Movie: Poupée de nuit (Night Doll) – (2025)

Release Date: March 1, 2025 (Germany)
Written by: Cosmotropia de Xam & Violette de Lestrange
Directed by: Cosmotropia de Xam
Starring: Violette de Lestrange & Gaspard le Ténébraire
Distributed by: Mater Suspiria Vision and Phantasma Disques

 

 

 In the world of cinema, some connections take years to cultivate. That’s exactly how I came to find the movie Poupée de Nuit. It all started back in 2018 when I stumbled upon Samuel Müller’s posts showcasing old-school formats, new releases on Betamax and other retro mediums. His passion for unconventional film formats immediately grabbed my attention, I reached out to him. What followed was the beginning of a dialogue that would span years and result in some truly unique cinematic experiences.

The first of these was Flesh In The Machine (2018), a limited Betamax release under his company’s banner. Here in Sweden, I run a movie club, and we decided to give it a watch. It was surreal, disorienting, and deeply artistic. The experience sparked a meaningful conversation among my fellow movie buffs.

 

 

Picture taking from a old unboxing video I did – check it out here if you like YouTube 

Our exchanges continued over the years and in 2021, Samuel introduced me to The Inferno Index (2021), which was released on limited-edition VHS through Mater Suspiria Vision and Phantasma Disques. The retro VHS packaging instantly brought me back to the golden age of physical media, and once again, the film, directed by Cosmotropia de Xam, didn’t disappoint. It continued the legacy of pushing boundaries and experimenting with both format and storytelling. 

 

Present time, just a few weeks ago, Samuel shared an exciting new project: Poupée de Nuit (Night Doll). The striking poster immediately drew me in. Graciously, he offered me access to a digital version of the film for review and here we are, ready to delve into this dream!

From the moment the French voiceover begins, the film establishes a sense of elegance and mystery. The female voice recites, “I am Unica, poetess of shattered dreams and fragments of reflections,” and we are drawn into a world that’s both fragile and intense. Whether Unica is the character’s name or a poetic persona remains unclear, but it doesn’t matter, the words are more about atmosphere than clarity. There’s a sense of someone unraveling, trying to make sense of their fractured world.

Visually, the film presents itself in stunning black and white. The haunting imagery of old buildings, churches, and graveyards adds to the dreamlike quality, while evoking a timeless atmosphere. It’s a setting that feels both familiar and eerie, where the past and present collide in a haze of surrealism. At times, the visuals evoke a felling of a fever dream, an unsettling place where reality and fantasy blur.

It’s hard not to draw comparisons to the works of Jean Rollin, especially with the inclusion of a beautiful, ethereal vampire and dark, gothic imagery. But Poupée de Nuit has its own unique flavor. The film blends surrealism, nudity, and a certain artistic perversity to craft an experience that is both visually striking and emotionally disorienting. The dreamlike sequences are punctuated with scenes of quiet melancholy, leaving you with an impression that lingers long after the film ends.

Much like other art films, Poupée de Nuit can be difficult to grasp. The narrative isn’t linear, and the structure is unconventional, yet there’s a certain thread that runs through the chaos. While the other films I’ve seen from this Director have felt more chaotic and random in their imagery, this one feels more structured. Though still shrouded in ambiguity. It’s as though the film is telling a story, but not in a traditional sense. It’s more about evoking a feeling, a mood, than offering clear answers.

Watching the film in one go can be heavy. The best way to experience Poupée de Nuit is to simply relax, let go, and allow the film to wash over you. Let the images, sounds, and emotions unfold without trying to control the experience. The film doesn’t demand that you understand it all, it asks that you feel it.

There are moments of pure cinematic beauty, like the scene where the lead character is wrapped in film, possibly 16mm. It’s a powerful moment, a symbol of the film’s dedication to the medium itself. The use of film roll, both as a narrative device and an aesthetic choice, is a striking piece of art in and of itself.

Overall, Poupée de Nuit is a film that embraces its art-house roots fully. It is, without a doubt, an art film that should be viewed through that lens. It may not be for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. The film’s strength lies in its ability to provoke thought and emotion through its unconventional storytelling and visual style.

I give it a strong 6/10 while it’s not a film to watch casually, it certainly succeeds in its purpose of evoking powerful imagery and emotional responses. It’s an exploration of beauty, dread, and despair, wrapped in a dreamlike atmosphere that only art films can achieve.

Here are some links to check out:
Phantasma Disques Homepage
Facebook Page

Comic: Beowulf Collection (Issue 1-6) – (2025)

 Grant Lankard’s Beowulf is a 159-page Kickstarter project by the Pittsburgh-based creator. Released in January 2025, this collection brings together issues 1-6 (originally published in 2024) and weaves an epic tale where mythology intersects with the modern day. This ambitious work captivates readers with its blend of fantasy, mystery, and humor, making it a compelling read for fans of both classic and contemporary storytelling.

