Hysteria Lives!
@jakerswell.bsky.social
JA Kerswell. Slashers. Trash. Gialli. Author: The Slasher Movie Book and the upcoming They Came From Hell: From Fatal Attraction to The Cable Guy. Hysteria Continues podcast. 27 years of Hysteria Lives! website. https://www.hysteria-lives.co.uk
VICTIM OF BEAUTY (1991) is a whodunnit FROM HELL TV movie directed by PROM NIGHT's Paul Lynch. Models and murder. Peeping Tom photographer. Alibi by pizza. Hoary old clichés such as a cat thrown into frame and a predatory lesbian head of a modelling agency. Plus, a completely ludicrous conclusion!
November 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
VICTIM OF BEAUTY (1991) is a whodunnit FROM HELL TV movie directed by PROM NIGHT's Paul Lynch. Models and murder. Peeping Tom photographer. Alibi by pizza. Hoary old clichés such as a cat thrown into frame and a predatory lesbian head of a modelling agency. Plus, a completely ludicrous conclusion!
Apparently not intended as high camp, Delta Burke is a hoot as a woman who goes after the people she feels took away her chance at a baby after an emergency hysterectomy. Attempted death by shopping carts and crib smashing are just two highlights from the 1996 FROM HELL TV movie MATERNAL INSTINCTS.
November 12, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Apparently not intended as high camp, Delta Burke is a hoot as a woman who goes after the people she feels took away her chance at a baby after an emergency hysterectomy. Attempted death by shopping carts and crib smashing are just two highlights from the 1996 FROM HELL TV movie MATERNAL INSTINCTS.
Roger Corman asked for a FATAL ATTRACTION clone, & that's largely what he got with BODY CHEMISTRY (1990). However, director Katherine Peterson added extra kink to this S&M FROM HELL tale, & in its most transgressive moment, the male protagonist is anally pleasured by his female lover in the shower.
November 11, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Roger Corman asked for a FATAL ATTRACTION clone, & that's largely what he got with BODY CHEMISTRY (1990). However, director Katherine Peterson added extra kink to this S&M FROM HELL tale, & in its most transgressive moment, the male protagonist is anally pleasured by his female lover in the shower.
Carl Reiner's FATAL INSTINCT (1993) is a zany spoof of From Hell movies (and film noir in general), taking pot shots at the likes of FATAL ATTRACTION and SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY. The humour is very hit-or-miss, but it has some fun sight gags (and the skunk on the rollercoaster made me laugh!).
November 10, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Carl Reiner's FATAL INSTINCT (1993) is a zany spoof of From Hell movies (and film noir in general), taking pot shots at the likes of FATAL ATTRACTION and SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY. The humour is very hit-or-miss, but it has some fun sight gags (and the skunk on the rollercoaster made me laugh!).
Oh, my. Yancy Butler as the psychotic ex-wife From Hell in THE EX (1996) is giving serious T-100 in TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY vibes here!
November 9, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Oh, my. Yancy Butler as the psychotic ex-wife From Hell in THE EX (1996) is giving serious T-100 in TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY vibes here!
DEADBOLT (1992) features the male roommate From Hell. Despite its similarities to SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, it was made before that film was released. It was theatrically released in Canada (where it was shot). Star Justine Bateman raised eyebrows slagging off the film during a tour to promote it.
November 8, 2025 at 3:03 PM
DEADBOLT (1992) features the male roommate From Hell. Despite its similarities to SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, it was made before that film was released. It was theatrically released in Canada (where it was shot). Star Justine Bateman raised eyebrows slagging off the film during a tour to promote it.
It sure is terrible, but who can resist the "The Teen Sex Comedy-Slice 'N' Dice Thriller-Martians Have Landed" subgenre?!
November 7, 2025 at 6:46 PM
It sure is terrible, but who can resist the "The Teen Sex Comedy-Slice 'N' Dice Thriller-Martians Have Landed" subgenre?!
New Review: BLOODY DOLL (2014) ** 1/2
"Five old school friends find themselves trapped and chased by a madman in an oversized doll mask in a labyrinthine nightmare. A deliciously overstuffed Chinese cod-supernatural slasher."
Read now: www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Bloody-Doll....
"Five old school friends find themselves trapped and chased by a madman in an oversized doll mask in a labyrinthine nightmare. A deliciously overstuffed Chinese cod-supernatural slasher."
Read now: www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Bloody-Doll....
November 5, 2025 at 2:29 PM
New Review: BLOODY DOLL (2014) ** 1/2
"Five old school friends find themselves trapped and chased by a madman in an oversized doll mask in a labyrinthine nightmare. A deliciously overstuffed Chinese cod-supernatural slasher."
