*This article is part of a two-part series 1925: The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney, was Universal Studios’ biggest movie of the year. Budgeted at two million dollars, it was in production for damn near two years (an extravagantly long gestation for the time) and would feature the grandest sets, the most lavish … Continue reading Phantom of the Phantom of the Opera: Part 1
Category: Articles
To even skim one’s memory of Sam Neill is to realise that he truly was a totemic presence in cinema, not just for New Zealand, but for the global cinema community. Sir Sam Neill 14 Sept 1947 - 13 July 2026 He was, in the eyes of the public, both an actor and a movie … Continue reading Under His Spell: Sam Neill’s Horror Movies
We're taking a page from the music scene this week as fellow NZHF writer Simon Kingsley-Holmes and I discuss our Honest Horror Playlists. Once you're done with us, head over to the New Zealand Horror Fans Facebook page, join the Horror Fans community (if you haven't already), and share your own horror playlist. We love … Continue reading Honest Horror Playlist
In a world where AI-generated parrots garner over a million followers on social media, it feels good when a classic horror franchise doubles down on its use of practical effects. Right from Day 1, the Evil Dead films have given us tactile, ooey-gooey Deadites and buckets of slimy blood, a trend that’s thankfully continued with … Continue reading Q&A with Brendon Durey: Special Effects Supervisor – Evil Dead Burn
With the release of writer/director Taratoa Stappard’s debut feature, Mārama, we have seen the potential emergence of a new movement in horror. Debuting at TIFF on September 5th last year, it became the first truly Māori-centric horror film. While previous films have touched on Māori history or been produced, written, or directed by Māori filmmakers, … Continue reading Mārama: A New Benchmark in Māori Horror
I actively avoided seeing The Weed Eaters at last year’s NZIFF, put off by the quotes: “… riotous NZ horror comedy. Four holidaying friends come across a strain of weed that gives them the most extreme case of the munchies ever recorded”. A no-budget horror-stoner-comedy? A wry take on the horror genre by a group … Continue reading In Praise of: The Weed Eaters on Tour