I did not expect to encounter a book of the year candidate so early...but here I am declaring just that after having just finished Paul Tremblay's latest--HORROR MOVIE.
The story is centered predominantly around four teenagers who come together to create a low-budget, artsy, pretentious horror film in 1993. It is also told from the present-day perspective, as the cult-classic status of the unreleased film is drawing interest from major studios for a reboot/remake.
There is a cursed-film trope here that Tremblay skillfully weaves into the novel--a subtle tapestry that is both chilling, original, and unfamiliar.
There is obviously a tremendous amount of love and respect to the horror film genre, as well. The atmosphere evokes an Ari Aster-esque, surrealist/absurdist nightmare--one that seems to intensify with the slow-burning, mind-fucking plot. It recalls some of the nostalgia of the found footage horror masterpiece "The Blair Witch Project," and some of the slashers like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," and "Halloween." I think most surprisingly, there is an element of Jack Ketchum's depraved novel "The Girl Next Door," inherently buried into the DNA of this piece--and if you've read that one before, you know how complicit it makes the reader feel in acts of barbaric and pitch-black evil. How it forces you to confront an exalted state that transcends fear and horror altogether--and yet leaves you blinking into the face of a hollow and cruel abyss.
HORROR MOVIE will absolutely NOT be for everyone. There is an anxiety and a bleakness here that is both sublime and unsettling. It is a twisted narrative that pulls you in with a rusty chain--and it lingers in your memory, long after you've turned the final page.
The writing is smart and it will cut you with its truths, making room for the dark to slither in.
Make no mistake: Paul Tremblay's latest is mind-bending, dread-inducing, and ultimately shattering. It is his darkest offering yet and, in my opinion, destined to become a modern classic.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the previous Paul Tremblay books I’ve read and this one did not disappoint!

In 1993 four college kids set out to make an artsy horror film one of them has written. Only a few scenes are ever released, but this “cursed” film still has a huge cult following. Years later, a reboot of the movie is being mad and the grown up “thin kid” from the original is asked to be in it.

This book switches back and forth from then and now, and has parts of the original screenplay. It’s creepy, dark and weird in the best ways. Very unsettling, you don’t know whether to feel bad for or dislike the “thin kid”. If you need something totally different and dark, but still fun-this is a great book!

And now…..

Back to my regularly scheduled dramatic rants on my love for blood, guts, gore, twist, shrills and maybe even a little 90s throwback?

Well, lookey on over here for a book that checks off every box on my twisty little soul sucking list.

Drumroll…

Horror Movie

Yes, I am repeating this read because it feeds my soul . It’s beyond disturbing, twisted, dark and has given me nightmares since the first time I read it . This is one of those books everyone says they can handle and then the minute they conclude they find their hands shaking in fear . I won’t lie to you. There was no “walks around the neighborhood” for months after this one .

So although you may call yourself a psychological thriller lover please proceed with caution, this is not the book for anyone looking for a boy meets girl and maybe gets annoyed and disappears for a bit kind of thing .

The dual timelines and 90s flash backs were the icing on the cake (this chick is 90s slasher movie obsessed!)

Thank you to Paul Tremblay, William Morrow and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for an honest review.

Horror Movie releases June 11, 2024

Check out this teaser :

A chilling twist on the “cursed film” genre from the bestselling author of The Pallbearers Club and The Cabin at the End of the World.

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.

I will likely end up in the minority here, but I was not a fan of this book. This is the first I’ve read by Tremblay, so I was quick to request the eARC. You’ll have to read other reviews to see if this is similar to his others, but I was not impressed.

I dig the idea. The concept is solid, and I enjoyed the way Tremblay wound the bits of story together. However, the only part I found enjoyable or scary was the “script” portion. The “then” portion added some nice background and foreshadowing to the script. The “now” sections did nothing for me.

My main complaint is that I needed more from the main character to care. He’s just a guy who works on a scary movie set for 5 weeks and lets it ruin the rest of his life. I can understand that this is “on purpose” because the character is the Thin Kid, but it makes everything (including his final hurrah) fall flat to me. This character maybe reads badly for me because he feels like a half-assed “I’m just like the joker” incel-bro.

For fans of Tremblay and slasher flicks, it’s a good pick. It’s also a pretty quick read, so it’s not too offensive to casual readers. It’s a great fit for some people, but it rubbed me the wrong way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review

This was really good, I'm glad I gave this a shot after Tremblay's much-recommended A Head Full of Ghosts was just middling for me - I just can't resist a book about a horror movie. While flipping back and forth between two timelines in this book we also get extensive parts of an unusually written screenplay that REALLY worked for me as a meditation on horror films. I think I still wanted a little...more from this book, though I can't tell you what I thought was missing, which is frustrating because there's a lot in here that I know I'm going to keep thinking about. Like, the scales!!!

