https://blackgirlnerds.com/six-chilling-movies-to-watch-this-winter/
It’s officially winter, and it’s time for some gripping stories to keep you entertained while you retreat from the cold.
Here are some dark, wintery titles to check out this season.
Even though the author of the book this film is based on, Stephen King, isn’t much of a fan, The Shining is one of the greatest horror movies of all time. It follows writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) as he takes the position of the off-season caretaker at the Overlook Hotel. He’s joined by his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and their “gifted” son Danny (Danny Lloyd), who is particularly susceptible to the hotel’s supernatural influence. The version of Jack in the novel is much less sinister than Nicholson’s take, but watching the character progressively lose his sanity is truly terrifying. I also suggest checking out Doctor Sleep, the 2019 sequel.
Why it’s perfect for winter: Winter in Colorado means snow upon snow upon snow.
The Shining is available to stream on HBO Max.
Based on Iain Reid’s novel of the same name, I’m Thinking of Ending Things follows a young woman (Jessie Buckley) traveling with her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) to meet his parents for the first time. It seems like a simple plot, but when the couple arrives at Jake’s family home, things get increasingly weird. Toni Collette and David Thewlis deliver brilliant performances as Jake’s unpredictably bizarre parents. Collette’s hysterical laughter that transitions into weeping is masterful. It’s easily my favorite film from 2020 and perfect for winter viewing. I also highly recommend reading the novel.
Why it’s perfect for winter: A snowstorm plays a big part in the film, especially some of the stranger moments.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things is available to stream on Netflix.
In this Gaspar Noé psychological horror film, Selva (Sofia Boutella) and her dance troupe hold an after-party in an abandoned school. All is well until the LSD-spiked sangria kicks in, sending everyone into their own hellish trip. Boutella leads an ensemble cast of twenty-four, most of whom are professional dancers with no acting experience. Noé cast dancers from different backgrounds — voguing, krumping, and others I’m not sure how to categorize. The blend of styles works amazingly well, and their choreography is nothing short of hypnotizing. It’s a film that you’ll wish you could see for the first time over and over again.
Why it’s perfect for winter: Noé loosely based the film on real events in Paris in winter 1996, which is also the setting for the film. In their drugged state, some dancers venture out into the snow and don’t return.
Climax is available to stream on Prime Video (via a Showtime subscription).
Speaking of dance films, Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan takes us into the psyche of a paranoid ballet dancer. Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) is perfect for the role of the innocent White Swan in the New York City Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. However, the company’s artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) doubts her ability to also play the seductive Black Swan. The casting coincides with the arrival of Lily (Mila Kunis), who embodies the dark qualities of the Black Swan. All the pressure to land and maintain her dual role in Swan Lake sends Nina spiraling to the point that she loses her handle on reality.
Why it’s perfect for winter: The classical music, beautiful costumes, and wintry NYC setting make for prime seasonal viewing, but I strongly recommend watching it anytime of year.
Black Swan is available to stream on Hulu.
Let the Right One In isn’t your conventional vampire film. Instead of a sultry adult vamp, we have Eli (Lina Leandersson), who looks like a young girl. But she can kill humans with the best of them. She and an older man, Håkan (Per Ragnar), move into an apartment in Stockholm where she meets 12-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), their next-door neighbor. Oskar is relentlessly bullied at school and has no friends. Eli goes through life only with the company of Håkan (who is essentially her familiar). The two lonely kids form a bond, one that’s powerful especially for their age. It’s a beautifully written love story with frightening imagery. The American remake Let Me In is worth a watch, too.
Why it’s perfect for winter: The film is set in winter, and the icy landscape goes perfectly with the bloody, undead subject matter.
Let the Right One In is available to stream on Hulu.
A town in Alaska that goes without sun for 30 days? If that’s not the most ingenious premise for a vampire film, I don’t know what is. Based on Steve Niles’ comic book series, 30 Days of Night follows the residents of Barrow, Alaska, as they prepare for the annual month-long darkness. After a group of vampires descends upon the town, Sheriff Eben Oleson (Josh Hartnett) and his estranged wife Stella (Melissa George) fight to protect their town. Marlow (Danny Huston) leads his vampire brethren in an all-out bloodbath. The film stays true to Ben Templesmith’s illustrations, depicting the vampires as horrifying monsters.
