Movies
The Possession of David O’Reilly (V)
“The film does come with faults that some may find unforgivable, but for those of you seeking a psychological horror film with a unique twist and a climax that’ll leave you debating the film’s events then this should be good enough for you.”
I first heard of this film as a result of backlash over it being just another “low-budget ripoff” of the shockumentary films like REC and Paranormal Activity, but that is far from the truth. While most likely influenced by the previously mentioned films, The Possession of David O’Reilly deals little with possession, and heavily with psychological horror. Nonetheless, the hate for this flick did not reach me, as I found this low-budget English effort to consist of some pretty darn good horror at times, resulting in a borderline-positive watch in the end.
In the wee hours of the morning Alex and Cate are awakened when David, a friend of Alex, shows up at their door after recently discovering his long-time girlfriend has been cheating on him. David is distraught over the ordeal, but his pain worsens when he begins to notice ghastly creatures making their way into Alex’s home. Little does David know, this horror is not new to him, and he has involved his hospitable friends in a real-life nightmare.
I have a strong love for films focusing on the paranormal or possession, so naturally my interest in this flick was pretty high. You can imagine the look on my face when I realized that this film’s title was quite misleading, however how “misleading” is up to interpretation. Read on.
The storyline was an interesting one that had me pretty interested from the get-go, however early on it comes off as the usual psychological horror film in the vein of Repulsion, with David seeing things he believes to be there, but evidence to the contrary proves otherwise…or so it seems. It does not take long before the horror hits the screen, about 14 minutes or so, and from then on out things stay pretty steady as far as the horror goes. I was very glad to see that the horror David faces came in the form of creatures that barrage him in the home of his friends, which was a break from the usual psychological horror consisting of only time-warped murderous delusions, although we do get some of that in this story here and there. Numerous twists and turns abound in this piece, with some of the mystery elements not made clear until the film’s climax, which itself is a bit of a mystery. Why so? Well, because most of the film you are left wondering whether or not David is crazy or if he is actually seeing hideous creatures trying to make their way into the home. Alex and Cate don’t believe him at first, naturally, but when they see the horror that David is going through they give him some benefit of the doubt, which ultimately leads up to the harrowing climax that will leave it up to you to decide whether or not he was possessed, delusional, or seeing creatures. So, in a sense, the film’s title is not as misleading as it seems, but should not be taken literally.
The film’s two novice directors, Andrew Cull and Steve Isles, did a great job executing this film with what little budget they had to work with. The atmosphere is dark and results in incredible sets that consist of numerous dark corners for the creatures to wait and lurk in, providing good tension as you never know when one of them is going to pop out. The look and mannerisms of the creatures was great as well, and Cull/Isles do a great job of keeping them somewhat hidden but giving them enough screen-time to get the scares going. Their overall execution of the horror was great, and I especially loved their long, drawn-out, Argento-esque scenes making the most of the creepy sets and using creative camerawork to deliver the horror. So if the horror was good and the story was unique then why only a 6-rating? Well the story had its flaws, which came mostly regarding the usage of its characters and some pretty bad dialogue. Things can get confusing at times, which will turn some people off as this was not necessarily the “good” kind of confusing associated with quality horror flicks like Cemetery Man, Triangle, and Jacob’s Ladder, but one that should have written better.
Overall, The Possession of David O’Reilly is a moderate horror film that gives some good horror thanks to good direction, and its unique storyline provides some engaging material to keep things interesting. The film does come with faults that some may find unforgivable, but for those of you seeking a psychological horror film with a unique twist and a climax that’ll leave you debating the film’s events then this should be good enough for you.
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Movies
‘The End of Oak Street’ and All-Night ‘Wishmaster’ Wish-a-Thon Invade Popcorn Frights 2026 Second Wave
The 12th annual Popcorn Frights Film Festival returns August 6-16 for 11 days of horror fun in South Florida, and second wave programming announcements suggest it’s going to be even bigger and bloodier this year.
Highlights in this wave include a special screening of The End of Oak Street. Popcorn Frights will immerse audiences in the world of Oak Street with a tricked-out screening, themed games, special photo opportunities, and an open invitation to wear your best bitchin’ ’80s attire for an unforgettable night at the movies.
The fest is also conjuring magic and granting wishes with a special screening of Wishmaster, with FX artist Robert Kurtzman and star Andrew Divoff in attendance.
After this screening, the ultimate overnight horror endurance event hosted by the Wishmaster begins. “Audiences will descend into an all-night cinematic marathon featuring a secret lineup of genre oddities, forgotten gems, and delirious cult favorites, all united by one sinister theme: wishes gone horribly wrong. The only guarantee? You’ll be sitting in a movie theater… and you won’t be sleeping. Even better, the event benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with all ticket proceeds helping grant life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses.“
Also in attendance this year is actor William Sadler, joining for special screenings of Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey and The Shawshank Redemption. Felissa Rose returns for a live commentary of Sleepaway Camp and the premiere of The Barn Part III.
That’s only the start of wave two programming, but the fest isn’t done yet; expect a third wave soon.
Read on for the packed second wave of Popcorn Frights 2026 programming:
IN-THEATER FEATURE FILM LINEUP
The Barn Part III
Florida Premiere
United States | 2026 | 97 Min. | Dir. Justin M. Seaman
Years after the events of “The Barn Part II”, the group still fears that the three evil ones will return to finish the harvest once and for all.
Breeder
Florida Premiere
United States | 2026 | 97 Min. | Dir. Alex Goyette
An eccentric poodle breeder lures a broke college student to her remote ranch with a promise of research funding. But, as he soon learns, there’s a catch.
Drag
Southeast US Premiere
United States | 2026 | 86 Min. | Dirs. Raviv Ullman, Greg Yagolnitzer
Two burglars face disaster during a simple home heist when one suffers a back injury. As the clock ticks and pain sets in, their escape becomes increasingly chaotic before the owner’s return.
