RAW REVIEW: BANNISTER DOLL HEIST

Hot on the heels of Mycho's Cleaver 3: Maximum Cleavage comes yet another movie from the independent horror cinematic universe

Following on from the spooky goings on of 2019’s Bannister Doll House, this movie carries on the haunting tale of the demonic dolls.

Taking inspiration from classic heist movies AND old-school ghost stories, microbudget maestro MJ Dixon once again sets out to show he can do something new.

The House has yet to find a Mychoverse movie that disappoints - is the streak about to be broken?

Read on...

BANNISTER DOLL HEIST (2026)

Dir: MJ Dixon

Stars: ANGELIQUE TAYLOR, JACK GLANVILLE, PETRINA RICHARDSON, PHILIP ROGERS, CHRIS MORLEY, WILLIAM MARSHALL, JON-PAUL GATES, SEAN ABBOTT, TIANA ROGERS, AUDREY PERKINS

SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.

Opening with a daring raid on a police evidence locker, Bannister Doll Heist shows us a bunch of don on their luck career criminals looking for one big pay day. Sadly, things do not go to plan for Rey (Taylor), Frank (Philip Rogers), Judith (Richardson), and Davis (Glanville), and several police officers lose their lives.

Fleeing with their loot, the gang meet up with their corrupt inside man Officer Lawford (Marshall) at an old warehouse, praying their buyer will be able to give them a suitable payoff to escape the heat coming down on them.

However, they don't realise they are not the most dangerous thing in their hideout...

THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): While Bannister Doll Heist is releasing very close to Cleaver 3: Maximum Carnage, the movies could not be further aprt in terms of tone and pacing.

The film is smaller, quieter, and significantly scarier than its counterpart. Taking the creepy and unsettling tone of its predecessor, this is a fantastically creepy little picture.

Feeling like a unique blend of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Conjuring, the movie combines fun, memorable characters and chilling set-pieces. 

The highlights come from the fantastic Taylor, who imbues Rey with a subtle vulnerability and toughness that ensure you'll be rooting for her throughout. She's very much the heart of the movie so her nailing the part is vital - thankfully, she does.

Philip Rogers also impresses as the volatile tough guy Frank. He oozes menace and even brings some subtle humour to the part. Great stuff!

I raved about Marshall's increased role in Cleaver 3, and I was delighted to see him play another larger part in Bannister Doll Heist. He brings enough sleazy energy to the character to ensure you can't wait for him to get his comeuppance. 

Morley also brings some nice gravitas to his character - one of the few survivors of the shocking events of Bannister Doll House (AKA The Haunting of Molly Bannister) his character ties everything together and acts as the catalyst for the events of the movie.

I always want to single out the incredible Perkins who brings the story's villainous entity to life in a very unnerving way.

Of all of Mycho's movies, I'd argue this has some of their scariest scenes. A cool combination of Perkins's terrifying performance, simple but effective special effects work, and fantastic sound design make the puppet-like demon true nightmare fuel.

Perhaps that is the movie's biggest strength - it is simple and focused on story and scares. It absolutely delivers both.

THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):  There is very little to find fault with in Bannister Doll Heist. It's a lean, mean, spooky thriller that never overreaches. Sure, some knowledge of what has come before is necessary, but I imagine many viewers will quickly be able to piece together the necessary information to keep up with events.

It's also lower budget than your typical Blumhouse blockbuster. It has a rough indie charm to it, but honestly, I feel that better suits the movie's tone anyway.

THE VERDICT: Let's get straight to the point - I loved Bannister Doll Heist.

The writing was on-point, the characters compelling, and the scares visceral. This is a shining example of British indie filmmaking, and I thoroughly recommend it.

You can read more about the movie at the Bannister series' official Facebook page. Or better yet, hit up the Mycho Patreon and help them create more quality indie horror.

If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

RAW REVIEW: CLEAVER 3 - MAXIMUM CLEAVAGE

After a short hiatus (about as long as the one I took from this blog!) MJ Dixon's Mychoverse is back, with not one but two brand-new entries!

Both movies see us return to the extended horror cinematic universe’s rogue’s gallery with a new outing for the notorious Bannister dolls coming soon, but first - killer clown Cleaver.

Following on from 2019’s Cleavers, this movie continues the twisted tale of the vicious clown’s family. 

With Mary-Beth Layton already proving to be just as deadly as her serial killer father, the creative folk over at Mycho have decided to team her with a few familiar faces in an exciting new setting for this third installment.

Will the gamble pay off - or is the joke on the audience?

Read on...

CLEAVER 3: MAXIMUM CLEAVAGE (2026)

Dir: MJ Dixon

Stars: HOLLY-ANNE DODKINS, WILLIAM MARSHALL, DAVID HON MA CHU, LEWIS COOPER, SONJA SEVA, ADAM LEZEMORE, AARON JACKSON, BEN MANNING, MARTIN W PAYNE, PHOEBE BAKKER, KIMBERLEY LASI, MOLLY BROWN

SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.

The movie opens with the authorities closing on Lil’ Miss Cleaver (Holly-Anne Dodkins) in her latest trap-laden hidey hole. Predictably, there is soon much bloodshed. But a touch less predictably, the sequence culminates in the capture of the budding slasher.

