Director James Wan brought new attention to the world of paranormal investigation with the popular Conjuring franchise, inspired by famous real life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. However, what has made the most iconic mark on the film world from the series is the creepy Annabelle doll. The Conjuring franchise,  as well as its spin-off Annabelle series, finds inspiration from the tale of Annabelle the doll, who was housed and investigated by the Warrens after claims of it having demonic energy surrounding it in the late 60s and early 70s.

Supposedly, the doll was bought for a nursing student from a pawn shop, and began to move on its own, leave strange notes, and house unpleasant, negative energy. For years, the Raggedy-Ann doll has been the center of urban legend and rumor. Supernatural theories have begun circulating again after a heartbreaking loss to the paranormal community.

Image Via Facebook, Dan Rivera

According to The Guardian,  the New England Society for Psychic Research announced the sudden passing of 54-year-old Dan Rivera, a veteran and the society’s lead investigator. Rivera was leading the Devils on the Run Tour, where he and other investigators were bringing the doll across the country. While stopped in Gettysburg during the tour, authorities were contacted for a report of a man being given CPR.

Rivera’s cause of death is currently still being investigated, autopsy pending. However, suspicious or fowl play has been ruled out. Dan Rivera is remembered by the New England Society for Psychic Research for his generosity, creativity, desire to educate

SCREAMBOX, founded by Bloody Disgusting, has pressed play on the VCR of its new six-part-series, The Trouble with Tessa. With its first two episodes exclusively on  streaming service SCREAMBOX, the series promises a twisting puzzle-box mystery, with suspense, murder, an eerie analog aesthetic, and plenty of blood. Perhaps even some folk horror or supernatural elements as well.

The series follows Tessa Fowler (played by Katrin Nugent), a disgraced documentarian. Following the sudden death of her career, along with her public image, she moves to the mountain town of Lowery, an idyllic village lost in time. No phones, no wi-fi, and no contact with the outside world. While she longs to leave behind her investigative nature, she cannot escape her own instincts when she discovers some mysterious video tapes in the creepy basement of her house. One of them seemingly contains footage of a murder, and Tessa falls down a rabbit hole through the dark and mysterious past of Lowery.

What is even creepier than the premise is that the series may be based on a true story. The series is Directed by Dennis Cahlo and Bethany Watson, and, according to Bloody Disgusting’s John Squires, the series “was inspired by Cahlo and Watson’s move to New York’s Hudson Valley, with its pockets of no phone connectivity, mysterious stone chambers, and occasional random sirens” (Squires). Additionally, it finds inspiration from Halloween 3: Season of the Witch and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

The series is now available to watch, exclusively on SCREAMBOX.

SOURCES:

John Squires, Screambox Original Series ‘The Trouble with Tessa’ Is Now Streaming With First Two Episodes