 

The adventure begins in a distant land (Denmark), where a discovery sets off a chain of events that connects individuals across the United States. From a struggling poet (Victor) in the Midwest to a determined teenager (Hazel) on the East Coast, their lives are intertwined by a common thread: an ancient dragon is on the loose, and its awakening has consequences for both the noble and the sinister. As the past comes alive, characters must navigate their roles in a world where destiny cannot be ignored.

While avoiding spoilers, it’s safe to say that Beowulf masterfully balances modern settings with mythological undertones. The inclusion of a mysterious talking cat, Mooney, and its sharp wit adds levity to the stakes. The story is laced with clever humor, subtle media references, and a well-paced unfolding of events that keeps readers engaged throughout.

António Brandão’s artwork is a standout feature, blending the mundane and the magical with ease. Each panel is meticulously detailed, capturing the depth of the narrative and the emotions of its characters. Grant Lankard’s coloring enhances the storytelling, adding vibrancy and mood to each scene. A particularly delightful touch is the dragon scale background used at the start of each new issue, a design element that readers will appreciate as the story progresses.

 

 

The collection excels in its character dynamics and storytelling. The interplay between mythology and contemporary challenges is handled with care, making the narrative accessible yet deeply immersive. The humor lands well, and the seamless integration of references to different media adds an extra layer of enjoyment. While the story is well-written, some elements, such as the quick acceptance of events by certain characters, might feel a bit under explored.

Grant Lankard’s Beowulf is an engaging and visually stunning work that delivers a satisfying mix of adventure, humor, and mythology. The connection between past and present, the stakes of a dragon on the loose, and the mystery of who will rise to face it make this collection a rewarding read.

With its rich storytelling and striking visuals, Beowulf earns a solid 6/10. 

Grant has a new Kickstarter going, a 30+ page sequel/prequel – Beowulf: Grendel’s Curse #1
Check it out here: Kickstarter
Follow Grant here: Instagram

/Sonny Mikszath

Movie: The Man in the White Van (2023)

Festival Release: 14 Okt 2023(USA) – Public Release: 13 Dec 2024
Written by Warren Skeels and Sharon Y. Cobb
Directed by Warren Skeels
Starring Sean Astin, Madison Wolfe, Brec Bassinger, Skai Jackson
Distribution: Relativity Media | Produced by Legion M and XYZ Films, Garrison Film

 In a well crafted cinematic 1970´s landscape, The Man in the White Van delivers a masterclass in suspense, tension, and emotional depth where this movie blends psychological horror with the raw confusion of adolescence, keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.

The story revolves around Annie, a 15-year-old girl struggling to find her place in a strict, business-minded family. Played brilliantly by Madison Wolfe (known for I Kill Giants and The Conjuring 2), Annie embodies the inner turmoil of a teenager caught between the pressure to conform and the desire to break free. Her sense of isolation within her family is palpable, and Wolfe’s nuanced performance makes Annie not only relatable but deeply sympathetic.

 

 

The external threat that compounds Annie’s confusion is a mysterious man in a white van who begins stalking her. What could be a simple narrative device is instead elevated by the filmmakers, making the van feel like a menacing, almost supernatural entity. The stark contrast between the white van, often shown gleaming in the sunshine, and the dark figure lurking behind the wheel, creates an unsettling sense that the van itself is alive—reminds me of Christine´s sinister car, yet uniquely its own. This eerie portrayal of the Jaw like van, paired with the film’s unsettling score and cinematography, builds an atmosphere of dread that is both subtle and suffocating.

The film’s structure, jumping back and forth between 1971 and 1975, adds layers of suspense. Each timeline shift reveals a new piece of the puzzle, gradually converging on a nail-biting climax. Though we may have a sense of what’s coming, the tension never wanes. The filmmakers do a fantastic job of keeping us on edge, even as we anticipate what will happen next. 

 

Some standout performance comes from Sean Astin (best known for The Goonies and The Lord of the Rings), who plays Annie’s father, William. Astin brings a grounded, authoritative presence to the film, perfectly portraying the well-meaning but emotionally distant patriarch of a family on the brink. His dynamic with Annie is fraught with tension, as he struggles to connect with his rebellious daughter. Brec Bassinger as Annie´s sister Margaret and Skai Jackson playing the best friend Patty perfectly.

The real triumph of The Man in the White Van lies in its ability to tap into the emotional chaos of being a teenager. The brilliant writing by Warren Skeels and Sharon Y. Cobb, paired with Skeels’ expert direction, and the unforgettable presence of the van itself, this film is a must-watch for thriller fans.

10/10 for its ability to captivate, terrify, and resonate on every level.

/Sonny Mikszath