The authorities waste no time intending her to a maximum security prison - The Chamber - that holds the worst of the worst - and to illustrate this, we are reintroduced to a handful of monsters that should already be familiar to long-term Mycho fans - Mr Stitch (William Marshall), the Panda-headed Stripper Ripper (David Hon Ma Chu),  C’Nucklehead (Lewis Cooper), and the Man in the Mirro (Aaron Jackson) - all of whom were last seen hacking their way through a selection of victims in Slasher House 3: Rebooted - and actor Adam Lezemore, who hilariously, has no idea how he ended up in a movie filled with fictional killers.

Downtrodden and incarcerated through cutting-edge tech, the group soon become the personal playthings of the twisted Warden (Martin W Payne).

Eventually, Mary-Beth and her fellow inmates decide enough is enough, and set in action a daring plan to escape and exact revenge on their oppressors…

THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): Following the tragic and untimely death of original Cleaver actor Paul Rogers in 2020, the Mycho crew were faced with a big decision - recast or pivot? Out of respect to their late friend, the group decided instead to take a risk, shifting the spotlight and thinking outside the box for subsequent entries in the series. This risk-taking has led to tremendous imagination on their part - and that is abundant in Cleaver 3: Maximum Carnage.

The film bounces along at a rapid rate, complete with fun plot twists, thrilling action sequences, plenty of biting humour, and some nice character development for some of the new faces that may have had more limited screentime in the past.

It helps that these actors are so good - Dodkins is the focal point of this movie, and she effortlessly steps back into the role she played so well in Cleavers. She nails the Harley Quinn-like mannerisms, making Mary-Beth an unhinged but compelling screen presence.

The returning Manning shows nice chemistry with newcomer Seva, and they add a nice, down-to-earth human element to this larger-than-life rollercoaster ride.

Marshall is a real highlight of the movie; he regularly plays smaller roles in the Mycho catalogue so this bigger part is well-deserved. That he does so brilliantly as the monstrous Cletus Sawney is just a further testimony to that fact.

I've spoken at length about how awesome David Hon Ma Chu is (not least in his character's previous spin-off movie Pandamonium). He has consistently proven himself to be among the finest actors in the Mycho troupe, and he does typically fantastic work here. I'm already looking forward to his return in the upcoming Pandamonium Incorporated!

Another regular collaborator is Payne, who also receives a larger role in this movie as the villainous Warden Warner. He's always a joy to watch, and this outing is no exception. Sure, maybe the accent wobbles a little at times, but he's having so much fun chewing the scenery as an out-and-out bad guy you can't help but get carried away by his work.

A special highlight is the brilliantly funny way in which Lezemore is incorporated, oozing fish-out-of-water confusion and at the heart of the movie's funniest moments.

The setting is almost a character in its own right, and shows that microbudget maestro MJ Dixon is far from running out of ideas for the Mychoverse. The Chamber is a brilliant addition - expanding on the shadowy tech and authorities already featured in the Slasherhouse flicks, and also giving our leads a decent dilemma to overcome as part of the storyline.

Dixon has previously said the movie was heavily influenced by the likes of Fortress (with its high-tech penitentiary), Con Air and The Devil's Rejects (with their rogue's gallery of interesting anti-heroes) - and those factors make for a heady, action-packed mix.

However, I'd argue it bears a striking resemblance to another title, too. If the Slasherhouse movies are the Mychoverse's Avengers, this is its Civil War - a smaller, more character-driven crossover with plenty of big moments for fans of the series.

THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):  Perhaps the most obvious point to open, but one which is worth starting - Cleaver 3 is the third part in a trilogy of movies, with close links to multiple other horror films, several chapters into an ongoing and evolving cinematic universe. As such, this is not very newcomer-friendly.

Cleaver 3 was also created using a far smaller budget than your typical big studio (or even small studio) Hollywood horror movie.

It does look great for a film with such humble resources - but it is still a low-budget film. This means that at times it can become a little rough around the edges. Please do bear this in mind.

Finally, and this is only a minor issue, but the decision to cast some of these characters as heroes is pretty risky - not least Jakob Jakushi's, whose attitude towards women in his previous outing makes him very much a villainous character, even when he starts slashing despotic jailors. Perhaps this is the start of a redemption arc?

THE VERDICT: The good folk at Maycho never fail to impress me with their imagination, and Cleaver 3 is a fabulous example of the ingenious ways they find to spin new stories.

Despite setback after setback, and near-crippling budgetary constraints, Dixon and his team continue to deliver again and again. That the third movie in a series could be its freshest yet is truly mind-boggling.

It's fun, funny, and blends in some impressive action sequences, while giving memorable characters, dialogue, and a truly unique plot.

With a credit scene suggesting there's more on the way, count me as part of the Cleaver club!

You can read more about the movie at its official website. Or better yet, hit up the Mycho Patreon and help them create more quality indie horror.

If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

RAW REVIEW: WRATH OF THORN (2025)

Before MJ Dixon's Mychoverse took shape, there was Thorn.

First seen in the 2009 short film of the same name, the hulking, unstoppable, masked murder-machine has become something of a poster child for the Mycho independent cinematic slasher universe.

He has since appeared in two Slasher House movies, plus two spin-offs of his own, the excellent Legacy Of Thorn and Mask Of Thorn.

Now Dixon has decided to draw these events to an epic conclusion in Thorn's regular hunting ground of Avondale. Familiar faces converge on the site for one final cataclysmic showdown. As a wise man once wrote, who will survive and what will be left of them?

Read on...

