https://blackgirlnerds.com/horror-film-bitch-ass-hits-theaters-october-14/
Bitch Ass blends comedy, horror, and social commentary, that tells the story of a gang initiation gone wrong when a group of four recruits break into a house of horror and are forced by Bitch Ass (Laleye) to play deadly games for their lives. Win and you live – lose and you die. Starring Teon Kelley (Tyler), Tunde Laleye (Black as Night), Me’lisa Sellers (Split), Tony Todd (Candyman), and Sheaun McKinney (The Neighborhood).
Bitch Ass is scheduled to scare the masses on October 14th
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In Episode 5 of House of the Dragon, “We Light the Way,” we gather at the Vale. Runestone seat of House Royce overlooks the sea and Lady Rhea Royce (Rachel Redford) rides on horseback on her way back from a hunt. A hooded figure approaches her, and she immediately recognizes it is Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) — her estranged husband.
She asks if he has finally returned to consummate their marriage, to which Daemon offers no reply. Rhea goes on further to say, their sheep are willing, even if she is not. It is evident at this point that she is aware of the cruel things being said about her beyond the Vale. Daemon still doesn’t respond and spooks Rhea’s horse. She hits the ground and is paralyzed. As Daemon begins to walk away, she calls him “craven.” He walks back towards her and picks up a large rock.
As Otto Hightwower (Rhys Ifans) prepares to return to Oldtown, Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey) stops him outside the Red Keep’s gates. Otto suggests that siding with Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) contributed to his dismissal. As Otto continues to pull the strings, even out of the power of being the Hand, he plants a seed in Alicent’s head about her loyalty to Rhaenyra. Otto tells her that Viserys will not live to be an old man. If Rhaenyra succeeds him, the kingdom will be at war, and they will not accept her. The only way to secure her claim is for Rhaenyra to kill her children. He tells her to prepare Aegon to rule or stay close to Rhaenyra and hope she will be merciful.
As Otto’s words still remain indelibly printed in Alicent’s mind, she is approached by Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) in the Godswood. He says, “An outsider among the natives,” comparing Alicent to the novelis flowers indigenous to Braavos blooming in the garden. While Larys is using a flower as a metaphor for Alicent being an outsider to the realm, there is another metaphor of planting and growing happening in this moment. Just as Otto planted the seed to sow division between Alicent and Rhaenrya, arguably Larys is doing the same with Alicent in this scene. However, he is not sowing division, he is seeking allyship. Larys believes Otto’s dismissal was an injustice. Alicent asks him what he knows of it, and he states, “When one is not invited to speak, one learns to instead to observe.” He offers to help.
Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) is on his way to Driftmark and is seasick. He throws up overboard, and Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes) gives him a handkerchief to clean himself off. On the lower deck, Rhaenyra and Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) look ahead at the castle on shore. As the king arrives at Driftmark, Lyonel is outraged Corlys is not present to greet Viserys and company. Instead, they are met with a teenaged Laena (Savannah Steyn).
As they enter the home of the Velaryons, Corlys greets the king and congratulates Lyonel on his new post as Hand of the King. Viserys proposes a marriage between Laenor Targaryen (Theo Nate) and Rhaenyra, noting it is high time their families unite. Corlys is honored but wants some clarification on succession. Viserys confirms Rhaenyra will be Queen, but their firstborn child regardless of gender will inherit the throne. Corlys inquires about the children’s last name as it is customary for them to carry their father’s names. Viserys compromises; the children will bear their father’s name, but when the heir ascends the throne, they will take on the name Targaryen. Corlys and Rhaenys agree to the terms.
Rhaenyra and Laenor walk along the beach. She knows this marriage is not what he would choose, but he says he has nothing against her. They both have their own distinct tastes in what they want and mutually agree that they will have an open marriage where both are free to “dine as they see fit.”
Rhaenys worries that this union will put Laenor in danger as Rhaenyra’s claims will be challenged. Corlys states that with the combined power of their houses, ships, and dragons any opponents will be crushed.
Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod) and Laenor relax among the dunes, and we finally see the intimacy shared between the two secret lovers. Joffrey unveils to Laenor that he believes Rhaenyra has a paramour of her own.
Rhaenyra sails back home with Criston, and he uses this opportunity to speak with her privately. He suggests that they should elope together to Essos and marry for love and not the crown. Sadly, Rhaenyra turns Criston down as she is loyal to both the crown and the realm. Criston takes this as an insult and asks if he’s her whore. He broke his own vows fornicating with the Princess. Marrying her would restore his honor. Unfortunately, this is not enough for Rhaenyra, and Criston leaves.
As the seed begins to take root, Alicent summons Criston to her chambers. She voices concerns for Rhaenyra and the night Daemon returned. She speaks of the rumors and wonders as Criston is her sworn protector if he knows anything about what Rhaenyra has done. When Criston realizes that Alicent is aware of their tryst, he asks for mercy and requests a quick death as opposed to being tortured. Alicent appreciates his honesty and lets him go unharmed.
