Interview with Ronald McGillvray By David Kempf

About Ronald McGillvray & his work.  

Ronald  is a writer of horror, the strange and the mysterious, and is from Ottawa, Canada. He’s published short stories, scripts, novellas and novels. His short horror story collection, Tales From The Parkland, his novella, James’ Journey To Dreamland, and his two novels, Cutter’s Deep and The Candy Witch have all reached #1 on Amazon and have been read in over a dozen countries.

He wrote the script for the film, The Storm, which was chosen to be screened at the World Horror Convention as well as at the Shocklines Film Festival in New York City.

His story, Head Case, was made into a film produced by Columbia College in Chicago. 

Our intreped writer and interviewed David Kempf, decided to catch up with Ronald andfind out a bit more about the man.

1. When did you first become interested in horror?

In the mid 70’s, I was on vacation with my family and an acquaintance of my parents asked if I liked scary stories. He then gave me two paperbacks he’d just finished reading. One was, Carrie by Stephen King and the other was, The Rats by James Herbert. A few years later I watched, The Night of the Living Dead by George Romero and I have been hooked on horror ever since.  

2. Did you always enjoy wring?

I’ve been writing since I was in grade school. I’ve always had story ideas in my head.

Check out Ronald on Goodreads

3. Do you prefer writing short stories or novels?

I prefer writing short stories. Mostly because I have so many ideas, I’m always in a hurry to get to my next one.

4. Is there another genre that you write in?

A lot of my stories cross genres. I’ve written humorous horror, mystery horror, fantasy horror, and even a horror/detective novel.  

5. Are there topics you would not write about in your books?

I would never write anything that had little or no interest to me. I generally write stories that amuse or engage me. Having said that, I’d never write a medical thriller because I know nothing about the medical world. I would also stay away from religion. 

6. Do you ever edit or do ghostwriting for others?

I did when I used to do scriptwriting. I haven’t since I started writing prose.

7. Do you believe readers need to hooked from the first sentence?

I wouldn’t say by the first sentence but definitely within the first chapter. I would even dare to say, by the first few paragraphs.

8. Why do you think horror books and movies remain so popular?

Today, I would say, because the world is in a scary place and horror gives us an outlet for controlled chaos and our deep-seated anxieties. Generally, though, I believe people like the thrill of the unknown and the adrenaline rush it provides. The same kind of thrill people get by riding a rollercoaster. I’d never ride a rollercoaster myself, but to each their own.

9. Why do you think that people are obsessed with being scared?

I don’t know if people are obsessed with being scared, so to speak, but I do think that many enjoy the safety of being scared on their couch or in their beds tucked under their safe, warm sheets. It’s a form of escapism. 

10. Who inspires you?

Anyone creative inspires me, especially musicians and artists, I guess because they do something creative that I’m not accomplished at. Writing wise, I would have to give the nod to Stephen King, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Richard Matheson, Rod Serling, Robert B. Parker, Joe R Lansdale, George Romero, and last but not least Alistair MacLean who actually got me into reading in the first place.

11. What are some of your favorite horror books?

Definitely, I Am Legend by Richard Matheson.

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The Drive-In by Joe R. Lansdale

Ghost Story by Peter Straub

The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney

12. What are some of your favorite horror movies?

Night of the Living Dead

Dawn of the Dead

Jaws

The Thing

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Alien

An American Werewolf in London

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

13. What are your current projects?

I have three novels partially started but stopped them when I had a new idea that I was more interested in. Sadly, they may never see the light of day. We’ll see. Currently I’m trying my hand at a collection of novellas.

To learn more, check out his webpage at www.ronaldmcgillvray.com. 

He’s also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, as well as on Goodreads.

COMPETITION: Win Pearl on 4K

Discover this Pearl of a movie in horror maestro Ti West’s devastatingly brilliant prequel, that breaks open the origin story of one of modern horrors most iconic figures, played by the queen of horror herself Mia Goth (Frankenstein, Infinity Pool, Suspiria). The film is the latest to receive a Second Sight Films Limited Edition makeover.

And to celebrate we have a copy on 4K Standard to give away!

Synopsis:

The award-winning second movie in the X trilogy heralds the return of Goth in a career defining performance as the young Pearl, a woman so desperate for stardom it drives her to the point of insanity and murderous mayhem. Praised by audiences and critics alike, the film immediately found its rightful place as a horror classic on its 2022 release with The Guardian saying: ‘Goth is now the Judy Garland of horror’ and the legendary Martin Scorsese calling it ‘mesmerising… powered by a pure, undiluted love for cinema’.

Now, witness the technicolour majesty like never before, as the new Pearl 4K UHD Limited Edition Box Set is set to arrive on 17 November, alongside a Standard Edition.

