A group of young filmmakers have a month to make a super unhinged horror movie. Even though they finished filming the movie only three scenes were ever released to the public. Which apparently was enough to grow a giant fanbase. Three decades later, it’s become notorious as a cursed film and Hollywood is pushing for a reboot. The one and only surviving cast member was the main character in Horror Movie called “the thin kid.” We are following his perspective throughout the story and how he’s determined on being a part of this reboot.

Cons: I’m not sure if it was because I had an arc copy but the format was very clunky. One minute it was like we were reading a screen play and then it would jump into our mc talking directly to us like in a memoir. So it took a bit for me to get into it.

Pros: I loved the story and how we were “there” for the beginning until the end of both movies. This story definitely has a creepy feel to it and some tense, terrifying scenes. It makes you wonder who the real monster is.

In his classic, fatalistic tone, Bram Stoker Award-winner Paul Tremblay cleverly assembles a haunting level of empathy between readers, the narrator, and characters in Horror Movie. At times the story felt all-too real, which will appease fans of Tremblay's previous work like A Head Full of Ghosts (2015) and The Pallbearers Club (2022). Down the road, maybe even a few weeks from now, the characters' names of Horror Movie may evade you but you'll never escape the reality-bending and unsettling "horror void."

Full Review Coming to Cemetery Dance soon! https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/tag/haley-newlin/

Tremblay is the king of something so subtle happening under the surface that you really might miss it. And for me, with horror, i dont always jive with that. I think that affected me with this book. However, its also, somewhat, billed as a cursed object book and I really don't get that feel from it at all. Perhaps towards the very end I could make an argument for it, but.. other than that I really don't quite understand what Tremblay was trying to do with this story.

Its certainly an interesting premise. It definitely has boatloads of tension. How its written is unique, bouncing back and forth between what I assume is... the main character's audiobook of sorts and the screenplay that the book is based on. The story does touch upon a twisted nature versus nurture idea, as well as the question(s) who is a monster? what is a monster? are they made? are they already here? Like I said its an interesting read, but not the best.

June 1993 — A group of filmmakers spent a month making a (ah, weird!!!) horror movie, but only three scenes were ever released to the public. 30 years later, its become notorious as a cursed film and is getting a reboot. The one and only surviving cast member will reprise his role as The Thin Kid.

I had a delightful time reading this because I love @paulgtremblay, books, and horror movies. Alas, I had a Carrie-esque reading experience, which means that Paul scared the shit out of me... delightfully.

I think the lengths people will go to for acceptance is horrifying to me. I’m a loner at heart and it’s hard for me to fathom wanting to be part of something that requires sacrifice or discomfort, a mask... frankly because I don’t think most deserve it, but if you find people who don’t want you wearing that mask all the time, that want you to just be you, it can be lifechanging. Friends are hard to find. It's just that everything ends, and the ending of this one broke my heart. I got teary. Some books get through my cracks.

I really felt for The Thin Kid and his character’s inception. There’s a reason why horror movies are made, and there’s a reason why some stick around and linger. If we give away so much of ourselves, what’s left? Something animal. I think everyone reading this will see themselves in some capacity.

It’s a harrowing read, but it’s a damn good one. I loved the writing style and the whole story. It was tense and it was sad and it was bloody and it was surprising. I blew through the pages and talked about it with my husband constantly, who was freaked out soley by description!
5/🎭🔪📼🐊🎬

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for the advance ecopy of this book.

In June 1993, a group of young guerilla filmmakers spent four weeks making Horror Movie, a notorious, disturbing, art-house horror flick.

The weird part? Only three of the film’s scenes were ever released to the public, but Horror Movie has nevertheless grown a rabid fanbase. Three decades later, Hollywood is pushing for a big budget reboot.

The man who played “The Thin Kid” is the only surviving cast member. He remembers all too well the secrets buried within the original screenplay, the bizarre events of the filming, and the dangerous crossed lines on set that resulted in tragedy. As memories flood back in, the boundaries between reality and film, past and present start to blur. But he’s going to help remake the film, even if it means navigating a world of cynical producers, egomaniacal directors, and surreal fan conventions—demons of the past be damned.

But at what cost?

Ro be honest, I had a hard time with this book. I disliked the multiple time-lines. I felt it was too choppy. I was left feeling unsatisfied with the ending.

2 out of 5 ⭐️

This book was a fever dream in the best way. I have no idea what parts were supposed to be “real” and I’m entirely okay with that. I will absolutely be reading more Paul Tremblay.

Like all the other reviews! This book was amazing I don't think Paul Trembly can miss! I loved the imagery I could see in my mind. I think he did a perfect job of describing the character and giving me characters I actually enjoyed and cared about. I didn't see the ending coming I had it planned out differently in my mind and that's what makes an amazing book!

