In every generation, there is a scream queen–an actress known for starring in horror films who comes to embody the genre landscape of her time. From Janet Leigh and her daughter Jamie Lee Curtis, Sarah Michelle Gellar to Maika Monroe, these women often originate a beloved character or star in a variety of cutting edge films, pushing the boundaries as cinema evolves.
The jury’s still out on which Gen Z actress will ascend to the scream queen throne, but Sydney Sweeney is making a strong case for her legacy. Though not exclusively known for horror, this versatile actress specializes in creating fearsome characters that break the mold set by her predecessors. With her wide eyes and angelic smile, Sweeney has a knack for luring us in with the perception of innocence only to shock us with a cutting remark or withering glare.
In Immaculate, Sweeney enters the taboo...
The jury’s still out on which Gen Z actress will ascend to the scream queen throne, but Sydney Sweeney is making a strong case for her legacy. Though not exclusively known for horror, this versatile actress specializes in creating fearsome characters that break the mold set by her predecessors. With her wide eyes and angelic smile, Sweeney has a knack for luring us in with the perception of innocence only to shock us with a cutting remark or withering glare.
In Immaculate, Sweeney enters the taboo...
- 3/21/2024
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
Stars: Jill Awbrey, Bart Johnson, Rez Kempton, Zack Gold, Jener Dasilva, Tessa Munro | Written by Jill Awbrey | Directed by Travis Cluff, Chris Lofing
A lot of movies begin with an overhead show of a car driving down a long deserted road. Ominous, sure, but something we’ve seen many many times before. That is, though, perhaps where the “same old” ends with Held.
Held, directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing (The Gallows), and penned by Jill Awbrey, is a mystery horror film about a couple who are going through strains in their marriage and head off for an anniversary getaway for their ninth year, when things become even more difficult for the two of them after they are held hostage in the hi-tech and modern vacation house and given commends by an unseen voice over the intercom system. The commands begin tame and somewhat calm, but grow and turn more extreme and disturbing.
A lot of movies begin with an overhead show of a car driving down a long deserted road. Ominous, sure, but something we’ve seen many many times before. That is, though, perhaps where the “same old” ends with Held.
Held, directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing (The Gallows), and penned by Jill Awbrey, is a mystery horror film about a couple who are going through strains in their marriage and head off for an anniversary getaway for their ninth year, when things become even more difficult for the two of them after they are held hostage in the hi-tech and modern vacation house and given commends by an unseen voice over the intercom system. The commands begin tame and somewhat calm, but grow and turn more extreme and disturbing.
- 4/27/2022
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
The taut and terrifying thriller Held is being released on DVD & Digital platforms April 25th and to celebrate we are giving away a DVD!
Directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing (the pair behind the Blumhouse horror sensation The Gallows and its hit sequel), with an assured script by Jill Awbrey, who also stars, Held is a sleekly-shot shocker, where a couple’s weekend getaway in an isolated, high-tech house turns into a nightmare after the phone rings and voice says “Obey US!”
The film, which premiered at the Arrow Video FrightFest in London, features a marvellous lead performance by Awbrey in her debut feature role, with Bart Johnson (High School Musical) a charismatic screen presence as her husband. Cluff himself can be heard as the sinister voice that tells the couple “we know everything you did”.
With elements of the Saw films, The Collector, and Demon Seed (the 70s...
Directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing (the pair behind the Blumhouse horror sensation The Gallows and its hit sequel), with an assured script by Jill Awbrey, who also stars, Held is a sleekly-shot shocker, where a couple’s weekend getaway in an isolated, high-tech house turns into a nightmare after the phone rings and voice says “Obey US!”
The film, which premiered at the Arrow Video FrightFest in London, features a marvellous lead performance by Awbrey in her debut feature role, with Bart Johnson (High School Musical) a charismatic screen presence as her husband. Cluff himself can be heard as the sinister voice that tells the couple “we know everything you did”.
With elements of the Saw films, The Collector, and Demon Seed (the 70s...
- 4/12/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Slick, Scary Shocker Held Released In The UK ★★★★ “Intense…keeps the viewer on edge throughout” Starburst “An uncommonly thoughtful and provocative suspenser” The Hollywood Reporter ★★★★ “A nasty, classy, creepy thriller” Live For Film Bulldog Film Distribution announces that taut and terrifying thriller Held is being released on DVD and digital platforms on April 25th. Directed by Travis Cluff …
The post From the Directors of the Gallows Comes the Taut Horror Thriller Held! Out 25th April on DVD & Digital appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.
