The closing of theatres across the country put a huge damper on theatre releases in 2020 leaving horror hounds barking for some big budget bones. A smart move by major distributors as financial returns from online releases as opposed to theatrical would only bring in a fraction of estimated profits. Despite the wait, the horror community can hang its hat on the super surprise film, “The Wretched,” which sat at number one for a few weeks. If there is a light at the end of the plague colored rainbow, we are in for a full slate of fright films in 2021. Here is a primary list of release dates for some big budget scares. (Please note, these are conditional dates released by the studio. Dates are subject to change.)
Antlers: February 19
Synopsis: A small-town Oregon teacher and her brother, the local sheriff, become entwined with a young student harboring a dangerous secret with frightening consequences.
Prediction: A strong “R” rating and with Guillermo del Toro attached, this has the makings of an atmospheric classic. We can only hope the film builds on the tension shown in the trailer.
Morbius: March 19
Synopsis: Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder, and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. What at first appears to be a radical success soon reveals itself to be a remedy potentially worse than the disease.
Prediction: With the exception of Blade, horror-based comic book characters have not had much success in film. Still yet to be to be rated, this film teeters on the gamble of trying to release to a larger younger audience or a more horror based devoted fan base wanting an adult version of the legendary anti-hero. Always putting in powerful performances, Jared Leto seems perfectly cast, lets hope the plot and pace compliment the talented actor.
A Quiet Place 2: April 23
Synopsis: Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.
Prediction: The original was a smash hit with its original plot and great performances leaving audiences craving more. A poor creature design was overshadowed by the daunting atmosphere and great acting, with all star actors Cillian Murphey and Djimon Hounsou in this instalment, the sequel is primed for another box office blow out.
Spiral: From the Book of Saw: May 21
Synopsis: A sadistic mastermind unleashes a twisted form of justice in SPIRAL, the terrifying new chapter from the book of SAW. Working in the shadow of an esteemed police veteran (Samuel L. Jackson), brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks (Chris Rock) and his rookie partner (Max Minghella) take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.
Prediction: Icons Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Rock attempt to put a new spin on the stale “Saw” franchise. All early screenings of the film have praised the fresh new take on the series as a homage to the original. If the plot and pacing of the film take precedence over straight gore for gores sake, this film may stand alone as the original did sixteen years prior.
Godzilla V Kong: May 21
Synopsis: In a time when monsters walk the Earth, humanity’s fight for its future sets Godzilla and Kong on a collision course that will see the two most powerful forces of nature on the planet collide in a spectacular battle for the ages. As Monarch embarks on a perilous mission into uncharted terrain and unearths clues to the Titans’ origins, a human conspiracy threatens to wipe the creatures, both good and bad, from the face of the earth forever.
Prediction: Some will say this does not fall under the veil of horror. With a body count that puts all the iconic slashers to shame, we can put this dynamic duo in the mix. Thru three films, it has all lead to a spectacular showdown. Celebrated horror director Adam Wingard takes the helm and we can expect the carnage to continue. The previous modern films have been bogged down by long dialog and breaks in the action, a full on monster title fight could allow this film to take home the crown of best kaiju film ever.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It: June 4
Synopsis: The movie reveals a chilling story of terror, murder and unknown evil that shocked even experienced real-life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. One of the most sensational cases from their files, it starts with a fight for the soul of a young boy, then takes them beyond anything they’d ever seen before, to mark the first time in U.S. history that a murder suspect would claim demonic possession as a defense.
Prediction: Why another Conjuring film? Why not when the previous two film conjured up around seven hundred million in box office totals. James Wan returns to helm the film and the film is being described as the biggest and most frightening yet. We can probably just expect a terrified family, some dull performances, a few jump scares, and a massive profit.
Candyman: August 27
Synopsis: For as long as residents can remember, the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini Green neighborhood were terrorized by a word-of-mouth ghost story about a supernatural killer with a hook for a hand, easily summoned by those daring to repeat his name five times into a mirror. In present day, a decade after the last of the Cabrini towers were torn down, visual artist Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II; HBO’s Watchmen, Us) and his girlfriend, gallery director Brianna Cartwright (Teyonah Parris; If Beale Street Could Talk, The Photograph), move into a luxury loft condo in Cabrini, now gentrified beyond recognition and inhabited by upwardly mobile millennials.
Prediction: Jordan Peele currently is sitting on the horror throne with his two sensational films “Get Out” and “Us.” Peele grabs a producer role this time round and the film is in up and comer Nia DeCosta’s hands. A risky move for such an iconic film. With over a million hits on the trailer, “Candyman” looks to be the most anticipated films of 2021. The film is said to be a spiritual sequel to the original with a fresh take on the old legend. If DeCosta can capture a fraction of the atmosphere of the original, the horror nation may be treated to a new classic.
Halloween Kills: October 15
Synopsis: Set directly after the events of Halloween 2018, the film picks up with Myers allegedly escaping the burned down house and ready to wreak havoc on Haddonfield again.
Prediction: The 2018 film was supposed to be a one off, but the horror nation came out in force, grossing the picture over three hundred million dollars. A split audience loved the throw backs to the original films and their sequels along with seeing the shape carve up some carnage; however, a shaky plot and some poor character development had some wondering if the comedy based team behind the production should be back for more. Anthony Michael Hall and the original Lindsey Wallace, Kyle Richards join the surviving cast which gives the film some top shelf acting chops. Rumored to be the film that sees Haddonfield fight back, “Halloween Kills” is primed for another multi-hundred million dollar box office performance and could be the most brutal film in the series.