Michael Varrati

Hulu’s Into The Dark has been delivering monthly feature-length, seasonal-themed horror films for over a year. For the first time, there is an explicitly queer entry with the Dec 27 installment, titled Midnight Kiss. Written by Erlingur Thoroddsen (Rift) and directed by Carter Smith (The Ruins), the film is about “a group of longtime gay best friends head to a beautiful desert home to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Relationships are put to the test and truths are revealed as the night turns into a fight for survival.”

After screening the film, which Trace Thurman and I discuss on the Horror Queers Patreon here, I messaged Erlingur and Carter with questions. Spoilers follow (so watch the episode before proceeding). [Read more…]

Office politics are about to take a deadly turn.

Making its debut at film festivals this summer is The Office is Mine, a biting and darkly comedic tale of workplace horror that reveals something about the competitive nature within us all.

The result of a creative collaboration between filmmaker & queer horror advocate Michael Varrati (Tales of Poe, He Drinks) and celebrated actor & filmmaker Ben Baur (Hunting Season, #Adulting), The Office is Mine is a searing, satirical, and blood-soaked portrait of what happens when we allow our perceptions of our social standing dictate our self-worth.

Written and directed by Varrati and based on a story concept by Baur, The Office is Mine stars Ben Baur, Chris Salvatore (the Eating Out franchise, The Quiet Room), and Navaris Darson (The Other Two, American Horror Story), with supporting cast that features Sarah Nicklin (Nun of That, The Haunting of Alice D), Phylicia Wissa (It Hits You When You Know It, Santa Clarita Diet), and Chris Baker (Baker Daily).

Synopsis: Despite the corporate monotony of his job, Zac (Baur) feels like he’s got it all figured out. As the “only gay in the office,” his penchant for hot gossip and “in the know” recommendations have assured his place as the most fabulous employee in another wise dull landscape. Or so he thinks. With the arrival of a new hire, the ultra-chic Tristan (Salvatore), Zac suddenly feels like the very thing that makes him stand out is in jeopardy. What’s more, Zac finds himself increasingly convinced that Tristan is intentionally trying to replace him. Despite the assurance of his boyfriend, Owen (Darson), that all is fine…Zac can’t help but slipping further into a world of paranoia and self-doubt. As Zac’s world begins to unravel, it sets him on a collision course with Tristan…who may or may not be all that he seems. As the two men propel toward a violent and unpredictable confrontation, only one thing is certain: The office isn’t big enough for the both of them.

The Office is Mine is set to debut on the film festival circuit this summer, with a premiere date to be announced. Check out the promotional stills below, including several exclusive pictures unavailable else!