Movies
[Review] ‘Sacrifice’ is a Compelling Yet Predictable Thriller
Celtic lore is one of those inherently spooky things that, sadly, has not had the opportunity to shine in the world of traditional horror movies. Sure, Halloween III: Season of the Witch was actually an intriguing Celtic fairy tale disguised as a bad sequel, and Samhain in general is often referenced in various films like Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat, but very few films have the guts to dive headfirst into this ancient and potentially creepy culture. This is why Peter A. Dowling’s new thriller, Sacrifice, stands out from the crowd with a conspiracy that steers away from the usual antichrists and satanic cults.
Sacrifice, based on the eponymous mystery novel by S.J. Bolton, stars Radha Mitchell, of Silent Hill fame, as Dr. Tora Hamilton, an outsider who moves to the Shetland Islands with her native husband Duncan Guthrie, played by Rupert Graves (Inspector Lestraud from BBC’s Sherlock), after a miscarriage. Although the sparsely populated region seems peaceful at first, Dr. Hamilton begins to suspect that the Islands hold a terrifying secret once she uncovers the preserved remains of a young woman on her property, with injuries suggesting a brutal ritualistic murder.
While the supporting cast, featuring Ian McElhinney, David Robb and others, does a great job at providing the viewer of a false sense of security, Radha steals the show as a resourceful and tenacious woman, willing to face the wrath of her entire community in order to discover what is really going on in her new home. Much like her role in Silent Hill, Radha carries the plot, grounding it with a believable character. That being said, a compelling protagonist doesn’t quite fix a generally by-the-numbers story, even with the refreshing premise. With twists that observant viewers will guess from a mile away, you’ll end up caring more about character development and drama than the mystery itself.
Even so, the northern Scottish setting is insanely atmospheric and almost ethereal, with foggy landscapes and rocky beaches that help sell Dr. Hamilton’s isolation and internal turmoil, making for continuously interesting visuals, despite the generally uninspired script. The soundtrack also contributes to this foreboding atmosphere, though it’s not as memorable as other aspects of Sacrifice. This quasi-supernatural ambience feels like a better antagonist than the actual scheming villains of the film, which is both a good and a bad thing.
In films like Sacrifice, where the overall plot takes a backseat to character moments and internal conflicts, your enjoyment of the experience really depends on how accepting you are of the setting and general look of the movie. The Celtic influences and Scottish scenery embellish this regrettably predictable plot, turning what could have been a boring genre film into a slow yet entertaining thriller akin to Rosemary’s Baby or even Ti West’s The House of the Devil, though not exactly as good as either of these examples. Radha Mitchell’s Aussie charm, however, is just the icing on an already well-baked cake.
A very hungry hippopotamus leads the charge for this week’s brand new horror releases, with Hungry now available at home along with four other new genre movies on Digital outlets.
Here’s all the new horror that released on Tuesday, June 23, 2026!
After a limited theatrical run, hippo horror movie Hungry is now available at home.
From writer and director James Nunn (Shark Bait, One Shot), Hungry follows thrill-seeking tourists on a riverboat tour through the treacherous Louisiana swamplands. Lured off the beaten path by the promise of an exclusive adventure, they soon find themselves fighting for survival against a ravenous hippopotamus lurking beneath the bayou’s murky waters.
Madison Davenport (It’s What’s Inside), Tracey Bonner (Greenland), Michel Curiel (“She-Hulk: Attorney at Law”), Jim Meskimen (“Parks and Recreation”), Samantha Coughlan (Arcadian), Olivia Bernstone (Fighting with My Family), River Codack (“Happy Face”), and Joaquim de Almeida (Desperado) star.
Rob Hunter wrote in his review for Bloody Disgusting, “When all is said and done, Hungry is a genuinely solid animal attack film that succeeds in making its creature threat thrilling, entertaining, and, dare I say, educational?” Rob’s review continues, “Characters are grounded and engaging, the film moves well between suspense, character beats, and action, and the effects used to bring the hippo to life are highly effective and never feel like distractions.”
