Brian Paulin’s ‘Abysmal Purgatory’ Sets the Stage for Nightmarish Revenge as Blu-ray Release of ‘At Dawn They Sleep’ Surfaces from Vinegar Syndrome!
As the anticipation for Brian Paulin’s upcoming film Abysmal Purgatory builds, fans of the director’s unique brand of horror have another reason to rejoice. Vinegar Syndrome, in partnership with OCN Distribution, has announced the director-approved Blu-ray release of Brian Paulin’s At Dawn They Sleep. This limited-edition release showcases Paulin’s talent for blending genre film tropes, innovative storytelling, and practical gore effects, offering fans an opportunity to experience his earlier work.
Limited to only 2,000 units and available exclusively on the Vinegar Syndrome website and select independent retailers, this special edition of At Dawn They Sleep features a striking spot gloss slipcover that will undoubtedly be sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. It’s important to note that major retailers will not stock these limited-edition copies, making them even more coveted among fans of cardboard and underground cinema.
In the realm of horror cinema, director Brian Paulin has become synonymous with pushing the boundaries of extreme gore and underground terror. With his latest project, Abysmal Purgatory, Paulin aims to take the audience on a nightmarish journey filled with vengeance, supernatural dimensions, and the most ambitious creature effects of his career. Currently in production, this upcoming film promises to be a blood-soaked and chilling experience like no other.
The premise of Abysmal Purgatory revolves around a man consumed by a burning desire for revenge. After a devastating incident involving a brick hurled through his wife’s windshield while driving with their daughter, the man’s wife survives but sustains traumatic injuries. Faced with the grim reality of an unsolvable crime, he delves into the forbidden realm of the black arts, utilizing techniques he had sworn never to touch again. The film weaves a complex narrative through flashbacks and interdimensional plains of existence, transporting viewers into a terrifying world where darkness and retribution collide.
As the director himself, Brian Paulin, describes it, “Abysmal Purgatory started as a short experimental film but has become one of the most ambitious stories Morbid Vision Films has ever tried to pull off. It will also contain the most creature effects that has ever been created for one movie.” The film combines elements of horror, revenge, and supernatural dimensions, with a healthy dose of extreme gore, and introduces a host of nightmarish creatures, including one towering over eleven feet tall.
Known for his mastery of practical effects and pushing the boundaries of on-screen brutality, Brian Paulin is determined to surpass his previous works. With Abysmal Purgatory, audiences can expect a visual feast of creature designs and gore that will leave an indelible mark on the horror genre.
Joining Paulin in bringing this nightmarish vision to life is an ensemble cast that includes Lilac Giliberte (Septic), Brian Paulin himself (Blood Pigs), Jesse Waegelein-Hall (Septic), Rich George (Bone Sickness), Brookelyn Lynch, Nate Levine, and Todd Therrien. Additionally, Jean Rises from Germany serves as the associate producer, further contributing to the film’s international collaboration.
It’s worth noting that Abysmal Purgatory is an expanded full-length version of a short film directed by Brian Paulin for Marcus Koch’s anthology, Symbolicus 2, titled Water. The evolution of this concept into a feature-length film speaks volumes about Paulin’s dedication to exploring the depths of horror storytelling.
As Severed Cinema anticipates the release of Abysmal Purgatory, it’s essential to reflect on Brian Paulin’s previous work and his impact on the genre. One such film that captivated gore connoisseurs and underground horror enthusiasts was Septic. Released by Morbid Vision Films, Septic delves into the dark web and the terrifying world of “red rooms.”
In our review of Septic (read full review here), Executive Editor, Chris Severed notes, “Septic is pure insanity. There are so many creative fucked-up ways to invoke gore that I didn’t once ponder the absence of creature effects. Penises are mutilated, babies are smashed, bodies are brutally mutilated, and heads are bashed open via a sledgehammer. Septic is relentless.” The film showcases Brian Paulin’s uncanny ability to deliver unrelenting gore and engage the audience with dedicated performances from the cast, with Paulin himself stealing the show as the enigmatic Thomas Forsberg.
As the release of Abysmal Purgatory draws nearer, fans of Brian Paulin’s signature brand of underground horror are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another landmark achievement. Prepare yourself for a descent into the abyss of Abysmal Purgatory.
