May

Writer/Director: Lucky McKee | Released: 2002 | Rated: R

I first saw May shortly after it was released in 2002 and was immediately struck then (as I am again and again when rewatching it) by the intimacy of the film; a viewing element especially intriguing because the entire film is about the struggles of intimacy. It's these "struggles of intimacy" the timid and adorkable (can I say that?) May, a talented veterinarian assistant by day and exquisitely talented seamstress by night, experiences as she embarks on her first attempt in the dating field.

After growing up in an emotionally stifling household and with a superbly creepy doll as her only friend, May is now a young woman and a walking talking example of bumbling attempts at relationships. She is unintentionally hilarious and you’ll happily soak in the Schadenfreude fun. However, things begin to turn sour as the remaining semblance of her healthy intercommunication buttons begin to malfunction...

In conjunction with May’s badass designing skills, so is the film’s badass acting, writing, cinematography, score, and super smart development of the story’s explorations into the wonders of the heart and mind. In short, I simply cannot express in enough words or ways how much I love this film [blushes, fumbles, drops May fan letter into a puddle, pushes glasses back up], but I’m going to keep trying anyway [bites lip].

May is a wonderfully morbid comedy that sneaks into a classic horror spin of the serious, and an honest look into loneliness, frustration, and heartbreak. This film is dingy, clingy, shiny, grimy, sweet, sour, and basically has so many visual and emotional textures you just might need a great big hug or a long hot shower afterwards (or both).

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Bring on the Cringe Binge!

May is a stellar film and one sure to be enjoyed by horror fans who appreciate goretastic dark humor stitched together nicely with serious subject matter. I give a standing ovation and awkward, but excited wave to all who helped to create this wonderful work of art.

This film pairs with the smell of freshly cut fabric, stale cigarette smoke, a popular perfume or cologne from the ‘90s that you still love you but feel you can’t tell anyone about, a couple of brewskies, and your favorite dessert.

Check out the official trailer for May.

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Jolie lives in Seattle with her artist husband, two cats, and created her blog, Horror Habit, to keep her out of trouble (which has sorta worked). @HorrorHabitBlog

Eaten Alive (1976)

Eaten Alive, 1976 | Rated: R | Director: Tobe Hooper | Writers: Alvin L. Fast, Mohammed Rustam, Kim Henkel

Where have I been that I've never heard of Tobe Hooper's Eaten Alive before today?!?!? Wandering around aimlessly apparently…

This bizarre, psychedelic, and atmospheric 1970's gem is a shocker from second one until the end.

The story opens with a very disturbing scene involving a prostitute and a terrible customer, then moves directly to the red-lit world of a psychotic hotel owner (with country music playing in the background at all times). There's a dead monkey, a dead dog, and it continues to spiral into the completely unsettling realm usually only found in fever-induced nightmares.

I can't even begin to define the dynamics of a vacationing family who happen to pass through this rural hell. I'm just going to share this picture. Just stare at it for a while. Soak it in.

I've seen some reviews where people complain that this movie is a poor follow-up to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - that it's not good or just boring. Any true horror fan will quickly realize that these people have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. This is a great horror film. Is it dated, off beat, quirky? Yes to all these things. Still great. Additionally, it's not The Texas Chainsaw Massacre so the two should stop being compared to each other.

There are a few similarities, however. Crazy rural-Texas guy, bizarre bone-chilling sounds, completely unnerving images with no explanation, and unfortunate folks who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Other than that, watch these two as completely different beasts and you won't go wrong.

For some odd reason I decided to watch this movie in the morning. Like 8:30 AM morning. I'm not sure if that's why I found this film more disturbing than some would argue it is. Starting my day with images of this film in my head was probably not the wisest choice. You might not want to start your day with this one. It would be a great way to end the day, however!

Suggested pairing: gator meat and a liquid that looks questionable - or cheap cans of beer. Be sure to smash the cans on your forehead after downing each one. If you have a red light around then turn it on, sit back, and prepare for insanity. Note: If you do watch this film at 8:30 in the morning, then you might want to watch some cat videos afterwards, or anything that restores your faith in goodness and humanity.

~ Jolie @HorrorHabitBlog

Memory of the Dead (2013) Rated R

Director: Valentin Javier Diment
Writers: Martin Blousson, Valentin Javier Diment, Nicanor Loreti, German Val

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While recently visiting the local library, I decided to take a quick peek at the movie section, see if there were any horror movie surprises waiting to be discovered. There was. My introduction to Argentinean horror: Memory of the Dead.

What I was expecting: Gore gore gore galore. Maybe even a little something along the lines of giallo horror.

What I got: A twisted, gortastic spookfest with a delightfully disturbing and perverted take on giallo horror.

IMDB is telling me that this is a comedy-horror. I wouldn't go so far as to say there is comedy here. I never really laughed. There were just a few times where I smiled uncomfortably for a few seconds and then waited expectantly for something terrible to happen.

The story opens with a grieving wife who gathers her husband's best friends over to their mansion for a memorial service. The love poured out here is tear-jerking, to say the least. There are dedications said that will likely bring on some buckets of happy/sad tears.

And yet, and yet...something is not right. Something is terribly wrong. Just as you are wiping away the tear remnants, you are promptly catapulted into a surreal night terror of epic proportions. I use the word "catapulted" specifically because that is exactly how it felt. The movie begins and continues with no explanation. It just moves fast, furious, and takes no prisoners.

The first half of the story takes place inside the mansion. Viewers are provided with the false allusion that all the angry ghosts, hungry ghouls, never-ending darkness, and all-consuming madness are outside. The second half moves inside - into each of the individual guests' greatest fears - fears that also happen to come to life and be littered throughout the menacing mansion.

The majority of the movie plays out like a cold-sweat nightmare with few answers as to why. Don't worry! Answers will come in the last few minutes of the film.

Like giallo horror, Memory of the Dead, is visually stunning. It is also jam-packed with mystery and murder. Of course there is also sex. No good sex; e.g., rape, incest. Viewer discretion is advised. That said, I'm happy to report that these scenes, albeit striking, are scarce.

Derogatory slurs are thrown around, people are absolutely brutal to each other, blood and guts EVERYWHERE, monsters, witchcraft, and crippling, crippling love. Because don't forget! This movie is also a love story.

I enjoyed this film for its visuals, creativity, the unfolding of each character, and for the rather brilliant twist at the end. A must see for fans of supernatural horror, Latin horror, and of course anyone looking for an absolute gore fest.

This film should be seen in a small group of your closest friends. If someone is harboring a nasty secret, all the better. Pairs with wine, a little whiskey, a big bowl of pomegranates and mangos, steaks (rare), and if you can get your hands on some home-made empanadas with a mystery filling, even better.

Jolie
@HorrorHabitBlog

One of the newest contributors to The Bloodlust website, horror movies have always played a significant role in Jolie's life. Since her introduction to Gremilns at the tender age of 5, growing up with four horror movie-loving brothers - all who managed to memorized the entire script of John Carpenter's The Thing at a young age - and a father who still delights in frightening them all at the dinner table with scary stories, it's safe to say watching horror movies is, in essence, her comfort food. A research health scientist for the government by day and a devotee to horror movies (particularly ghost and werewolf stories) by night, Jolie lives in Seattle with her artist husband, two cats, and created her blog, Horror Habit, to keep her out of trouble.