If you are looking for a gritty, well-orchestrated horror-thriller that leans more toward psychological intensity than outright scares this #Shocktober, here you go. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 6.9/10. I was immediately welcomed with an intriguing note—"Shot entirely on 35MM film"—which immediately conveys the attention to detail in the movie's production. This sets the tone for a unique experience as the film takes a non-traditional approach to storytelling. I went in blind, avoiding trailers, which added to the tension as the action started immediately, drawing you into its twisted world. One of the more distinctive features of this flick is its use of chapter numbers to label scenes. Starting with Chapter 3, then jumping to Chapter 5, it felt jarring at first, but the reason behind this choice becomes clear as the story unfolds, cleverly told out of chronological order. This approach, reminiscent of Tarantino’s style, keeps you engaged as you piece together the events. The characters are far from ordinary or heroic. Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner deliver standout performances as "The Lady" and "The Demon," and their dynamic carries much of the tension and atmosphere. While it’s a low-budget film, it doesn't suffer in terms of quality acting or intensity. The chemistry between these two leads drives the film, especially as their one-night stand spirals into a vicious murder spree. Though the narrative structure might feel familiar to fans of similar films, where the non-linear timeline is a puzzle, it doesn’t diminish the movie’s impact. The thriller element is more pronounced than the horror, and while it’s not a slasher, the film doesn’t shy away from brutality when necessary, using violence as a tool to punctuate its story. This is not for those looking for clear-cut heroes or predictable twists. It's a gritty, well-orchestrated horror-thriller that leans more toward psychological intensity than outright scares, making it a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy unconventional narratives.

Only have a few streamers for this one including Amazon.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/strange-darling-2024

I had an email about a new tour featuring Category 7 and had no idea who they were. Checked this video out and BOY did that voice sound familiar? I had no idea John Bush was the frontman for a new band. #jackmeatsotn

https://youtu.be/8isrGgP31zA?si=u2dgeYhlGGm_c7K3

If you’re looking for a film that annoys you just for existing this #Shocktober, this might be it. Otherwise, skip this narcissistic trainwreck. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 2.4/10. This movie is a prime example of a film that feels like it was made just to annoy anyone unfortunate enough to watch it. The plot revolves around Arthur (Evan Marsh), a self-obsessed Internet star who celebrates his 3 million subscribers just as the apocalypse rudely interrupts his party. This shallow premise, unfortunately, sets the tone for the entire film. Arthur is so narcissistic and insufferable that the apocalyptic chaos barely feels like the focal point—it's more about him and his trivial concerns. His fixation on his roommate Darren (Darren Eisenhauer) hooking up with Emma (Olivia Scriven), a girl who has friend-zoned him for what seems like an eternity, adds unnecessary layers of frustration. Who cares about relationships when the world is ending? Visually, the film occasionally offers cool moments, like the waterless Manhattan concept, but it feels like wasted potential in a chaotic and confused narrative. Worse still, the scene flips to script readings adding a meta-level of irritation, making the whole thing feel more like a self-serving, pseudo-intellectual experiment rather than a cohesive story. Arthur's character, drenched in his own ego, is the epitome of everything people (myself included) avoid in Internet culture, particularly TikTok-style self-promotion. The movie’s attempts to be edgy or funny come off as forced and grating, leaving me wondering who thought this approach was a good idea. At its core, this flick is a confusing mess, riddled with characters you don’t care about and a plot that fumbles what could have been a cool premise instead unable to pick a genre. If you’re looking for a film that annoys you just for existing, this might be it. Otherwise, skip this narcissistic trainwreck.

If you still want to see this one, check Amazon or Tubi.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/skal-fight-for-survival-2023

Part 2 and this sequel let off the gas veering in the wrong direction of #Shocktober greatness but still is a disturbing psychological thriller with horror elements. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 5.4/10. This sequel takes a familiar setting and attempts to ramp up the stakes with new layers of tension and moral complexity. A mysterious leader has taken control of the platform system, and survival becomes even more precarious, especially when eating from the wrong plate spells immediate death. The psychological and physical struggles of the characters are put front and center, forcing us to confront our own ideas of solidarity and survival. While the film attempts to capture the brilliance of its predecessor, it falls short in both depth and execution. There’s little explanation for newcomers, so seeing the first movie is almost a requirement to grasp the full weight of the situation. Where the original was a disturbing, thought-provoking reflection on human nature, this sequel feels more like a hollow echo. It moves along solidly for about two-thirds, offering disturbing insights into the brutality of the system and human desperation. But just as it seems to be building momentum, the plot takes a sharp detour, losing the tightness and intensity that made the first Platform so engaging. Though not as entertaining or impactful as the original, this flick still delivers some chilling moments. It’s a disturbing psychological thriller with horror elements, appealing to those willing to peer into the abyss of humanity’s darkest corners. However, the film’s collapse in its final act derails much of its potential, making it a less cohesive and satisfying experience overall.

This is exclusive to Netflix as of now.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/the-platform-2-2024

I just watched the sequel the other night and realized I did NOT review the first back in March 2020 so here are the notes I took shortly after watching untouched. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 7,4/10. Fairly timely, with all the hoarding of food. Two people per level in a prison cell. Food drops down to each level for 2 minutes, once per day. Eat what you can, that is all you get. The higher levels start with the full spread of food and slowly as the greed takes over and the food drops lower, the less there is. Sounds simple enough, and basic? Not in the slightest. This movie does so much with such a simple concept it is quite astounding. Without giving anything away, I will say find this one on Netflix if you have it, stat. A great find. The acting is unique to each character and their quirks. The solitude of the design is so basic and effective. This is truly how to succeed with flying colors on next to no budget, nor one needed when all involved shine.

This one is still exclusive to Netflix.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/the-platform-2019

I checked out this slow psychological horror flick when I was in Syndey and it barely slides in for this #Shocktober as the suspense hooked me. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 5.3/10. This movie sets itself up with an intriguing premise that promises psychological depth and a thoughtful exploration of societal pressures on women, particularly regarding motherhood. Dianna Agron delivers a solid performance, embodying the lead with conviction making her character's internal struggle believable and compelling. Agron truly carries the weight of the film on her shoulders, and in a better-structured narrative, her performance would have shined even more. However, the movie quickly falters as it loses focus. The plot feels disjointed, veering in multiple directions without fully committing to any of them. In the second half, the flick throws in new plot developments, but instead of adding depth, they feel scattered and ultimately lead nowhere. What could have been a sharp, focused psychological thriller instead feels like it's trying to do too much and succeeds at none of it. The dialogue at times is a bit too on-the-nose, lacking the subtlety that would have allowed the audience to engage more thoughtfully with the material. It has moments of tension—particularly one scene at a birthday party that stands out—but the film fails to deliver on the scares or suspense one might expect from its setup. Ultimately it is a missed opportunity. With its potential and great lead performance, it could have been a tightly crafted, engaging horror film. Unfortunately, its scattershot approach leaves it feeling more like a collection of ideas than a cohesive story. If the film had picked a lane and fleshed it out, it might have been something special. Instead, it leaves you wondering what it could have been.

This one is exclusive to Hulu as of now.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/clock-2023

I updated for this weekend's #Shocktober release, the red band trailer for Terrifier 3. Enjoy! #jackmeatsflix

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat