PopHorror Let's Get Scared
As we continue our coverage of the Horror-On-Sea 2023 Film Festival (read our Hi-Fear review here), we had the pleasure of checking out the killer anthology Horror-Scopes Volume 1.
Horror-Scopes Volume 1 Synopsis
Twelve star-crossed horror-scopes, each based on their individual astrological sign.
Horror-Scopes Volume 1 is a 2023 horror anthology film, written and directed by Mj Dixon (Slasher House 2012, Pandamonium 2020), Anna Dixon (Slasher House 2012, Legacy of Thorn 2014), Tony Sands (Nefarious 2019), Maria Lee Metheringham (Mask of Thorn 2019, Bite Night 2022), Dani Thompson (Pandamonium 2020, Bad Moon Rising 2021), Davin Jeayes Zed 2009, Edge of Extinction 2020), Alex Churchyard (I Scream on the Beach! 2020, The Allotment 2021), Mike Holiday (I Scream on the Beach! 2020, The Allotment 2021), Ben Manning (The Snarling 2018, CleaverS 2019), Pablo Raybould (Me Before You 2016, The Snarling 2018), Luna Wolf (Slasher House 2 2016, Pandamonium 2020), Martin W. Payne (Monstrous Disunion 2020, Mask of the Devil 2022), Richard Elson (Alfred Russell Wallace 2003, Sleuth 2007), John Foxen (The Shoot 2013, Waiting 2015), and Annie Knox (Sucker 2022, Beneath the Surface 2022).
The Players
Horror-Scopes Volume 1 stars John R. Walker (Jack the Giant Slayer 2013, Nemesis 5: The New Model 2017), Jonny Emmett (National Treasures: Book of Secrets 2007, Galavant 2015), Elena Mazzon (Killing Eve 2018, Eat Me out (Of House and Home) 2019), Maria Lee Metheringham, Gemma Troughton (CleaverS 2019, Horror-Scopes Volume One 2023), Jack Glanville (Cage and West 2015, Jealousy 2020), Dani Thompson, Tony Mardon (Ted Lasso 2020, Bad Moon Rising 2021), Kurt Deed (I Scream on the Beach! 2020, Bloods 2021), Andrea Sandell (Patient Zero 2018, I Scream on the Beach! 2020), Hannah Patterson (I Scream on the Beach! 2020), Tony Sands, Peter Tillley (Casting Kill 2023, Tales from the Great War 2023), and Annie Knox.
The film also stars Jen Soska (American Mary 2012, Rabid 2019), Sylvia Soska (American Mary 2012, Rabid 2019), Stacey Heart (The Beach 2000, Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead 2022), Pauline Peart (Carry on Girls 1973, The Satanic Rites of Dracula 1973), Philip Rogers (Powertool Cheerleaders vs the Boyband of the Screeching Dead 2022, Best Geezer 2023), Pete Moulam (The Devil’s Familiar 2020), Claire Louise Amias (Borley Rectory 2017, Telling Lies 2008), Paula Boyle (Sherlock Holmes: The Dancing Men 2022, The Eagle and the Owl 2022), and Caroline Mann (Trigger 2012, American Poltergeist 3).
Give Me A Sign
This is a truly unique indie horror anthology, unlike anything else I’ve seen. It consists of twelve terrifying tales, each one written and directed by a different talented indie horror creative. It’s dark, demented, diabolical fun.
There were a few segments that weren’t as impactful as one would hope, but there were others that really stood out from the group. For the most part they’re all very intriguing, entertaining, and compelling. They hold the audience’s attention well, leaving the viewer wanting more, and wondering what the next Horror-Scope might hold.
The music isn’t the best and the sound could use a little work. Also, the acting is a bit hit or miss. Some performances are much better than others. The lighting and costumes could also benefit from a facelift, along with some of the dialogue. However, it’s still an unnerving, unfettered descent into the far reaching depths of the soul.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Horror-Scopes Volume 1 is intriguing, absorbing, and horrific. It’s grim, foreboding, and unforgiving. The film is original, inventive, and one of the coolest concepts to come out in a very long time. If you love horror anthologies or are a fan of flash fiction, give this a spin. So…what’s your sign?
Stay tuned for more Horror-On-Sea 2023 Film Festival review coverage from PopHorror!
