WHISTLE is a supernatural horror movie now coming to Shudder. It’s a classic teen horror movie with a curse, but it’s much better than I expected. I feel like it got a tough break, but I enjoyed it. Didn’t love the third act, but that final scene was brilliant. Read our full Whistle horror movie review here!

WHISTLE is a horror movie with a supernatural curse plot. Not unlike It Follows or Tarot, but still with its own little twist. A twist I really liked. So much so that I felt it was a breath of fresh air in this horror niche featuring teenagers battling a sinister curse.

Due to many reasons, I never had the chance to watch it when it was out in theaters, and from what I heard, I figured I hadn’t missed out on much. Well, color me pleasantly surprised as this was much better than I expected. Admittedly, I wasn’t thrilled with all the elements of the final act, but I loved that very last scene!

Continue reading our Whistle horror movie review below. Find it on Shudder from May 8, 2026.

Beware the Aztec Death Whistle

Whistle is the story of a group of teenagers who come across a cursed object. Or rather, it seems the object seeks them out, so this misfit group of unwitting high school students never stood a chance. The cursed object is an ancient Aztec Death Whistle.

And if the name of this object wasn’t enough to get you worried, the effect it has most certainly will.

When someone blows the whistle – which they appear to be drawn, almost mesmerized, into doing – it has an ear-shattering sound. If that were the only thing it emitted, the teenagers would be fine. However, this is a horror movie, so it gets much worse.

Blowing that whistle summons their future deaths to hunt them down now. In essence, whatever the fate of your death, it will come find you within hours or days. As opposed to their fate, which may have been years or even many decades away. It is brutal and extremely smart as far as curses go.

The question quickly becomes: How can they stop it?

A very small cast

My one bigger issue with Whistle is the same as the one I had with Tarot Curse – not to be confused with Tarot, which had a bigger budget. These teenagers are running around with seemingly no parents involved in their lives. At all.

Well, there is one exception, but even in that case, we only see them in a brief reaction scene after tragedy has struck. Other than that, the only adult who plays a role in the lives of the High School teenagers is a teacher portrayed by Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead).

And hey, I am always happy to see Nick Frost, but it just feels strange with no other adults around.

Okay, to be fair, there is one more key adult character. Just like in Tarot Curse, it’s a woman who explains the curse to these kids. In Whistle, she’s portrayed by the wonderful Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast).

In any case, the teenagers are portrayed by wonderful talent. I enjoyed every single one of their performances. Leading the cast is Dafne Keen (Logan), with Sophie Nélisse (Yellowjackets) ultimately sharing this place.

Also, Sky Yang (Anniversary) is amazing, as are Ali Skovbye (Grizzly Night), Jhaleil Swaby (Chien Blanc), and Percy Hynes White (Wednesday). So, it’s not that there isn’t plenty of talent in this cast, but just that the story feels too thin when we get nothing from their lives apart from their scenes together.

Watch Whistle on VOD or Shudder

Whistle comes from director Corin Hardy, who previously gave us movies like The Nun (yes, The Conjuring spin-off movie) and The Hallow (2015). The screenplay was written by Owen Egerton, who wrote and directed the 2019 horror mystery Mercy Black and the 2015 genre-mix Follow.

On a personal note, I loved that the lead character wasn’t straight (nor was everyone else), and it was treated as a non-issue and just part of the storyline. Kudos to the writer and director for highlighting this in a positive way. Once again, proving that horror is for everyone, even more for anyone not considered “normal”.

With a runtime of 97 minutes, it has a good pace and allows for the story to be character-driven while never forgetting the element of the curse. Speaking of the curse, I felt this was one of the more intelligent approaches to having a teen horror movie with a curse. Not unlike It Follows, which hopefully has a sequel coming soon.

Whistle is streaming on Shudder starting May 8, 2026.

Details

Director: Corin Hardy
Written by: Owen Egerton
Cast: Dafne Keen, Sophie Nélisse, Sky Yang, Jhaleil Swaby, Ali Skovbye, Percy Hynes White, Michelle Fairley, Nick Frost

AFFECTION is a sci-fi horror movie with a tiny cast, a scary (and heartbreaking) plot, and powerful performances. Especially Jessica Rothe is breathtaking in the lead role. Then again, when isn’t she?! I found myself wanting more details, but that never took away from this being a good sci-fi horror movie. Read our full Affection movie review here!