WRATH OF THORN (2025)

Dir: MJ Dixon

Stars: Sophie Ash, Paris Rivers, Eve Kathryn Oliver, Lewis Cooper, Gareth Tidball, William Marshall, Mariana Gkila, Jon-Paul Gates, Pauline Peart, Melissa Hollett, Andrew Elias, Sean Botha, Maria Lee Metheringham, Sophie Stroud, Adam Lezemore, David Gelmini, Mia


SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.

In the aftermath of the massacre that lead to the fall of Avondale during the climactic moments of Mask Of Thorn, Jessica Lawrence (Ash) and her young daughter (Mia) return to the embattled town, hounded by a monstrous figure that will not let them go without a struggle.

Meanwhile, Eric (Rivers) and a squad of former HEXAGON agents have continued their mission from the closing scenes of Slasher House 3: Rebooted, planning to finally end the teen stalkee turned action hero’s long-standing vendetta against Thorn (Cooper).

However, the demonic slasher’s acolytes, lead by the sinister mayor (Peart) and menacing corrupt cop Detective Cyphers (Gates) have not given up on proving their loyalty.

As these opposing forces and the monstrous Thorn gather, the gateways of hell itself are set to open for one final desperate battle…

THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): I’ve long been a fan of the ambitious Mychoverse and as such I was very much looking forward to Wrath Of Thorn. 

I have become thoroughly invested in the characters introduced through the Thorn series to date (I’d suggest they are among the very best that writer/director/microbudget maestro Dixon have created) and there’s a wealth of backstory to address here.

Thankfully, this movie delivers in spades. 

It manages to feel both epic and intimate, delivering serious thrills and a legitimately earned conclusion for a host of Mycho’s most beloved characters. 

Of course it helps that Dixon was able to assemble such a solid cast to bring those characters to life.

Ash does an excellent job stepping into the role of Jess, bringing a perfect balance of toughness and vulnerability to the role.

Dixon also calls on several familiar faces to accompany newcomer Ash.

Oliver is always a delight to watch and she does a brilliant job continuing Bethany’s journey. She seems perfectly suited for the Mychoverse so I do hope to see more of her.

The imposing Cooper does a great job bringing the Mychoverse’s most iconic villain to life - he gets the subtle physical touches that help imbue his character with the right degree of menace.

Equally chilling was indie stalwart Elias whose every scene is bolstered by his gravitas. He plays a key part in the Thorn mythos so he absolutely needed to deliver - and he excels. Bravo!

Of course, this review would be amiss to not mention the returning Rivers. He’s been playing Eric for a decade now and he has become the heart and soul of this series. Watching him grow as an actor has been a real pleasure. He’s awesome, with a natural likeability that really helps ground the fantastical elements of the story.

The supporting players are also all more than competent, while child actor Mia is also a revelation for one with such little experience.

The characters bring the heart, while Dixon’s ambitious script brings the thrills. He deserves plenty of praise for having the guts to go big as he takes this story home.

There are a number of thrilling action sequences, some pretty cool effects, especially during the movie’s gonzo climax and tense ‘sandstorm’ sequence.

While this movie may not have had the hugest budget, the resourceful Dixon always finds a way to prevent a visually striking product - and this is no exception.

The grimy, post-apocalyptic feel of the fallen Avondale brought to mind Mad Max and Phantasm Ravager, while Thorn’s now obligatory bloodthirsty rampage provides some suitably gruesome moments of gore.

However, this movie’s biggest strength is one that is hardest to discuss without spoiling it.

This is a truly satisfying conclusion for every character involved. It delivers some twists and turns while neatly wrapping up a number of loose ends in which a lesser writer would have become hopelessly tangled. 

I LOVED the closing moments of this story - they show that this far into the Mychoverse, Dixon’s creativity shows no sign of waning.

THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning):  Perhaps the most obvious point to open, but one which is worth starting - Wrath Of Thorn is the final chapter in a trilogy of movies, with close links to a pair of other horror films and a set of accompanying short films. As such, this is not the place for newcomers to the series to jump on board.

It’s a movie that relies on some substantial knowledge of what came before. You wouldn’t start a novel in chapter 8, and this is not the place to familiarise yourself with the story of Jess, Bethany, Eric, Thorn, or the other inhabitants of Avondale. Take the time to watch what came first to truly appreciate this final instalment.

I know I mentioned it earlier, but again, I must stress that Wrath Of Thorn was created using a far smaller budget than your typical big studio (or even small studio) Hollywood horror movie.

It does look great for a film with such humble resources - but it is still a low-budget film. This means that at times it can become a little rough around the edges. Please do adjust your expectations and appreciate what this talented group of filmmakers were able to give us.

THE VERDICT: If the final instalment of the Slasher House trilogy was long awaited, the journey to this conclusion to the Thorn saga was equally as arduous.

It would have been easy to expect too much going on to this movie - but the Mycho crew have given me every single thing I could have wanted.

Clever storytelling and filmmaking ensure that Thorn at al go out on a high - if this is to truly be the final chapter of this saga it is a more than fitting conclusion.

Well done to all involved - and if that fun teaser hints at what is to come next in the Mychoverse I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Wrath Of Thorn is currently earning rave reviews on the festival circuit, with a home release coming soon.

In the meantime, why not read more about the movie at its official Facebook page. Or better yet, hit up the Mycho Patreon and help them create more quality indie horror.

