Demon Disorder: Das Böse wächst in uns

Sparse, confusing plot. Thoroughly unlikable cast for the most part.

Dreary and derivative to the extreme.

The most of the creature effects seemed like they were practical and well-made. I also thought the one garage employee was a perfectly serviceable character. Haha, serviceable...get it? Get it!?

But the three brothers and whatever they were doing on screen just wasn't my bag.

And if the "disorder" of the title was supposed to be some metaphor of an affliction of ageing, that didn't work at all in the slightest one bit remotely to any extent by any means.

I don't even think knowing what was going on would make the film enjoyable. Nor does it need a sequel.

I wish I knew why I still pay for Shudder. Very little new content is added and when it is, it is either "Shudder exclusive" nonsense like this and In A Violent Nature or a "Shudder Original " like...well, name any Shudder Original, they pretty much all stink. This one is yet another average possession film, with the distinction of Australian accents. Shudder was much better before it was under the dubious wing of AMC. At least then there was the possibility of finding an older classic to revisit. Now? Not so much, plus all the new stuff absolutely suck. Skip this, and skip Shudder if that's at all possible.

I recently watched the Australian film 🇦🇺 The Demon Disorder (2024) on Shudder. The story follows a family that reunites after their father passes away. As old tensions resurface, they uncover unsettling secrets-specifically, their father's bizarre activities that may have opened a literal gateway to hell in the garage. As demons escape and begin attacking, the family must band together to stop them and possibly save the world.

Directed by Steven Boyle in his directorial debut, the film stars Charles Cottier (Home and Away), Dirk Hunter (Rain Fall), Amy Ingram (In Our Blood), and John Noble (The Lord of the Rings).

This is one of those horror movies where the beginning and end far outshine the middle. The film's settings, lighting, and cinematography are top-notch, and the acting and dialogue feel grounded and believable. The opening sequence involving a cow was fantastic, and the demon "birthing" scene is the film's standout moment. The last twenty minutes brought to mind a mix of Pumpkinhead and Aliens, with well-executed costumes, makeup, and some enjoyable gore for horror fans.

In conclusion, The Demon Disorder has is far from perfect but has enough solid moments to satisfy horror enthusiasts. I'd give it a 5.5-6/10 and recommend it with tempered expectations.

Oh, When Evil Lurks, it's a chest burster.

Continuing into Ahhctober 2024, I found another Australian horror to promote. But, barely. This is such a minor version of the great "When Evil Lurks" of 2023. I will say, though, this has INCREDIBLE special/practical effects. I will ALWAYS praise a movie that favors/uses practical over CGI. Especially, THIS well.

Two estranged brothers reunite when a family member suffers from a demon attack much like the father/head of household. This isn't a straightforward tale, but it's fairly easy to grasp. I just can't fathom these people surviving these chest-bursting demons.

I do LOVE Australian movies, especially the horror kind. SOOO many of them out there to enjoy. Problem here is, it's very self-contained. It all takes place in two locations and literally could've taken place anywhere in the world.

It's also very short - only 86 minutes, but it does feel SOOO much longer. Not much story here and yet, it's serviceable. Especially due to the effects, acting and it being well-shot. Slight recommendation.

***

Final Thoughts: Let's all support filmmakers like these. Practical effects need to be front and center. It's creative and shows heart.

The practical effects are outstanding in this grimy Australian horror with echoes of 'Relic' and 'The Taking of Deborah Logan' in the premise of dementia and Alzheimers Disease being a springboard of demonic possession.

The acting is top notch by the cast and they all seem like brothers going through this hell.

The ending is rather abrupt and doesn't really pay off but its refreshing to see the blood and gore well used and, from what I could tell, not much CGI effects used.

Kudos to the budget which was sparse but got across the dirtiest living conditions on this farm.

I predict these filmmakers have a bright future in this genre.