Pre-Order from https://amzn.to/441oCz7

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who directs Pearl?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 24-11-25

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

PREVIEW: Trapped (2025 Film) - Starring Gina Jones, Shane McCormick, Craig Fairbrass, Geoff Bell and Simon Manyonda

Raw and unflinching, Trapped tells the story of Raye, a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, battling to reclaim her freedom and survive. The film follows her desperate bid to break away while exposing the devastating reach of violence and control. It premieres at Genesis Cinema in London on 8 November 2025, ahead of its digital release on Amazon Prime, Google Play, and iTunes from 17 November 2025.

The film features a powerful ensemble led by Gina Jones, alongside Shane McCormick, Craig Fairbrass, Geoff Bell, Simon Manyonda, Eddie Webber, Josh Witcher, Calum MacNab, Lottie Lewis, Kadeem Ramsay, Miguella Charley, Aimée Hills, Karen Seacombe, Byron Gibson, Tom Gordon, Tom Padley, and James Hicks. Directed by Roland Manookian, known for Castle in the Sky and EastEnders, the film brings together a striking mix of established and emerging talent.

Behind the camera, Trapped represents a key partnership between Shane McCormick’s new outfit, Move Mountains Production, and actor, writer, and producer Josh Witcher. Manookian’s screenplay expands on an original story conceived by Witcher.

Drawing comparisons to Gary Oldman’s Nil by Mouth, the film delves deep into the emotional and psychological cost of domestic abuse, showing how far its damage spreads. Gritty and character-driven, Trapped promises to challenge, disturb, and move its audience in equal measure.

Trapped premieres on 8 November at Genesis Cinema, London, with its digital release following on 17 November 2025.

PREVIEW: Portrait of the Apocalypse (2025 Film) - Stars Demián Salomón, Lorena Vega, Ezequiel Rodríguez, Paula Manzone, Rodrigo Raffeto, Natalia Santiago, Paula Rubinsztein & Melisa Fernández

 
Preview by Jon Donnis

Black Mandala has unveiled Portrait of the Apocalypse, a bold and visceral new entry in the zombie genre from directors Nicanor Loreti, Fabián Forte, and Luca Castello. Set in a collapsing city where survival teeters on the edge of morality, the film unfolds through four interwoven stories that dissect human instinct, love, and the will to endure when civilisation has crumbled.

Described as brutal, emotional, and visually striking, Portrait of the Apocalypse doesn’t just revel in horror, it questions it. At its heart lies a chilling thought: how far would you go to save the people you love when everything familiar turns to ash?

The film reunites Ezequiel Rodríguez and Demián Salomón, the two leads from When Evil Lurks, a standout of modern Latin American horror that won acclaim at Sitges and became a streaming hit on both Shudder and Netflix. Here, they once again find themselves amid terror, though in a very different world where humanity’s darkest and most tender impulses collide.

Told through four perspectives, the story tracks the outbreak from its chaotic beginning to the desperate, fractured attempts at survival. Each segment offers a distinct tone and moral weight, painting a collective portrait of fear, resilience, and fleeting hope within an urban apocalypse.

Written and directed by Luca Castello, Fabián Forte, and Nicanor Loreti, and featuring Lorena Vega, Paula Manzone, Rodrigo Raffeto, Natalia Santiago, Paula Rubinsztein, and Melisa Fernández, Portrait of the Apocalypse promises a raw, unflinching vision of the end times, one where the monsters aren’t always the ones already dead.

COMPETITION: Win Tales of the Walking Dead Blu-ray

Acorn Media International has announced that Tales of the Walking Dead is set to arrive on Blu-ray and DVD on 10 November 2025, following its transmission on Sky Max. All episodes are available on digital now, perfect for a post Halloween bingewatch.

And to celebrate we have a copy to give away!

Synopsis:

This riveting collection of stories features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Expendables), Olivia Munn (The Newsroom, X-Men: Apocalypse), Parker Posey (The White Lotus, Dazed and Confused), Anthony Edwards (ER, Top Gun), Jessie T. Usher (The Boys, Smile), Danny Ramirez (Top Gun: Maverick, Captain America: Brave New World), Daniella Pineda (Jurassic World: Dominion), Jillian Bell (Workaholics, 22 Jump Street), Poppy Liu (Hacks) and Samantha Morton (The Serpent Queen, The Walking Dead), who each offer a different perspective into the apocalypse, capturing not just the monsters that roam the earth, but the ones that live within us. 

 

Set in the months and years following the outbreak, the series follows the unique lives of new and familiar survivors, each facing the undead world in their own way. We follow doomsday prepper Joe (Crews) as he leaves his bunker on a quest to find his online friend and meets an unlikely ally in Evie (Munn) as they embark on a roadtrip that helps them find what they’re really looking for. There’s a tale of two hostile co-workers (Posey and Bell) who try to escape Atlanta, and each other, but find themselves in a time loop, reliving the hours before their deaths over and over again. And the origin story of The Walking Dead character Alpha (Morton) is revealed when we meet her as a mother trying to protect her child Lydia in a refuge. 