If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

SLASHER HOUSE 3: REBOOTED (2024)

Regular HHoH readers will certainly be familiar with my love for Mycho, the independent cinematic slasher universe created by microbudget maestro MJ Dixon.

Originally launched with 2012's Slasher House, which saw the enigmatic Red battle her way through a facility filled with diabolical murderers, the ever-expanding universe fleshed out the backstory of her monstrous foes, leading to phase 2's quite fantastic Slasher House II, which further expanded on Red's story and her ongoing battle with her monstrous father.

Now, with a veritable rogue's gallery of villains that would make Batman balk hot on Red's tail, and the bitter struggle between vengeful daughter and demonic parent as personal as ever, we come to the grand finale, Mychoverse's own Endgame...

Ahead of its premiere at the 2024 Horror-On-Sea Festival, Dixon and co offered me a chance to look at a movie I've been eagerly anticipating for more than a decade.

Could Mycho really deliver the goods and offer a satisfying conclusion to one of indie horror's most impressive achievements?

Read on...


SLASHER HOUSE 3: REBOOTED (2024)

Dir: MJ Dixon

Stars: Redd Nicholson, Carly Halse, Paris Rivers, Luna Wolf, Grant Kempster, Cy Henty, Lewis Cooper, Adam Lezemore, Richard Fysh, Eileen Daly, Pauline Peart, Nicholas Vince, Dani Thompson, Martin W Payne, William Marshall, Sam Cullingworth, Matthew Baunsgard, Tony Mardon, Dean Sills, Peter Mahoney, Adam Dillon, Will Metheringham, Tiana Rogers, Lara Davis, Joe O'Connor, Wellington Grosvenor, David Hon Ma Chu, Paul Rogers, Jack Glanville, Michael Higham, MJ Dixon, Anna Dixon, Aaron Jackson, Haider Abdullah, Mark Smith, Natalie Chisholm, Moray Binfield


SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.

Finally, killer of killers Red (newcomer to the series Nicholson) is at the heart of the shadowy H.E.X.A.G.O.N's base of operations and she is given a first-hand view of the endgame her sinister father (Kempster) has been working towards for years... along with a shocking reveal about the nature of the Slasher House.

After reuniting with treacherous former comrade Luse (Halse) and crossing paths with the Thorn series' Eric (Rivers) - who has infiltrated H.E.X.A.G.O.N on his own mission of revenge - Red finds herself hunted by a new wave of cybernetically enhanced maniacal murderers, led by the psychotic Burny Man (Henty) as she herself moves towards her inevitable final confrontation with the Crimson Demon.

This is it everyone...

THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): Well, where to begin? After more than a decade, the story started in Slasher House reaches its conclusion. Along the way, Mycho has produced nine movies and numerous short films in this franchise, and now MJ Dixon has tasked himself with tying all of this content up into one neat little bow. It's an impressive task to undertake... and even more impressive that he has managed to pull it off!

Slasher House 3 is tightly plotted, with barely an ounce of fat on its lean mean runtime, and the various threads that have been produced along the way are cleverly interwoven. There a plenty of fan-pleasing moments involving this cinematic universe's most popular inhabitant, so bravo for giving those long-term followers exactly what they want!

It's difficult to discuss the plot of the movie at risk of sharing spoilers, but suffice it to say that even after all this time, the Mycho gang are able to pull off some impressive surprises. There were moments that prompted gasps and plenty of smiles along the way. If this is to be the end of Red's story (and of course, I can't possibly comment either way) she's going out with a bang.

As well as the clever twists and turns, Dixon's script also features all of the imagination I've come to expect from a Mycho flick. The new villains (and there are plenty) are quite excellent, with several crying out for their own spin-off movies much like their predecessors Thorn and Cleaver have spawned. Ranging from clever homages to iconic horror monsters of yesteryear to new and frightening creations, the rogue's gallery in this movie is one that gives Mycho plenty of fresh and interesting directions in which to go in the future.

The script also features a whole lot of action and the series' trademark wry humour. The wisecracks come thick and fast, with special mention going to the fourth-wall-breaking Prankster who is consistently hilarious throughout. The movie is also pretty much a steady series of escalating fight scenes and they never fail to deliver. Whether it be Red vs H.E.X.A.G.O.N's heavily armed goons or maniacal monster-on-monster smackdowns, these action set pieces are always fun, thrilling, and shot perfectly.

I've often praised Mycho's clever way of working around their budgetary limitations, as well as Dixon's own striking visual style, and Slasher House 3 is no exception. From the artful, Argento-esque colour palette to the clever use of quick cuts and framing, the movie looks like one with a budget far, far higher than the resourceful Mycho crew was able to work with. Well done to all involved!

Of course, a good-looking film can still fall flat if the audience doesn't care about the protagonists. Coming at the end of a string of films that have helped to flesh out these characters certainly doesn't hurt, but Dixon's clever script and dialogue ensure you are invested, as do the performers themselves.

Nicholson is the third actress to portray Red in as many movies, but she soon makes the role her own. She brings the toughness we come to expect of the character and adds some much-needed subtle vulnerability for the film's more emotional scenes in the final act. I was not familiar with her work before but I'm very much looking forward to seeing more of her.

Halse also takes up a role previously inhabited by another actress, and she also excels. Hers is not a simple impersonation of what came before - she gives Luse plenty of personality, making her another character that lights up the screen in every scene.

