I know, I’m about three or four years late, but I just saw You’re Next this weekend. Horror movie. Kind of a slasher film meets Straw Dogs — a wealthy family convenes at their big-ass vacation home in the middle of nowhere, and a group of animal masked weirdos attempt to kill them one by one. It’s not a perfect movie, but it is a damn good one — and one that does some nice things with narrative structure. The film features some twists — not epic jerk-the-wheel twists like you find in Cabin the Woods (a movie I love more for its moxie than for its execution), but twists that pivot the story but never change what the story is.
I recommend the hell out of it and I wish I’d watched it sooner.
(Was it Sunil who recommended it to me most recently? Sunil? Maybe?)
We’re at a point where a lot of the big budget horror stuff is just kinda junky. Maybe it always was. Some of the more popular horror films released to theaters recently start off scary but quickly devolve into a similar pattern — they drift from horror into something approaching fantasy. (Or at least something silly.) And that’s not bad, always, but it’s not usually what I’m looking for. And then there’s the fact they’re remaking Poltergeist. I’m not sure why anybody would want to remake a movie that still holds up. You remake movies: a) that had potential but did not live up to that potential b) were awesome but are really showing their age or c) are movies to which you can really bring something new to the table. (Ghostbusters falls into that last category, I think.)
Anyway.
Point is, a lot of really cool, kick-ass, weird, wonderful, scary horror is being done in the margins — direct-to-video, indie, small film releases.
So: here I am, hanging out a sign.
The sign is dripping with blood.
I’m taking recommendations.
Good, small, even edge-case horror.
Double points if it’s available on Netflix streaming.
Let’s hear your recs, folks. I showed you mine, you show me yours.
Stephen Dunscombe (@cythraul) says:
(I tried to think of a way to say “teenage sexual awakening” in a way that’s not all wink-wink-nudge-nudge. I did not succeed.)
February 9, 2015 — 1:10 PM
J. Fryer says:
It’s been said a few times, but definitely Session 9… the ending of that movie still lives and crawls under my skin.
If you need soul-crushing bleakness, Sauna is for you… very slow burn (It’s Finnish, ’nuff said), but crunchy pay-off.
La Casa Muda (The Silent House) was ball-clenching creepy… mainly because it is presented in one continuous take, so there’s no ‘downtime.’ I believe there’s an American version, but not idea how it came out.
And The Abandoned (2006)… a flawed movie, but some of the imagery is brilliantly done…
February 9, 2015 — 1:13 PM
Brent McGuffin says:
Thank you thank you . I said almost those exact words about the Poltergeist remake just the other day. But also, wasn’t there a terrible remake of Poltergeist call Insidious? I think so.
Oh, but we’re talking about recommendations.
No One Lives – It’s a twist on the serial killer/slasher thing that reminds me a little of a non-sci-fi Pitch Black
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1763264/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_12
If we’re talking about Netflix, you should check out Black Mirror. Not a movie but six episodes that are very much worth a watch.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2085059/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
I want to say John Dies At the End but you are better off reading the book.
February 9, 2015 — 1:22 PM
David says:
This makes an excellent viewing list for mine and my wife’s UnValentine’s Day horror movie marathon. Thanks all.
February 9, 2015 — 1:33 PM
Bob Bois says:
I’m a fan of Mike Flanagan, who wrote and directed both “Absentia” and his sophomore effort, “Oculus”. Both are creepy, atmospheric. Not a lot of jump-scares, just well – written feelings of dread. I remain stupefied that “Oculus” was so widely distributed. Not a mainstreamer, by any measure.
February 9, 2015 — 2:17 PM
Nick Nafpliotis (@NickNafster79) says:
Absentia was fantastic
February 9, 2015 — 3:39 PM
Anne says:
“Vile”, It’s available on Netflix. I think it does the whole “hurt yourself to survive” theme well. Its not a perfect movie, there ate certainly elements that should’ve been done better. But all in all a good movie. And the soundtrack was wonderful, the music selection gave the film a more artsy feel.