A little slow at first but it picks up speed as it goes. I enjoyed the premise of the book although it can get a tiny bit confusing with the way it jumps back and forth. I did enjoy the way you get to see the original screenplay as the book goes on. This would be a good read for people who enjoy found footage horror movies.

The Thin Kid helped a few acquaintances make a horror movie in the mid-1990's. The production was amateur but the filmmakers were very passionate about the project, breaking all the rules in the name of art. But it all goes terribly wrong and years later everyone wants to claim a piece of the action.

I'm a HUGE fan of independent horror and while I understand this book was supposedly inspired by the making of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, there are tremendous parallels between this story and that of Splatter Farm, the first Polonia Brothers cult classic, and the Camp Blood franchise made famous by Polonia Brothers Entertainment. Like Horror Movie, Splatter Farm seemed to be cursed, only one person involved in the making of the film is still living... the thin kid. Like the Camp Blood franchise, Horror Movie involved a mask that transformed the wearer into a merciless, bloodthirsty killer.

Perhaps because of my affinity for independent horror (and probably because of the fact that I don't watch any studio-produced horror films), I don't find the typical "horror" to be scary or disturbing. Blood and guts are par for the course and never look or sound real enough to be at all bothersome. It's the little things that get under my skin. Like when a captive is handed a cold, greasy fast food bag, or a captive allowing himself to be coaxed out of his hiding place, knowing what awaits him outside. Tremblay gives us everything. Maybe that's what made this book legitimately frightening to me, the layers of horror. There's something in this book to disturb just about anyone.

This book was very reminiscent of an independent horror movie and I loved how it paid homage to independent horror filmmakers and their passion for their art. I may have read into this book things that weren't really there but I think that's another beautiful thing about independent horror movies (the good ones anyway) is how they allow the viewer to read between the lines and use their own imagination to fill in the gaps.

Any fan of indie horror should check out this book!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

I got about half way through this title and couldn't finish. Some of the chapters being like scripts really threw me off and I just didn't like the style nor the pacing. I don't like to give 1 star reviews on Goodreads, especially for personal stylistic qualms, so I won't post there. Thank you for the opportunity to read.

I thought the meta story format was well done. I liked that the chapter titles made the movements through time clear. I enjoyed the main character, especially during the convention scenes, and the idea that the movie reboot was set in motion on the original director's deathbed. But sadly, I didn't like the screenplay itself wasn't believable with all the non-filmable, non-dialogue writing. The lack of reasoning for the actions, and compliance was asking too much of a leap of faith. These days, who knows what kids will do for Youtube likes, but there was no mention of the missing boy's family, the police, or why the kid would put himself and family through that. The overall premise doesn't make any sense. Overall, I was excited to get this book because I've been studying what makes horror scary, but it wasn't scary. It was more of philosophical musing on what turns a person into a monster.

“The buildup is so unbearably intense and scary and unhinged.”

That very line from the book is the perfect way to sum up Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay.

The way it’s written with a then vs now, first person point of view, plus the added touch of the movie script heavily sprinkled in made it such a fun read and added a really unique touch.

“A movie is a collection of beautiful lies that somehow add up to being the truth, or a truth. In this case an ugly one. But the first spoken line in any movie is not a lie and is always the truest.”

It is extremely mysterious, creepy and unsettling in an indescribable way that leaves you wanting more and keeps you guessing every next move. Definitely recommend checking this one out when it drops in June.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

My honest review is I didn't love it. There were multiple timelines, which I usually have no issue with, but there was the script from the film. Plus, it was written as if it was an audiobook, so a lot was going on. I loved the plot and was hoping I was going to enjoy it more, but I think it was the writing style that killed it for me. I haven't read any of his other novels, so I'm not sure if this is typical or if he was trying something new. All the pieces were there, but I didn't like the final picture. I would not be watching the horror movie, but the way people dissect and recreate it over time hyped it up for a reboot, which I feel is a very popular idea that is occurring right now, so the promise was there.

June 1993, a group of filmmakers start making Horror Movie, a notorious, disturbing horror flick. Only three scenes were released on YouTube. Fans dissect and recreate the horror movie and as the popularity and mystery around the movie grows, Hollywood decides to reboot the movie.

The man who played “The Thin Kid” is the only surviving cast member from the original and memories start to come back he is determined to make sure the movie is made.

This Book was SOOO intense and disturbing! Thanks so much to William Morrow Books for sending me an advance copy! I have been slowly collecting all of Tremblays work and super stoked to get Horror Movie and read and review it! The Thin Kid is going to be a horror icon for sure! And there is no doubt this movie would be a blockbuster if it ever gets adapted. I know some people in the indie film industry and reading about the creation of this movie was really cool. The psychological aspects of this book were incredibly haunting and made you constantly guessing if our narrator could be trusted. Can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book to add to my home library!