I've long been an admirer of Paris Rivers and his portrayal of Eric and I was delighted to see him getting a substantial role in this movie. He's likeable, charming, and very much somebody I hope to see continue working with Mycho.

Of course, indie horror fans will be familiar with Luna Wolf, who makes up the final component of the Mychoverse's new 'Core four'. She has decidedly less screen time here than in the previous Slasher House movie, but her role here is more complex and shows a considerable amount of range. Needless to say, she smashes it once again.

Other returning faces include a host of Mycho stalwarts such as Payne, and Marshall, all of whom are as reliable and fun to watch as ever. Well done gang, your hard work has not gone overlooked here.

The newcomers to the series also impress, with special credit for Henty's deranged Burny Man. He is menacing, yet somehow even sympathetic, oozing a palpable menace that makes his every scene a real thrill. Impressive indeed.

Elsewhere the Prankster, as brought to life physically by Lezemore and voiced with droll relish by Fysh is a consistent scene stealer. The recurring jokes about a Slaypril Fool's Day movie from Mycho are a long-running source of amusement, but can we please, please, get one now? Pretty please?

Equally impressive in this movie is the shockingly good special effects. Low-budget indie horror often suffers in this regard, as realistic gore and paranormal activity rarely come cheap. Somehow Dixon and his crew have given us some seriously nifty practical effects, and a couple of exceptional CG moments, especially those involving the stupendously creepy Mirror Man. There's one spin-off I'm dying to see.

THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning): I'll open with my usual caveat when reviewing indie horror - as impressive as Slasher House 3 is, it was very much created using a far smaller budget than your typical big studio (or even small studio) Hollywood horror movie.

Slasher House 3 really does look quite spectacular for a film with such humble resources - but it is still a low-budget film. This means that at times it can become a little rough around the edges. Please do adjust your expectations accordingly- it’s very much worth it.

Perhaps one criticism that could be leveled at the Mycho crew is that, if anything, the movie may have been too ambitious an undertaking. With production derailed by the COVID pandemic and a heinous robbery, Dixon et al have made no secret of the challenges they faced creating the movie. For the most part, I think these challenges were overcome with the typical ingenuity you might expect from this group of filmmakers.

However, there are a couple of rougher looking moments (perhaps caused by having to resource costumes that were stolen and recast roles following sudden departures from the production), but thankfully these are few and far between.

On a related note, as much as I admire the dedication to providing such a huge rogue's gallery for this movie, sadly it feels like several get short shrift in terms of screen time. Of course, if budget and time were no issue I'm sure we'd have got an epic two-part finale a la Infinity War/Endgame, but this is not the case. It means that some of the more familiar faces are reduced to extended cameos with an understandable focus on the Core Four, Harley, and the new faces. Ultimately I suppose this is a testimony to the longevity and enduring popularity of Dixon’s characters - I wanted even more!

THE VERDICT: Year after year Mycho have provided thrilling, fun, horror movies that I have gladly endorsed to you, the readers of HHoH.

Sadly, there comes a day when every streak, no matter how great, comes to an end.

Today is not that day.

Slasher House 3 was everything I wanted from the concluding chapter of what, no matter how you look it, is a legitimately impressive feat of Indie filmmaking and a thrilling final chapter/new beginning for this homegrown cinematic.

Yes, I listed some minor faults, but ultimately the film is simply exceptional. This is a shining example of what ingenuity, passion, and sheer daring can achieve on film. Put simply, it's a bona fide UK indie horror classic that deserves to be applauded.

Congratulations MJ, Anna, and everyone else involved in every step of the creation of not just Slasher House 3, but each and every other Mycho movie along the way to this point. You did it. Be proud.

Slasher House 3 will premiere at Horror on Sea on 21 January. You can buy tickets for the event here.

In the meantime, why not read more about the movie at its official Facebook page. Or better yet, hit up the Mycho Patreon and help them create more quality indie horror.

If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

SHARP SHOCK SHORT: THE THINNING VEIL

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of UK independent filmmakers Mycho. I've reviewed each of the micro-budget auteurs' offerings from 2017's Slasher House II, by way of Mask Of Thorn, via The Haunting Of Molly Bannister (AKA ) Bannister Dollhouse and Cleavers: Killer Clowns right up to the studio's most recent effort Pandamonium, and I have praised each and every one along the way.

Sadly, the real-world horrors of the last year put plans for the much anticipated third chapter in the Slasher House trilogy on hold, but that doesn't mean that Mycho supremos MJ and Anna Dixon have been sitting idle.

As contributors to their Patreon will know, they are still providing plenty of content, including some superb short horror films.

These shorts are a regular treat from Mycho, and one of these, The Thinning Veil, has drawn plenty of attention from critics, including selection for several prestigious film festivals.

For good reason too, as I will soon explain.

THE THINNING VEIL (2019)

Dir: MJ Dixon

Starring: Tatiana Ibba, Liza Keast

SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: I'll try not to spoil too much here but read on at your own risk.

Late one Halloween night, a lone woman, Roberta (Ibba) calls at the house of a medium, Madam Brenda (Keast) in search of answers.

Seen packing a handgun in her handbag before leaving her car, Roberta is desperate to locate a missing item and clearly means business, and as Brenda lays a piece of lace across the floor, chants 'Who do you want me to be?' and consults tarot cards, we soon realise that she has come to the right place.

