Mike Screech
@autistichorror.bsky.social
Run An Autistic Guide Through Horror, bad at bios. https://anautisticguidethroughhorror.wordpress.com/
He/him/they/them
He/him/they/them
Having a London weekend seeing shows. First is My Master Builder. It gets hamstrung trying to stay true to the original story and expanding on the themes in an original way, but Kate Fleetwood understands what the play is going for and dominates every scene she's in.
June 13, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Having a London weekend seeing shows. First is My Master Builder. It gets hamstrung trying to stay true to the original story and expanding on the themes in an original way, but Kate Fleetwood understands what the play is going for and dominates every scene she's in.
The Ash Tree (1975) Remember watching this before and not being into it. Wow, that changed on a rewatch, one of the best so far, a literal haunting of generational trauma with weird little creatures. Striking imagery, intelligent storytelling and unflinching portrayal of human cruelty.
December 31, 2024 at 5:09 PM
The Ash Tree (1975) Remember watching this before and not being into it. Wow, that changed on a rewatch, one of the best so far, a literal haunting of generational trauma with weird little creatures. Striking imagery, intelligent storytelling and unflinching portrayal of human cruelty.
The Treasure of Abbot Thomas (1974) The slow unraveling of clues works better in the story than on screen, despite best efforts. Perhaps expecting too much from a television programme that is now fifty years old, but the solid final third doesn't make up for the dull build-up.
December 31, 2024 at 2:29 PM
The Treasure of Abbot Thomas (1974) The slow unraveling of clues works better in the story than on screen, despite best efforts. Perhaps expecting too much from a television programme that is now fifty years old, but the solid final third doesn't make up for the dull build-up.
Received this for Christmas and finally cracking it open. Wish me luck...
December 29, 2024 at 1:40 PM
Received this for Christmas and finally cracking it open. Wish me luck...
Lost Hearts (1973) Creepy grey coloured kids with long fingernails is such a striking image, and there's a really strikingly gory image of what happened to these scary kids. A just as creepy central performance too of the wannabe occultist with indulgent taste that makes this story extra nasty.
December 17, 2024 at 7:57 PM
Lost Hearts (1973) Creepy grey coloured kids with long fingernails is such a striking image, and there's a really strikingly gory image of what happened to these scary kids. A just as creepy central performance too of the wannabe occultist with indulgent taste that makes this story extra nasty.
A Warning to the Curious (1972) Gorgeous landscapes hide mysterious figures, this one has convinced me that I prefer seeing M R Janes' stories rather than reading them, at the very least it's scarier.
December 14, 2024 at 10:30 PM
A Warning to the Curious (1972) Gorgeous landscapes hide mysterious figures, this one has convinced me that I prefer seeing M R Janes' stories rather than reading them, at the very least it's scarier.
The Stalls of Barchester (1971) Makes sense out of what is a simple story told in a convoluted way. Great atmosphere, best sections are with Robert Hardy as a terrified Archdeacon.
December 14, 2024 at 9:22 PM
The Stalls of Barchester (1971) Makes sense out of what is a simple story told in a convoluted way. Great atmosphere, best sections are with Robert Hardy as a terrified Archdeacon.
Whistle and I'll Come to You (1968), I saw the 2010 version when it first aired and didn't really get it. Appreciated this odd little story this time round with great mumbling and muttering from Michael Hordern and a genuinely unsettling final scene.
December 3, 2024 at 6:15 PM
Whistle and I'll Come to You (1968), I saw the 2010 version when it first aired and didn't really get it. Appreciated this odd little story this time round with great mumbling and muttering from Michael Hordern and a genuinely unsettling final scene.
Tis the season, finally cracking into this beauty!
December 3, 2024 at 6:08 PM
Tis the season, finally cracking into this beauty!
After a year's absence, it's about time I wrote something new for the blog, so keep your eyes peeled late tomorrow for a post covering all these films and more, what could possibly connect them...
January 21, 2024 at 8:28 PM
After a year's absence, it's about time I wrote something new for the blog, so keep your eyes peeled late tomorrow for a post covering all these films and more, what could possibly connect them...
Halloween Advent Day 30: Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Whether you watch the film, track down the stage recording or listen to a cast album, this is a show of theatrical beauty and genius songwriting telling a bloody, melodramatic tragedy with wit and pathos. It's perfect!