Why it’s perfect for winter: You can’t get more chilling than a polar night phenomenon in Alaska.
30 Days of Night is available to rent on Prime Video.
It’s officially winter, and it’s time for some gripping stories to keep you entertained while you retreat from the cold.
Here are some dark, wintery titles to check out this season.
Even though the author of the book this film is based on, Stephen King, isn’t much of a fan, The Shining is one of the greatest horror movies of all time. It follows writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) as he takes the position of the off-season caretaker at the Overlook Hotel. He’s joined by his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and their “gifted” son Danny (Danny Lloyd), who is particularly susceptible to the hotel’s supernatural influence. The version of Jack in the novel is much less sinister than Nicholson’s take, but watching the character progressively lose his sanity is truly terrifying. I also suggest checking out Doctor Sleep, the 2019 sequel.
Why it’s perfect for winter: Winter in Colorado means snow upon snow upon snow.
The Shining is available to stream on HBO Max.
Based on Iain Reid’s novel of the same name, I’m Thinking of Ending Things follows a young woman (Jessie Buckley) traveling with her boyfriend Jake (Jesse Plemons) to meet his parents for the first time. It seems like a simple plot, but when the couple arrives at Jake’s family home, things get increasingly weird. Toni Collette and David Thewlis deliver brilliant performances as Jake’s unpredictably bizarre parents. Collette’s hysterical laughter that transitions into weeping is masterful. It’s easily my favorite film from 2020 and perfect for winter viewing. I also highly recommend reading the novel.
Why it’s perfect for winter: A snowstorm plays a big part in the film, especially some of the stranger moments.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things is available to stream on Netflix.
In this Gaspar Noé psychological horror film, Selva (Sofia Boutella) and her dance troupe hold an after-party in an abandoned school. All is well until the LSD-spiked sangria kicks in, sending everyone into their own hellish trip. Boutella leads an ensemble cast of twenty-four, most of whom are professional dancers with no acting experience. Noé cast dancers from different backgrounds — voguing, krumping, and others I’m not sure how to categorize. The blend of styles works amazingly well, and their choreography is nothing short of hypnotizing. It’s a film that you’ll wish you could see for the first time over and over again.
Why it’s perfect for winter: Noé loosely based the film on real events in Paris in winter 1996, which is also the setting for the film. In their drugged state, some dancers venture out into the snow and don’t return.
Climax is available to stream on Prime Video (via a Showtime subscription).
Speaking of dance films, Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan takes us into the psyche of a paranoid ballet dancer. Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman) is perfect for the role of the innocent White Swan in the New York City Ballet’s production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. However, the company’s artistic director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) doubts her ability to also play the seductive Black Swan. The casting coincides with the arrival of Lily (Mila Kunis), who embodies the dark qualities of the Black Swan. All the pressure to land and maintain her dual role in Swan Lake sends Nina spiraling to the point that she loses her handle on reality.
Why it’s perfect for winter: The classical music, beautiful costumes, and wintry NYC setting make for prime seasonal viewing, but I strongly recommend watching it anytime of year.
Black Swan is available to stream on Hulu.
Let the Right One In isn’t your conventional vampire film. Instead of a sultry adult vamp, we have Eli (Lina Leandersson), who looks like a young girl. But she can kill humans with the best of them. She and an older man, Håkan (Per Ragnar), move into an apartment in Stockholm where she meets 12-year-old Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), their next-door neighbor. Oskar is relentlessly bullied at school and has no friends. Eli goes through life only with the company of Håkan (who is essentially her familiar). The two lonely kids form a bond, one that’s powerful especially for their age. It’s a beautifully written love story with frightening imagery. The American remake Let Me In is worth a watch, too.
Why it’s perfect for winter: The film is set in winter, and the icy landscape goes perfectly with the bloody, undead subject matter.
Let the Right One In is available to stream on Hulu.