As the voices of trick-or-treaters are heard having fun under the cold October night sky, Brenda explains that Halloween is the time at which the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest and, if you wish to contact one of the dearly departed, this is the night to do so.

But the dead have some tricks of their own...

WHY IT WORKS: Halloween is a great time for horror fans and The Thinning Veil does a wonderful job of evoking the spirit of the season (excuse the pun) while delivering a sterling tale with a couple of deft twists and turns all in less than 10 minutes.

I've expressed my admiration of the way in which director MJ Dixon uses a rich and stylised colour palette when shooting his films, and this is no different, shot with deep blues and rich oranges. It's touches like these that elevate Mycho's output far beyond its humble resources. 

Dixon's film looks fantastic while never drawing the focus from his two splendid leading ladies.

Essentially a two-person cast, the film relies heavily on Ibba and Keast delivering, and, thankfully, both do so with ease.

Ibba will be familiar to fans of Mycho's fun comedy/slasher hybrid, Pandamonium. She's excellent here, showing a tough edge but still portraying the essential vulnerability to make the story work. It's an assured and confident performance of a complex role and one that has me eager to see what she and Dixon can achieve together should they collaborate again in the future

Ibba is undoubtedly very, very good, and co-star Keast is simply fantastic. Madam Brenda is a wonderful character (and one I'd love to see more of in the extended Mychoverse). Having worked with Dixon before on both Slasher House II and The Haunting Of Molly Bannister, the director clearly trusts her, and with good reason. 

Keast imbues the character with gentle down-to-earth warmth and a creepy otherworldliness in equal measure. It's a joy to watch her character's impressive arc in a mere nine minutes.

Both actresses provide really nuanced performances, which is essential to telling Dixon's story.

On the surface, The Thinning Veil may appear to be a simple and rather traditional ghost story (I shan't discuss the exact details of the story so as to avoid spoiling your viewing experience) however, it does such a wonderful job of hiding that fact until the moment the trap snaps shut that it feels like so much more.

Furthermore, the subtle touches throughout, especially with regards to Madam Brenda's summoning ritual make for some brilliant world-building, suggesting there are plenty more fascinating stories for the character to be told if Dixon ever wants to return to The Thinning Veil.

Of course, the purpose of horror is to scare, to shock and frighten, and I'm delighted to say that this short contains quite possibly the most chilling shot Dixon has ever produced. It raised hairs on the back of my neck and I can imagine it would be amazing to behold on a large screen, should you get the opportunity to do. Blood-curdling stuff!

In short, this indie gem is a brilliant and spine-chilling ode to Halloween and an absolute must-see.

SO WHERE'S IT AT? The film has been selected for several film festivals and is available to Mycho's Patreon patrons. Until then you can check out the trailer for the short right here or read more about it at Mycho's official website https://mycho.weebly.com/. 

10 WORD WRAP-UP: Atmospheric UK indie short provides some excellent twists and chills

If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

RAW REVIEW: A NUN'S CURSE

Those of you who were reading this blog way back in 2014 may remember my review of Tommy Faircloth’s Dorchester’s Revenge: The Return Of Crinoline Head (which was subsequently retitled Dollface for those of you keeping score).


It was a brilliant slasher flick with gore, humour and some serious style, and it promptly made me a fan of Faircloth.

I went on to review his extremely cool short, The Cabin, and then his chilling supernatural flick Family Possessions, all of which received glowing reviews here at The House.

The start of a new decade comes with a new movie from Horsecreek Productions - A Nun’s Curse, and I was kindly asked to review it ahead of release.

Would this prove hits are becoming a habit for Faircloth? Or would this sister act be one to miss?

Read on...


A NUN’S CURSE (2019)





Dir: Tommy Faircloth

Starring: Felissa Rose, Erika Edwards, Kristi Ray, Damian Maffei, Gunner Willis


SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: I’ll try not to spoil too much here but read on at your own risk.


A group of four fun-loving youngsters on a road trip take a ghoulish detour when timid budding photographer Ashley-Kae, (Edwards) asks that they stop at an atmospheric burnt down church to capture some snaps.

Strolling deep into the woods, it emerges that Ashley-Kae has been haunted by nightmares of a malevolent nun since childhood.

When horny asshole Anthony (Maffei) reveals that he has lost the keys to their car, he, Ashley-Kae, her spoilt princess sister Gabby (Ray), and loveable geek Michael (Willis) are forced to take shelter in a grim, dilapidated abandoned prison.

But this is not just any abandoned prison - it is the former stomping ground of Sister Monday (Rose) - a murderous nun who used her position to punish the sinners incarcerated within.

Now, while the youngsters bicker as relationship revelations come to light, they are unaware that the tales of the sinister sister may be more than just legend...





THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): While A Nun’s Curse may not have the sort of colossal budget you might expect of a big studio genre movie, this is no cheap-looking indie flick.

A Nun’s Curse drips atmosphere from every frame and makes the most of some fantastic locations. Director Faircloth has always shown a keen eye for striking shots and this could well be his best-looking movie to date. The sequence within the ruins of the church looks stunning, while the dank, shadowy interiors of the prison make for a suitably chilling setting for the sequences featuring the diabolical Sister Monday.

It certainly helps that the always fantastic Rose is the one wearing the habit and wimple. Genre icon Rose plays the nun with an icy malevolence, and makes the very best of her limited screen time.

And she is far from the only cast-member to impress.

