Midnight

Midnight (2020) is a remake of John Russo’s Midnight (1982) that starred Lawrence Tierney (Reservoir Dogs), John Amplas (Martin), and Melanie Verlin as Nancy, which was considered a cult classic with horror fans all over the world. Based on the popular novel by John Russo published in 1980 by Pocket Books and republished in 2020 by Burning Bulb Publishing as part of the remake’s launch. A teenage girl runs away from home because her police officer/stepfather puts the moves on her. The new cast stars Gary Lee Vincent (My Uncle John is a Zombie) in Tierney’s role, along with Michael Ochotorena (John Light) as Abraham, Kevin Winn (Bloodline) as Luke, Michelle Bowser (Desk Clerk) as Cynthia, Jonah Griedel (Desk Clerk) as Cyrus and introducing Brennan Bobish as Nancy. The story also introduces a new character, Caleb Barnes, played by Solon Tsangaras (Belly Timber), and has expanded parts for Mama Barnes, played by Jeanne Wesson (Stranger Things). The film also features a cameo appearance by John Russo himself as Father Stephen. Reimagined by Director Gary Lee Vincent with John Russo as Executive Producer, Midnight (2020) relaunches the franchise with an updated story line and sinister twists. Still keeping the original premise that Nancy runs away from home to escape an abusive environment, she is picked up by a group of hitchhikers who are going on a camping trip. The trip quickly turns deadly as the campers find themselves on the lands of a group of killers who are harnessing Satanic powers through necromantic sacrifices in an attempt to resurrect their dead mother. As the brothers are crazed and full of blood lust (making them indiscreet psychopathic killers for the fun of it), Cynthia is focused on communing with the spirit of their dead mother, tweaking the rituals in an evil attempt to bring her back from the dead. Nancy quickly becomes part of a cat and mouse chase through the back country as the family is convinced on capturing three women for a series of blood sacrifices happening over the Good Friday / Black Sabbath / Easter weekend. The power of demonic religious faith is tested against Nancy’s prayers and sheer will to survive, as the spirit world crosses over to the real one in this remake of John Russo’s iconic slasher.