Hungry (in theaters from Signature Entertainment) — In a brilliant move, James Nunn makes a horror movie about a hungry hippo (really!) that attacks a group of tourists on a bayou boat tour. The trailer looks campy and fun, and the creature’s features rely on practical effects, so it could be a sweet summer treat.
Hacking: Karma’s Dual Purpose to Fuel Rage (now available on VOD via Scatena & Rosner Films) — After husband-and-wife filmmakers Shane Brady and Emily Zurcher are scammed out of their money, they decide to take matters into their own hands with a fantastical tale of bloody revenge against the thieves. Absurd, funny, and satisfying, “Hacked” is an indie story fueled by righteous anger.
Find Your Friends (premiering June 12 on Shudder) — Isabel Pakzad’s fiery revenge story is carried by a strong cast (Helena Howard, Bella Thorne, Sion Moreno, Chloe Cherry, Sophia Ali) who create a believable desert party atmosphere before having to deal with the locals. This is a toxic ode to friendship worth exploring.
“Rose of Nevada” (in theaters June 19 via 1-2 Special) — George MacKay and Callum Turner play two men who are taken away after taking a job on a time-traveling boat in Mark Jenkin’s surreal sequel to “Any Men.” A mashup of genres for the adventurous viewer, Jenkins’ idea rewards the patient and curious viewer.
Leviticus (in theaters June 19 via Neon) — This buzzing festival favorite is an excellent queer love story between two boys (Joe Bird and Stacey Clausen) who soon become possessed by a similar monster. This little surprise from writer/director Adrian Chiarella combines great tone and scares to deliver another gem in a very strong year for horror filmmaking.
Camp (in theaters June 26 from Dark Sky Films) — This dark, dreamy, and magical feature film from writer/director Avalon Fast takes place at a camp for young women dealing with their grief. With rich cinematography and a fresh cast led by Zora Grimmer, this is a compelling blockbuster that deserves an audience beyond its warm festival reception.
Strung (released June 26 on Peacock) — Malcolm D. Lee makes his first horror film with Strung, starring Chloe Bailey as a violinist who must confront a dark secret from her past. Tyler Perry and Jason Blum are producing the project, which also stars Lynn Whitfield, Lucien LaVicount, Anna Diop, and Coco Jones.
