'Spirit Tastings': Chris LaMartina's New Year's Eve Horror Film Sets Roadshow

Chris LaMartina shot his new horror film "Spirit Tastings" in four days for $40,000. The writer-director, known for the cult hit "WNUF Halloween Special," made the film to celebrate his 40th birthday, in the spirit of B-movie icons like Roger Corman.

Terror Vision Original Productions announced the project. The film is a spooky New Year's Eve tale, and it will reach audiences through a holiday roadshow with dates running from November to early January in cities across the country. Specific dates remain to be announced. LaMartina and select cast members will appear at every stop, and a Blu-ray release will follow the tour.

What is 'Spirit Tastings' about?

The official synopsis describes the film as "a post-punk riff on 'The Monkey's Paw.'" Three former punks — played by Sean Doherty, Melissa LaMartina and Trevor Wilhelms — gather at a distillery on New Year's Eve to toast their late bandmate. A strange sommelier, played by Matt Lake, invites them to a top-shelf tasting. There is only one catch, per the synopsis: "Every bottle requires a 'wish.'"

The premise darkens from there. "As each of their desires twist into doom, these old friends discover that every pour at the Red Bat Distillery comes at a deadly price," the synopsis reads.

The cast also includes Matt Baughman, Cate Paris and Tatiana Nya Ford. The film features cameos from genre fixtures including Grady Hendrix, Clay McLeod Chapman, Peches Christ is not correct — the cameo comes from Peaches Christ — and Henry Zebrowski.

Who made the film?

Chris LaMartina directed and edited "Spirit Tastings." He co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Varrati. The producers are Melissa LaMartina, Chris LaMartina, Michael Varrati and Ted Geoghegan. Ryan Graveface serves as executive producer.

The production model mirrors the low-budget, fast-shoot tradition of Roger Corman. Four days of principal photography and a $40,000 budget, undertaken to mark LaMartina's 40th birthday, place the film squarely in the DIY ethos that made "WNUF Halloween Special" a cult favorite.

What does this change for genre fans?

The roadshow format matters. Instead of a standard theatrical or streaming rollout, "Spirit Tastings" will travel to venues across the country from November to early January, with LaMartina and select cast members present at each stop. That model gives audiences direct access to the filmmaker and echoes the experiential programming — live appearances, seasonal framing — that has defined LaMartina's career.

A Blu-ray release will follow the roadshow, giving the film a physical afterlife that suits its analog-horror pedigree. Fans of "WNUF Halloween Special" will recognize the strategy: a seasonal hook, a communal screening event, and a collectible release for the shelf. Dates for the roadshow have not yet been announced, so anyone hoping to raise a glass at the Red Bat Distillery will need to watch for the schedule in the coming weeks.