Welcome to the Blumhouse returns for a second year with four new Amazon original horror movies produced by Blumhouse premiering on Prime Video: Bingo Hell and Black as Night on October 1, and Madres and The Manor on October 8. To celebrate the return, horror producer extraordinaire Jason Blum (Halloween, Get Out, Paranormal Activity) welcomed me to his (virtual) house to discuss the new batch of films, spoilers in trailers, and more.
Bingo Hell, directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero (Culture Shock), is a horror-comedy in which the elderly fight back against a diabolical businessman trying to gentrify their bingo hall. Black as Night, directed by Maritte Lee Go (Phobias), follows a teen who leads an infiltration of a vampire faction in New Orleans. Madres, directed by Ryan Zaragoza, centers on a pregnant Mexican-American couple at a 1970s migrant farming community. The Manor, directed by Axelle Carolyn (Tales of Halloween), finds a supernatural presence preying on nursing home residents.
After receiving criticism for the lack of female directors in Blumhouse's repertoire in the past, Blum is visibly proud to be backing new and diverse voices with this year's films. “It makes for stories we wouldn’t have expected," he explains. "All four of [the new Welcome to the Blumhouse films] are about people who are marginalized in some way or another, and I don’t think that would have happened if it hadn’t been for working with underrepresented filmmakers.”
“I think we all learn and grow from understanding other peoples’ experiences in the world," he continues. “When you see stories about people that are having those experiences [you haven’t had], I think it makes you more empathetic and better rounded people and better citizens of the world as a result.”
Welcome to the Blumhouse's streaming model also allows Blum to take risks he may otherwise be unable to explore with theatrical releases. “The lane is much wider for streaming movies. Theatrical movies have to really check certain boxes to be able to be marketed and play theatrically. We can be more playful with what we choose."
"We see a lot of scripts on the movie side of the company that we love but don’t have the opportunity to make, and the Welcome to the Blumhouse partnership with Amazon has given us a venue to make these movies," he adds. "Horror-comedy, for instance, is an example that just doesn’t work theatrically. Edgar Wright can pull it off sometimes, maybe, but no one else seems to be able to do it! But it works great for streaming. And two of the four movies, there’s a lot of funny things in them. So it allows us to get behind movies that are more different and left-of-center than we can in our theatrical business.”
One thing you won't see in a Blumhouse production is the pandemic. “Anything about a pandemic turns me off. I’ve been living through a pandemic; I don’t want to make a movie about the pandemic!" Beyond that, he doesn't want to repeat himself. “I built the company on trying not to repeat what we’ve done before. I’m not always successful. Some of our movies feel like the movies in the past, but I try and do new things. I don’t want to make, like, ‘This is the new Friday the 13th, not called Friday the 13th.’ They already made Friday the 13th; I don’t want the 'new' Friday the 13th.”
On the subject of spoilers in trailers, Blum admits, “I differ from my dear brothers and sisters, my directors. I think that it is extraordinarily difficult to break through with anything - with a movie, a show, Welcome to the Blumhouse. People have so many choices now. It’s very hard to get them to focus on what you want them to focus on. I think the only way to do that is to show the best parts of your movie or your show. The directors always say, ‘The audience gets mad!’ You know what? Very rarely do you come out like, ‘God, I would have enjoyed the movie if there was less in the trailer,’ or not see the movie because of the trailer."
"We get complaints about it all the time. People are always mad at us for doing it. I’d rather people complained and saw my movie than didn’t see the film, and I really think that’s the choice. I think a lot of the people who come out saying, ‘I saw this in the trailer,’ they never would have seen the movie if they hadn’t seen that in the trailer. That’s my feeling, but in the filmmaking community that makes me deeply unpopular," he chuckles.
Welcome to the Blumhouse has not yet been renewed for a third installment, but Blum is optimistic about its future. “There’s no official plans to extend the series, but I don’t see why we wouldn’t. It’s worked out great for Blumhouse. I think Amazon has been very happy about the performance of the movies. I hope to make it an October tradition.”
When you're done watching the four new Welcome to the Blumhouse films, Blum has another recommendation for your Halloween viewing: “I think Hush is a great movie. It’s Mike Flanagan's movie. It’s been seen online, but if you haven’t seen it, go check out Hush!”
Welcome To The Blumhouse 2021 | Official Teaser & Images
The “Welcome to the Blumhouse” slate once again showcases both well-established and breakout actors collaborating with emerging, predominantly female, directors.
BINGO HELL and BLACK AS NIGHT will be exclusively released on Prime Video on October 1, followed by MADRES and THE MANOR on October 8.