Edwards stood out as a talent to watch in Family Possessions and she is just as excellent here. Hers is a complex character, one that needs to combine both sympathetic and at times unnerving elements, and she delivers admirably.

Willis may also be recognisable to those familiar with Faircloth’s work after his appearance in Dollface. The nicest of the characters, his Michael is funny, and one you can’t help but root for. This is entirely down to his ability as an actor. I can’t wait to see more from him.

Maffei is making waves in the genre right now, having starred as the Man in the Mask in the criminally underrated sequel The Strangers: Prey At Night, and he shows why he has caught the eye of filmmakers with an assured, charismatic turn as Anthony. A character who would have been intensely unlikeable in lesser hands, Maffei injects just enough wit into the performance to make his performance shine.

The same can be said of Pieces of Talent’s Ray, who provides plenty of laughs as bad girl Gabby. She’s a fine actress and one I look forward to seeing more from in the future.

Of course, it helps that the cast have such a strong script to work with. Faircloth has always written sparkling, witty dialogue and that continues here. There are plenty of strong gags without the onscreen conversation ever sounding unnatural.

Faircloth’s writing ability is also obvious in the clever plot and, without wanting to give to much away, some defy zigzagging totally threw me when I thought I’d guessed how the movie was going to end. Bravo!

Finally, while the movie boasts wit and intelligence, it doesn’t forego the frights - or gore!

A couple of decidedly messy kills will definitely satisfy the splatter fans out there (and rank among some of the most gruesome I have seen in a very long time) while top drawer make-up effects by Redhouse FX make the nightmare demon a legitimately unnerving creation.





THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning): In truth, there is very little with which to find fault in this genre gem.

I suppose it’s worth pointing out that while A Nun’s Curse is an extremely impressive indie horror flick, it does not have the resources available to it that big-budget blockbusters such as the cinematic output of A24 or Blumhouse. It still looks great but do adjust your expectations accordingly.

As I mentioned earlier, I would have loved to see a little more of the always wonderful Felissa Rose. Still, what we get is quite fantastic, so I suppose it’s a testament to her and the Sister Monday character that I wanted more!

The small cast is great, and the fact that the core group is pretty tight means we get plenty of time to get to know them well and care about them. However, one downside to this is that it does limit the body count somewhat. We do get a couple of extra slayings in some cleverly used flashback sequences but those of you seeking death after death might be disappointed. However, rest assured that the ones you do get more than deliver!





THE VERDICT: Make no bones about it, A Nun’s Curse is a genuinely great horror movie. Brilliantly combining elements of the supernatural, psychological and slasher sub-genres, it’s a resounding success. Mixing fun and frights with some soul and plenty of smarts, A Nun’s Curse is another hit under the very talented Tommy Faircloth’s belt. It comes highly, highly recommended.


A Nun’s Curse will be released through Uncork’d Entertainment in June. Check it out then!


In the meantime, why not read more about the movie at its official Facebook page. Be sure to give it a Like while you’re there, quality indie horror such as this deserves your support.


If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors


Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

RAW REVIEW: PANDAMONIUM (2020)

Long term readers of this blog will be all too aware of my love for Mycho, the independent cinematic universe helmed by the extremely talented MJ Dixon.

With a whopping eight feature-length films already released, ranging from typical throwback slashers to psychological thrillers, from sci-if infused action flicks to supernatural chillers, the Mychoverse is a rich interconnected viewing experience.

Now, ahead of its premiere at the 2020 Horror-On-Sea Festival, Dixon and co offered me a chance to look at their latest effort in yet another sub-genre.

Pandamonium expands on the story of Slasher House II’s stripper hating, panda mask-wearing Jakob Jakushi - this time going the comedy-horror route.

Would Dixon’s talents lend themselves to giggles as well as gore?

Read on...


PANDAMONIUM (2020)



Dir: MJ Dixon

Stars: Oriana Charles, Will Jones, David Hon Ma Chu, James Hamer-Morton, Lee Mark Jones, Derek Nelson, William Marshall, Dani Thompson, Chloe Badham, Charlie Bond, Tatiana Ibba, Annie Knox, Nad Abdoolakhan, Martin W Payne, Pablo Raybould, Charlie Clarke, Susan Lee Burton


SPEEDY SYNOPSIS: I’ll try not to spoil too much here but continue at your own risk.

Arielle (Charles) has landed an admin job at top law firm Killmore & Percival. However, rather than be overjoyed at her big break she comes to realise that she is now working with a group of hard-drinking, drug-using, sexist city boys, headed up by the truly obnoxious Damian Hook (Hamer-Morton).

Forced to work late on her first day, she finds a sympathetic fellow new starter, Daniel (Jones) but things soon unravel when Damian and his cronies hire a team of strippers lead by tough as nails Jasmine (Thompson) - who lets slip a secret about Arielle’s past.

However, the arrival of Jasmine and her crew spells trouble in more ways than one - they have drawn the attention of the notorious Stripper Ripper, panda-mask wearing Jakob Jakushi (Hon Ma Chu). Now with a prime selection of victims assembled in one place, Jakushi won’t rest until he has killed them all - and anybody who gets in his way.





THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): I’ve always been a fan of Mycho’s darker more serious films - as my glowing reviews of grim psychological thriller Hollower and the spookily supernatural Bannister DollHouse will attest. So I approached Dixon’s first crack at full-on comedy with some trepidation.

