’d say that’s a plus for the book. There’s also a bit of a twist, which I enjoyed as much as my nephew did. All in all, it’s worth a read for the younger horror fans as it’ll creep them out without a high likelihood of causing nightmares.

Conclusion

The story’s conclusion highlights the twins’ resourcefulness and bravery as they devise a plan to escape the village and rescue their unconscious father from the villagers’ clutches. The scarecrow’s threats and the villagers’ unwavering belief in its protective power create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere. Ultimately, the twins’ determination and quick thinking lead to a resolution, but the lingering presence of the scarecrow and the village’s dark secrets leave a lasting impression on them, though there is a definitive ending to the story.  Ultimately, it’s a worth a read for youngins just getting into horror, but not very interesting for Aunts having to listen along.

Final Scare Me Please Score:  Just burn that town to the ground, out of 100

Link To Goodreads description

Have you read this book? What did you think? Have you ever been to a creepy town?  Are you afraid of scarecrows?  Drop a comment below to let us know!