BINGO HELL
October 1, 2021
When a sinister figure threatens the residents of a low-income community, a feisty senior citizen tries to stop him in Bingo Hell, a wickedly original horror movie with a fiendishly funny twist. After 60-something neighborhood activist Lupita (Adriana Barraza) discovers that her beloved local bingo hall has been taken over by a mysterious businessman named Mr. Big (Richard Brake), she rallies her elderly friends to fight back against the enigmatic entrepreneur. But when her longtime neighbors begin turning up dead under grisly circumstances, Lupita suddenly discovers that gentrification is the least of her problems. Something terrifying has made itself at home in the quiet barrio of Oak Springs, and with each new cry of “Bingo!” another victim falls prey to its diabolical presence. As the cash prizes increase and the body count steadily rises, Lupita must face the frightening realization that this game is truly winner-takes-all.
Directed by: Gigi Saul Guerrero
Written by: Shane McKenzie, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Perry Blackshear
Starring: Adriana Barraza, L. Scott Caldwell, Richard Brake and Joshua Caleb Johnson
Executive Produced by: Jason Blum, Lisa Bruce, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Raynor Shima and Lauren Downey
BLACK AS NIGHT
October 1, 2021
A resourceful teenage girl leaves childhood behind when she battles a group of deadly vampires in Black as Night, an action-horror hybrid with a strong social conscience and a biting sense of humor. Fifteen years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, a new threat leaves its mark on the Big Easy in the form of puncture wounds on the throats of the city’s vulnerable displaced population. When her drug-addicted mom becomes the latest victim of the undead, 15-year old Shawna (Asjha Cooper) vows to even the score. Along with three trusted friends, Shawna hatches a bold plan to infiltrate the vampire’s mansion in the historic French Quarter, destroy their leader, and turn his fanged disciples back to their human form. But killing monsters is no easy task, and soon Shawna and her crew find themselves caught in a centuries-old conflict between warring vampire factions, each fighting to claim New Orleans as their permanent home.
Directed by: Maritte Lee Go
Written by: Sherman Payne
Starring: Asjha Cooper, Fabrizio Guido, Mason Beauchamp, Abbie Gayle with Craig Tate and Keith David
Executive Produced by: Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Lisa Bruce, Maggie Malina and Guy Stodel
MADRES
October 8, 2021
Beto (Tenoch Huerta) and Diana (Ariana Guerra), a young Mexican-American couple expecting their first child, move to a small town in 1970’s California where Beto has been offered a job managing a farm. Isolated from the community and plagued by confusing nightmares, Diana explores the rundown company ranch where they reside, finding a grisly talisman and a box containing the belongings of the previous residents. Her discoveries will lead her to a truth much stranger and more terrifying than she could have possibly imagined.
Directed by: Ryan Zaragoza
Written by: Marcella Ochoa & Mario Miscione
Starring: Tenoch Huerta, Ariana Guerra, Evelyn Gonzalez, Kerry Cahill, and Elpidia Carrillo
Executive Produced by: Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Lisa Bruce, Sanjay Sharma and Matthew Myers
THE MANOR
October 8, 2021
A malevolent force preys upon the residents of a sleepy nursing home in The Manor, a gothic tale of terror with a modern twist. When a mild stroke diminishes her ability to care for herself, Judith Albright (Barbara Hershey) moves to Golden Sun Manor, an assisted living facility with a sterling reputation. But despite the best efforts of the staff, and a budding friendship with fellow senior Roland (Bruce Davidson), strange occurrences and nightmarish visions convince Judith that a sinister presence is haunting the massive estate. As residents begin to die mysteriously, Judith’s frantic warnings are dismissed as fantasy. Even her devoted grandson Josh (Nicholas Alexander) thinks her fears are the result of dementia, not demons. With no one willing to believe her, Judith must either escape the confines of the manor, or fall victim to the evil that dwells within it.
Written and Directed by: Axelle Carolyn
Starring: Barbara Hershey, Bruce Davison, Nicholas Alexander, Jill Larsen, Fran Bennett and Katie Amanda Keane
Executive Produced by: Jason Blum, Jeremy Gold, Marci Wiseman, Lisa Bruce, Sandy King and Richard J Bosner
Welcome to the Blumhouse returns with four new Amazon original horror movies produced by Blumhouse (Get Out, Halloween) premiering on Prime Video: Bingo Hell and Black as Night on October 1, and Madres and The Manor on October 8.
Broke Horror Fan is giving away passes to advanced virtual screenings of the films. Choose between Bingo Hell and Black as Night on September 30, then all winners will be invited back for their choice of Madres or The Manor on October 7.
Click here and fill out the form as instructed to enter. Winners will be drawn this Friday, September 24. To help you decide, information on all four titles can be found below.
Bingo Hell is directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero (Culture Shock) and stars Adriana Barraza, L. Scott Caldwell, Richard Brake, and Joshua Caleb Johnson.
