PopHorror Let's Get Scared
One of my most anticipated films this year was Satanic Panic. Both critics and fans alike were raving about it, and I just couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it. The time finally came for me to watch this bloody madness unfold in honor of its release date, and let’s just say… I wasn’t disappointed.
This festival favorite was directed by Chelsea Stardust (read our interview with her here) with a screenplay co-written by Ted Geoghegan and Author Grady Hendrix. The cast includes Hayley Griffith (read our interview with her here), Ruby Modine, Rebecca Romijn, Arden Myrin, and Jerry O’Connell.
Synopsis for Satanic Panic
Sam’s first day as a pizza delivery driver is not going according to plan. At the end of a long day and not enough tips, her last delivery turns out to be for a group of Satanists looking for someone to sacrifice. Now in a fight for her life, Sam must fend off witches, evil spells and demonic creatures, all while trying to keep her body – and soul – intact.
Man, this film blew me the fuck away. I don’t usually go into a movie review with very high hopes, but with this one, I did. It exceeded my expectations far more than I could have ever dreamed of. The story is complete and utter fucking chaos, and it’s beautiful. The performances are amazing, and the special effects are of the highest quality, filled with delicious amounts of blood and gore.
I’m always bitching that it’s a crime we don’t have more witch movies, and that we haven’t received many great ones in the last decade. Satanic Panic has changed all of this. Although Satanic Panic is much more than just a witch movie, it definitely put a spell on me and has become my favorite film of 2019. This film is everything and delivers on all aspects. It should be in theaters everywhere right next to all the mainstream films, because it would sell just as many tickets – if not more – as the big blockbuster hits. I’ve never seen anything quite like this story. It’s original, fun, bloody, and one hell of a time… a pizza delivery from hell… literally.
All of the characters and performances were perfect, but Rebecca Romijn slays her role effortlessly. Not only does she rule the coven, but she also dominates the screen. You wouldn’t doubt for a second that she is the leader, and that, within a blink of an eye, she could turn you into a toad… or worse. I always love me some Jerry O’Connell, and his role is hilarious and slightly creepy. He meant well… he just perhaps didn’t go about it in the right way.
Hayley Griffith and Ruby Modin are equally brilliant in Satanic Panic. Their unlikely friendship was one of the best things about the film. Their chemistry came off as natural and unique. At first, I wasn’t a fan of Hayley’s character, Sam. She annoyed me with her sweet, naive, innocent persona. However, once I knew more about her story and watched her inadvertently take down a coven, she stole my heart. I’ve always been a fan of Ruby, especially in Shameless, but she kicked ass in Satanic Panic as Judi. The role suited her perfectly, and she played a huge part in the film. I don’t think Sam could have gained the strength to take on everything she did that night without Judi.
The special effects were insanely awesome, and the blood and gore were sensational. There are two scenes in particular that will have gorehounds smiling from ear to ear and loving every minute of it. Yes, this film really does have everything – pizza, witchcraft, demonic forces, unplanned pregnancies, and much more in just under 90 minutes!
Watch Satanic Panic Right Here!
Final Thoughts
Satanic Panic is the perfect way to wrap up your Summer. It has something for everyone! Chelsea Stardust is a director of badassery of the most epic proportions, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. RLJE Films is releasing Satanic Panic on September 6, 2019, to Theaters, On Demand and Digital!