The post From the Directors of the Gallows Comes the Taut Horror Thriller Held! Out 25th April on DVD & Digital appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.
- 3/22/2022
- by Adrian Halen
- Horror News
Spoon are the most reliable great American rock band of the past 25 years. That might say more about American rock than it does about Spoon, but facts don’t lie. They’ve been at it since the mid-Nineties, and they’ve never made a dull record, thanks to leader Britt Daniel’s brilliant songwriting and a knack for nuancing their Texas indie rock. They do jittery guitar bangers; they throw in some soul; they try out electronics; they nod to Prince and the Kinks and Motown and Wire. But it...
- 2/9/2022
- by Jon Dolan
- Rollingstone.com
While the other streaming services set up recurring franchises, Hulu has opted to get a bit more experimental with its original offerings in August 2021.
Hulu’s list of new releases this month is highlighted by three original series concepts with promise. Reservation Dogs premieres on August 9. Co-created by Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok), this story will follow four indigenous teenagers in Oklahoma as they stave off boredom and adulthood. Next up is Nine Perfect Strangers on August 18. This miniseries, based on a book of the same name, is produced by David E. Kelley and features staggering cast of Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Samara Weaving, and more.
Only Murders in the Building is likely the biggest thing to look forward to in August though. Premiering on August 31, this comedy stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as three true crime-obsessed friends who stumble into a true crime of their own.
Hulu’s list of new releases this month is highlighted by three original series concepts with promise. Reservation Dogs premieres on August 9. Co-created by Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok), this story will follow four indigenous teenagers in Oklahoma as they stave off boredom and adulthood. Next up is Nine Perfect Strangers on August 18. This miniseries, based on a book of the same name, is produced by David E. Kelley and features staggering cast of Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Samara Weaving, and more.
Only Murders in the Building is likely the biggest thing to look forward to in August though. Premiering on August 31, this comedy stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as three true crime-obsessed friends who stumble into a true crime of their own.
- 8/1/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Watch an Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Clip from Held, Featuring Directors Chris Lofing & Travis Cluff
With Held now on Blu-ray, DVD, and on-demand services, courtesy of Magnolia Home Entertainment, we have an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip with directors Chris Lofing & Travis Cluff!
"In Held, Emma and Henry's marriage is losing its spark. In an effort to reconnect, they plan a vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. However, after suspecting a nighttime intruder, they quickly decide to flee, only to become forcibly trapped inside by the automated security system. Emitting from the house, an unknown 'Voice' watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth and find a way out before it's too late."
Blu-Ray, DVD & On Demand
Street Date: July 13, 2021 Run Time: 93 minutes Rating: Not Rated Srp: $29.98 (Blu-Ray), $26.98 (DVD) Catalog: 11729 (Blu-Ray...
"In Held, Emma and Henry's marriage is losing its spark. In an effort to reconnect, they plan a vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. However, after suspecting a nighttime intruder, they quickly decide to flee, only to become forcibly trapped inside by the automated security system. Emitting from the house, an unknown 'Voice' watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth and find a way out before it's too late."
Blu-Ray, DVD & On Demand
Street Date: July 13, 2021 Run Time: 93 minutes Rating: Not Rated Srp: $29.98 (Blu-Ray), $26.98 (DVD) Catalog: 11729 (Blu-Ray...
- 7/14/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
While it may not be Friday the 13th, Tuesday the 13th is still shaping up to be a great day for horror fans, as we have a ton of great Blu-ray and DVD releases to look forward to. For all you Phans out there, Well Go USA has put together a new box set celebrating the Phantasm series, complete with a replica silver sphere to boot, and for those of you who have been looking forward to Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition Blu of the House of Wax remake, your wait is nearly over. In terms of new horrors headed home this week, Held, Monster Seafood Wars, Queen of Spades and The Night (2020) are being released on Tuesday as well. And if you happened to miss it in theaters or on HBO Max earlier this year, you can finally catch up with the new Mortal Kombat tomorrow on a variety of formats.