AFFECTION is a sci-fi horror that reminded me of a few other genre-hybrids I’ve watched in recent years. And yet, it managed to be entirely its own beast before the end credits. If you’ve enjoyed movies such as Honey Bunch and In Vitro, then you do not want to miss out on this one. And vice versa, of course.

In Affection, we have just three people in the plot and cast. A man, a woman, and a child. Their child, I should say, this isn’t some wild abduction story. It is, however, a story about control and heartbreak in ways I did not expect. It requires a lot of the plot, cast, and directing. Fortunately, it worked for me overall.

Continue reading our Affection movie review below. Find it in select theaters from May 8, 2026.

A mystery of horror and heartbreak

Affection is a mystery for much of its runtime, but you will be given clues, and then you’re “in the know” and can watch the story unfold with that knowledge. In many ways, we’re experiencing this story exactly like the main character, so we’re right there with her.

Her name is Ellie (Jessica Rothe), and we first meet her when she’s desperately trying to survive some sort of attack that appears to kill her. Next thing, she wakes up in a gorgeous house and has a husband (Joseph Cross) and their daughter (Julianna Layne).

While this may sound like her hit franchise Happy Death Day, this is not a loop story.

Instead, her husband (and daughter) explains to her that she suffers from a mysterious condition that resets her memory. Could this be true, or is something else going on? Ellie has absolutely no memory of this place or the people claiming to be her family.

And yet, these people obviously care deeply for her. Also, she is surrounded by years of photos and videos with proof of their happy lives together. Ellie does what she can to get to the bottom of everything… before she forgets it all again. Affection is very much a sci-fi horror hybrid, but it’s also a story of intense heartbreak!

Jessica Rothe is already an iconic final girl

I have no problem admitting that Jessica Rothe starring in Affection was enough to get my attention. With movies like Happy Death Day (and its sequel), she has earned a place among iconic final girls. You may also know her from Boy Kills World or the Utopia series. She’s brilliant in every single production.

Still, in this sci-fi horror movie, she goes quite a bit deeper than we’ve seen before.

Oh, she’s still a fierce fighter (much like Matilda Lutz) and does not back down. However, with Affection, her role also requires a lot of emotional turmoil in a way I can’t remember having experienced before. It’s often been more of a satirical og action-fueled performance that has been required.

Clearly, Jessica Rothe can take on pretty much anything, which Affection is a perfect illustration of.

Watch Affection in select theaters now

Affection comes from writer-director BT Meza, and it feels like a very personal movie. Not the core sci-fi elements of it, but the story of love and heartbreak. If you know anyone who has struggled with dementia, surely you will recognize the anguish we see in this movie. And no, that is not a spoiler, just a little insight.

While I related this story to that of losing someone to an illness like Alzheimer’s, the director and writer of Affection found inspiration elsewhere, losing a parent at a very early age. A brutal awakening to the realities of life, and how we can lose someone at any time, with warning or not; it breaks your heart.

And what happens in the aftermath of such a devastating loss could either help you move forward in a positive way as a family or result in a new nightmare. 

With a runtime of just 90 minutes, Affection packs a punch, thanks to Jessica Rothe and Joseph Cross, especially. Their portrayals are exactly what this movie needs for the story to come alive. I even managed to get over the fact that Joseph Cross looks like a male version of Laura Linney (well, mostly, cause they do look so very much alike!).

AFFECTION is out in Select Theaters on May 8, 2026.

Details

Directed/Written by: BT Meza
Starring: Jessica Rothe, Joseph Cross, Julianna Layne

HIDE AND SEEK on Netflix is season 2 of THE CHESTNUT MAN. It’s based on the second book in the series but isn’t a direct adaptation. The serial killer in season 2 begins as a stalker, but with the end goal of killing the stalked victim. Read our The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek S2 Review here!

