My most anticipated horror films of 2016

2015 has proven to be a strong year for horror films. February saw the release of David Robert Mitchell's 'It Follows,' a creepy 80's throwback with an original story and memorable soundtrack. Later, in Spring, was the surprisingly strong 'Unfriended,' a unique take on the dying found footage genre. During summer, another film I was initially sceptical about was the third chapter in the 'Insidious' franchise. I thought it was a decent sequel with some original scares and I enjoyed it far more than the second.

With 2016 fast approaching, there are many promising films from both indie and mainstream directors to look forward to. Here are five of my most anticipated 2016 horror films.

 1.) K-Shop

First up is an independent horror film that you may not have heard of, from director Dan Pringle. Filmed in the sunny seaside town of Bournemouth, Southern England, 'K-Shop' is a 'Sweeny Todd' inspired story about a kebab shop owner who decides to sort out the town's drinking problems and rowdy behaviour. You definitely won't want to try the donors on this menu! The trailer looks very promising, gritty and should deliver on the gore. Being a local to Bournemouth too, I'm very excited to see this!

Check out the teaser below:

2.) The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist

The Conjuring is one of my all time favourite supernatural horrors and in my opinion one of James Wan's best films. I was excited to hear that Wan would return once again to direct the sequel as well as the original cast, who are also returning. Though the plot is currently unknown, I have high hopes that the cast and crew can deliver the tension and scares of the original.

3.) The Forest

This intriguing supernatural horror stars Natalie Dormer as a young woman searching for her missing twin sister in Mount Fuji, Japan. She is led to the mysterious Aokigahara forest, a place where locals come to end their lives. Given only one strict warning, not to stray from the path, Sara must face the restless souls that lie within to discover the truth for herself. Jason Zada's chilling new film is set to be a promising directorial debut.

4.) The Witch

A film generating a lot of buzz recently is from another up and coming director, Robert Eggers. What is particularly interesting about this film is that it is set as a 17th century period horror. The unsettling trailer depicts an isolated family living in rural New England on the edge of a foreboding forest. When sinister events begin to unfold and paranoia arises, the family turn on each other in fear of an evil presence within. Like 'The Babadook', I feel 'The Witch' will rely on disturbing imagery and it's bleak atmosphere to unsettle its audience, rather than jump scares.

5.) The Boy

Continuing 2016's trend of supernatural horrors is William Brent's 'The Boy' which should really deliver on the creep factor. The story follows an American nanny hired by an English family to take care of their "son," who is actually a life-sized porcelain doll. Though comparable to 2013's 'Annabelle,' this film seems more like a classic British ghost story with a foreboding atmosphere and psychological elements.

Anything I've missed? What are you most looking forward to seeing in 2016? Let me know in the comments below.

THORPE PARK FRIGHT NIGHTS 2015 - Scare Attraction Review

The Halloween events industry has become more and more prominent across the UK over the past couple of years, with an ever growing number of "scare attractions" popping up across the country. Thorpe Park were among the first to bring the "Scare maze" or "haunted house" style attraction to the UK, way back in 2002.

I experienced my first scare maze back in 2013, at Chessington's Halloween "Hocus Pocus" event. Admittedly it was a more family orientated event, though some of the attractions did provide a good scare or two!  This year I got the chance to attend Thorpe Park's Fright Nights for the first time! For 2015, the event boasts five mazes, four of which being themed to Lionsgate horror film IPs. These Include; My Bloody Valentine (The forgettable 2009 slasher remake), The Blair Witch Project, (Average, slightly overrated found footage horror), The Cabin In the Woods, (Awesome, horror mash up flick) and finally Saw Alive, (Needs no introduction!). The event also features an original concept maze which was the headline attraction, named "The Big Top", which had a demented circus theme.

Unfortunately, as expected, the park was heaving on the Saturday, therefore we only managed to get in three of the five mazes. Luckily we did manage the three I was most interested in seeing. Here are my reviews of each maze, in order of preference. Be warned, as there will be a few spoilers of both mazes and films!