In his chambers, Viserys is looked after by the Grand Maester. He is feverish and weak. He wonders if he will be remembered as a good king. What will they say of him when the histories are written? He has never conquered anything or suffered a great defeat. Lyonel assures him that is good fortune, but Viserys notes it’s not the thing songs are written about. Lyonel tells him he’s carried on Jaeherys’ legacy and has kept the peace.
A wedding feast is to begin, and the Velaryons are en route to King’s Landing with their great fleet and dragons. Viserys begins to make a speech when Alicent enters, dressed in Hightower green (as opposed to her usual Targaryen red and black). Jerrold confronts Daemon on Rhea’s death. Daemon disarms him by noting he wishes to collect his inheritance as he is heir to Runestone. After the wedding, he plans to fly to the Eyrie and petition for his land to Lady Jeyne Arryn. Jerrold leaves, shaken.
Joffrey tells Laenor that Criston is Rhaenyra’s paramour. Now they both know each other’s secrets. Joffrey introduces himself to Criston and taunts him about Laenor and Rhaenyra being a good match. This infuriates Criston. Suddenly screams are heard and the crowd surges. Criston is fighting Joffrey, and Laenor tries to help but is pushed off. Criston begins to beat Joffrey’s face in, fatally wounding him.
The wedding resumes, and they seal their union with a kiss. Viserys faints. The camera pans to a rat drinking from a puddle of blood on the floor.
Tune in with us every Sunday night at 9pm ET on Twitter using the hashtag #DragonsYall as we live-tweet each episode this season! You can catch the series during the broadcast on HBO or stream it later on HBO Max.
This recap was co-written by Angelica Monk.
Though it’s still almost 100 degrees while I write this, we are officially in spooky season. September has hit and with it comes the promise of ghosts, ghouls, and warm spiced cider. Basically all the loveliest things fall has to offer. To help you make the most of this delightful time I’ve curated a list of 15 brilliant books to help you embrace Halloween. From final destination-inspired folk horror to witchy romance there are plenty of new stories for every type of reader. So wrap up warm—or get your fan running—and prepare ready to get spooky with these Halloween book recommendations.
Taking on a legendary horror novel like Carrie is no easy feat but in The Weight of Blood, Tiffany D. Jackson does just that and makes it look effortless. This contemporary YA reimagining centers Madison Washington, a young biracial woman in Georgia. As her high school embarks on its first integrated prom the star quarterback asks Madison to the dance. She’s always been an outcast but prom offers a chance to be “normal.”
However, as anyone who has read Carrie knows, things aren’t what they seem. Madison has a secret too and it’s a powerful one.
Folk horror is one of our favorite genres here at Nerdist. And there have been some brilliant new additions and explorations of the genre in recent years. A new anthology featuring a ton of brilliant authors looks to add to that this fall. Collecting tales from Erica Waters, Chloe Gong, Tori Bovalino, Hannah Whitten, Allison Saft, and more, this book takes on local myths, urban legends, and classical folklore bringing them to life in terrifying ways. A perfect autumn read that will deliver a story for every kind of spooky season mood.
Slasher fans rejoice! Danielle Valentine has delivered a Scream level meta-homage horror that delivers wild final girl fan service. When a man stabs Alice’s sister Claire during a Halloween party, Alice’s life falls apart. She spent years studying horror to stay safe and yet she let her sister go into a corn maze alone. But just as Alice is about to testify against the man who killed her sister she’s attacked by a Sidney Prescott look-alike who throws her back in time to the night Claire was killed. Alice has until midnight to find out the truth about what happened and save her sister in this wonderfully twisted thriller.
Looking for something more romantically inclined but with a spooky gothic edge? Then look no further than Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match. This charming spin on the classic Mary Shelley yarn sees the titular inventor become inspired by her more famous brother’s experiments to create a man all her own. Angelika’s delightfully chaotic choice sparks the events of the book. It leads her on a monstrous romance featuring plenty of candles, shadows, and a mystery to be solved.
Disney has been doing a delightful job of recontextualizing some of their most famous films recently. And their newest title takes on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow! Kat Van Tassel is sick of the legend that defines her family. But when her mother gifts her her namesake’s diary on a very special anniversary, Kat is suddenly dragged into the very past she’s desperate to ignore. Then, when a delightful new girl arrives to town, Kat suddenly has to reimagine her life, her history, and her love life while trying to solve a 200-hundred-year-old mystery to save the place she loves.
The Depths by Nicole Lesperance by Available Now
We’ve been getting a lot of great tropical horror recently and The Depths is another delightfully terrifying addition. When Addie’s mother drags her along to her secluded island honeymoon Addie couldn’t be less enthused. Eulalie Island seems like a paradise but Addie is lonely and tired. That is until she meets a mysterious boy who tells her the “island loves you” and suddenly Eulalie Island opens itself up to her. But behind the beautiful foliage and sandy beaches lie dark secrets connected to the deaths of two girls.
