VALLEY VIEW MOTEL Noir Chiller to World Premiere at FrightFest in London
WRITERS/DIRECTORS: Kevin Ignatius, Nick Psinakis STARRING: Corin Clay, Kevin Ignatius, Laura lm, Judy J. Lee, Tom Mesmer, Logan Psinakis, Nick Psinakis, Janie Sharon, Soulo Smith, McKenzie Such, Michael Thyer
Synopsis: After a 1977 diamond heist goes sideways, two small-time crooks take refuge at a remote Pennsylvania motel, where a pair of bizarre sibling owners, a ruthless hitman and a night full of bad decisions turn their getaway into a desperate fight to survive the night and make it to their rendezvous before it’s too late.
FrightFest 2026 Screening Info: -Monday, August 31st at 1:10pm at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square (22-24 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LQ, United Kingdom)**World Premiere**
First Reaction –Forever Mia has a tense story which keeps you on edge.
Director: Katherine Diaz Gonzalez
Writer: David Bohorquez (Screenplay)
Cast
KateLynn E Newberry
Morgan Middlebrook
Eli Cottle
Plot: When a successful business owner is abducted by her troubled high school ex-boyfriend and forced to play along with his delusional version of the life they were “meant” to have, she’ll have to use all her wits to outsmart him and escape.
Runtime: 1 Hour 27 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Forever Mia starts when Mia (Newberry) discovers her estranged high school boyfriend Noah (Middlebrook) has returned to town. She tries to shake it off as she is preparing her next step in life. However, Noah decides to make a drastic step which causes him to abduct Mia.
Mia is forced to live the perfect relationship Noah believes they have. However, she is trapped in this until she can escape. It becomes a battles to win the trust before his truly dark side come to light.
Verdict on Forever Mia
Recap
The movie follows a successful business owner who gets abducted by her estranged ex-boyfriend. She must play along with his fantasy in an attempt to stay alive. However, he has plans for nearly everything she could come up with.
Best Parts
The tension behind Noah’s determination to make a relationship happen is disturbing. We get good performances throughout and leads to a series of sequences that show how easily someone can lose their control.
Worst Parts
The friends trying to investigate takes us away from the more intense story and the lack of interest from the police is uncomfortable.
Where to Watch
Forever Mia (8/18/26 TVOD Release)
Final Thoughts –Forever Mia has an unsettling tone throughout.
First Reaction –Harbinger has an interesting mystery, without hitting the highest level of suspense.
Director: James Crow
Writer: Harry Bowley, Simon Cluett (Screenplay)
Cast
Peter Woodward
Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott
Nick Nevern
Gary Webster
Carole Ann Ford
Plot: Julia, sole survivor of late serial killer Decker, is lured back to the house she shared with him for a ghost hunting TV show. The crew discover the ‘Harbinger’ – a fairground fortune telling machine that reveals their fates one by one.
Runtime: 1 Hour 22 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Harbinger starts when Julia (Sothcott) is the soul survivor of serial killer Henry Decker (Woodward). She tries to continue her life, but is haunted by the events of the night. Mike (Webster) hosts a supernatural show and wants to draw Julia into the latest series of his show.
Julia agrees to take in the show, which takes Mike’s team back to the location of the crime. It doesn’t take long before the strange events happen again, and the connection to the evil within the house again.
Verdict on Harbinger
Recap
The movie follows the sole survivor of a serial killer who reluctantly returns to the scene of the crime. She is joined by a film crew wanting to make an episode about what happened. However, they are not prepared for what they discover in the home from the evil which took over.
Best Parts
The concept is interesting and makes for a solid idea for a horror film. We are in a world where we love to investigate crime, and this works to create everything we need.
Worst Parts
The idea is interesting, but the horror doesn’t seem to hit the highest levels. It ends up having the same ideas many others have and leaves us without getting too many shocking moments. You can work out the order people will get picked off with ease, leaving us without too much suspense.
Where to Watch
Harbinger is on UK digital 10 August and US digital 11 August from Miracle Media.
Final Thoughts –Harbinger is an easy-watch horror with a nice mystery.
The Butler Brothers Continue Their International Rise withSTARSUCKERS at FrightFest UK 2026
Internationally respected Canadian independent filmmakers Brett and Jason Butler will travel to London this August for the World Premiere of their latest feature, STARSUCKERS, at FrightFest 2026, one of the world’s premier showcases for horror, thriller, fantasy, and genre cinema.
The filmmakers will be in attendance for the festival, which runs August 27–31 at ODEON Cinemas Leicester Square and West End before an additional FrightFest @ the Arzner screening on Saturday, September 5.
Over the past decade, The Butler Brothers have quietly become one of Canada’s most prolific independent filmmaking teams. Working entirely outside the traditional studio system through their production company, Substance Production, and distribution label, Tiny Cabin Pictures, they have directed, written, and produced ten feature films while producing or executive producing five more.