I also wonder if the really Hollywood-y parts were influenced by Tremblay's experience seeing The Cabin at the End of the World adapted into Knock at the Cabin. If you liked Night Film by Marisha Pessl, Experimental Film by Gemma Files, or House of Leaves, you'll probably like this book. I do recommend it!

My thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC.

ARC provided by NetGalley

This was not my first Tremblay book. So, going in, I was aware that the story would likely be quite odd and a bit of a slow burn. Still, this book fell completely flat. The timeline was confusing, which I believe was purposeful, but still didn't earn the story any credits in my book. There was very little horror factor and what there was was far from shocking. The ending was vague, to say the least. Honestly, I would have given this one star if it wasn't for the author's prose, which was just good enough to keep me reading.

I have never read anything by this author before, but I will be watching out what else they publish! This book kept me on the edge of my seat all the way to the end.

I love anything by this author.
The atmospheric dread throughout was tangible - and I tore through this entire book in one sitting.

I loved the dual timeline between then and now; it kept me engaged from start to finish and I 100% recommend this to anyone who loves to read a creepy story!

Horror books based around the making of movies or “cursed” films are typically hit or miss (to me). Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay finds a perfect balance when mixing the story with the cursed movies original screenplay. With only having one narrator, the screenplay is like an unlocked door into Cleo’s head. The way he writes about how people perceive and talk about horror movies in general made me giddy because YES! That’s what I feel! The only part that fell short was the ending, and maybe that was the point. The lead up to the ending just makes the final few sentences seem kinda tame and level, but it did not take away from how much I enjoyed the rest of the book! He manages to build a tense and creepy atmosphere around the book that lasts almost the entire time.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Paul Tremblay isn’t afraid to take risks and HORROR MOVIE validates his talent for doing so. Fracturing a narrative of the present and the past with portions of a screenplay used to a disorienting portrait of masochistic tendencies, malaise and mortally wounded characters. All the while reflecting on how these behaviors and each personal interpretation of their shared experiences can create myth and monster.
A sinister and stirring work. One to remember.

The book was well written but I didn't enjoy it. This is no fault of Tremblay, I simply didn't like anything about this book. I don't enjoy reading scripts and this book didn't change my mind

What a fantastic novel. Tremblay never disappoints! The final scenes are compelling and the voice in this book is spot on! Loved it!

I have been a fan of Paul Tremblay for several years, so I was excited to read his latest novel. Unfortunately, this novel just did not work for me. The writing itself is fine, although the author does indulge himself in some self-satisfying humor that is often not enjoyable for the reader. I found the story hard to stay engaged with and the ending was just weird and disorienting. I somewhat enjoyed the Gen X vibe, being from that generation myself. for those who truly enjoy horror, there is plenty of gore if that is your thing. I just found this novel to be choppy (no pun intended), full of unsympathetic characters, and overall just kind of annoying.

Good morning Netgalley. I am here today to give you a small review for Horror Movie by Paul Trembley.. I want you guys all to know I do love this author. So is this bias? You tell me. But this book was really good. And honestly good is different for everyone. I really did feel like ive read something like this before. But I think this was done a bit better. Something that made the book even better was for the week I was reading it the weather was storming. Like dark and miserable. Perfect for this book. It was all a vibe.

This book was different than other cursed film books I've read, but I can say definitively that this one is my favorite. And to add to that, I think this is my favorite book by Tremblay. Paul has a talent for giving us very unique books and this is another shining example.

The structure of the book may not work for everyone, jumping between past and present with the screenplay inserts. But I loved it and thought it was totally unique and made the story leap off the page.

One of my favorite things about this book was the way some of the scenes are really sticking with me. No spoilers but there are definitely a few scenes that will be burned into your brain....and that ending....shocking, weird and fantastic.

Thank you to the William Morrow and NetGalley for providing an eArc. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Horror Movie.

This is not the first book I've read that revolves around a cursed horror movie or a remake of a classic horror movie being made - it's a popular trope and I'm starting to get tired of it.

But, I always hope the next book featuring this theme will shock and amaze me.

Horror Movie did not for a number of reasons:

1. I like the author's premises but after reading a few of his books, with the exception of his short story collection, it's fair for me to say the author's writing isn't my 'cup of tea.' That's fine - there are plenty of authors out there that I like and will eventually get to read.