THE CHESTNUT MAN: HIDE AND SEEK is a Netflix series from Denmark (org. title: Kastanjemanden: Tælle til en, tælle til to). Just as it was the case in season 1, the crime thriller series deals with a serial killer. In this second season, the serial killer cyberstalks the intended victim before they meet their brutal end.

It’s a psychological cat-and-mouse game, where the intended victim always suspects their ex of being the stalker. Before long, it becomes obvious that all the victims have gone through (or are in the middle of) awful divorces and brutal custody battles. With just six episodes, this is a quick watch and very addictive.

And yes, all six episodes were watched for this review, though you only need to get about halfway to know that all bets are off in season 2.

Want the Ending Explained?

Read our spoiler-filled article about The Chestnut Man Season 2 >

Continue reading our The Chestnut Man Season 2: Hide and Seek review below. Find it on Netflix from May 7, 2026.

Season 2 based on book 2 – but not entirely

With the huge success of The Chestnut Man, it was only a matter of time before season 2 would come along. Not least due to the author of the first book already actively writing the second book in the Naia Thulin series. However, that book was not written when this season 2 was.

As a result, they differ in a few key areas. Obviously, some of these differences will serve as huge plot twists and shocks, so I won’t get into them here. No spoilers for Hide and Seek in this review.

In season 2 of The Chestnut Man, titled Hide and Seek, we’re still following Naia Thulin (the amazing Danica Curcic), and she will soon be joined by her partner from season 1, Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard). When the Hide and Seek season opens, he is working for Europol, but personal matters draw him back to Denmark.

From Stalking to Killing

The main villain of The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek first gets attention when a 41-year-old woman is reported missing. The police soon discover that she had a stalker, who was active right up until the moment she went missing.

And apparently, she wasn’t the first victim – nor will she be the last!

When the woman is finally found, she has been murdered, and evidence from the murder case can be linked to the unsolved murder case of a 17-year-old high school student, Emma Holst. However, Emma Holst was found murdered two years ago. Could the killer have been active all along?

And who will be the next victim when the perpetrator wants to “play” hide and seek again?

Naia Thulin and Mark Hess are back

In roundabout ways, Naia Thulin and Mark Hess will yet again lead the investigation. Due to events that happened in between the two seasons, their relationship is very complicated. Fortunately, their acknowledgement of one another’s investigative talents is not, so they work well together.

Along with stars Danica Curcic (The Mist, Secrets We Keep, Equinox) and Mikkel Boe Følsgaard (The Rain), we also still have Anders Hove (Hell Hole) on board.

Of course, Hide and Seek also has plenty of new characters for this new serial killer plot. You can look forward to Sofie Gråbøl (Attachment) as the mother of murder victim Emma Holst. Plus Ida Cæcilie Rasmussen (Baby Fever), Allan Hyde (True Blood, Heart of Stone), Cyron Melville (The Borgias), Esther Birch, and Katinka Lærke Petersen (Loving Adults).

Also, the shiny, new Mercedes that Danica Curcic’s character drove in Secrets We Keep makes a comeback in Hide and Seek. This time around, it’s driven by a husband who finds it very difficult to accept that his wife left him for another woman.

That car was almost a character in and of itself in Secret We Keep, so I couldn’t help but notice.

Watch season 2 of The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek on Netflix

Season 2 is still based on a novel by Søren Sveistrup, just as it was the case with the first The Chestnut Man. Also, Dorte W. Høgh (The Nurse) is still the creator alongside the author. For Hide and Seek, she shares the credit of creator and writer with Emilie Lebech Kaae (Borgen, Ragnarok).

What these two writers have accomplished is both shocking and amazing.

We also have new directors on board, and I, for one, really enjoyed the style of conceptual director Milad Alami (Opponent). From the opening scene of Hide and Seek episode 1, you’ll see some gorgeous shots that draw you in… and keep you there. Also directing three episodes is Roni Ezra (Elves).

I binge-watched all episodes in one sitting and can highly recommend that you do the same. I certainly found it very difficult to stop watching the sequel series The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek (original Danish title: Kastanjemanden: Tælle til en, tælle til to). Enjoy and keep guessing, even as you start getting it right.

The Chestnut Man: Hide and Seek premieres globally on Netflix on May 7, 2026.

