Horror Noire is a 2021 American anthology horror film that showcases six stories of black horror from black directors and screenwriters. The film is a follow-up to the 2019 documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror.
The six stories featured in the anthology are: ‘Daddy’, ‘Bride Before You’, ‘Brand of Evil’, ‘The Lake’, ‘Sundown’ and ‘Fugue State’.
The new and adapted stories are written by husband-and-wife writing duo Tananarive Due (My Soul to Keep; Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror) and Steven Barnes (Lion’s Blood), Ezra Claytan Daniels, Victor LaValle (The Ballad of Black Tom, The Changeling) Shernold Edwards (All Rise, Anne with an E) and Al Letson (Reveals).
Doctor Robin R. Means Coleman, author of the book Horror Noire: Blacks in American Horror Films from the 1890s to Present, was consulted on the anthology, as well as Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror documentary producers Ashlee Blackwell, Phil Nobile Jr. and Kelly Ryan.
The Swirl Films production stars Lesley-Ann Brandt (Lucifer, Spartacus), Luke James (The Chi, Thoughts of a Colored Man), Erica Ash (Survivor’s Remorse, A Black Lady Sketch Show), Brandon Mychal Smith (Four Weddings and a Funeral, You’re the Worst), Sean Patrick Thomas (Macbeth, The Curse of La Llorona), Peter Stormare (American Gods, Fargo), Malcolm Barrett (Timeless), Tony Todd (Candyman, Night of the Living Dead), and Rachel True (The Craft).
Reviews:
“Horror Noire is an inconsistent, but fascinating anthology movie that is worth the watch. Familiar stories coming from fresh voices in the genre is always a welcome treat. It was hard not to wish for higher highs, particularly with talent looming this large over the two-hour-plus runtime.” Josh at the Movies
“The full stash runs two and a half hours and might have played better as a short series […] every film has weak spots, which makes the time really feel like a commitment. But there’s much to enjoy with each episode. Taken as a whole, there’s variety enough in style and substance to promise something for everyone.” Maddwolf
“Horror Noire underwhelms and meanders as a horror anthology that’s too much of a mouthful. Its inception is an evolution that the horror genre should continue, but ideologies alone do not equal a stunning product. I found myself exhausted by most segments that aren’t adept in delivering messages and entertainment in equal breaths.” What to Watch
Release date:
Horror Noire will premiere on Shudder on Thursday, October 28, 2021.
Trailer:
