March is now Women in Horror Month, and Cryptic Rock Magazine will be spotlighting some of Horror’s finest from legendary veterans and beyond. Looking at it all, the Horror genre is crawling with talented women all across the board. In fact, you cannot mention Horror without discussing the iconic women responsible for some of the most groundbreaking films of the genre’s history. One of the names that has been at the forefront of a lot of conversation in more recent times, Kathryn Newton. This Florida native has been slaying her way through the Horror genre over the past few years and with the release of her latest 2024 ‘coming of rage’ film Lisa Frankenstein, and the upcoming Vampire flick, Abigail, Newton has cemented a place for herself amongst the newest class of Horror favorites.
Kathryn Newton has conquered many feats, from wrangling Pokémon in 2019’s Pokémon Detective Pikachu to taking on Kang as Cassie Lang in 2023’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Newton has proved herself to be a Jill of all trades regarding genres, but Horror is one of the actress’s bright spots. One of her earliest lead roles was in 2012’s Paranormal Activity 4, one of the many installments of this Supernatural-Found Footage franchise. While reception for the film was mixed, one of the undeniable standouts of the film was Newton’s performance. However, it was Christopher Landon’s 2020 Horror Comedy Freaky that truly fully catapulted Newton into a modern-day Scream Queen.
When Landon’s Freaky slashed its way onto the silver screen, Newton’s performance as Millie made for a bloody good time. With his double-hitter Happy Death Day from 2017, followed by Happy Death Day 2 U in 2019 under his belt, it is clear Landon is no stranger to delivering a solid Horror Comedy, and Freaky was no exception. This body-swapping Freaky Friday-esque Slasher flick was brought to life by Newton and Vince Vaughn’s performances, making for a thrilling ride filled with imaginative gory kills and full-belly laughs. Newton’s stellar comedic timing and fiery presence commanded the screen as she took on both the shy, nerdy Millie and the cold-blooded “Blissfield Butcher.” Newton’s dynamic range pushed Millie into the realm of remarkable final girls alongside Tree Gelbman (Happy Death Day) and many others.
Moving forward to present day, Lisa Frankenstein, the quirky re-animated Horror Rom-Com from Diablo Cody and Zelda Williams, has been the talk of many since its February 9th release. This retro-styled Dark Comedy is an ’80s Goth Synth fantasy dressed in black lace. The chemistry between Kathryn Newton as Lisa Swallow and Cole Sprouse as The Creature is electric as the two bring this bizarre love story to life (literally and figuratively). While the box office stats don’t do the film justice, it’s currently getting the “Jennifer’s Body treatment” thanks to its recent digital release, which is frankly poetic as the film takes place in the Jennifer’s Body Universe, according to Cody.
As more viewers tune in at home, it has received tons of praise, quickly gaining cult status. Newton’s portrayal of Lisa shot her out of the graveyard and into our hearts as an iconic Horror girl alongside Megan Fox’s Jennifer Check, as she lives out all of our Gothic dark romance fantasies. Lisa is both charismatic and homicidal, putting the “gore” in “gorgeous.” Newton delivers a biting performance, giving Lisa an edge that’s as charming as it is alarming. It is guaranteed that Lisa Swallows will forever be listed alongside other Horror It-Girls for years to come.
Newton consistently delivers a powerful performance in everything she touches. Next up for the budding Scream Queen is a film Newton calls “the scariest and goriest film she has ever done. Set for release on April 19, 2024, Abigail is Radio Silence’s modern take on Dracula’s Daughter, the 1936 Universal Classic Monsters film. Newton stars alongside Melissa Barrera (Scream VI 2023), Giancarlo Esposito (Better Call Saul series), and the late Angus Cloud (Euphoria series). The film follows a group of would-be criminals as they attempt to kidnap the ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure. They soon realize the little girl is anything but normal as the night descends into total madness and carnage. If the trailers are any indication of what is to come, then Abigail is set up to be a visceral and bloody good time. Bottom line, Kathryn Newton is one to watch. So, run, don’t walk, to see Abigail once it hits theaters!
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