- 7/12/2021
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Photo: ‘Held’/Magnolia Pictures and Magnet Releasing I am a sucker for the horror genre. ‘The Shining’ was the very first scary movie I ever watched, and from then on I was hooked. Whether a horror film has been deemed good, bad, or something in between, I am always up for the challenge of watching it and sharing my opinions. What I’ve found to be proven difficult within this genre however is the ability to make a scary movie different, because let’s be honest, almost all of them follow a nearly identical structure. If you’re someone like me who has seen an absurd amount of these types of movies, it takes a lot to surprise me. I had high hopes for the new psychological thriller ‘Held’ which unfortunately fell flat once I realized it reminded me of a handful of other horror films already on the market.
- 4/18/2021
- by Alexa Sutherland
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
(Interactive chart with estimates below)
This week, Atlas Entertainment’s The Girl Who Believes in Miracles grew to 900 runs in 175 markets (up from 640 runs in 154 markets) as it tallies its weekend best at $604,000 with its cumulative box office total doubling to $1,326,000. In its second weekend, the Rich Correll-directed drama posts the best numbers for this weekend’s specialty box office.
Roadside Attractions/Lionsgate’s The Courier dropped 26% on Friday as it finished with a $437K weekend. Its box office total stands at $4,908,000.
Independent Indian features Vakeel Saab and Karnan made solid performances in their markets grabbing the highest per screen averages of any films in the specialty box office. Both movies averaged at or above $1,000 per screen, far outperforming any other film on the list.
Two new films debuted this weekend: horror flick Held (Magnet Releasing) and Moffie (IFC), a scathing take on the toxic masculinity of the South African apartheid.
This week, Atlas Entertainment’s The Girl Who Believes in Miracles grew to 900 runs in 175 markets (up from 640 runs in 154 markets) as it tallies its weekend best at $604,000 with its cumulative box office total doubling to $1,326,000. In its second weekend, the Rich Correll-directed drama posts the best numbers for this weekend’s specialty box office.
Roadside Attractions/Lionsgate’s The Courier dropped 26% on Friday as it finished with a $437K weekend. Its box office total stands at $4,908,000.
Independent Indian features Vakeel Saab and Karnan made solid performances in their markets grabbing the highest per screen averages of any films in the specialty box office. Both movies averaged at or above $1,000 per screen, far outperforming any other film on the list.
Two new films debuted this weekend: horror flick Held (Magnet Releasing) and Moffie (IFC), a scathing take on the toxic masculinity of the South African apartheid.
- 4/11/2021
- by Brandon Choe
- Deadline Film + TV
Magnet Releasing recently announced that they acquired worldwide distribution rights to Held, from The Gallows directors Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, and the film is now available in theaters and on a variety of on demand services! Here's a look at an exclusive clip we've been given just for Daily Dead readers:
"In Held, Emma (Jill Awbrey) and Henry's (Bart Johnson) marriage is losing its spark. In an effort to reconnect, they vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. However, after suspecting a nighttime intruder they decide to flee, only to become forcibly trapped inside by the automated security system. Emitting from the house, an unknown 'Voice' watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth...
"In Held, Emma (Jill Awbrey) and Henry's (Bart Johnson) marriage is losing its spark. In an effort to reconnect, they vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. However, after suspecting a nighttime intruder they decide to flee, only to become forcibly trapped inside by the automated security system. Emitting from the house, an unknown 'Voice' watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth...
- 4/9/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Lionsgate’s Voyagers isn’t your ordinary “the human race is in danger” sci fi romp.
Written and directed by Neil Burger Voyagers follows a group of young men and women bred specifically to have a great level of intelligence and obedience as they embark on an expedition to colonize a distant planet.
Sounds like good, safe fun, right? Well, if it was it wouldn’t be a movie worth watching.
It doesn’t take long for the young group of what could be manufactured automatons to start to uncover disturbing secrets about the mission. As things begin to unravel, they defy their training and begin to explore their most primitive natures. As a result, the entire ship becomes chaos in space as they’re consumed by fear, lust, and the insatiable hunger for power.
Voyagers stars Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp, Fionn Whitehead, Chanté Adams, Isaac Hempstead Wright,...
Written and directed by Neil Burger Voyagers follows a group of young men and women bred specifically to have a great level of intelligence and obedience as they embark on an expedition to colonize a distant planet.
Sounds like good, safe fun, right? Well, if it was it wouldn’t be a movie worth watching.
It doesn’t take long for the young group of what could be manufactured automatons to start to uncover disturbing secrets about the mission. As things begin to unravel, they defy their training and begin to explore their most primitive natures. As a result, the entire ship becomes chaos in space as they’re consumed by fear, lust, and the insatiable hunger for power.
