Stream Warriors: November 4, 2022
Each week, Neon Splatter contributors offer up some viewing options found on streaming (U.S. unless otherwise noted). Movies, TV shows, specials, and more. New and old, from all sorts of genres and nations. Most importantly, we deem them worthy of your time.
Alexis M. Collazo: Deadstream (2022)
What It Is: A disgraced internet personality attempts to win back his followers by livestreaming one night alone in a haunted house. But when he accidentally pisses off a vengeful spirit, his big comeback event becomes a real-time fight for his life.
Where It Is: Shudder
Why You Should Watch It: “DEADSTREAM is a believable extreme of the ridiculousness of influencer culture that's equally funny and creepy.”
Jeremy Lowe: THIRST (2019)
What It Is: The drug addict Hulda is arrested accused of murdering her brother. After she is let go because of insufficient evidence, she meets Hjörtur, a thousand-year-old gay vampire. Together they have to fight a cult while being investigated by a rogue detective.
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “Gay vampire horror comedy, oh hell yeah! Huge fan of the gore, the practical effect, and the many severed penises. The dialogue was smart and funny. Fantastical characters grounded in reality with a great story arc made THIRST a true diamond in the rough. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.”
Kiley Fox: BASKET CASE (1990)
What It Is: Frank Henenlotter's BASKET CASE 2 picks up right where the original BASKET CASE leaves off. After surviving the fall from their hotel room window, Duane Bradley and his misshapen, basket-dwelling brother Belial are taken to the city hospital. Duane and Belial's aunt, known as Granny Ruth, takes them under her wing at her mansion, which serves as a safe haven for hideously deformed freaks of all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, the whereabouts of this dynamic duo don't remain secret for too long, and Duane and Belial team up with Susan, Granny Ruth, and her houseful of mutants to devise a plan to do away with the exploitative reporters once and for all.
Where It Is: Tubi
Why You Should Watch It: “It may seem out of character for me, but Frank Henenlotter movies hit a very complex sweet spot for me that combines all my favorite aspects of horror plus my coping mechanism of watching dirty, grimy things, when I'm super depressed. Somehow Henenlotter's absurdity helps the world make more sense. In fact, just watch all the BASKET CASEs this weekend. It's a weird reset button for the strange and unusual.”
Khayla McGowan: THE BAD GUYS (2022)
What It Is: After a lifetime of legendary heists, notorious criminals Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula are finally caught. To avoid a prison sentence, the animal outlaws must pull off their most challenging con yet -- becoming model citizens. Under the tutelage of their mentor, Professor Marmalade, the dubious gang sets out to fool the world that they're turning good.
Where It Is: Netflix
Why You Should Watch It: “I love a fun heist and don't let this being branded a family movie deter you--this is a GREAT. HEIST. BONUS: Zazie Beetz and Richard Ayoade play in this so naturally, how could anyone resist at least one viewing?”
Rob Dean: WYRM (2019)
What It Is: In an alternative 1990s equal parts Yorgos Lanthimos and Todd Solondz (but gentler), an awkward young teen must complete a school requirement in which students wear electronic collars that detach only upon engaging in their first kiss.
Where It Is: Hulu
Why You Should Watch It: “The aesthetic gives off that midwestern awkward ‘90s vibe of NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, but this film doesn’t look down on its characters. A brilliant alternate world that navigates the perils of puberty and romance beautifully in a way that’s hilarious and sympathetic. Great score and performances by the young cast, this indie film is way under the radar but worthy of your time and attention. If you want a taste of what you’re getting into, you can watch the short on which the feature is based.”