Read now: www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Bloody-Doll....
"Five old school friends find themselves trapped and chased by a madman in an oversized doll mask in a labyrinthine nightmare. A deliciously overstuffed Chinese cod-supernatural slasher."
Read now: www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/Bloody-Doll....
Linda Purl, as the executive assistant From Hell, menaces unlikely exec Heather Locklear in BODY LANGUAGE (1992). In the best moment, Purl's character brains the main boss with an ornamental crystal after he makes a sexist remark (coolly telling his corpse, “Men’s heads crack under pressure, too.”)
November 4, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Linda Purl, as the executive assistant From Hell, menaces unlikely exec Heather Locklear in BODY LANGUAGE (1992). In the best moment, Purl's character brains the main boss with an ornamental crystal after he makes a sexist remark (coolly telling his corpse, “Men’s heads crack under pressure, too.”)
Does anyone know anything about the actress Marilyn Adams, who is AMAZING as the demented mother-in-law in the super trashy MURDER IN LAW (1989)? She had a few other genre credits from this time. Often listed as the wife of the late comic book artist Neal Adams, but I think that's wrong ...
November 2, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Does anyone know anything about the actress Marilyn Adams, who is AMAZING as the demented mother-in-law in the super trashy MURDER IN LAW (1989)? She had a few other genre credits from this time. Often listed as the wife of the late comic book artist Neal Adams, but I think that's wrong ...
Happy Halloween!
October 31, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Happy Halloween!
Directed by MY BLOODY VALENTINE's George Mihalka, RELATIVE FEAR is a 1994 killer kid/From Hell hybrid starring Denise Crosby as a character seemingly based on Karla Homolka (of the real-life Canadian 'Ken & Barbie' serial killer couple). Another one done for the book!
October 28, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Directed by MY BLOODY VALENTINE's George Mihalka, RELATIVE FEAR is a 1994 killer kid/From Hell hybrid starring Denise Crosby as a character seemingly based on Karla Homolka (of the real-life Canadian 'Ken & Barbie' serial killer couple). Another one done for the book!
Good to see those post-SCREAM slashers get their due in the upcoming '90s In Search of Darkness documentaries! Pre-order now to get your name in the credits plus Blu-ray, posters, soundtrack, and more!
90shorrordoc.com?sca_ref=9285...
90shorrordoc.com?sca_ref=9285...
October 27, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Good to see those post-SCREAM slashers get their due in the upcoming '90s In Search of Darkness documentaries! Pre-order now to get your name in the credits plus Blu-ray, posters, soundtrack, and more!
90shorrordoc.com?sca_ref=9285...
90shorrordoc.com?sca_ref=9285...
Watching SCORNED (1993) - the Skinemax take on THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE. Who doesn't love a good cat fight? Especially when it includes a stunt performer sliding down the stairs with a mannequin dressed as Shannon Tweed strapped to their back!
October 26, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Watching SCORNED (1993) - the Skinemax take on THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE. Who doesn't love a good cat fight? Especially when it includes a stunt performer sliding down the stairs with a mannequin dressed as Shannon Tweed strapped to their back!
Fun interview with me and the guys from The Hysteria Continues podcast with Bob Freese from Rue Morgue. We talk all things slashers—our favourites and what keeps us watching, Dream Top 3s, and an idea for a HALLOWEEN/JURASSIC PARK crossover ...
rue-morgue.com/slasher-flic...
rue-morgue.com/slasher-flic...
Recollections from a Rotting Brain: Talking Slasher Flicks with "The Hysteria Continues!" Podcast - Rue Morgue
Rob Freese sits down with the popular podcasters to look back at the masked killers and maniacs who painted the 1980s red!
rue-morgue.com
October 26, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Fun interview with me and the guys from The Hysteria Continues podcast with Bob Freese from Rue Morgue. We talk all things slashers—our favourites and what keeps us watching, Dream Top 3s, and an idea for a HALLOWEEN/JURASSIC PARK crossover ...
rue-morgue.com/slasher-flic...
rue-morgue.com/slasher-flic...
Reposted by Hysteria Lives!
Sat.
Skeet Ulrich, Alicia Witt, Pete Holmes will star in nostalgic horror-comedy "The Big Kill." The new horror-comedy feature is ready to take a stab at skewering Generation X culture:
Skeet Ulrich, Alicia Witt, Pete Holmes to Star in Nostalgic Horror-Comedy ‘The Big Kill’ (Exclusive)
A new horror-comedy feature is ready to take a stab at skewering Generation X culture.
bit.ly
October 25, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Sat.