Voyagers stars Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp, Fionn Whitehead, Chanté Adams, Isaac Hempstead Wright,...
- 4/9/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
A married couple endure a particularly horrific form of relationship therapy in the new thriller directed by Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, the team responsible for the surprise low-budget horror hit The Gallows. Cannily exploiting #MeToo themes and the opportunities for cinematic mayhem provided by technology-driven smart homes, Held proves an uncommonly thoughtful and provocative suspenser.
The story begins with Emma (Jill Awbrey, who also wrote the screenplay) being transported to a luxuriously modernistic, gated rental house by a chatty ride-hailing driver (Rez Kempton). After enjoying the home’s pleasures, including a swimming pool, in solitary fashion, she’s soon joined by ...
The story begins with Emma (Jill Awbrey, who also wrote the screenplay) being transported to a luxuriously modernistic, gated rental house by a chatty ride-hailing driver (Rez Kempton). After enjoying the home’s pleasures, including a swimming pool, in solitary fashion, she’s soon joined by ...
A married couple endure a particularly horrific form of relationship therapy in the new thriller directed by Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, the team responsible for the surprise low-budget horror hit The Gallows. Cannily exploiting #MeToo themes and the opportunities for cinematic mayhem provided by technology-driven smart homes, Held proves an uncommonly thoughtful and provocative suspenser.
The story begins with Emma (Jill Awbrey, who also wrote the screenplay) being transported to a luxuriously modernistic, gated rental house by a chatty ride-hailing driver (Rez Kempton). After enjoying the home’s pleasures, including a swimming pool, in solitary fashion, she’s soon joined by ...
The story begins with Emma (Jill Awbrey, who also wrote the screenplay) being transported to a luxuriously modernistic, gated rental house by a chatty ride-hailing driver (Rez Kempton). After enjoying the home’s pleasures, including a swimming pool, in solitary fashion, she’s soon joined by ...
Tagline: "To Survive, They Must Obey." Held is a film co-directed by Travis Cluff (The Gallows) and Chris Lofing. Shot in Fresno, California, this title forces a married couple to stay within a modern home. Rigged with all sorts of devices, this house keeps Emma (Jill Awbrey) and Henry (Bart Johnson) under constant surveillance. Now, neither character can find a way out as a villain lurks just out of camera range. Mongrel Media will release this title, in Canada, this April. The trailer shows Emma and Henry arriving at the new locale. Once inside, the shutters close forever and each person finds themselves forced to face their past. Held had its debut at Frightfest in October. Now, this title will show in the U.S. and Canada on April 9th. Available on Digital in both territories, Held promises to particularly relevant as more and more people experience travel restrictions. Release Date: Friday,...
- 3/30/2021
- by noreply@blogger.com (Unknown)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
Some Kind Of Heaven sells to Dogwoof in UK, Filmin in Spain, Ppcw in Hong Kong.
Magnolia Pictures International has reported brisk business on its virtual EFM sales slate with multiple territory sales on Sundance Midnight selection A Glitch In The Matrix, Held, Listen, When I’m Done Dying, and Some Kind Of Heaven.
Rights to A Glitch In The Matrix, Rodney Ascher’s documentary that explores the theory that humans exist within a vast simulation, have gone in Scandinavia, Baltics and Iceland (Nonstop), Cis (Capella Films), and Poland (Ale Kino +).
Magnolia Pictures released the film in the US on...
Magnolia Pictures International has reported brisk business on its virtual EFM sales slate with multiple territory sales on Sundance Midnight selection A Glitch In The Matrix, Held, Listen, When I’m Done Dying, and Some Kind Of Heaven.
Rights to A Glitch In The Matrix, Rodney Ascher’s documentary that explores the theory that humans exist within a vast simulation, have gone in Scandinavia, Baltics and Iceland (Nonstop), Cis (Capella Films), and Poland (Ale Kino +).
Magnolia Pictures released the film in the US on...
- 3/11/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Magnet Releasing announced that they have acquired worldwide distribution rights to Held, from The Gallows' directors Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff! Due out in theaters and VOD on April 9th, there's a look at the new trailer:
New York, NY – Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today that they have acquired worldwide rights to horror-thriller Held, from directors Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff (The Gallows). Starring and written by Jill Awbrey, Held was opening night at Frightfest and follows a couple whose ailing marriage is put to the test when they are held captive in an isolated vacation rental by an unseen Voice that commands their every move and threatens harm if they don’t obey. Magnet will release the film in theaters and on demand April 9.