Whether you watch the film, track down the stage recording or listen to a cast album, this is a show of theatrical beauty and genius songwriting telling a bloody, melodramatic tragedy with wit and pathos. It's perfect!
October 30, 2023 at 8:48 PM
Halloween Advent Day 30: Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Whether you watch the film, track down the stage recording or listen to a cast album, this is a show of theatrical beauty and genius songwriting telling a bloody, melodramatic tragedy with wit and pathos. It's perfect!
Whether you watch the film, track down the stage recording or listen to a cast album, this is a show of theatrical beauty and genius songwriting telling a bloody, melodramatic tragedy with wit and pathos. It's perfect!
Halloween Advent Day 29: Return of the Living Dead 3
30 years old today, it's Bonnie and Clyde if Bonnie was a zombie. As a Yuzna fan, I am in for this trashy, gory romzomcom with a tragic relationship at its heart as they deal with the psychological horror of zombiefication.
30 years old today, it's Bonnie and Clyde if Bonnie was a zombie. As a Yuzna fan, I am in for this trashy, gory romzomcom with a tragic relationship at its heart as they deal with the psychological horror of zombiefication.
October 29, 2023 at 9:18 PM
Halloween Advent Day 29: Return of the Living Dead 3
30 years old today, it's Bonnie and Clyde if Bonnie was a zombie. As a Yuzna fan, I am in for this trashy, gory romzomcom with a tragic relationship at its heart as they deal with the psychological horror of zombiefication.
30 years old today, it's Bonnie and Clyde if Bonnie was a zombie. As a Yuzna fan, I am in for this trashy, gory romzomcom with a tragic relationship at its heart as they deal with the psychological horror of zombiefication.
Halloween Advent, Day 27: Doctor Jekyll
Out today, this is a really fun take on the classic story. Izzard gives great value for money and Scott Chambers holds his own opposite her. Yes, there's some predictability but there's enough originality to keep you entertained!
Out today, this is a really fun take on the classic story. Izzard gives great value for money and Scott Chambers holds his own opposite her. Yes, there's some predictability but there's enough originality to keep you entertained!
October 27, 2023 at 6:20 PM
Halloween Advent, Day 27: Doctor Jekyll
Out today, this is a really fun take on the classic story. Izzard gives great value for money and Scott Chambers holds his own opposite her. Yes, there's some predictability but there's enough originality to keep you entertained!
Out today, this is a really fun take on the classic story. Izzard gives great value for money and Scott Chambers holds his own opposite her. Yes, there's some predictability but there's enough originality to keep you entertained!
Halloween Advent Day 26: 2LDK (2003)
Always trust a recommendation from @blondekwaidan.bsky.social , starts with passive aggression between two roommates and escalates to physically and psychologically tearing each other apart. Stylishly stripped back, grippingly tense, and all in an hour!
Always trust a recommendation from @blondekwaidan.bsky.social , starts with passive aggression between two roommates and escalates to physically and psychologically tearing each other apart. Stylishly stripped back, grippingly tense, and all in an hour!
October 26, 2023 at 7:58 PM
Halloween Advent Day 26: 2LDK (2003)
Always trust a recommendation from @blondekwaidan.bsky.social , starts with passive aggression between two roommates and escalates to physically and psychologically tearing each other apart. Stylishly stripped back, grippingly tense, and all in an hour!
Always trust a recommendation from @blondekwaidan.bsky.social , starts with passive aggression between two roommates and escalates to physically and psychologically tearing each other apart. Stylishly stripped back, grippingly tense, and all in an hour!
Halloween Advent Day 25: Cat People (1942)
A romantic drama with an undertone of psychological horror that gradually overwhelms the film. It's a gorgeous film to look at and achingly poignant in its presentation of loneliness and disassociation, even when with a loving partner. Free on iPlayer now!
A romantic drama with an undertone of psychological horror that gradually overwhelms the film. It's a gorgeous film to look at and achingly poignant in its presentation of loneliness and disassociation, even when with a loving partner. Free on iPlayer now!
October 25, 2023 at 8:25 PM
Halloween Advent Day 25: Cat People (1942)
A romantic drama with an undertone of psychological horror that gradually overwhelms the film. It's a gorgeous film to look at and achingly poignant in its presentation of loneliness and disassociation, even when with a loving partner. Free on iPlayer now!
