This week, things are not always what they seem. The grue-crew dive into a Yuletide anthology film and head to the psych ward for some demonic mumbo-jumbo. The first film this week is ALL THE CREATURES WERE STIRRING from directors David Ian McKendry and Rebekah McKendry, featuring a variety of horrific tales for the holiday season. The second film is THE HARROWING from director Jon Keeyes, featuring a rogue detective on the hunt for a demonic secret tucked deep inside an asylum.  Doc Rotten and Vanessa Thompson from Horror News Radio along with Jeff Mohr from Decades of Horror: The Classic Era share their thoughts about this week's awesome collection of streaming horror films.

Gruesome Magazine Podcast - Episode 048
ALL THE CREATURES WERE STIRRING - THE HARROWING

All The Creatures Were Stirring

When an awkward date on Christmas Eve leads a couple into a strange theater, they're treated to a bizarre and frightening collection of Christmas stories, featuring a wide ensemble of characters doing their best to avoid the horrors of the holidays. From boring office parties and last-minute shopping to vengeful stalkers and immortal demons, there's plenty out there to fear this holiday season.

"A Christmas horror anthology? I loved it. I had so much fun watching this!" - Vanessa

"I liked this. I liked anthologies in general and the trouble with anthologies most of the time is that they’re uneven. … This one, at least for me, 4 out of 5 are thumbs up and the fifth one, I really liked the idea, but I wanted to see a lot more." - Jeff

"It certainly is successful for what it is, what it sets out to do. I really like the tone and the feel and the execution of the interstitials, the little theater scenes. … Of course, as much Maria Olsen as you can put into your film, do it!" - Doc

Director: David Ian McKendry, Rebekah McKendry
Cast: Graham Skipper, Matt Long, Megan Duffy, Constance Wu

Release: Currently available on SHUDDER

The Harrowing

Haunted by the ritualistic killing of his best friend, a vice detective determined to discover the truth goes undercover into a forensic hospital and is plunged into his own personal Hell where demons might be real.

"It does a really good job at keeping you unsure as to what’s going on because you get two stories here and you have to decide who’s telling the truth and who’s not." - Vanessa

"This is a really complicated character to play and … I thought Matthew Tompkins did a really good job. I was impressed with what he did." - Jeff

"It’s a solid entry. It’s an impressive introduction to a new director (Jon Keeyes). It will be interesting to see what he does next." - Doc

Director: Jon Keeyes
Cast: Matthew Thompkins, Arnold Vosloo, Michael Ironside

Release: Available on VOD and on Demand December 25, 2018 from Clay Epstein’s Film Mode Entertainment.