“Horror Movie” by Paul Tremblay is the feel good story of a film that never got finished, but 30 years later is getting rebooted. But, because it’s called “Horror Movie” and it’s from Paul Tremblay, you know it’s not going to be straight forward and much to my joy, it was not.

In the novel, we follow along with one of the actors who, in the 1990s starred as “The Thin Kid” in a no-budget student film that became a cult hit based on the what happened filming. Despite the fact that the film was never finished and never screened, it became a sinister whisper in the horror community and beyond. The script, considered something of a holy grail.

At first, we don’t quite know why it wasn’t finished or what happened during the filming, but things get hinted at as we’re brought along that journey over the 300 or so pages. 

As usual, Tremblay plays with the format of a “novel” and intersects pages from the script (albeit a very through and detailed script) into the narrative in a way that was a little jarring at first, but becomes commonplace throughout the book. While I read it on Kindle, I really think the physical book will be less startling.

I love it when writers make their story stand out by trying something new and this worked for me. 

The book ends in a satisfactory way that feels earned. While I don’t think it delivered too much in the scare department, it was entertaining and really made you want to keep reading to learn more about this protagonist, the film, and the fallout of the film.

Thanks to Paul for crafting another nightmare and for NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This book was a wild ride of emotions for me. I was expecting one thing going in and boy was I wrong but in a good way. Paul Tremblay never ceases to disappoint with his books. The book has dual timelines, the original movie and the reboot and it really gives you a different viewpoint of people in general and the true definition of a monster. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will buy a copy once its published. Thanks, NetGalley.

This book was too much of a horror for me. Some people may like this genre of disturbing and mind bending horror so in that case, read it

In this succinct horror novel by Paul Tremblay we are introduced to a young group of filmmakers as they embark to make their debut horror movie in 1993. However, tragedy strikes and the movie is not to be. Over the years scenes from the movie end up "leaked" online and the film develops a cult like following, which in the time of the reboot, results in the film being given a second chance. The sole survivor from the original crew, who on further reflection I'm not sure he is actually named throughout the book he's referred to as "Thin Kid" or "Weird Guy," is recruited to help on the new film. We jump back and forth between '93 and the present and often there are 'script' pages thrown in.
This book was such a fun one to read. It was a great horror novel which had a fast pace, and it was refreshing to read a horror book that wasn't over 500 pages ( we're looking at you Mr. King). The only thing that did seem to get a little old was the Thin Kid's self-loathing and degrading commentary, but there was even a purpose to that which was revealed at the end of the book.
The characters were weird and quirky and felt real. There were scenes that genuinely left me feeling creeped out, unsettled, and dare I say horrified. The ending of this book literally had me screaming. I really don't know what else to say, this was just a great book!

The release date for this book is June 11, 2024 go preorder a copy!

Really good. This is my first Paul Tremblay book and it won't be the last. It's a slow burn but the character development is excellent. Tremblay is an incredibly talented writer, so even though the book is somewhat slow paced, it never feels boring because the writing is so good and the characters are so well developed (and entertaining). The ending definitely doesn't disappoint, although I would love to sit down with Tremblay and ask him so many questions! All in all, a fantastic read.

Thank you to William Morrow @Williammorrowbooks and Netgalley @Netgalley for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own.

QOTD: What’s your favorite film from your childhood?

In 1993 a group of four filmmakers made Horror Movie, a disturbing, art-house horror flick. But only three of the four scenes were ever released to the public. However, it’s still grown a large fanbase.

Now three decades later, Hollywood is pushing for a big budget reboot.

The man who play “The Thin Kid” is the only surviving case member. He remembers all too well the secrets that are buried with the original screenplay.

He’s going to help remake the film, but at what cost?


This is the type of horror book I love to read. It’s creepy, compelling, and it leaves me wondering what the heck did I just read! Like, I read this book a week ago, and I’m still thinking about it. I read this after a long mind-numbing day at a managerial conference, my brain was fried, and I used every last brain cell to read this book. It’s also told from past and present, with the mixed media sprinkled in. Staying engaged was so worth it because this book was just so good! I did struggle a little with the format, but I am almost entirely convinced this was a combination of my e-reader and my long days. This book reeled me in, hooked me, and then just didn’t let go. Oh, and unsettling isn’t quite the right word, but it’s one that works. I did spend a lot of the book wondering when the “horror” element was going to shine through, but then it came forth and it was worth it.

Check this one out if you are looking for a fun horror book that will leave you feeling quite unsettled.

4.5 rounded up from me.