Movies
‘Society’ Writer Peels Back the Layers of His ’80s Cult Classic in ‘The Darkside of Society’ Documentary
In 1989, Brian Yuzna made his directorial debut on Society. 35 years later, screenwriter Zeph E. Daniel peels back the layers to share his chilling truth behind the notorious cult classic in a new documentary.
The Darkside of Society will be released digitally May 13 from Uncork’d Entertainment.
Society‘s surreal and grotesque portrayal of elite depravity stunned audiences and secured its place as a horror essential. But while the film’s infamous “shunting” scene left an indelible mark on genre fans, its writer was enduring a very real psychological unraveling behind the scenes.
A raw, unfiltered examination of art, memory, and the dark corners of the creative process, the doc explores Daniel’s revelation that the film’s twisted plot was more autobiographical than he ever intended — a subconscious manifestation of repressed childhood trauma.
It features interviews with Yuzna, Society special effects designer Screaming Mad George, Color Out of Space director Richard Stanley, Warlock actor Julian Sands, former Fangoria editor Tony Timpone, Severin Films founder David Gregory, FrightFest co-director Alan Jones, and more.
“With built-in appeal for horror fans, cult movie lovers, and documentary audiences alike, The Darkside of Society delivers shocking revelations and a fresh perspective on a beloved genre classic,” says Uncork’d President Keith Leopard. “Zeph E. Daniel’s story is as unsettling as the film itself — a fascinating and deeply personal look at the creation of one of horror’s most unforgettable cult films. We’re excited to bring this revealing documentary to audiences everywhere.”
The Darkside of Society is directed by Larry Wade Carrell, Daniel’s producing partner at Crazed House. The duo recently collaborated on the horror films Girl Next and The Quantum Devil.
Sunrise Films has announced the official North American release of William Bagley‘s horror comedy Hold the Fort, and it’s accompanied by an energetic new trailer.
Hold the Fort debuts on digital platforms on June 23.
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. The horror-comedy takes the timely concern of home-ownership and wraps this up in an entertaining action-packed thrill ride.“
Watch the new trailer below, which introduces one wild HOA gathering during an equinox. Things get bloody fast.
Chris Mayers (Adult Swim Yule Log), Haley Leary (“The Walking Dead”), Levi Burdick, and Julian Smith star.
William Bagley writes and directs, in addition to producing with Smith, Matt Dodd, Luke Williams, and Tim Reis (Adult Swim Yule Log).
Ahead of the release, Bagley said, “My goal with this film was to make a hilarious, fast-paced thrill ride while also telling a great story with heart. Hopefully, through all the blood, laughs, fights, and gags, you leave the film feeling inspired to tackle whatever life throws at you.“
Hold the Fort premiered at Fantasia last summer before going on to play FrightFest London, Toronto After Dark, and Beyond Fest.
I wrote in my review, “It’s an infectiously charming assemblage of jokes and monster vignettes bound together by a barebones plot with not much on its mind beyond delivering an entertaining time.”
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