Their growing catalogue reflects an uncommon range, spanning psychological thrillers, horror, dark comedy, documentaries, dramas, and socially driven genre films. Their work has screened internationally and reached audiences through Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Tubi, Hollywood Suite, Plex, Roku Channel, Revry, Fawesome, Xumo, and numerous international distributors and broadcasters.
Their newest film, STARSUCKERS, is a wickedly entertaining dark satire examining celebrity culture, ambition, and the dangerous pursuit of fame.
The story follows Chuck and Eileen, an ordinary couple who win an exclusive weekend getaway with glamorous celebrity icons Bjorg Everglow and Sasha Nightshade. Their dream escape quickly spirals into murder, manipulation, and psychological games as the celebrity couple reveals increasingly disturbing intentions. What unfolds is an unpredictable thriller that skewers our obsession with status, influence, and the intoxicating promise of living someone else’s life.
The film stars Manon Ens-Lapointe (The Last Anniversary), Steven Hobé (How Disney Built America), and rising performers James Alex, Jersey Anderson, and Jacob Stickles.
Known for acclaimed independent features including Purgatory Jack, The Last Anniversary, and Unfriending, The Butler Brothers have earned a reputation for ambitious, character-driven filmmaking that consistently challenges audience expectations while remaining fiercely independent.
“FrightFest has built an incredible reputation for championing original genre filmmaking,” said Brett and Jason Butler. “We’re thrilled to bring STARSUCKERS to London and experience it with one of the world’s most passionate festival audiences.”
Founded in 2000, FrightFest has grown into one of the international genre community’s defining annual events, attracting filmmakers, critics, distributors, and fans from around the world. The festival has become synonymous with discovering bold new voices while celebrating innovative filmmaking across horror, thriller, fantasy, and dark comedy.
Additional festival appearances and release plans for STARSUCKERS will be announced following its FrightFest debut.
First Reaction – Before Never struggles to use the characters from the classic tale.
Director: Kipp Tribble, Derik Wingo
Writer: Kipp Tribble (Screenplay)
Cast
Kenny Yates
Kipp Tribble
Derik Wingo
Joanne Wilson
Elisa Nixon
Plot: When Wendy Darling escapes an attempted abduction, her family employs James and Smee to identify the attacker with the help of the only eyewitness: Peter Pan.
Runtime: 1 Hour 58 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Before Never starts when Wendy (Wilson) tries to remember what happened in her abduction. James (Tribble) and Smee (Wingo) are recruited to protect her and the only witness Peter (Yates) has been struggling with him memories.
However, the mystery behind the attack draws lines between everyone involved. It leads down a disturbing path to uncover the truth that could expose the residents in Neverland.
Verdict on Before Never
Recap
We follow the mystery behind a woman’s escape from an abduction. It follows the men recruited to protect her and the witness which could have answers behind the event. However, the truth is a lot more difficult to relive.
Best Parts
This movie does present a strange mystery, which does keep you guessing behind the larger truth.
Worst Parts
This feels strange with the idea of using the J.M. Barrie characters to a mystery. It feels like it is using them to tell a basic story without any big connection to the bigger story. Elsewhere, the references are not subtle and hope to use the fairytale characters over the traditional terms.
Where to Watch
Before Never (8/4/26 TVOD Release)
Final Thoughts –Before Never uses famous characters for a lacklustre story.
First Reaction –Alien Storm struggles to standout in a genre with many other similar stories.
Director: Adam Werth
Writer: Michael Mahal, Sonny Mahal, Adam Werth (Screenplay)
Cast
Kevin Sorbo
Tom Arnold
Glenn Plummer
Dawna Lee Heising
Jeremy Warner
Plot: A businessman’s grand Las Vegas party is halted by a mysterious fog, driving him and his guests into his secret bunker as a sinister presence threatens them.
Runtime: 1 Hour 14 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Alien Storm starts when an unknown event begins happening. President Nolan (Sorbo) discovers the world is in danger and must make difficult decisions. Elsewhere, a Las Vegas party is halted by the fog, leading the guests to a secret bunker.
Newly appointed Mayor Walker (Arnold) leads the calm between the partygoers, and the mystery about what is in the fog takes over. As the fog continues to spread, the panic to survive the unknown takes over the guests as they battle to survive.
Verdict on Alien Storm
Recap
The movie follows a group of party guests who come under attack from a mysterious fog. They must find a secure location to see out the storm. However, what is within the fog creates the bigger battle to survive the situation.
Best Parts
The mix of ideas is interesting to watch unfold. We get a mystery set in a fog that is consuming areas; this offers some early suspense.
Worst Parts
The final reveal is underwhelming and feels like it is just taking the best parts of most alien movies and dumping them into a mishmash. It is also filled with a host of poor decisions which lead to the characters needing to suffer through something. Elsewhere, the performances are not the strongest.