This morning, Magnet also released the film’s official trailer: https://youtu.be/_pZ7AhmPRbA
In Held, Emma (Awbrey) and...
New York, NY – Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today that they have acquired worldwide rights to horror-thriller Held, from directors Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff (The Gallows). Starring and written by Jill Awbrey, Held was opening night at Frightfest and follows a couple whose ailing marriage is put to the test when they are held captive in an isolated vacation rental by an unseen Voice that commands their every move and threatens harm if they don’t obey. Magnet will release the film in theaters and on demand April 9.
This morning, Magnet also released the film’s official trailer: https://youtu.be/_pZ7AhmPRbA
In Held, Emma (Awbrey) and...
- 3/3/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
"You will not leave the house again." Magnolia Pictures has revealed an official trailer for the creepy stuck-in-a-home thriller Held, an intriguing thriller from a screenplay written by Jill Awbrey who also co-stars in the film. This originally premiered at Frightfest last year, and arrives on VOD in April coming up this spring. A couple's ailing marriage is put to the test when they are held hostage in an isolated vacation rental by an unseen "Voice" that commands their every move. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth and find a way out before it's too late. Co-starring Jill Awbrey and Bart Johnson, and co-directed by Travis Cluff & Chris Lofing. The strange masked man with the microphone is the strangest part about this. I'm curious to find out what's going on! What about you...? Here's the official trailer (+ poster) for Travis Cluff & Chris Lofing's Held,...
- 3/2/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive: Magnet Releasing has acquired worldwide rights to horror-thriller Held from directors Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff (The Gallows). The genre-driven shingle of Magnolia Pictures also released the chilling trailer. Magnet will release Held in theaters and on demand April 9.
Starring and written by Jill Awbrey, Held follows Emma (Awbrey) and Henry (Bart Johnson) as they attempt to reinvigorate their marriage after they realize it is losing its spark. They go on a vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. Their getaway to reconnect turns into a nightmare as they are forcibly trapped inside the house. An unknown “Voice” watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth and find a way out before it’s too late.
Starring and written by Jill Awbrey, Held follows Emma (Awbrey) and Henry (Bart Johnson) as they attempt to reinvigorate their marriage after they realize it is losing its spark. They go on a vacation to a remote high-end rental, complete with automated smart house features and integrated security. Their getaway to reconnect turns into a nightmare as they are forcibly trapped inside the house. An unknown “Voice” watches their every move through an array of hidden cameras, revealing an intimate and unsettling knowledge of their relationship. While the situation grows increasingly brutal, Emma and Henry must work together to uncover the truth and find a way out before it’s too late.
- 3/2/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
After participating in the Nightstream virtual film festival, Popcorn Frights co-founders Igor Shteyrenberg and Marc Ferman kept the horror spirit alive and well in Florida throughout the end of October with the virtual Wicked Weekend Halloween celebration!
Popcorn Frights' Wicked Weekend featured an eclectic 20+ film lineup headlined by the world premiere of Lionsgate's Smiley Face Killers, and following the conclusion of the event, it's been announced that Keith Thomas' The Vigil has won the Audience Award, with Tales of the Uncanny earning the Audience Award Runner Up title.
Even though Wicked Weekend may be over, you can watch the Q&a sessions with the filmmakers and actors behind some of the films that screened at the virtual event on Popcorn Frights' YouTube channel, including a conversation with Smiley Face Killers co-stars Crispin Glover, Mia Serafino, and Ronen Rubinstein, which I was honored to moderate (and which you can watch...
Popcorn Frights' Wicked Weekend featured an eclectic 20+ film lineup headlined by the world premiere of Lionsgate's Smiley Face Killers, and following the conclusion of the event, it's been announced that Keith Thomas' The Vigil has won the Audience Award, with Tales of the Uncanny earning the Audience Award Runner Up title.
Even though Wicked Weekend may be over, you can watch the Q&a sessions with the filmmakers and actors behind some of the films that screened at the virtual event on Popcorn Frights' YouTube channel, including a conversation with Smiley Face Killers co-stars Crispin Glover, Mia Serafino, and Ronen Rubinstein, which I was honored to moderate (and which you can watch...
- 11/3/2020
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
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