The End of Oak Street
Special Presentation
United States | 2026 | 100 Min. | Dir. David Robert Mitchell
The Platt family bands together to navigate their new surroundings after a cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood to someplace unknown.
Hen
North American Premiere
South Africa | 2025 | 108 Min. | Dir. Nico Scheepers
After a brutal massacre, a childless couple discover a feral boy locked inside a wooden chest on an isolated farm. They take the child in, only to discover that the boy carries an inexplicable affliction: an unseen force that drives those who love him toward madness and despair.
Never After Dark
Florida Premiere
Japan | 2026 | 105 Min. | Dir. Dave Boyle
A traveling psychic who helps lost souls cross over encounters a powerful entity at a remote house. While investigating its origins, she uncovers dark secrets and faces a deadly threat from an unexpected source.
Unholy Night
US Premiere
Canada | 2026 | 91 Min. | Dir. Michael Gabriele
A family’s Christmas Eve dinner becomes a nightmare as Gino must protect his loved ones from his reanimated grandmother who crashes the celebration with murderous intent.
VIRTUAL FEATURE FILM LINEUP
Big City Pizza
Florida Premiere
United States | 2026 | 80 Min. | Dir. Dusty Saunders
As tension rises in the big city for the Omni Ball Championship, Boney, a skeleton pizza delivery man starts his shift.
Break a Leg
Southeast US Premiere
Australia | 2026 | 89 Min. | Dir. Kaitlyn Boyé
An aspiring actor arrives at the audition of his career–only to find himself locked in the theatre alongside fellow auditionee and disgraced former child actress.
Cat Cam
Southeast US Premiere
United States | 2026 | 95 Min. | Dir. Sara Werner
When two cat owners decide to put up pet cameras in their new home while they’re away on a trip, they soon make a terrifying discovery as to why their cat has been acting so strange.
The Daughters of the Domino
Southeast US Premiere
United States | 2026 | 98 Min. | Dir. Jesse McAnally
A modern noir about a mother who must reunite with her estranged detective sister to find her missing teenage daughter.
Demonetize
East Coast Premiere
United States | 2026 | 96 Min. | Dir. Alexander Watson
Out-of-work television ghost hunters discover the key to getting their jobs back–and proving ghosts are real–is by working with the last group of people anyone would expect: Social Media Stars.
The Fright Stuff
Florida Premiere
United States | 2026 | 72 Min. | Dir. Mike Meyer
A deep dive into the life and times of the haunted attraction industry in the United States–the history, the people, the lasting imprint it’s had on the culture.
Hollow Girls
World Premiere
United States | 2026 | 87 Min. | Dirs. Greg Swinson & Ryan Thiessen
Six teenage girls are lured by a classmate into a deadly trap, unraveling a shocking true-crime nightmare of jealousy, kidnapping, torture, and murder.
Lenore
East Coast Premiere
Australia | 2026 | 88 Min. | Dir. David Ward
When a controversial influencer suddenly disappears, a terminally online sycophant goes hunting for answers, but comes face-to-face with the monstrosity of his own sins.
Life at Sandy’s
East Coast Premiere
United States-Norway | 2026 | 75 Min. | Dir. Aleksandra Hansen
A lonely American stuck in a small Norwegian town is lured in by the characters of a friendly sitcom with increasingly sinister intentions.
Narcisa’s Will
Florida Premiere
Brazil | 2025 | 85 Min. | Dirs. Daniel Dias & Clarissa Appelt
A woman returns to her childhood mansion after her famous mother’s death to sell it and split proceeds with her brother. While clearing the property, she uncovers unexpected family secrets.
Savage Prey
World Premiere
United Kingdom | 2026 | 90 Min. | Dir. David Ryan Keith
A year after her son vanishes without a trace in the remote Scottish Highlands, a grieving mother returns to the wilderness that stole him, refusing to let the mystery die.
The Vanishing Tour
East Coast Premiere
United States | 2026 | 91 Min. | Dir. Patrick Meaney
When a struggling band is carjacked and stranded in the desert, they seek shelter at a mysterious compound that houses a dangerous and otherworldly secret.
IN-THEATER RETRO LINEUP
Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey
35th Anniversary, 4K Restoration
United States | 1991 | 93 Min. | Dir. Peter Hewitt
A tyrant from the future creates evil android doubles of Bill and Ted and sends them back to eliminate the originals.
From Dusk Til Dawn
30th Anniversary Presentation
United States | 1996 | 108 Min. | Dir. Robert Rodriguez
*Presented with the original short film From Dusk Till Dawn
Two criminals and their hostages unknowingly seek temporary refuge in a truck stop populated by vampires, with chaotic results.
The Shawshank Redemption
Special Event, 4K Restoration
United States | 1994 | 142 Min. | Dir. Frank Darabont
After a banker is sentenced to life in Shawshank Prison, he forms an unlikely friendship with a seasoned inmate and clings to hope amid cruelty and corruption.
Sleepaway Camp
Special Live Commentary Event
United States | 1983 | 84 Min. | Dir. Robert Hiltzik
Bunks and showers are a mad stabber’s beat at a summer camp strictly for teens.
Wishmaster
Special Event
United States | 1997 | 90 Min. | Dir. Robert Kurtzman
A demonic djinn attempts to grant its owner three wishes, which will allow him to summon his brethren to Earth.
Individual tickets and All-Access Badges for the in-theater experience—hosted at Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale and Classic Gateway Theater—are now available. Virtual All-Access Passes can also be purchased for streaming access to the full digital lineup. To order an In-Theater All-Access VIP Badge, click here, to order a Virtual All-Access Pass, click here.
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