 

Other stories involve a settler (Liu), who seeks to convince a scientist (Edwards), that humanity must reclaim the land from the dead; a man (Usher) who wakes with no memory and is accused of murder and a traumatised couple (Pineda and Ramirez) who take refuge in a secluded house where terror may already lurk inside.  

 

The highly anticipated Tales of the Walking Dead is jam packed with gripping performances, cinematic storytelling and the much loved franchises’ trademark blend of adventure, survival, gore and heart. With a mix of dread, suspense and unexpected wit, each self-contained saga dives deep into the psyche of its characters – this is a must-have for fans and newcomers alike.  

Pre-Order from https://amzn.to/4nCPnRA

Enter now for a chance to win.

Can you name every full TV series in The Walking Dead Franchise?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 17-11-25

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

REVIEW: The Toxic Avenger (2025 film) - Starring Peter Dinklage

Macon Blair’s take on The Toxic Avenger delivers the chaotic, grimy revival long-time fans were hoping for. As the fifth entry in the series and a remake of the 1984 cult hit, it leans fully into its identity as an ultra-violent black comedy. The mix of cartoonish gore, biting satire and surprising heart hits the right balance. Those seeking shock and excess will be well served, though anyone expecting a straight superhero story may be left uneasy.

Peter Dinklage stars as Winston Gooze, a weary janitor whose life changes after a toxic accident. He plays it with warmth and depth, giving Winston more than a monster’s rage. When the film needs emotion, he provides it. Jacob Tremblay’s turn as Wade, Winston’s stepson, adds heart and grounding to the madness.

Taylour Paige brings sharp energy as whistleblower J.J. Doherty, sparking much of the plot. Kevin Bacon revels in his sleaze as corrupt boss Bob Garbinger, while Elijah Wood adds a jittery menace as Fritz. Luisa Guerreiro, credited as the suit performer, delivers a committed physical performance as the Avenger himself.

The story is simple, which suits it. A crooked pharmaceutical company, BTH, sits at the centre, surrounded by mobsters, thugs, and a threatened community. Blair builds from these ingredients a mix of violent bursts, sick humour and moments of bleak comedy. It plays more as a parody than a reinvention, loud and filthy but laced with flashes of sincerity that stop it from being pure shock theatre.

It has flaws. The plot is deliberately thin, and at times it drifts like a collection of sketches joined by blood and slime. Some jokes drag on too long, and the middle stretch could use tightening. At just over 100 minutes, it slightly outstays its welcome. Anyone after nuance or precision storytelling won’t find it here.

Still, the film understands its purpose. Blair keeps the anarchic tone of the original alive while grounding it in the bond between Winston and Wade. Some moments shine, others fall flat, but the energy never dips for long. Strong performances, decent satire and a surprising sense of care beneath the chaos make it work.

The Toxic Avenger won’t appeal to everyone. It’s brash, shocking and unapologetically grotesque. Yet for those ready to enjoy the madness, it’s a loud, funny and oddly heartfelt reboot that respects its roots while standing on its own. I’d give it an 8 out of 10.

Out Now at https://apple.co/4ozVYwU

Interview with Alan Jones - Festival programmer, The Trieste Science+Fiction Festival

The Trieste Science+Fiction Festival, now in its 25th year, is a multidisciplinary event devoted to the exploration of the realms of the 'fantastic' genre, and the use of new technologies and experimental languages in film, television and visual arts. It presents 'fantastic' productions from all over the world, focusing particularly on science fiction and fantasy films, cinematographic and audio-visual works.

Alan Jones, Festival Programmer, tells us why he took the job, what his biggest challenges are and what we can expect from the 25th edition.

This is the 25th year for The Trieste Science+Fiction Festival. What do you think gives it its enduring appeal?

Science Fiction has always been about looking forward -  to an exciting future, where anything and everything is possible. That's why the genre endures because it's about hope, wonder and awe and it offers a safe space to explore complex social and ethical questions. The Trieste S+F audience really embraces that in a way I rarely see at other festivals. The pockets of fans discussing what they've just seen and why it's important - or not - in the overall scheme of things.  Everything within the festival  encourages critical thinking and because Trieste covers a whole range of events revolving around  education, family, gaming. literature and movies, a unique perspective is engendered. I have made it my mission to talk to as many members of the audience as possible and I'm always surprised and delighted by their dedication to engage in cosmic conversations. 

This is your fourth year at the helm. What inspired you to take the job and what is your biggest challenge?