Details

Key cast: Danica Curcic, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, Sofie Gråbøl, Katinka Lærke Petersen
Based on: A novel by Søren Sveistrup
Main writers and creators: Dorte W. Høgh and Emilie Lebech Kaae
Directors: Milad Alami (conceptual) and Roni Ezra

WORST EX EVER: SEASON 2 on Netflix is the second season in a true crime docuseries about the horrors of dating. This time, we begin with the “Deadpool Killer” in episode 1, which is feature-length. All four episodes are as terrifying as they are fascinating. Read our Worst Ex Ever S2 review here!

WORST EX EVER: SEASON 2 is a Netflix true crime anthology series. It’s made in the same vein as Worst Roommate Ever, and whether we’re dealing with a terrible ex or roommate, these stories are truly terrifying. Of course, they are also fascinating, so you cannot stop watching.

YOU MIGHT LIKE

Our review of season 1 right here >

What I especially appreciate about this true crime docuseries anthology from Netflix is that it interviews the victims. We hear from people who knew first-hand just how brutal and scary these people acted when they were involved with them.

Continue reading our Worst Ex Ever S2 review below. Find the 4 new episodes on Netflix now.

We begin with the Deadpool Killer

Season 2 of Worst Ex Ever begins with a feature-length episode 1. It’s all about the man, who would go on to be known as “The Deadpool Killer”. Why? Because his name is “Wade Wilson”. Yes, just like the comic book character portrayed by Ryan Reynolds in several film adaptations.

The most terrifying thing about that first episode is that this man was clearly able to charm everyone. Men and women, dates and cops alike. It’s especially sad that the police (one officer in particular, who is very friendly with him) didn’t act when they had the chance.

From this very strong first episode, we move on to three equally fascinating and scary stories.

From 90 Day Fiancé to Worst Ex Ever

While Wade Steven Wilson, AKA the Deadpool Killer, will probably get the most attention initially, as it deals with a convicted killer, the follow-up episodes are also very strong.

Episode 2 in Worst Ex Ever season 2 deals with Geoffrey Paschel. He was a 90 Day Fiancé cast member who was convicted of kidnapping and domestic assault, among others. Oh yes, this is definitely a true crime docuseries, so don’t expect this to be about exes who didn’t care or were selfish.

I mean, they usually are selfish and don’t care about their partners, but their criminal activities are what land them in this Netflix true crime series. And jail, for that matter.

Watch Season 2 of Worst Ex Ever on Netflix now

Blumhouse Productions and ITV America are behind the Netflix true-crime docuseries Worst Ex Ever. Just as in season 1 (and the Worst Roommate Ever, of which this is a spin-off series), the use of animation shows us past events. I much prefer this to having someone dramatize it with live action footage.

Seeing these animated versions of the people we also see in pictures works much better. Of course, this is always accompanied by testimonials, and even bodycam footage when possible.

The four episodes in Worst Ex Ever Season 2 are directed by Cynthia Childs, who also executive produces the docuseries alongside Jason Blum, Gretchen Palek, and Jordana Hochman. Natalee Watts is co-executive producer. If you liked season 1, you should be pleased with this second season as well.

Worst Ex Ever season 2 is on Netflix from May 6, 2026.

THE TERROR: DEVIL IN SILVER is the third installment of the AMC Shudder horror anthology. This time, we’re in a psychiatric hospital, and things get very dark. Not least due to the realism of what patients can go through there. Read our full The Terror: Devil in Silver series review here!

THE TERROR: DEVIL IN SILVER is finally coming to AMC+ (and Shudder) with a story that is perhaps the darkest and most realistic yet. We get six episodes, and sure, there is a supernatural element. However, the true horror (for me, anyway) was in the very real trouble with many psychiatric hospitals.

Not just that people seem to get stuck there and never get better, but also that these places are usually understaffed and underfunded. This is a problem prevalent in most first-world countries, and frankly, we should be ashamed of that. I really like that this horror series shines a spotlight on the issue!

Continue reading our The Terror: Devil in Silver series review below. Start watching on May 7, 2026.

