Articles by Alisha Mughal

'The Nun II' Director Michael Chaves Ramps Up the "Horrific, Blasphemous" Terrors of 'The Conjuring'

PUBLISHED Sep 8, 2023

From the first incendiary moments to its unflinchingly raucous end, The Nun II is fearless. Directed by Michael Chaves, the film takes a no...

Dizzy's Self-Titled Album Is a Silk-Wrapped Dagger

PUBLISHED Aug 17, 2023

A few months ago, with hot tears stinging my eyes, I told a person I loved in a hungry sort of way that I hated them for destroying me. "I...

Castle Frank's Powerful 'In Your Blood' Is a Steady Hand to Hold

PUBLISHED Jun 21, 2023

I often ask people whether they have a person or a place to turn to when they feel so alone that life doesn't seem possible anymore. Having...

Sister Ray Is Free to Be Anything on 'Teeth'

PUBLISHED May 9, 2023

There's something about Edmonton-born and Toronto-based songwriter Ella Coyes's voice that feels like a flag in an ardent breeze. On their...

'Pure Unknown' Traces the Struggle for Dignity in Death

Directed by Valentina Cicogna and Mattia Colombo

PUBLISHED May 8, 2023

Valentina Cicogna and Mattia Colombo's Pure Unknown begins with the rushing of water, swift and almost glowing, throwing off a soft light t...

'Coven' Explores an Uncommon Magic with Softness and Empathy

Directed by Rama Rau

PUBLISHED May 8, 2023

As Canadian director Rama Rau's camera hovers above the green vastness of, in turn, Scotland and Romania — as hesitantly sweeping drone sho...

'Evil Dead Rise' Reanimates the Franchise with Gory Glory

Directed by Lee Cronin

PUBLISHED Apr 21, 2023

Folk horror has always had its thorny roots turning and winding around the sharp fear that ancient beliefs are, actually, well-founded. Wha...

Kristi Lane Sinclair Offers Rest and Rage on 'Super Blood Wolf Moon'

PUBLISHED Apr 12, 2023

We often describe women who survive terrible things as "brave." It's a swift designation that seems to reward one's bearing the violence of...