Thankfully, my fears were utterly misplaced. Of course, some of the wisecracks that he has written for his teen characters and the always acid-tongued Red are side-splitters, but even they could not have prepared me for how smoothly the Mycho team have made the transition to humour.

It’s a non-stop barrage of gags, some well-performed physical comedy and just enough black humour to keep things suitably dark for a movie about a misogynistic panda-headed serial killer.

That’s not to say that the script is all fluff - there’s a strong theme of female empowerment throughout (as there so often is in the Mychoverse works) which might come as a shock to those who will inevitably make snap judgements after reading the synopsis, and some surprising emotional depth to boot.

It’s easy to care for characters when they are written so well and portrayed as brilliantly as they are here.

The frankly wonderful Charles gives what might be my favourite performance in a Mycho movie yet. Her well-rounded character is given plenty to do over her arc and whether she is inspiring sympathy or awestruck admiration, she manages it effortlessly. This is one actress I cannot wait time to see more of.

Equally great is young Tom Hardy-alike Will Jones, who shows real likeability along with serious acting chops. Remember that name, he’s going places.

I also loved the work of Thompson who manages to inject some nice humorous moments into her tough girl performance. I’m crossing all non-essential appendages that we’ll see her cross paths with Red one day.

Speaking of comedy, none deliver as many laughs as our deplorable city boys, with Hamer-Morton chewing the scenery with great aplomb every time he’s on screen. He reminds me of Ralph Inneson’s Chris Finch from The Office - a huge twat but so unapologetically awful you can’t help but grin every time he pops up.

The same holds for the delightfully deranged Lee Mark Jones and Nelson. The pair were in some of the funniest moments in the movie, and while they may not have been the subtlest characters their OTT energy was precisely what the film needed. Bravo gents.

Rounding out the frightful foursome was a familiar Mycho face in the form of Marshall. He’s great too as are the other returning Mycho alum.

Regular readers will know how much of a fan I am of the terrifically talented Badham - so I was delighted to see her back again - while a welcome albeit short appearance by the great Payne also added massively to the film.

In truth there are no weak links - Bond, Ibba and Abdoolakhan are all ace - but one of the very biggest pleasures came from seeing the return of the incredible David Hon Ma Chu. A horror movie is as only as good as its threat - and in this case, we have a superb performance. He made a big impression during his extended cameo at the beginning of Slasher House II - here he has so much more to do and really makes the most of it. It’s difficult to portray a character when your facial expressions are covered all the time, but his laconic and derisive delivery makes for a chillingly realistic yet bizarrely charming psychopath. He makes Jakushi a Ted Bundy-like bear headed buddy and it totally works. A post-credits message suggests there might be more to come for this character - if David Hon Ma Chu is attached then count me in.

It’s not just the wit, warmth and performances that make Pandamonium a must watch - the film never forgets that a horror movie needs scares too. There are some tense set-pieces scattered throughout the film, shot with Dixon’s usual impeccable timing and eye for framing, and the kills are shockingly brutal at times.

Dixon’s eye-catching use of colour (a trademark in Mycho’s output) is as on point as ever while the snappy editing (especially during a Commando-esque tooling up sequence involving office stationery) gives an already electric flick even more energy.

THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning): It is becoming boring to write this caveat to low budget indie horror, but once again I need to stress that Pandamonium was a labour of love assembled on a shoestring budget. The cost of this movie is probably less than that spent on catering for your typical big studio Hollywood horror movie.

Pandamonium looks fantastic for a film with such humble resources - but it is still a low-budget film. This means that at times it can become a little rough around the edges. Please do adjust your expectations accordingly- it’s very much worth it.

For example, the offices of celebrated law firm Killmore & Percival don’t exactly suggest the workplace of a top affluent business. There are no wide bright marble hallways or pristine boardrooms with huge mahogany tables. Instead, it’s a more typical looking office setting. I’m sure with a bigger location budget and unlimited research time Dixon would have shot in a building straight out of LA Law. Instead, the Mycho team did what they do best - take what is available and scale it up to purpose. This is just one more reason to praise their work, not a stick to beat them with.

While I praised the work of the larger cast, it does feel as if a few characters could have used a little more screen time. Of course, when you have a slasher movie you need bodies to up the body count, but it does feel as if a couple of characters have little more than a few minutes of meaningful screen time before they are dispatched. This is a tough one to address - make the movie much longer and it can risk feeling bloated. Ultimately I suppose this is a testimony to Dixon’s characters - the only flaw I could find was that I wanted more!




THE VERDICT: For the last few years MJ, Anna and their team at Mycho have asked me to check out their latest movies ahead of their big premieres at the Horror On Sea Festival in Southend each January. And every year I have been inspired to write ebulliently positive reviews for their efforts.

This streak continues with Pandamonium.

Die Hard meets Severance by way of Halloween, this mishmash of mirthful and murderous mayhem is a resounding hit. Great comedy, superb performances, some killer horror sequences and a lightning pace that never lets up make this another indie must-see from Mycho.

Trust me in this case you will have no choice but to grin and ‘bear’ it!

Pandamonium will premiere at Horror on Sea on 18 January. You can buy tickets for the event here.

In the meantime, why not read more about the movie at its official Facebook page. Or better yet, hit up the Mycho Patreon and help them create more quality indie horror.

If you haven’t already, do please check out and Like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House @HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.