Atomic Fangirl

“Are you robo-shaming?”

Story: Iris heads to a “rustic cabin” in the woods with her boyfriend Josh. Two other couples are already there, and a weekend of fun awaits. Or does it? When another woman’s partner sexually attacks Iris, Iris lashes out. And that’s when things get really crazy.

Scares: More satirical than scary
Splat Factor: An unintentional murderbot. So, yeah. There’s plenty of red.

Subgenre: Good For Her Horror Satire
Year Released: 2025
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Original, but you’ll catch delicious whiffs of other films scattered throughout.

Trick or Treat?: Finally! After a slew of clunkers this month, a film I actually enjoyed watching. Companion is the kind of slyly satirical piece that sits firmly in the Good For Her camp. Lots of blood, a cast that’s quick with the quips, and an Westworld-esque vibe that had me sighing happily.

“I don’t feel anything.”

Story: Techie Liam, psychic Holly, and skeptic Scott, are sent to a house to investigate possible supernatural issues. What caused the family to run, leaving everything behind? Could it be…SATAN? Oh, you know the drill.

Scares: A few eerie moments.
Splat Factor: Slim to none.

Subgenre: Ghost Hunters Horrors
Year Released: 2015
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Inspired by a local New Zealand legend of a haunted house.

Trick or Treat?: I love local folklore. Urban legends. Y’know, stuff where folks from around those parts have been talking about Something Spooky Around Here for years and years. Room takes the usual “people go into a house they should not have gone into” story and deliver nothing but the usual creaks, groans, and unsurprising ending we’ve seen a million times before. But this time they have New Zealand accents! Yay.

“Man. Something really bad must have happened to you.”

Story: James Hayman, a compassionate young medical resident, transfers to a small town hospital from a much larger one after he became too obsessed with the wellbeing of his patient. Now there’s an asthmatic girl in his care, and things look like they’re headed the same way. But is there more to this case?

Scares: Just the horror of reality.
Splat Factor: Basic hospital stuff, a horribly wrecked ankle, an autopsy.

Subgenre: Reality Is Horrifying Horror
Year Released: 2025 (wide/streaming) 2022 (Tribeca)
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Original

Trick or Treat?: Rounding is the kind of dark psychological case study that isn’t easily slotted into a single genre. It’s horror, it’s drama, it’s modern gothic, and it’s a character study. It’s also a meandering path to one hell of a finale.

“Aww. How romantic. It’s too bad I’m more of a horror fan.”

Story: A couple decides to go on a shark cage expedition, but things take a bloody turn when their guide Tucker feeds one of them to the sharks. And when American surfer Zephyr gets caught by the crazed guide, things are gonna get even bloodier. But for WHOMST. (Everyone. It gets bloody for everyone.)

Scares: Lots and lots of terror and suspense.
Splat Factor: Serial killer + sharks feeding = you betcha

Subgenre: Sharky Goodness From Australia
Year Released: 2025
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Original

Trick or Treat?: This ain’t a horror movie. It’s an extended meet-cute, with sharks. Fine. It’s more than that, but with The Loved Ones‘ Sean Byrne directing this? You know there’s gonna be a twisted take on feelings and shit.