Stuck in an institution

In season 3 of The Terror, titled “Devil in Silver”, we follow a character portrayed by Dan Stevens (Abigail, The Ritual), who also serves as executive producer. The character is Peter “Pepper” Coffin, and he’s just an Average Joe when this story begins.

A working-class moving man who finds himself in deep trouble. Very suddenly – and as the result of a bad temper and really bad luck – he is wrongfully committed to New Hyde Psychiatric Hospital. Once you enter this institution, it seems you tend to stay there.

It’s meant to be for just a few days, but due to events outside his own control, this is extended. Pepper does his best to be a friend to the other patients and get along with the people working there, to navigate this fresh hell. Very soon, it appears that the only way to leave is to face the entity thriving on the suffering of this place.

But what is truly hiding within the confines of New Hyde?

Does he even want to know?!

Dan Stevens stars, Judith Light shines!

When I highlight Judith Light (The Menu), it isn’t to say that Dan Stevens isn’t good in the Devil in Silver season of The Terror. However, no one can truly hold a candle (pun intended) to the performance of Judith Light. She is phenomenal as she delivers heartbreaking moments through the story of her character.

Joining them in this award-winning ensemble cast are Aasif Mandvi (Evil), Hampton Fluker (Shades of Blue), CCH Pounder (Avatar: Fire and Ash, 3 Body Problem), b (You), and Chinaza Uche (Silo).

Also, the cast includes Stephen Root (Barry, Widow’s Bay) and Marin Ireland (birth/rebirth, Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy).

Watch The Terror: Devil in Silver on AMC+

The Terror: Devil in Silver is a six-episode limited series executive-produced by Ridley Scott. Also executively producing are writers and showrunners Chris Cantwell (Halt and Catch Fire) and Victor LaValle (The Changeling), author of the celebrated novel on which the season is based.

Finally, Emmy® nominee Karyn Kusama (The Invitation, Yellowjackets), who directs the first two episodes, is also an executive producer. Also directing on this third installment of the AMC Shudder horror anthology is Craig William Macneill (Them, Monsterland, I Know What You Did Last Summer series).

With just six episodes, as opposed to the ten-episode installments of the first two seasons, the pace is fairly quick. We move towards the darkness very fast, and episode 5 had some truly terrifying moments. Well, most episodes did! Weekly releases mean you’ll get all the answers in episode six on June 11, 2026.

The Terror: Devil in Silver will debut on AMC+ and Shudder on May 7, 2026.

📺 Watch trailer

Details

Writers / Showrunners: Victor LaValle & Chris Cantwell
Directors: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Dan Stevens, Judith Light, Aasif Mandvi, Hampton Fluker, CCH Pounder, b, Chinaza Uche, Stephen Root, Hayward Leach, John Benjamin Hickey, Michael Aronov, Philip Ettinger, Marin Ireland

SCARED TO DEATH is a horror-comedy starring Lin Shaye and Bill Moseley. In other words, the horror icons should pull you in, and it is a kitschy and fun watch. Just not much more, and the story is virtually non-existent. Read our full Scared to Death movie review here!

SCARED TO DEATH is a horror-comedy that will get lots of attention due to its cast. While I never want to be too negative about anything, I do think this movie was more fun to make than it is to watch. The whole concept is right up my alley: We follow a film crew getting ready to shoot a horror movie. It’s meta, and I love that.

What I don’t love is that this seems to be a gimmick more than anything else. I mean, I never doubted that I wanted to watch it for Lin Shaye and Bill Moseley, who star. And I do adore Lin Shaye in this movie, where she plays a very different kind of character. It’s not enough to make it a good movie, but watch it for her.

Continue reading our Scared to Death horror-comedy review below. Find it on TVOD from May 5, 2026.

Making a horror movie

In Scared to Death, we follow a group of filmmakers as they are getting ready to start shooting their horror movie. There’s the director, writer, producer, cast, and various assistants sent on emergency coffee runs. I absolutely love this meta layer in the horror-comedy.

The story itself really kicks off when they decide to attend a séance. It takes place at an abandoned children’s orphanage, as those things do, I suppose. The experience of the séance is to help the actors research their characters, but supernatural events will give them much more than they bargained for.