William Bagley‘s horror comedy Hold the Fort is now available on Digital.
In the film, “Lucas and Jenny think their life is finally coming together when the couple become homeowners. Little do they know that their new house comes with a big catch.
“Lucas and Jenny soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when they become trapped in a battle between their Homeowners Association and an onslaught of monsters from hell.”
Vertigo Releasing promises, “The horror-comedy takes the timely concern of home-ownership and wraps this up in an entertaining action-packed thrill ride.“
Chris Mayers (Adult Swim Yule Log), Haley Leary (“The Walking Dead”), Levi Burdick, and Julian Smith star in Hold the Fort, written and directed by William Bagley.
The latest from filmmaker Alex Noyer, Love Is the Monster is now available on Digital.
Madeline Zima (“Doom Patrol,” “Twin Peaks”) and Leonardo Nam (Werewolf by Night, “Westworld”) star as the unlucky couple discovering romance’s malevolent side.
“Following their marriage being rocked by infidelity, Ana and Justin attend an exclusive couples retreat in Finland, under the golden rays of the summer’s midnight sun. They join other international couples to experience the transformative teachings of the shaman and healer, Tiina, inspired by the ancient Finnish goddess of love and fertility, Lempo.
“Despite her doubts and some ominous first experiences, Ana gives the retreat a chance, but the thrill is quickly replaced by a battle for survival, as the influence of the divinity and the pagan rituals turn deadly. Couples’ problems lead to calamity, while Ana learns about the peculiar role she unwittingly plays in Tiina’s plans.”
Kimberly Sue-Murray (“The Boys”), Moe Jeudy-Lamour (“Ted Lasso”), Kristina Tonteri-Young (“Warrior Nun“), Milla Puolakanaho (Attack on Helsinki), and Sheila McCarthy (Women Talking) also star in Love Is the Monster.
Alex Noyer co-wrote the script with his Sound of Violence collaborator Hannu Aukia and Blair Bathory. Laurence Gendron joins Noyer and Aukia as a producer.
Samara Weaving (Ready or Not 2: Here I Come) and Kyle Gallner (Strange Darling) come together in Carolina Caroline, a sexy crime thriller now available at home.
It’s not a horror movie, mind you, but it’s worth a mention here all the same.
Kyra Sedgwick (Family Movie) and Jon Gries also star in the romantic crime thriller.
Director Adam Carter Rehmeier’s film stars Samara Weaving as Caroline Daniels, whose desire to leave her small Texas town brings her into the orbit of a charismatic con man (Kyle Gallner), and together they weave a path of crime and passion across the American Southeast.
Adam Rehmeier previously directed the films Dinner in America and Snack Shack.
Tom Dean wrote the screenplay for Carolina Caroline.
Described as a mash-up between Pumpkinhead and Cube, Round the Decay offers a fresh take on the monster movie formula with roots extending into psychological and folk horror.
The film is now available on VOD outlets at home.
Written and directed by Adam Newman (Everwinter Night), indie monster movie Round the Decay follows a young woman as she returns to the sleepy town of Newport’s Valley two years after a devastating tragedy and uncovers an all-consuming secret.
Victoria Mirrer leads a cast that includes Damian Maffei (The Strangers: Prey At Night), Sienna Hubert-Ross (Terrifier 3), Melody Kay (The NeverEnding Story III), Phil Duran (Breaking Bad), Sarah Nicklin (The Black Mass), Rachel Pizzolato (Mythbusters Jr.), and Roger Clark (Red Dead Redemption II).
Round the Decay boasts a practical creature designed by veteran special effects artist Greg McDougall (The Haunting of Hill House, Stranger Things, War of the Worlds).
This week’s new release roundups are presented by HUNGRY.
All aboard the swamp tour from hell – this hippo isn’t playing games…
HUNGRY is now available on Digital. Watch it now!
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