A town in Alaska that goes without sun for 30 days? If that’s not the most ingenious premise for a vampire film, I don’t know what is. Based on Steve Niles’ comic book series, 30 Days of Night follows the residents of Barrow, Alaska, as they prepare for the annual month-long darkness. After a group of vampires descends upon the town, Sheriff Eben Oleson (Josh Hartnett) and his estranged wife Stella (Melissa George) fight to protect their town. Marlow (Danny Huston) leads his vampire brethren in an all-out bloodbath. The film stays true to Ben Templesmith’s illustrations, depicting the vampires as horrifying monsters.
Why it’s perfect for winter: You can’t get more chilling than a polar night phenomenon in Alaska.
30 Days of Night is available to rent on Prime Video.
Afronerd Radio can now be heard LIVE courtesy of Apple Music/Itunes
Whelp, Christmas is coming folks! It's the Yuletide season and let's get it! Keeping it short and sweet, check out the latest installment of Afronerd Radio's Mid Week in Review airing this and every Wednesday at 8 p.m. eastern on BTalk 100. The topics to be imbibed this week are as follows: legendary actor, Wesley Snipes may still be in the mix to play a version of Blade, if recent reports ring true, especially post No Way Home. Let's discuss; And speaking of original versions of characters (and the actors) having a "rebirth" or another shot at the silver screen... more Spider-men news; our thoughts about the Hawkeye season finale and does it signify a series ending?; another untimely Black male death but this time it concerns the passing of underground Black masculinist/"red pill" Youtube phenom, David Michael Carroll. The full explanation for Carroll's demise is pending but we honor his contribution to Black men's media;
notable comic book publisher, Dark Horse (Hellboy, Black Hammer, Umbrella Academy) was just acquired by VG giant, Embracer; what exactly is dietary racism and what does it have to do with Starbucks?; thoughts about the recently released Showtime trailer entitled, We Need To Talk About Cosby featuring comedian, W. Kamau Bell:
Dburt tripped over classic episodes of Knight Rider Netflix' causing him to ponder whatever happened to "fantasy car" themed TV programs and why haven't they been revisited?
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
Call us LIVE at 508-645-0100. AFTER CLICKING ON THE HIGHLIGHTED LINK, GO DIRECTLY TO AFRONERD RADIO!!!
Also, Afronerd Radio's podcast format can be heard via BTalk 100 Pandora, Spotify and, IHeartRadio....more formats to follow!
Raising Dion was officially confirmed for a Season 2 in Netflix’s very first renewal of 2020, continuing everyone’s favorite young superhero’s saga. For those unfamiliar with the show, Raising Dion is an unexpected television series hit from late 2019, and considering that viewing status, it was also one of 2019’s biggest debut shows. As a result of gathering a massive audience, Raising Dion got a near-instant renewal, and it’s slated to finally drop on Netflix in early 2022. Here’s your first look and everything we know thus far about Season 2 of Raising Dion.
On the one hand, the series continues its well-established narrative centered around a single mother Nicole (Alisha Wainwright) and her son Dion (Ja’Siah Young), as they deal with the mysterious loss of Dion’s father Mark (portrayed by Michael B. Jordan). Of course, the everyday drama of single parenthood greatly amplifies when Dion starts developing superhero-like abilities, from telekinesis to teleportation. Nicole must protect Dion from situations in which he might exhibit his powers and various villains and agencies looking to put them under a microscope or worse. It’s a beautiful take on the hardships of being a single parent to a child with superhero powers, rather than just any other “run-of-the-mill” kid-superhero television series.
Halfway through Season 1, Dion finds out that his father was trapped inside a storm by a deadly lightning man, who wishes to strip Dion of his powers. By the season’s end, Dion “confronts” the villain, named the Crooked Man, who managed to possess Brayden, the son of one of the superpowered men that the villain has absorbed in the past. This sets up the stage for Season 2 conflict between our titular hero and Brayden. Of course, the threat won’t be imminent. According to Netflix, both Brayden and Dion connect and become friends before the plot twist hits and Dion finds out that the danger still looms.
