Three Strangers (1946)

Three people who've never before met agree to be bound to each other by a mutual agreement, in hopes that lore of wishing before a goddess statue at the stroke of the Chinese New Year will reward them. 

The set-up is pretty great. But, once we start following the individuals, the "magic" dissipates and morphs into three small stories of people entangled in unsavory circumstances. I'm not saying that I wasn't entertained, but it quickly became something other than the spookiness the first act got me primed to enjoy.

C+

Misery (1990)

Famous writer crashes in the middle of a snowstorm, but is rescued and nursed back to health by his "number one fan."

I saw this more than 25 years ago and was surprised at just how well it holds up. Kathy Bates is absolutely superb as Annie, treading the line between giddy fan and demanding captor brilliantly; there were times my heart actually twinged for her. But it's James Caan who quietly makes this movie really work. He plays it just right as both the grateful patient and the desperate captive. I truly think the best thrillers know that humans are scarier than anything supernatural could ever be.

B

Opus (2025)

Alfred Moretti, legendary musician, is dropping his first album in almost 30 years and has invited a handful of people to join him at his ranch for an exclusive first listen over the course of a weekend. Ariel is surprised to receive an invitation as she's an entry-level journalist while the other guests are much more well-known.

As the weekend unfolded, I was put in mind of Midsommar (outsiders welcomed into an established ecosystem with an undercurrent of danger) and as the visitors started to disappear, I thought I'd nailed the reference. Ayo Edebiri as Ariel/our avatar kept it honest, reacting plausibly to each new situation and refusing to just go along to get along. That said, it was the denouement that shocked me in the best way: understanding, finally, exactly what had occurred and why was such a satisfying experience.

A-

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

A pure young man has his portrait painted and thoughtlessly wishes that he could always remain as it portrays him while the painting would age in his stead. Under the influence of the worldly Lord Wotton, he heads down a path of hedonism. But, per his wish, his physicality never bears the marks of his actions while the portrait grows monstrous.

Though the film is black and white, the painting itself is often shown in gorgeous color, which is so effective, especially in the early scenes. We not only see but feel its power, as though -- if it were hanging in a museum -- we'd stand in front of it for hours. Where the film fails is in its horrors, which are left wholly to our imaginations except for two instances. The painting's magic worked a little too well in that it was extremely difficult to believe Dorian capable of terrible acts when we only see him in his innocent state.

B

They Will Kill You (2026)

After shooting her abusive father, Asia tries to escape, leaving her little sister behind. Years later, after a stint in prison, Asia takes a job as a maid in a building with all of the bad vibes. But she's got a purpose for being there and she's not the easy pickings the residents assumed.

It's all blood, guts and what the fuck moving at breakneck speed. Gory yet silly fun.

B-