There are few things I enjoy more in life than going to the movies. For as long as I can remember, before I can really remember, the cinema provided an escape that was so necessary from the realities of daily life. My parents took us every weekend when I was a child, and I went often in high school and young adulthood with my friends or on dates. I remember how exciting it was to see films like Freddy’s Dead and Beetlejuice on the big screen as a kid.
As I got older, I never stopped going to the movies. I went alone when I could. Later, I took my own kids. The one consistent element of my life regardless of my age or financial status is the fact that I will always make time to go to the theater. Horror movies are my passion, but I also just love films. I sense that indie filmmaker, writer, and actor Taylor Rhoades may feel very similarly.
Taylor Rhoades’ Late Night at the Movies
Taylor Rhoades’ love letter to the movies is (pun intended) a super-fun popcorn flick that feels nostalgic and gives off retro vibes despite its modern setting. Late Night at the Movies centers on a group of employees working at a movie theater. There would be nothing remarkable about that except for the fact that very recently there was a massacre at a nearby theater, and all of that theater’s employees were killed. The murderer fled the scene and is still on the loose…possibly closer than these low-paid popcorn-makers could imagine.
There are a couple of things right out of the gate that I loved about Late Night at the Movies. First, a great setup. The intro grabs you from the beginning. A good slasher ignores the slow burn and goes right for the (literal) kill. This movie does just that, and you’re plunged into the action (also, superb title card! I swoon over a good title card). Second, I love practical SFX and creative deaths. This film hits all the marks, making this fan of old-school slashers very happy.
The dialogue between the characters is irreverent, sarcastic, and funny, bringing a sort of Clerks energy to the movie. I’m wondering if Taylor Rhoades is also a fan of Kevin Smith. I laughed out loud several times.
Now, for the kills (my favorite part!)…
There’s some bloody fun happening here, and the effects are top-tier gory goodness, especially with what I’m certain was a MUCH-less-than-Terrifier 3-budget. The kills are inventive and unexpected, with one particular gruesome scene a real wiener…um…WINNER (ahem).
The action doesn’t stop, keeping you engaged as the characters go up against a rage-filled maniac (Gideon Morley) who will use anything handy as a weapon (but don’t worry, he’s oddly quite clean, duteously mopping up the blood he’s spilled!) making for some shocking scenes as the cutthroat killer takes down anyone who gets in his way.
No, the plot isn’t overly complex; it doesn’t need to be.
The characters are all likeable and relatable, the details of dealing with a public-facing customer service job are all too familiar, and the day-in-the-life feel adds to the realism of these employees just trying to get through another work day without losing their minds – with the added obstacle of their workplace housing a hidden, homicidal psychopath!
The central character in the film, Kayleigh (Melody West) is a cool, comic-reading chick that would rather be on a date with her oft-neglected girlfriend than working the late shift on a quiet, snowy night. If Kayleigh had known she’d not only be up against annoying customers but a terrifying slasher, she likely would’ve ignored that call from her boss asking her to work on her night off.
Kayleigh is an empathetic, scrappy, likeable heroine who’s just having a pretty subpar evening. She really doesn’t need the drama of a bloodthirsty butcher right now, but that’s where we’re at. When the other employees cut out to go drinking and leave Kayleigh to close up alone, we get to see what this character is really made of.
This film reminded me of several other horror movies that take place in theaters that I absolutely love like Demons, The Last Matinee, Popcorn, and The Final Girls. Late Night at the Movies gives those of us who live and die for film that nostalgic feeling we love. It’s a movie I’d love throwing into my VCR after I rented it from the local video store, popped some buttery popcorn, climbed under a blanket, and turned the lights off.
Indie Horror Creators Are THE Future of Horror!
I can’t wait to see what Taylor Rhoades comes up with next! And to answer a question from the film (and a moment I cracked up laughing from, as the referenced movie was one of my kids’ favorites when they were younger) YES, I am turtley enough to be in the Turtle Club! There are so many fun movie references in Late Night at the Movies if you can catch them!
As horror fans, it’s important to support indie filmmakers, because some of the best horror films are the ones that start small, so give Late Night at the Movies and Taylor Rhoades’ other movies a watch and support indie horror to keep the genre we love alive!
***This review was written by Christi Bandy***
Editor’s Note: Where to Watch Late Night at the Movies
Taylor Rhoades originally wrote to me, asking to be a part of one of my Indie Horror Roundups; however, he also sent along a screener of Late Night at the Movies to pass along to Christi Bandy. He remembered how much she loved a film he’d starred in, Weird Fiction (2018), when she randomly decided to review it after discovering it via streaming back in 2020. He had zero expectations of a full review, he just thought she’d enjoy watching it. Well, she DID enjoy it, and she surprised ME with this article about it!
But, since Late Night at the Movies isn’t officially available for YOU to watch yet, I can’t include our usual streaming buttons below at this time. What I can include is the trailer (shown above!) and let you know that Late Night at the Movies will be going on is currently on its film festivals run and will be making its limited theatrical debut at The Movies at Meadville (11155 Highline Drive, Meadville, PA 16335) on September 3, 2026 at 8:00pm EDT and will have continue playing at that theater from Friday, September 4th through Thursday, September 10th.
After its horror film festival run, Late Night at the Movies is expected to release on DVD and streaming! I’ll update this page with buttons for you to watch it in full at that time. Until then, try to catch it if it comes to your area or keep up with it via the @at_the_movies2026 Instagram account! –Lauren* (July 24, 2026)
Images for this review courtesy of Taylor Rhoades.