Lin Shaye (Insidious, The Grudge, Penny Dreadful: City of Angels) is wonderful as the director, who has a lot of attitude. It’s funny and reminded me of her performance in Room for Rent. Only, in that movie she was very dark and scary; here, she’s more fun and bitchy. In all the right ways, obviously.

Starring with Lin Shaye…

Also in a starring role is another horror icon: Bill Moseley, and if Lin Shaye doesn’t draw you in, then surely Bill Moseley (VideoZone, House of 1000 Corpses) will.

Alongside these two horror icons, we have Olivier Paris, B.J. Minor (Bonded), Victoria Konefal, Jade Chynoweth (The Last Ship), and Kurt Deimer (Halloween). The latter plays a horror icon himself, known as the “Grog”.

Also, I have to mention that Rae Dawn Chong (Commando) is in this movie, and I am always happy to see her!

Watch Scared to Death on VOD

Scared to Death comes from the award-winning music video and feature director Paul Boyd. As much as I do love quite a few of the music videos he has made, I am not a fan of this horror-comedy. Sure, it has both horror and comedy, but it lacks a better storyline. Desperately.

Usually, having a great cast full of iconic horror actors having fun is enough for me. It isn’t this time around.

This horror-comedy is from 2024 and premiered at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival in August 2024. Since then is has played some genre film festivals, and now it’s coming to all the major digital platforms.

So, should you watch it? Well, if you’re watching it for the cast and want to have fun with its meta layer, then yes. If you’re looking for a good horror-comedy to recommend to others and watch again, then no.

Scared to Death is coming to VOD on May 5, 2026.

Details

Director: Paul Boyd
Writer: Paul Boyd
Cast: Lin Shaye, Bill Moseley, Kurt Deimer, Victoria Konefal, Rae Dawn Chong, Olivier Paris, B.J. Minor, Jade Chynoweth, Lucinda Jenney

LORD OF THE FLIES on Netflix is a BBC series production. This adaptation of William Golding’s classic novel has four episodes, each one hour long. The young cast delivers breathtaking performances, and the adaptation is as brutal as ever. Of course, it was also written by Jack Thorn, who gave us Adolescence. Read our Lord of the Flies series review here!

LORD OF THE FLIES is a Netflix series that was actually produced by the BBC. This 2026 series adaptation of the iconic novel has just four episodes. Each episode follows one character, and while four episodes is a fairly short series, it does have too many slow moments.

Of course, the real struggle for many will be seeing children behaving like adults in the most brutal of ways. I have to admit that I was not crazy about the visual style and choices. Fortunately, the young actors were so amazing that I focused on the characters and forgot to be irritated.

Obviously, the visuals of an adaptation should never be something you need to “overcome”, so I have to mention this early on. It’s also the reason why our rating for this Netflix & BBC series isn’t higher.

Continue reading our Lord of the Flies series review below. Find all four episodes on Netflix from May 4, 2026. It’s also available on BBC iPlayer now.

Are you ready for this brutality?

I have to say that knowing this Netflix adaptation (produced by the BBC) comes from the writer behind Adolescence actually scares me. I mean, William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is scary enough on its own without adding the intense social realism and brutality of this particular writer.

And yes, I do mean all of this as a compliment.

As always, Lord of the Flies is about a group of schoolboys who find themselves stranded on a remote island. Here, they create their own community, which will soon turn the place into a dystopian hell for most. Any sense of normalcy and familiar rules will vanish as their inner beast and desperation take over.

The horror of innocence corrupted

The reason Lord of the Flies has always hit so hard is that all the characters are children. We see children as inherently good and innocent. And then this story came along to show us that even they will still fall victim to the darkest side of human nature. Well, some of them!

Are some people just born evil, or do they become evil due to circumstance? Will the strongest person be the ideal leader on a remote island, or should it be the one with compassion and most capable of using reason?

The answers could seem obvious, but looking at the world we live in today, some people staunchly believe in strength over compassion. Usually, because they feel safer, as they believe they cannot be harmed, if they stand with the proverbial strong man. In that sense, Lord of the Flies is as relevant as ever.

Yes, even in this adaptation that keeps the story set in its original time, around 70 years ago.

Who takes on the role of caretaker?