The threat itself isn’t specified, but its scope is definitely bigger than it was in Season 1, considering that Dion and Nicole now have an entire city to protect. It’s quite possible that the said threat, a Crooked Man perhaps, has all the answers pertaining to the fates of those he had consumed, including Dion’s father. Those who watched the Season 1 finale might remember that Mark (Jordan, the purported Val Zod of Earth-2), appeared in somewhat of a corporeal form and faded away once again, but not before saying that he’s neither alive nor dead — which puts a really big question mark over what happened to him and how it might be resolved in the future episodes.
It is entirely possible for Season 2 to focus on bringing those absorbed by the Crooked Man back to life, but that could mean ending the series a season or two earlier. As much as we would like to see Michael B. Jordan’s superhero dad of the series in action, bringing him back would eliminate one of Dion’s motivations, which would ultimately shorten the series. Hopefully, Jordan, who’s also an exec producer on the series, knows what he’s doing. The fandom certainly wants to see more of him in the upcoming season.
Most of the main cast is coming back for Season 2, including Ja’Siah Young, the titular superhero Dion, Alisha Wainwright as Nicole, and Sammy Haney as Esperanza, Dion’s friend who suffers from a brittle bone disease. However, in February of this year, Netflix announced four new members added to the cast: Rome Flynn as Tevin Wakefield, Aubriana Davis as Janelle Carr, Tracey Bonner as Simone Carr, and Josh Ventura as David Marsh. Unfortunately, there’s no release trailer for Raising Dion Season 2 in which we could see all the actors in their respective roles. Netflix has a habit of launching trailers approximately one month before the official release date.
This leads us to one of the final points — the Season 2 release date. Considering that Season 1 was released in October 2019, it was entirely reasonable to expect a new season in October this year, given that Netflix announced the series in early 2020, which meant that the start of production wasn’t far behind. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back almost every conceivable cinematic and television release, with some releases scheduled for 2020 being rescheduled for 2022. However, production did begin in January 2021, and according to Aubriana Davis, it concluded in late May 2021.
Just a few days ago, on December 14, Netflix revealed the release date for Season 2 of Raising Dion, along with a few images of the upcoming Season 2. This means that the trailer for the new season should be just around the corner. What better way to start the following year than with one of Netflix’s mega-hits?
Afronerd Radio can now be heard LIVE courtesy of Apple Music/Itunes
And the holiday season continues... Greetings to our ever-loyal and growing listenership! Check out a brand new episode of Afronerd Radio's Grindhouse-airing this Sunday at 6 p.m. eastern on the BTalk 100 internet broadcasting network. Join your "indestructible" AFROnerdist hosts, Dburt and the "Uncanny" Daryll B., as they investigate and unravel the following topical flora: whelp...it's finally arrived and just in time for Christmas-the third installment of the MCU/Sony's Spider-man franchise, No Way Home premiered this weekend to rave reviews and a stellar box office and we give our impressions; And in the wake, of No Way Home's success as well as how the film concluded, reportedly Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige (along with Sony and Marvel) are quickly working on developing more Spider-man storylines; a testy exchange between media personality, Lenard "Charlamagne tha God" McKelvey and Vice President, Kamala Harris concerning the authenticity of Joe Biden's presidency, goes viral:
Yet another classic hip-hop legend passes from our mortal plane....UTFO member, Shaun Shiller FeQuiere aka Kangol Kid succumbs to colon cancer at 55;
frequent Afronerd Radio guest, David Walker is slowly usurping the moniker, "Hardest Working Man in Show Business" with another one of his IPs reportedly receiving the cinematic translation treatment. Walker's comic, The Hated appears to be landing at Netflix as a series; and speaking of Netflix, veteran filmmaker, Spike Lee, has garnered a deal with the streaming service for even more content; Lastly, the popular video-sharing platform, Twitch purportedly is taking a more anti-racism stance, beginning with the banning of the usage of "cracker" by streamers.
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
Call us LIVE at 508-645-0100. AFTER CLICKING ON THE HIGHLIGHTED LINK, GO DIRECTLY TO AFRONERD RADIO!!!
Also, Afronerd Radio's podcast format can be heard via BTalk 100 Pandora, Spotify and, IHeartRadio....more formats to follow!