Full Breakdown
Shudder's Halfway to Halloween Celebrations: New Premieres and Highlights
3/24/2026, 5:59:23 PM
Overview of Premieres
As part of its annual Halfway to Halloween celebration, Shudder has unveiled an exciting lineup of premieres for April 2023. The horror streaming service will feature a mix of beloved films and new releases, beginning with the remake of the Roger Corman classic, *Deathstalker*, which explores the chaos unleashed by a cursed amulet. This film, starring Daniel Bernhardt and Patton Oswalt, is set to premiere on April 3. Following this, *Somnium*, featuring Grace Van Dien from *Stranger Things*, will be available on April 10, presenting a narrative about a young woman trapped in a nightmarish dream world.
On April 17, audiences can anticipate *Night Patrol*, a vampire cop thriller starring Jermaine Fowler, Justin Long, CM Punk, and Dermot Mulroney, which delves into the dark secrets of a police task force. The highlight of the month is the Shudder original film *Dolly*, premiering on April 24. This film features Fabianne Therese as a young woman abducted by a monstrous figure intent on raising her as its own.
Spotlight on *Dolly*
*Dolly* draws inspiration from 1970s horror classics such as *The Texas Chain Saw Massacre* and *The Hills Have Eyes*, as well as the New French Extremity movement. Directed by Rod Blackhurst, the film is shot on 16mm film and follows Macy, a young woman fighting for survival against her deranged captor. The cast includes Seann William Scott, Ethan Suplee, and pro wrestler Max the Impaler. The film has garnered attention following a successful festival run at events like the Toronto International Film Festival and Fantastic Fest. A prequel exploring the origins of the titular character is already in development.
Critics have noted that while *Dolly* may lack in script originality, it excels in technical aspects, particularly sound design and practical effects. Trace Thurman remarked on the film's ability to make the violence impactful, stating, “Every fleshy squelch and bone crack is not only heard, but felt, making the violence hit when it needs to.” The film is rated R for strong violence, gore, grisly images, language, and some nudity.
Additional Programming
In addition to the new releases, Shudder's Halfway to Halloween celebration will include a variety of exclusive programming. Notable mentions are the documentary *1000 Women in Horror*, the video game adaptation *The Mortuary Assistant*, and the psychological thriller *The Plague*, which will be available on Sundance Now.
Conclusion
Shudder's April lineup promises to deliver a diverse array of horror content, catering to fans of the genre with both new and classic films. As the service continues to expand its offerings, viewers can look forward to more announcements regarding additional titles for the Halfway to Halloween celebration.