Final Thoughts –Alien Storm is a mishmash of many better sci-fi movies.
‘Light, witty but also very compelling… If you’re a Midsomer Murders fan, we highly recommend’
Good Housekeeping
‘Think Death in Paradise set in Australia and New Zealand… impressive guest stars’
The Sun TV Mag
‘Nothing short of brilliant’
Nerds the Geek
‘Continues to be a charming, light-hearted classic mystery, with Lawless being as fun to watch as ever’
Decider
‘Offers something fresh for viewers seeking a twisty-turny plot… perfect balance of gripping mystery and charming escapism, all anchored by fearless PI Alex Crowe, played by the brilliant Lucy Lawless’
Hello Magazine
Series five introduces eight thrilling new cases featuring dangerous villains that only Alexa Crowe (Lawless) can catch, but as always, she brings her friends and family along for the ride.
There’s tech whiz Madison (Ebony Vagulans – The Furies) who contributes her considerable IT know-how to the investigations and café owner Reuben (Joe Naufahu – Game of Thrones, Ghost in the Shell) is always there to lend a helping hand, plus Detective Harry (Rawiri Jobe – Shortland Street) remains a steady ally.
When Alexa’s bad boy brother Will (Martin Henderson – Virgin River, Grey’s Anatomy) drops by with a dilemma things are about to get complicated, and her cantankerous cat Chowder continues to stir up trouble in his own mischievous way.
The new series sees Alexa dive headfirst into a world of puzzling crime, from shady aquariums and elite cheerleading squads to creepy dolls and deadly island getaways. As buried secrets resurface, justice is never quite as simple as it seems, but one thing is certain – Alexa isn’t backing down.
But catching killers isn’t her only unfinished business, as a reunion with former police partner Jesse (Craig Parker – Spartacus, Xena: Warrior Princess) leaves the headstrong sleuth questioning herself: could he be the one that got away?
Embark on a new murder mystery adventure this Summer with more wit, warmth, drama and intrigue in the ‘charming, endlessly thrilling’ (Good Housekeeping) My Life is Murder Series 5.
First Reaction –Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer is one of the most interesting documentaries about a musician.
Director: Wes Orshoski
Plot: A gripping documentary chronicling Paul Di’Anno’s life and explosive tenure with Iron Maiden. By Wes Orshoski, best known for co-directing the 2010 cult classic Lemmy.
Runtime: 1 Hour 37 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Verdict on Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer
Recap
The documentary follows Paul Di’Anno, one of Iron Maiden’s original members, whose life took a different direction. He has been suffering greatly from medical problems and an opportunity for a comeback with former members of the band. However, his medical problems force him to turn to drastic changes, and we follow the race to hopefully save his dreams.
Best Parts
The movie explores the pain anyone suffering from a disability goes through. It shows the rise in people’s fame, but the aftermath of greater fame once it has dropped. This is amazing to see the different lifestyles and the modern era of forgetting members of the iconic bands. Overall, this has the most important thing about showing taking time to remember people and their importance in music’s history.
Worst Parts
One side of the movie focuses heavily on criticising the health care system, and it doesn’t seem to tell the full story.
Where to Watch
Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer, arriving 27 July, courtesy of Miracle Media.
Final Thoughts –Di’Anno: Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer is a fascinating documentary for all music fans.
First Reaction – Fathers keeps us guessing throughout the movie.
Director: Harley Wallen
Writer: Harley Wallen (Screenplay)
Cast
Kaiti Wallen
Harley Wallen
Jerry Hayes
Deon Hunt
Yancey Fuqua
Plot: A young girl (Natalie) is kidnapped but it’s not long until we realize things are much more complex as her captor presents a completely different picture. Natalie must figure out what is actually true and what isn’t before it’s too late.
Runtime: 1 Hour 34 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Fathers starts when Natalie (Kaiti Wallen) is found after 15 years missing. Detective Parker (Hunt) leads the investigation to where she has been for years. Meanwhile, we see Bobby Nash (Harley Wallen) abduct her as a child, believing he has a long-lost relationship with Natalie.
As the investigation unfolds, stranger events become clear and the truth is even more disturbing. However, can Natalie understand the truth and understand why she is the victim in her life.
Verdict on Fathers
Recap
The movie follows a young woman who has escaped her captivity for years. However, the mystery about who took her consumes her and takes over what happened. Meanwhile, the truth becomes more disturbing as it comes out.
Best Parts
The movie thrives on the bigger mystery about what is happening. It keeps us guessing throughout the movie, and the performances keep us engaged in the bigger story. This surprises with everything and doesn’t follow a more traditional concept.
Worst Parts
There are some weaker effects used for certain moments. Elsewhere, it can be jarring with the jump between the time involved.
Final Thoughts –Fathers is an intense mystery, with plenty of twists and turns.