3.) The Cabin in the Woods

I LOVE this film and I was very much looking forward to seeing what Thorpe had included in the maze. Unfortunately I was a little underwhelmed by this attraction. The idea of choosing your own route is a fantastic concept, especially as "choosing you own fate" is the primary concept of the film. This would definitely make repeat run throughs fun (When the queues is not 120 minutes long!) For me, I felt the maze was just a bit too dark, making it easy to miss key set pieces. Acting was excellent, with some good interaction and startle scares! The ending "outbreak scene" was well executed and captured the chaotic third act of the film very well.

2.5/5

2.) Saw Alive

First off, this is hands down the most visually striking maze at the event, both inside and out. The queue area is much better themed than the other mazes, complete with traps and other contraptions lying around, as well as tall barbed wire fences surrounding the area. Once inside, you are subjected to another of Jigsaws (or Amandas/Hoffmans?) twisted games.  I really liked the pre-show with Billy appearing on the screens, explaining the situation before the timer begins and we're moved on. The sets looked fantastic, with recognisable scenes from various films in the franchise. The actors did a great job of convincing us they were genuinely trapped in the many horrific devices. There were also great uses of lighting and special effects to startle guests. The ending scene featuring a trap from Saw VI was particularly effective! I enjoyed this maze a lot!

3.5/5

3.) The Big Top

This was the main attraction at this years event and it certainly did not disappoint. I was a little sceptical before going in after hearing from previous reviewers that the maze was not completely finished. You begin by having your fortune read before being chased out by a maniacal clown. The attraction then quickly picks up the pace as you enter and exit different tents, filled with bizarre and crazy circus characters. The maze looks very impressive, themed with carnival games and a giant grinning clown facade. Inside is themed to a funhouse with some very lively actors getting very close for comfort. One actor proceeded to follow me, laughing in my ear whilst running his hands through my hair! Lighting was very well used and quite disorientating! The finale features the oldest scare tactic in the book, the chainsaw! I honestly thought it would be a gimmick but when I turned the corner and first saw it, I may have sworn a little and swiftly moved to the exit! My only criticism would be there were a few dead spots, particularly outside where there where either no actors or they just weren't doing a lot. Overall though I was very impressed!

So that was all the mazes we managed. There is an up-charge attraction called "Containment" which is essentially a room escape experience. This wasn't something that particularly interested me and was rather pricey so I gave it a miss. Of course the park is open late so you can enjoy all your favourite rides in the dark. The Swarm and Stealth both looked very impressive at night! The park itself does unfortunately lack in general theming, though it was a nice touch to change the rides audio to fit the whole circus theme.

Overall then, Fright Nights is a great Halloween event for those seeking something a little more intense and physical. I must say that I prefer the more theatrical/atmospheric style mazes at Chessington, however if you want more short, sharp, impact scares, then Fright Nights is definitely for you. I would strongly recommend that you either visit on a Friday or Sunday as the Saturdays do get extremely busy. Frights Nights continue from the 23rd October - 1st November 2015.

Thanks for reading! Have you been to Frights Nights this year? Let me know what you thought in the comments below!

THE WOMAN IN BLACK - Theatre Review

I got tickets to see the Woman in Black for my birthday. I had seen the film in the cinema so I knew what to expect from the story, but I was intrigued to see how the theatrical adaptation would compare.

We arrived for an evening performance at the Fortune Theatre in Covent Garden which was bustling with fellow theatre goers. We had seats in the second row which was great, but it was such a small and intimate venue that regardless of where you sit you'll feel the same excitable thrill as the lights go off and the play begins.

I found the Woman in Black eerie and the atmosphere was tense at times, but I wouldn't describe it as terrifying. It was definitely more scary than Ghost Stories which was more comedic and silly (but still enjoyable if you didn't take it too seriously). The audience got quite involved by screaming at the jump scares and whispering to each other. 

The two main actors were fantastic, improvising with the minimal set and swapping roles with ease by flicking on a coat or changing an accent. The actors made use of the full auditorium which added to the immersive feel of the play. The scenes on the marshes were the most chilling, it was easy to imagine the characters travelling through them. The use of mist and lighting were effective in capturing the cold, damp feel of the lonely moors.

If you want to experience a well crafted, traditional ghost story, then The Woman in Black is a must see! The show is currently playing at the Fortune Theatre, London. Tickets are available here: http://thewomaninblack.com/

Written by Jennifer Panting.