I have been attending the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival for over 20 years now. I was first invited to be on the Jury and then became a regular attendee/stalker. I loved the city so much it has become my second home. So, when I was offered the role of Artistic Director I jumped at the chance to spend more time in the country I adore and with the people I have come to respect who mount this incredible undertaking every year. And it really is a monumental operation turning our main venue, the Teatro Rossetti, into a state-of-the-art cinema. I learnt very quickly my biggest challenge was providing as many quality science fiction movies as possible. Before my time there had been a drift away from that core mission and I found that was the main bone of contention with the audience. It's called the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival so Sci-Fi should be the main ingredient. It isn't rocket science... oh actually it is!

What makes science fiction such a powerful lens for exploring contemporary social and political themes in cinema today?

Science Fiction has always been the conduit for commenting on the present, you only have to look at old episodes of 'Star Trek' to see that. Using future scenarios as a mirror to reflect on what's happening now provides a means to discussing complex problems  like AI for example. Hopefully encouraging the imagination  to fly into the far reaches of the universe helps shape the future rather than merely predicting it. I've always said the outside world is never far from view in every SF enterprise, it might take time to discover it, but it's there. 

What are some of the most exciting trends or innovations you’re seeing in science fiction filmmaking right now?

While dystopian fantasy is still at the forefront - unsurprisingly considering the political flux the world is in - I do see hard sci-fi focusing on the more realistic near future issues  -  the 'five days in the future' concept - like AI, biotech, religion and climate change. I like the fact that some creatives are going back to early source material for inspiration like our opening film THE SHRINKING MAN based on the Richard Matheson classic tale of man's insignificance. Sci-Fi horror and other genre-blending is on the rise too and diverse perspectives are becoming more prevalent. 

How does the festival engage with new technologies such as VR, AI, or interactive storytelling formats?

In endless discussions in our wonderful public forum, The Dome, in Piazza Borsa. This fantastic venue became a major  talking point with every Extra-Triestrian last year and I'm thrilled we have the  opportunity to build on its relevance in these key areas. You must remember that Trieste is the city of science anyway and every avenue is constantly explored. That is what the city council expects and what we provide.

What role does European sci-fi cinema play on the global stage compared to American or Asian productions?

It offers a valuable alternative to the dominance of Marvel fluff that's for sure. Each country has their own social and political problems, and they can focus on those issues in their own particular way through language and the genre lens. The cultural and literary influences are different too and that means more thought-provoking character-driven  stories that refuse to rely on expensive CGI spectacle alone. That's why the Melies prizes exist - to celebrate the differences and focus on the philosophical and ethical challenges that appeal to a more intellectual viewership.

What is the biggest challenge when curating a science fiction festival - audience expectations, logistics, or simply the vastness of the genre itself?

Put simply,  the hope there are enough science fiction movies in any one given year to go round and make the programme interesting, exciting and accessible. Plus ensuring the originality of each movie  will reach out and touch the audience in the way you want it to. 

How do you approach diversity in programming - not just in terms of geography, but also genre, tone, and storytelling style?

Hard to put into words the answer to this question. My  attitude and stance to the genre throughout my entire career has always veered towards diversity.  Because of a new book project I'm currently conceptualising, I've gone through all my set reports over the past five decades, from STAR WARS and ALIEN through THE MATRIX and HELLBOY and it's the one constant I've noticed in my journalism. Why would I change now especially when it's becoming the norm - finally!

What role do emerging filmmakers and debut features play in your programming strategy?

An enormously important one. I take pride in  providing a showcase for emerging talent and first-time filmmakers. They are the future, and if you can define that special something in their work, they will always remember you and be a festival guest for life. 

Do you see any current trends or shifts in the science fiction genre that excite, or worry, you?

Well, that's the beauty of the science fiction genre, the zeitgeist consistently changes.   Today's AI concern will be tomorrow's robot holocaust, global warming, Mars colonisation and medical immortality. I love the unexpected, the new, the challenging so bring it on. But mainly bring it to Trieste as I'm here for a few more years yet!

Finally, tell us what you’re personally highlights are for this year.

The entire TS+F Festival is a highlight because it isn't just about movies but being a part of the Trieste cultural fabric. I take my role very seriously in that respect because, while some may not be interested in the films we show, they might be regarding books, video games, or the discussion forums we organize. I am there for every demographic and never forget that. My favourite films this year are Jan Kounen's THE SHRINKING MAN, Jean Dujardin is terrific in this remake, Glenn McQuaid's quite brilliant THE RESTORATION AT GRAYSON MANOR and quite the best documentary I've seen in ages, Michael Almeryeda and Courtney Stephens' JOHN LILLY AND THE EARTH COINCIDENCE CONTROL OFFICE.