Early access to a new review for Chinese slasher BLOODY DOLL (2014): "Five old school friends are chased by a madman in an oversized doll mask in a labyrinthine nightmare."
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: www.ko-fi.com/hysterialives
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: www.ko-fi.com/hysterialives
October 24, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Early access to a new review for Chinese slasher BLOODY DOLL (2014): "Five old school friends are chased by a madman in an oversized doll mask in a labyrinthine nightmare."
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: www.ko-fi.com/hysterialives
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: www.ko-fi.com/hysterialives
New Review: THE NIGHT VISITOR (1971) ****
"A man escapes from an asylum to eliminate those who falsely accused him of murder, then returns to his cell only to escape again and kill once more."
Read now: www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/The-Night-Vi...
"A man escapes from an asylum to eliminate those who falsely accused him of murder, then returns to his cell only to escape again and kill once more."
Read now: www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/The-Night-Vi...
October 22, 2025 at 4:00 PM
New Review: THE NIGHT VISITOR (1971) ****
"A man escapes from an asylum to eliminate those who falsely accused him of murder, then returns to his cell only to escape again and kill once more."
Read now: www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/The-Night-Vi...
"A man escapes from an asylum to eliminate those who falsely accused him of murder, then returns to his cell only to escape again and kill once more."
Read now: www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/The-Night-Vi...
Another ticked off for the book. The makers of THE CRUSH (1993) were accused of exploiting the real-life Amy Fisher case, who was on trial for shooting her lover's wife at the same time the movie was being shot (the press dubbed her 'The Long Island Lolita'). The film got into legal hot water, too.
October 21, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Another ticked off for the book. The makers of THE CRUSH (1993) were accused of exploiting the real-life Amy Fisher case, who was on trial for shooting her lover's wife at the same time the movie was being shot (the press dubbed her 'The Long Island Lolita'). The film got into legal hot water, too.
Really great to guest again on this brilliant podcast. We had a blast discussing these two bonkers films!
It’s all about the blood this week. Justin from Hysteria Lives @jakerswell.bsky.social is back to talk about the almost forgotten Blood Bath aka The Sky is Falling and the bloody delirious Blood Delirium
pod.co/caliber-9-fr...
pod.co/caliber-9-fr...
October 20, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Really great to guest again on this brilliant podcast. We had a blast discussing these two bonkers films!
Another one done for my book on FROM HELL thrillers (1987-1996). FEAR (1996) was initially meant to star Leonardo DiCaprio, but he didn't feel it was right for him, so he recommended Mark Wahlberg. One tidbit from the original script: it teased that his character was Keith Richards' love child!
October 16, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Another one done for my book on FROM HELL thrillers (1987-1996). FEAR (1996) was initially meant to star Leonardo DiCaprio, but he didn't feel it was right for him, so he recommended Mark Wahlberg. One tidbit from the original script: it teased that his character was Keith Richards' love child!
Another FROM HELL movie done for the book. THE TEMP (1993) was written as a black comedy and rejigged to turn it into a serious thriller after the success of THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE. The original ending had Lara Flynn Boyle baked alive in a cookie oven!
October 14, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Another FROM HELL movie done for the book. THE TEMP (1993) was written as a black comedy and rejigged to turn it into a serious thriller after the success of THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE. The original ending had Lara Flynn Boyle baked alive in a cookie oven!
At the weekend, I had the absolute pleasure to chat with director Ian Corson about his From Hell thriller MALICIOUS (1995). Lots of interesting details not made public before, including the fact that he wanted Matthew McConaughey for the male lead (but producers went for Patrick McGaw instead).
October 13, 2025 at 2:09 PM
At the weekend, I had the absolute pleasure to chat with director Ian Corson about his From Hell thriller MALICIOUS (1995). Lots of interesting details not made public before, including the fact that he wanted Matthew McConaughey for the male lead (but producers went for Patrick McGaw instead).
A double bill for the weekend!
October 10, 2025 at 1:47 PM
A double bill for the weekend!
Early access to a new review for THE NIGHT VISITOR (1971): "A slow-paced yet captivating locked room mystery with proto-slasher tendencies." The 650th review on the site!
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: ko-fi.com/hysterialives
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: ko-fi.com/hysterialives
October 9, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Early access to a new review for THE NIGHT VISITOR (1971): "A slow-paced yet captivating locked room mystery with proto-slasher tendencies." The 650th review on the site!
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: ko-fi.com/hysterialives
A small donation helps keep Hysteria Lives! online. Read now and discover other exclusive content: ko-fi.com/hysterialives