A romantic drama with an undertone of psychological horror that gradually overwhelms the film. It's a gorgeous film to look at and achingly poignant in its presentation of loneliness and disassociation, even when with a loving partner. Free on iPlayer now!
Halloween Advent Day 23: The Witch's Mirror
I reviewed the Eureka release earlier this year but I noticed that it's also on Mubi. A 60s Mexican horror that is strange, moving, takes unpredictable turns and has a great central performance from Isabela Corona. Urge you to see this underrated gem!
I reviewed the Eureka release earlier this year but I noticed that it's also on Mubi. A 60s Mexican horror that is strange, moving, takes unpredictable turns and has a great central performance from Isabela Corona. Urge you to see this underrated gem!
October 24, 2023 at 6:54 PM
Halloween Advent Day 23: The Witch's Mirror
I reviewed the Eureka release earlier this year but I noticed that it's also on Mubi. A 60s Mexican horror that is strange, moving, takes unpredictable turns and has a great central performance from Isabela Corona. Urge you to see this underrated gem!
I reviewed the Eureka release earlier this year but I noticed that it's also on Mubi. A 60s Mexican horror that is strange, moving, takes unpredictable turns and has a great central performance from Isabela Corona. Urge you to see this underrated gem!
Halloween Advent Day 23: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Shaun of the Dead on a bigger scale, a colourfully entertaining series on the horror of a zombie apocalypse being preferable to the mundanity of modern life. It's got laughs, gore and an endearing protagonist, recommended!
Shaun of the Dead on a bigger scale, a colourfully entertaining series on the horror of a zombie apocalypse being preferable to the mundanity of modern life. It's got laughs, gore and an endearing protagonist, recommended!
October 23, 2023 at 5:58 PM
Halloween Advent Day 23: Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Shaun of the Dead on a bigger scale, a colourfully entertaining series on the horror of a zombie apocalypse being preferable to the mundanity of modern life. It's got laughs, gore and an endearing protagonist, recommended!
Shaun of the Dead on a bigger scale, a colourfully entertaining series on the horror of a zombie apocalypse being preferable to the mundanity of modern life. It's got laughs, gore and an endearing protagonist, recommended!
Halloween Advent Day 22: Eerie. A great new audio anthology series with stories that live up to the title, covering different types of horror and playing with the audio form in inventive ways. Great writers involved including Alison Rumfitt and Willy Hudson. Perfect short treats for the season!
October 22, 2023 at 6:13 PM
Halloween Advent Day 22: Eerie. A great new audio anthology series with stories that live up to the title, covering different types of horror and playing with the audio form in inventive ways. Great writers involved including Alison Rumfitt and Willy Hudson. Perfect short treats for the season!
Halloween Advent Day 21: Boy Parts now running at Soho Theatre.
Concise and harsh adaptation of the brilliant novel unpicking artistic obsession and how truthful photography can really be. Skilfully directed as Irena is haunted by herself, blurring art and reality. Go see it!
Concise and harsh adaptation of the brilliant novel unpicking artistic obsession and how truthful photography can really be. Skilfully directed as Irena is haunted by herself, blurring art and reality. Go see it!
October 21, 2023 at 8:49 PM
Halloween Advent Day 21: Boy Parts now running at Soho Theatre.
Concise and harsh adaptation of the brilliant novel unpicking artistic obsession and how truthful photography can really be. Skilfully directed as Irena is haunted by herself, blurring art and reality. Go see it!
Concise and harsh adaptation of the brilliant novel unpicking artistic obsession and how truthful photography can really be. Skilfully directed as Irena is haunted by herself, blurring art and reality. Go see it!
Halloween Advent, Day 20: It Lives Inside
Caught this at Frightfest and easily one of my favourites of the year. Out today, this takes the traditional modern horror formula and spins it from a specific cultural angle with a story about identity, and a big scary monster, so something for everyone!
Caught this at Frightfest and easily one of my favourites of the year. Out today, this takes the traditional modern horror formula and spins it from a specific cultural angle with a story about identity, and a big scary monster, so something for everyone!
October 20, 2023 at 9:27 PM
Halloween Advent, Day 20: It Lives Inside
Caught this at Frightfest and easily one of my favourites of the year. Out today, this takes the traditional modern horror formula and spins it from a specific cultural angle with a story about identity, and a big scary monster, so something for everyone!