2. I'm not a fan of novels written in script format, a little bit is okay if it drives the narrative forward, but it doesn't here. It wasn't a true screenplay format since screenplays don't contain background info, exposition, how the characters are feeling and their motivations, but nearly half of the narrative is written in this way.

And it's boring...so so boring.

3. The main character is the Thin Kid's POV, someone we don't really know all that well except he plays a titular role in the horror movie that was almost made. The rest of the team met unfortunate and 'cursed' ends.

4. What's the point of the story? It's not scary, not by a long shot, so is it suppose to be existential? The mask represents our fears and deepest, darkest desires and if we all wore one we'd all be monsters?

5. I saw the ending coming a mile away. And no, I still wasn't scared.

The author isn't my cup of tea but I'm grateful for the opportunity to read the ARC.

I loved this! ♥️ most horror novels tend to lean more thriller genre to me, but this one actually gave me nightmares (read before bed at your own risk). I see paul's novels praised by many fellow booktubers that I trust for good recommendations. the summary of this particular book seemed like the one I would be most interested in, so I'm glad horror story was my first paul tremblay read!

my only critiques are that the transitions from past, present, and script pov seemed a little abrupt. I'm not sure if that was intentional, just the author's voice/style of writing, or if there are still edits to be made since I read the arc edition as well as the fact that this was my first time reading and getting a feel for this author. there were a couple things I found to be minuscule discrepancies, but they overall had no effect to the plot and again may possibly be edited by the time this novel is officially released.

I really appreciated the nostalgic 90s feel and the fun concept of a horror movie and script being intertwined into a novel. not just anyone can pull that off. masks being a central part of the horror also doesn't work for everyone, but I feel that it was done extremely well in this story. it felt like reading an adult version of goosebumps (and the most memorable goosebumps movie in my opinion), yet again a subtle nod to the 90s. another element I liked, intentional or not, was that the author gives you just enough information to develop thoughts on each character and differentiate between them all, while leaving plenty of room to speculate on their backstories and their true inner thoughts, motives, and traits. the creativity, the "weird horror" of it all, the cover all worked for me. the way this ended leaves plenty of questions for the reader, and while I sometimes hear people don't appreciate unclear endings, I would still recommend giving this one a chance. there is definitely and "ending", but I personally have found it fun to speculate and reflect on after finishing this story.

thank you, net galley, for allowing me to read an arc of horror story by paul tremblay in exchange for my honest review. I will definitely be reading more by paul tremblay in the future.

This is unlike any book I've ever read. Horror movie combines the telling of the present and the past with the script for a movie that no one ever got to see, seamlessly blending them all together until the reader can't be sure what's fact or fiction. I love the way this book is set up. It unfolds in such a smart way, I trusted the narrator right up until I didn't, and then I had to second guess everything I'd been told. It's a wild ride from start to finish.
I'm not sure I could tell you what this book is about. As a former film worker, I empathized a lot with the characters as they were making the movie. Film sets can be highly toxic pressure cookers, where you're willing to sacrifice more than is normal because there is only the now to make it right. A lot of the time there is no second chances, no do overs, no reshoots, no "fix it in post", you either get it right then and there or you just don't get the shot. Tremblay lets that dark side unfold slowly, putting you on the spot only when he knows you'll think it makes sense to risk it all.
I think this book also says a lot about artistry and the narcissism that can often accompany having talent. I was impressed by how Tremblay was able to sculpt his characters in this way, where they aren't complete assholes, but they are totally self involved. Despite their motivations, their selfishness, I still felt deeply for them and aches at their losses.
This is a book that I'll be recommending to film lovers and horror lovers alike, mostly because I need someone to talk to about that ending. Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review. This is the first horror book I have read this year, as well as one of my first 5 star reviews. I absolutely adored this novel and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in unreliable narration, documentation of the slow descent into madness, and genuinely creepy characters. I love novels that go between past and present, this had that as well as the added bonus of also being intercut with the script for the movie the characters were creating. I appreciated Cleo's notes in the margins of the screenplay, however unrealistic that would be as far as actual screenplays go. One of my favorite quotes from this novel: "My theory is that we’re in hell. Some of us are demons and some of us make demons because we don’t know what else to do." I understood this quote by Cleo more than I ever thought I would, some of the toughest things to read were her thoughts about suicidal ideation. She was such a defined character to me, all of them had depth and intrigue that kept me hoping for them even as I already knew their fates. This was only my second of Paul Tremblay's novels I've read, I will definitely be reading more in the future. This was definitely reminiscent of another of my favorites from last year, "Mister Magic"! Fans of that will enjoy this immensely as well.