February 9, 2015 — 2:49 PM
Russ says:
Writers rewrite/remake movies for the reasons you listed. Studios remake them only to make money. And because they hate original ideas. And eat their young.
February 9, 2015 — 2:59 PM
Nick Nafpliotis (@NickNafster79) says:
– Home Movie (2008). An atheist psychologist wife and episcopal priest husband try to figure out what the hell is wrong with their very weird and messed up twin kids. Found footage, but very well done.
– The Devil’s Pass (2012): A bunch of kids go exploring the Dyatlov Pass of urban legend/real unsolved mystery lore. Typical hijinks ensue, but then the movie takes a really cool left turn.
– Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006): Budding serial killer invites a documentary film crew to observe him as he prepares for his first murder. Surprisingly funny and terrifying at the same time.
February 9, 2015 — 3:38 PM
plwinkler says:
“Seconds,” starring Rock Hudson is a classic science fiction/horror film. Well worth seeking out.
February 9, 2015 — 3:55 PM
Kim says:
Great rec’s – I’ve wanted to expand this section of my to-watch list for some time.
I just watched Wolf Creek: a creepy, slash-y madman tortures tourists in the Outback. Unusual location, story builds some nice tension, but not much in terms of character development or plot (the sentence above pretty much sums it up).
I love the over-the-top bloody mess that is Peter Jackson’s Dead Alive (and his twisted take on Muppets, Meet the Feebles). Cemetery Man http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109592/ is a movie I stumbled upon years ago that delighted me with its Italian location and main character, the put-upon gravedigger/Zombie minder.
February 9, 2015 — 4:01 PM
Alexis Smithers (@DangerLove12) says:
the babadook. I watched it after reading some article that said it’s a great metaphor for abuse and really important to me. it’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.
February 9, 2015 — 6:42 PM
Steven says:
I totally agree. The Babadook was so excellent.
Chuck, I second the Babadook!
February 10, 2015 — 9:11 AM
Em says:
I third Absentia. Liked Oculus.
Seventh Moon.
Just saw 13 sins. I think it is a bit hoaky but enjoyed it.
I was somewhat disappointed with Babadook. The film making was incredible but after watching the previews there is no surprise who the monster is.
And yes Mama was creepy…I think of that one every time my hand goes over the edge of the mattress.
Also-
Ringu movies were good The Ring was meh
and Snowpiercer
For Misery fans I suggest Boxing Helena
and so many more.. but I have yet to see You’re Next- kept changing my mind about it and will see it for sure now.
February 9, 2015 — 6:47 PM
sagarciax2 says:
Director/Writer Jim Mickle has two solid horror movies: “Stake Land” (2010), and 2013’s “We Are What We Are”, which is a fabulous movie about a family of cannibals facing a crisis of faith when a torrential flood uncovered their secrets. Great movie.
” You’re Next” is on my on Netflix Streaming along with too many other potential horror gems or bombs. Ah, what fun!
February 9, 2015 — 7:36 PM
Asheley says:
I love horror movies so here is my list: The babadook; Session 9 was an amazing slow burn…f@!$ed me up; Oculus is one that I never tire of; the Deaths of Ian Stone…an all time favorite; classic: The people under the stairs; Gothika is a favorite of mine as well; 28 days later British Zombie movie with a refreshing, realistic take on the genre…I like to think of it as the British prequel to the walking dead; The Crazies..gory and fun these are just some of my favorites. Good to see I am not alone in my love for horror movies. ,
February 9, 2015 — 10:40 PM
Trey Taylor says:
‘Headhunters’ on Netflix streaming based on the novel by Jo Nesbo
and cosign on ‘The Babadook’
February 9, 2015 — 10:43 PM
tedra says:
Wow! I need to step my horror game up. I was going to insist Insidious but some of these sound really good. I dont really do slashed films unless I want to laugh. I don’t think anyone mentioned Saw yet. Like the first two or three movies were really great then it got weird trying to tie all that crap together.