After 60-something neighborhood activist Lupita (Adriana Barraza) discovers that her beloved local bingo hall has been taken over by a mysterious businessman named Mr. Big (Richard Brake), she rallies her elderly friends to fight back against the enigmatic entrepreneur. But when her longtime neighbors begin turning up dead under grisly circumstances, Lupita suddenly discovers that gentrification is the least of her problems. Something terrifying has made itself at home in the quiet barrio of Oak Springs, and with each new cry of “Bingo!” another victim falls prey to its diabolical presence. As the cash prizes increase and the body count steadily rises, Lupita must face the frightening realization that this game is truly winner-takes-all.
Black as Night is directed by Maritte Lee Go (Phobias) and stars Asjha Cooper, Fabrizio Guido, Mason Beauchamp, Abbie Gayle, Craig Tate, and Keith David.
Fifteen years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, a new threat leaves its mark on the Big Easy in the form of puncture wounds on the throats of the city’s vulnerable displaced population. When her drug-addicted mom becomes the latest victim of the undead, 15-year old Shawna (Asjha Cooper) vows to even the score. Along with three trusted friends, Shawna hatches a bold plan to infiltrate the vampire’s mansion in the historic French Quarter, destroy their leader, and turn his fanged disciples back to their human form. But killing monsters is no easy task, and soon Shawna and her crew find themselves caught in a centuries-old conflict between warring vampire factions, each fighting to claim New Orleans as their permanent home.
Madres is directed by Ryan Zaragoza and stars Tenoch Huerta, Ariana Guerra, Evelyn Gonzalez, Kerry Cahill, and Elpidia Carrillo.
Beto (Tenoch Huerta) and Diana (Ariana Guerra), a young Mexican-American couple expecting their first child, move to a small town in 1970’s California where Beto has been offered a job managing a farm. Isolated from the community and plagued by confusing nightmares, Diana explores the rundown company ranch where they reside, finding a grisly talisman and a box containing the belongings of the previous residents. Her discoveries will lead her to a truth much stranger and more terrifying than she could have possibly imagined.
The Manor is directed by Axelle Carolyn (Tales of Halloween) and stars Barbara Hershey, Bruce Davison, Nicholas Alexander, Jill Larsen, Fran Bennett, and Katie Amanda Keane.
When a mild stroke diminishes her ability to care for herself, Judith Albright (Barbara Hershey) moves to Golden Sun Manor, an assisted living facility with a sterling reputation. But despite the best efforts of the staff, and a budding friendship with fellow senior Roland (Bruce Davison), strange occurrences and nightmarish visions convince Judith that a sinister presence is haunting the massive estate. As residents begin to die mysteriously, Judith’s frantic warnings are dismissed as fantasy. Even her devoted grandson Josh (Nicholas Alexander) thinks her fears are the result of dementia, not demons. With no one willing to believe her, Judith must either escape the confines of the manor, or fall victim to the evil that dwells within it.
Welcome to the Blumhouse is back with four new Amazon original horror movies produced by Blumhouse (Get Out, Halloween) for Prime Video: Bingo Hell and Black as Night are out today, and The Manor and Madres premiere on October 8.
Broke Horror Fan is giving away passes to advanced virtual screenings The Manor and Madres, which will take place on October 7 at 9:30pm EST (6:30pm PST). Click here and fill out the form to get yours.
Each screening will be followed by an interactive after-party with a live DJ, chat box, and virtual photo booth.
The Manor is directed by Axelle Carolyn (Tales of Halloween) and stars Barbara Hershey, Bruce Davison, Nicholas Alexander, Jill Larsen, Fran Bennett, and Katie Amanda Keane. Madres is directed by Ryan Zaragoza and stars Tenoch Huerta, Ariana Guerra, Evelyn Gonzalez, Kerry Cahill, and Elpidia Carrillo.
When a mild stroke diminishes her ability to care for herself, Judith Albright (Barbara Hershey) moves to Golden Sun Manor, an assisted living facility with a sterling reputation. But despite the best efforts of the staff, and a budding friendship with fellow senior Roland (Bruce Davison), strange occurrences and nightmarish visions convince Judith that a sinister presence is haunting the massive estate. As residents begin to die mysteriously, Judith’s frantic warnings are dismissed as fantasy. Even her devoted grandson Josh (Nicholas Alexander) thinks her fears are the result of dementia, not demons. With no one willing to believe her, Judith must either escape the confines of the manor, or fall victim to the evil that dwells within it.
Beto (Tenoch Huerta) and Diana (Ariana Guerra), a young Mexican-American couple expecting their first child, move to a small town in 1970’s California where Beto has been offered a job managing a farm. Isolated from the community and plagued by confusing nightmares, Diana explores the rundown company ranch where they reside, finding a grisly talisman and a box containing the belongings of the previous residents. Her discoveries will lead her to a truth much stranger and more terrifying than she could have possibly imagined.