The series Yellowjackets is perhaps the most recent take on a “Lord of the Flies”-inspired situation. In that series, it’s a group of teenage girls who crash in a forest area in the mountains, and find themselves having to survive. By whatever means necessary.

I love that series and was able to relate to it due to the female power and logic of the characters, alongside the more current setting.

With Lord of the Flies, we follow pre-pubescent boys who are still very far from being adults. In fact, some of the boys are very young, which results in some characters wanting to protect the “young ‘uns” first and foremost. A trait that would often be attributed to female characters.

However, in Lord of the Flies, it’s a young boy who always mentions them as a priority. It’s a strong reminder that at a young age, both boys and girls can naturally take on the role of a caretaker. And they step up when needed.

More breathtaking young talent

I loved that despite all the characters being pre-teen boys, they are shown as extremely different. Not least in terms of having very diverse priorities and strengths. Sure, some view their newfound world in the same way, but overall, we see many different times. And, as a result, some fascinating performances by this young cast.

The four episodes are named after four characters, so I’ll focus on them, but all are amazing in their portrayals. Also, most are newcomers getting their professional debut in this production. We have Winston Sawyers stars as Ralph, Lox Pratt as Jack, David McKenna as Piggy, and Ike Talbut as Simon.

Once you see Lox Pratt as Jack in Lord of the Flies, it should come as no surprise that he has also been cast as Draco Malfoy in the upcoming Harry Potter series. Among the other castaways, we see Thomas Connor as Roger, Noah and Cassius Flemyng as twins Sam and Eric, Cornelius Brandreth as Maurice, and Tom Page-Turner as Bill.

Watch Lord of the Flies on Netflix or the BBC

This latest Lord of the Flies series adaptation for the BBC (and now Netflix) comes from Jack Thorne. Most recently, Jack Thorne created the extremely successful four-part series Adolescence for Netflix. A series that has won awards at virtually every major award show.

I don’t think the same will happen with Lord of the Flies, but not due to any fault of Jack Thorne. Instead, I have to say that the choice in directing will probably be a hit-or-miss for many viewers. For me, it’s a miss.

It takes away too much focus with its warped wide lens shots that do nothing for the character-driven story. Also, there are way too many long, lingering shots. The actors are great and need no visual help to get the points across. The director of Lord of the Flies is Marc Munden, who previously directed episodes of The Sympathizer and The Third Day.

Thanks to the immensely talented young actors and the strong story (originally by William Golding), I definitely recommend giving this BBC & Netflix series a chance. Also, I loved that this very first series adaptation was made with the support of author William Golding’s family.

The series premiered on BBC One on February 8, 2026, and the episodes were released weekly. All four episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now. Just as it was the case with the BBC series Dracula, this limited series is now coming to Netflix for international audiences to enjoy.

All four episodes of Lord of the Flies will be on Netflix on May 4, 2026.

Want the best horror movies on Netflix right now?  If you’re looking for the best genre movies on Netflix, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our list of the scariest movies to stream on Netflix. Check it out and find a horror movie (or several) you need to add to your Netflix watchlist!

The Best Horror Movies on Netflix right now is a list made in no specific order. Rather than focus on whether a scary slasher movie is better than a psychological horror movie, we’re focusing on giving you information, so you can decide for yourself.

Or rather, you’ll have to check out the movies – or read the reviews we link to – to find out which Netflix horror movies are perfect for you.

Hopefully, you can find some inspiration. Maybe you’ll even discover a horror movie on Netflix you didn’t know existed. In case you don’t know these titles (or need to be reminded of their topic), we’ve included a plot summary and trailer for each movie.

Check out our list of the Best Horror Movies on Netflix!

Please note that this list will be updated regularly, so you might need to scroll to the bottom for some of the newer releases. We started this Heaven of Horror website in 2016 and we’re including original Netflix horror movie productions from then up until now.

You might want to bookmark this Best Horror Movie on Netflix right now page in your browser. Just a little horror tip for all you horror fiends who are always looking for something new to check out. In between rewatching old favorites, obviously!

The Old Ways (2021)

The plot features a new take on exorcism that really works for me. Somehow, it just feels more down to earth and realistic – and creepy!

