The “black guy dies first” line has become shorthand for a long-standing, maddening expectation in American horror: Black characters show up, they warn us of danger (or crack a joke), and then, too often, get dispatched before the final credits roll. That shorthand isn’t just a punchline; it’s a pattern with roots in Hollywood’s representational habits, and it carries cultural meaning about expendability, narrative function, and who is allowed to survive fear on screen. Robin R. Means Coleman...

We want WEIRD horror. We want women lead horror. And studios are delivering.  Women have always been a crucial and integral part of any good horror film. Carrie (1976), Scream (1996), and Alien (1979) all come to mind when thinking of classic horror films that feature a female lead. Recently however women have been featured throughout horror movies in a new way. With the rise of women starring on the screen in horror as a heroine - even if she is a demented one -  rather than a cutaway gag...

After seeing James Gunn’s interpretation of Superman, I am glad to say good riddance to Zack Snyder’s reign of dark, hard-to-see, gritty “realistic” movies. For a long time, the Snyderverse seemed to be the only hope for DC to break into the mainstream, but they always fell short. The issue with Snyder’s films was the fact that they were always so grim and gloomy compared to Marvel’s free-spirited, comedic, action-filled fun (and star power). Sure, the point may have been to show how this...

In 2022, the sensationalized relationship between actress Pamela Anderson and Mötley Crue’s Tommy Lee became a victim to the limited series biopic wave of television.

In the realm of independent filmmaking, few debuts captivate and linger as deeply as Sarah Lyons’ The Woods . Set against the backdrop of dense, shadowy forests, this psychological thriller unfolds a chilling narrative of mystery, memory, and haunting metaphors. In a candid conversation, Lyons, the creative force behind the film, shared insights about her journey from conception to execution, as well as the personal and practical elements that shaped her cinematic vision. From Page to Screen...

In an era of entertainment where the majority of Hollywood productions are sequels or remakes, audiences are starving for original and authentic stories. While independent In an era of entertainment where the majority of Hollywood productions are sequels or remakes, audiences are starving for original and authentic stories. While independent filmmakers have the stories, the lack of funding prevents their work from reaching a wider audience.  With all of social media’s vices, free marketing...

These girls have not only defeated their movie’s “big bad,” but by the time you get there, you are deeply rooting for them.

Michael Keaton’s absurd demon and Winona Ryder’s goth baby bangs are back on screen in a nostalgia-filled, undeniably Tim Burton sequel. 

Jack Nicoletti, Writer/Director/Composer, concludes his final semester at Pratt Institute with his most thrilling project yet. That Little Bodega Next to Lorenzo's follows three college kids trapped in an extraterrestrial bodega. Nicoletti builds excellent tension between the entrapment of these characters physically and within their relationships. With his discography consisting of majority comedies, this supernatural thriller is a beautiful addition, with its visuals and storytelling depth....

"Nope" is a film that’s far more than just an edge-of-your-seat thriller.

Ryan Coogler’s career is often described as meteoric, but his rise as a filmmaker is also a testament to vision, discipline, and collaboration. From his earliest short films to helming one of the highest-grossing superhero movies of all time, Coogler has built a reputation as both a sensitive storyteller and a bold director unafraid to tackle cultural and political themes head-on. At the heart of his journey is his recurring partnership with actor Michael B. Jordan, a collaboration that has...

While most production companies are focused solely on making content for the big screen, American High saw the potential to grow on the smaller screen. The Syracuse-based production company, founded by Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps, was founded on the passion to make this generation’s teen comedies. Their dedication was solidified when they bought an abandoned high school to operate as their home base for their production office and filming location for future projects. The studio has grown...

In an intimate, candid conversation full of empathy, insight, and mutual understanding, filmmaker Gabriel Noble opens up about the journey behind their debut short film , A Cup of Tea, a layered portrait of grief, community, and the humanity behind headlines. The project, born out of adversity, became not only a personal triumph but also a work that stirs collective reflection on justice and healing. Recently graduated from Stony Brook University with a Master's in Fine Arts majoring in Film...

Black love is an unparalleled force, but it has historically not been spotlighted in mainstream media.

Unsurprisingly, the show was filled with major cinematic achievements and disappointments, with snubs and exciting wins all at once. 

Holiday movies are more than just seasonal entertainment.

Here’s my certified “if you like this, try that” list (horror movie edition)!

Sarah Lyons' work as a writer and filmmaker challenges conventional portrayals of witchcraft and horror

You might want to skip the popcorn while watching this heavy ride. This film may be the treasure chest of the body horror genre. The most creative, rude, and disgusting awakening to the subject matter is the great body image. The Substance follows the Hollywood star, Elizabeth Sparkle, who has had a long and successful career in a workout aerobics style TV show. However, in the world of Hollywood, her time is ticking. She comes across this black market drug called "The Substance" that claims...

The women of Star Trek deserve just as much notice as anyone else.