Caught this at Frightfest and easily one of my favourites of the year. Out today, this takes the traditional modern horror formula and spins it from a specific cultural angle with a story about identity, and a big scary monster, so something for everyone!
Halloween Advent Day 19: Haxan
Missed the first ten minutes of Evolution of Horror screening at Regent Street Cinema (with live organ!) because of tube, but my god, this has aged well and feels so modern. It's funny, disturbing, has incredible creature effects, even stop motion. Absolutely loved it!
Missed the first ten minutes of Evolution of Horror screening at Regent Street Cinema (with live organ!) because of tube, but my god, this has aged well and feels so modern. It's funny, disturbing, has incredible creature effects, even stop motion. Absolutely loved it!
October 19, 2023 at 10:23 PM
Halloween Advent Day 19: Haxan
Missed the first ten minutes of Evolution of Horror screening at Regent Street Cinema (with live organ!) because of tube, but my god, this has aged well and feels so modern. It's funny, disturbing, has incredible creature effects, even stop motion. Absolutely loved it!
Missed the first ten minutes of Evolution of Horror screening at Regent Street Cinema (with live organ!) because of tube, but my god, this has aged well and feels so modern. It's funny, disturbing, has incredible creature effects, even stop motion. Absolutely loved it!
Halloween Advent Day 18: Goosebumps (2023)
A new entry in "Justin Long having problems with his new house" universe. I grew up on the books and original TV show so I missed the pure anthology vibe but the cast is fun and it has a well done spooky atmosphere. Long retains his title of scream queen.
A new entry in "Justin Long having problems with his new house" universe. I grew up on the books and original TV show so I missed the pure anthology vibe but the cast is fun and it has a well done spooky atmosphere. Long retains his title of scream queen.
October 18, 2023 at 9:17 PM
Halloween Advent Day 18: Goosebumps (2023)
A new entry in "Justin Long having problems with his new house" universe. I grew up on the books and original TV show so I missed the pure anthology vibe but the cast is fun and it has a well done spooky atmosphere. Long retains his title of scream queen.
A new entry in "Justin Long having problems with his new house" universe. I grew up on the books and original TV show so I missed the pure anthology vibe but the cast is fun and it has a well done spooky atmosphere. Long retains his title of scream queen.
Halloween Advent Day 17: The Timekeepers of Eternity
An experimental re-edit of a badly made King mini-series is a hard sell, but it's worth it. In just over an hour, literal rips in the screen reflect the horrifying tearing apart of a man's psyche. A miracle that this works! On Vimeo til November
An experimental re-edit of a badly made King mini-series is a hard sell, but it's worth it. In just over an hour, literal rips in the screen reflect the horrifying tearing apart of a man's psyche. A miracle that this works! On Vimeo til November
October 17, 2023 at 7:14 PM
Halloween Advent Day 17: The Timekeepers of Eternity
An experimental re-edit of a badly made King mini-series is a hard sell, but it's worth it. In just over an hour, literal rips in the screen reflect the horrifying tearing apart of a man's psyche. A miracle that this works! On Vimeo til November
An experimental re-edit of a badly made King mini-series is a hard sell, but it's worth it. In just over an hour, literal rips in the screen reflect the horrifying tearing apart of a man's psyche. A miracle that this works! On Vimeo til November
Halloween Advent Day 16: The Black Cat (1934)
Karloff and Legosi on top form in this moody melodrama that has barely anything to do with the Poe story, but it is strange and overwrought enough to be one! At just over an hour, it packs plenty of Gothic goodness in to satisfy, recommended.
Karloff and Legosi on top form in this moody melodrama that has barely anything to do with the Poe story, but it is strange and overwrought enough to be one! At just over an hour, it packs plenty of Gothic goodness in to satisfy, recommended.
October 16, 2023 at 5:28 PM
Halloween Advent Day 16: The Black Cat (1934)
Karloff and Legosi on top form in this moody melodrama that has barely anything to do with the Poe story, but it is strange and overwrought enough to be one! At just over an hour, it packs plenty of Gothic goodness in to satisfy, recommended.
Karloff and Legosi on top form in this moody melodrama that has barely anything to do with the Poe story, but it is strange and overwrought enough to be one! At just over an hour, it packs plenty of Gothic goodness in to satisfy, recommended.