Creep (2014)

When a cash-strapped videographer takes a job in a remote mountain town, he finds that the client has some unsettling ideas in mind.

Incantation (2022)

Six years ago, Li Ronan was cursed after breaking a religious taboo. Now, she must protect her daughter from the consequences of her actions.

#ALIVE (2020)

The rapid spread of an unknown infection has left an entire city in ungovernable chaos, but one survivor remains alive in total isolation. #ALIVE is his story.

The Ritual (2018)

A group of college friends reunite for a trip to a Scandinavian forest, but encounter a menacing presence in the woods that’s stalking them.

Home for Rent (2023)

When her good tenants go bad, a landlord finds herself terrorized by a cult that seemingly has her husband enthralled — and her daughter in its sights.

TOUCH ME is a horror-comedy, but it’s also a movie featuring body horror and sci-fi via an alien story. Yeah, it’s a lot. Maybe even too much. I am admittedly quite torn, but ultimately, it’s a movie I feel some will love and others choose to ignore. Read our full Touch Me movie review here!

TOUCH ME is a genre hybrid that has been labeled a psychosexual horror-comedy, which is absolutely correct. If I were to help define it a little further, I would highlight that it has elements of body horror. Also, it has elements of a B-horror movie running throughout and deals with an alien invasion plot.

It is a lot. As a rule, I don’t mind too much of a good thing.

Unfortunately, in the case of this movie, I wasn’t entirely on board, so I didn’t feel I was getting a “good thing”. And yet, I feel like there is an audience out there who will love it for its weirdness and quirky details. Actually, I loved those elements. Just not the movie overall.

Continue reading our Touch Me movie review below. Find it on Digital in the US now and in the UK from May 4, 2026.

Oh yes, aliens can do that

Touch Me stars Olivia Taylor Dudley (She Dies Tomorrow) and Jordan Gavaris (Orphan Black) as best friends and roommates, Joey and Craig. When we meet these two characters, their lives are messy, and they are addicted to any drug that will enable them to forget reality.

As a result, things go bad fast when they meet the alien narcissist, Brian (Lou Taylor Pucci), who has a heroin-like touch. It’s impossible not to get addicted to the feeling, and they move in with Brian in his remote home.

There is, however, a problem with Brian, as he may be planning to take over the world. As such, the two friends need to wake up from their feel-good rush to save humanity.

Alongside the three actors already mentioned (all of whom are truly brilliant in this), we also have a few more in the cast worth mentioning. Especially Paget Brewster and Marlene Forte (Knives Out, Fear the Walking Dead), who both portray key characters.

Close, but no cigar

Touch Me started out weird, which is a huge plus for me. I never mind getting thrown into something strange and having to find my footing before more is revealed. However, I do also expect the reveals to come fairly fast and have a logic I can use to build on.

With Touch Me, it does deliver on this, but only to a point. It’s like I’m allowed some details and emotional input from the characters, but is still left floundering more than I’d prefer.

Having said that, I admit that I could deal with this if only it had a better pace. I don’t have to know or understand everything as long as the story is solid and the pace works. The story is actually fairly solid – and weird, and funny, and strange in wonderfully odd ways – but the pace did not work for me.

Watch Touch Me on Digital

The psychosexual horror-comedy Touch Me is written and directed by Addison Heimann. He previously wrote and directed the 2022 psychological body-horror Hypochondriac. That movie starred several of the actors you’ll see in Touch Me as well, which is always a good sign in my book.

The world premiere of Touch Me was at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, so it’s been quite some time. Since then, the movie has screened at film festivals worldwide. From SXSW and Night Visions to Fantasia, Sitges, Melbourne, and Soho Horror Festival.

I was hoping that I’d like this movie more because I find Addison Heimann’s style fascinating. I would probably give this 2½ if we did half stars. However, I end on the lower rating because there are just too many slower moments that I feel could’ve been left out. That’s just my experience, while others will love it as is.

Touch Me will be available on Blu-ray and Digital Download in the UK from May 4, 2026. It’s already out on Digital in the US.

Details

Director: Addison Heimann
Writer: Addison Heimann
Cast: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jordan Gavaris