Lucky Girl, How I Became a Horror Writer: A Krampus Story by M. Rickert – Available Now
If you can’t wait until Christmas but want to embrace the inherent spookiness of the season, make sure to add this to your to-read list. Lucky Girl, How I Became a Horror Writer: A Krampus Story takes place over the festive season as a lonely young writer, Ro, hopes to find companionship. After bumping into some strangers in a diner she organizes an impromptu dinner party which quickly becomes a stage from shared ghost stories. But stories have a certain power and at Christmas the veil between worlds is thinner than ever…
This startling neo-Western blends the boundaries of horror, magical realism, and mystery. Solitario Cisneros’ life has been lost to tragedy. But when a savage series of killings begin to ravage his quiet life he has to reluctantly embrace the living once again. Finding unexpected inspiration and support from Onawa, a gifted and enchanting Apache-Mexican seer, the pair head into the desert. This genre-defying literary thriller delves deep into the dark past of the US Mexico border shining a light on the injustice, suffering, and isolation it’s built on.
Expanding the world of her charming witchy romance The Ex Hex, Erin Sterling returns to Graves Glen. It’s here we first met the founding Penhallows and Gwyn Jones. Cousin to the first book’s leading lady Vivi, Gwyn became a firm fan favorite and is now getting entangled with a new handsome Penhallow of her own. This time it’s Wells, the dutiful Penhallow son who has come home to set up shop in Graves Glen. But when a new band of witches arrives in town he’ll have to team up with Gwen. Don’t be surprised if some magical sparks fly.
If you know us here at Nerdist, then you know we love Shadow and Bone. Leigh Bardugo’s brilliant fantasy series has been delighting us for a decade and now she’s bringing the Darkling to comics. Adapting her prequel Demon in the Wood with artist Dani Pendergast this is an absolutely vital addition to the Shadow and Bone world and hopefully the first of many comic book stories set in the Grishaverse. Centering on the Darkling when he was just a boy, this tragic and beautiful story adds layers to the villain we know and the scared child he once was.
Final Destination meets The Wicker Man is this utterly enthralling folk horror story. Lute is the kind of book you’ll read in a single sitting. Lute takes its name from the small island where it’s set. Nina Treadway thought that The Day was nothing but a silly tradition when she first moved from Florida. Of course someone would have noticed if seven people died every seven years on the exact same day. But Nina is wrong. The Day is very real. Affecting, unexpected, and both terrifying and joyfu,l Lute is like nothing else you’ll read this year.
As a spooky season treat, Jenn Marie Thorne shared this exclusive insight into the story with Nerdist. “The origin of Lute is a mystery to even me. Sometimes my ideas come from news stories or events in my life, but in this case, the set-up for Lute simply popped into my head right before I fell asleep one night. Once I’d outlined the “what if,” though, bigger questions arose, ones that were definitely tied into what I was experiencing at the time, particularly as an American living in England, looking out at the shifting political landscape around me. I wanted to look at the personal choices we make when faced with fear—do we protect ourselves or embrace community? Often folk horror is about the perils of tradition, of the community over the individual. With Lute, I wanted to examine that more critically and turn it on its head.”
There’s plenty of family-based horror on our list this spooky season and we’re eternally grateful. Excavating the horrors of home is fertile ground for genre and Malice House adds depth and darkness to a monstrously good tale. Haven Marbury wants nothing more than to be an artist, but the death of her father and a duty to clear out his rambling seaside home must be dealt with first. Uncovering a lost—and rather terrifying—manuscript by her Pulitzer-winning patriarch seems like the opportunity she needs but when the monsters from the pages begin to appear in her very real world, suddenly she has to rewrite everything she knows about herself and her life.
Catriona Ward has firmly established herself as one of the best horror authors of our age with her novels Last House on Needless Street and Sundial. Little Eve focuses on another unusual family, this time living in an isolated area of Scotland during the early 1900s. This gothic novel already won the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel and promises to be a delightfully gothic chiller about family, home, and the end of the world.
Another perfectly timed rerelease is Andrea Hairston’s stunning historical fantasy Will Do Magic For Small Change. This epic family saga follows Cinnamon Jones, the granddaughter of famed performers and conjurers, Redwood and Wildfire. You may have read their tale in Hairston’s award-winning 2011 novel. If not, no worries as this is a wonderful novel in its own right and a great jumping on point. When Cinnamon is given a book about a Dahomean warrior woman and an interdimensional alien at the 1893 World’s Fair, she’s drawn into a centuries old mystery that she dedicates herself to solving alongside her theater troupe in this utterly unique tale.
It wouldn’t be Halloween without Junji Ito and Viz has a gorgeous new edition of one of his most infamous stories. Four strangers meet on a strange website known as Black Paradox: a nurse, Maruso; Taburo, a man with a strange obsession; an engineer, Pit-tan who has created something terrible; and Baracchi, a woman devastated by a birthmark on her face. There, they plan to end their lives. But their chance encounter leads them to an unexpected fate. Ito is a master for a reason and this lengthy tale showcases exactly why he’s as beloved as he is.
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