February 9, 2015 — 11:49 PM
Ashlee Jade says:
Seems like we have some excellent recommendations here. I can’t wait to have a horror-binge and watch as many as I can before I pass out.
I cannot recommend ‘Session 9’ enough, even though I see that it has already been mentioned several times, it’s still one of my favourite horror flicks.
‘The Bad Seed’ brilliant 50’s horror that not enough people have heard of. The very end, in my opinion, is a bit of a rip off and is the only thing that keeps the film from being perfect, the rest of it, however, is pure gold.
I only recently watched ‘In the Mouth of Madness’ and I really, really enjoyed it. I mean, it will make your brain implode, but it is a brilliant bit of cinema. The practical effects are great, and something about the author character reminds me strongly of Neil Gaiman. No clue why, but it just made the film that much more enjoyable.
February 10, 2015 — 6:57 AM
Noel R. says:
I’m rather a fan of the Japanese horror movie “Infection.” Probably my number one favorite, actually–it helps that it takes place in a hospital, and I’m naturally terrified of hospitals anyway (not on Netflix, sadly, but easy to order on Amazon). Also, “White” a Korean ghost/horror film about a Kpop group being terrorized by an angry spirit–it used to be on Netflix, but I haven’t seen it recently.
February 10, 2015 — 8:36 AM
Lisa says:
I agree with almost all of the posts above…here are my additions. The original Dead End (Ray Wise and Lin Shaye, both of whom are wonderful), The Orphanage (spanish film, not typical horror, but really good), and I love all Asian horror but two of my favorites are The Maid (2005) and Premonition. (No, not the Sandra Bullock one, the 2004 Japanese one. Totally different story about ghost month. Loved it.) For fun old-fashioned horror I loved Dead Silence. Ventriloquist dolls scare the crap out of me.
February 10, 2015 — 1:33 PM
Kent says:
Just gonna leave this hear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szaLnKNWC-U. Trailer for The Babadook. Don’t watch it before bed.
February 10, 2015 — 2:43 PM
TymberDalton says:
There’s a great one called Hidden (Skjult) by After Dark Films – be careful when looking for it, there’s a full movie on IMDB by the same name that’s NOT the same movie – that’s really creepy, really well done.
http://youtu.be/opp_IpMLzoM for the trailer.
http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/70131023
http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-After-Dark-Horrorfest-4/dp/B00344EAKU/
Article that talks about it: http://www.dreadcentral.com/top-10-lists/52540/those-foreigners-are-on-fire-10-amazing-nordic-horror-films/2/
February 10, 2015 — 4:57 PM
silence says:
I’m not sure if the TV series supernatural would interest you.
February 10, 2015 — 8:14 PM
mangacat201 says:
Oh, Supernatural definitely would, I still stand by the fact that some of their episodes are definitely Mini-Horror movies, others are great spoofs on the genre, especially the early seasons that focus so heavily on the urban legend material. ‘Wendigo’ or ‘Asylum’ comes to mind, and S2’s Hollywood Babylon is a great parody.
February 11, 2015 — 2:23 AM
Lee Mountford says:
I know I shouldnt, but I’m going to recommend one I haven’t actually seen. BUT, I’ve heard great things about it: When the Lights Went Out. A relatively unknown British effort that is supposed to be really creepy and on my ‘to watch’ list, along with The Babadook.
February 11, 2015 — 4:15 PM
spcwhl says:
As Above So Below, is a great bit of architectural horror. You’re Next was worth watching just for the bad guy’s justification.
February 12, 2015 — 5:06 PM
stranger09 says:
Okay here I go, some of them might’ve been mentioned before, but I gonna list ’em anyway:
General recommendations:
The Babadook – by Jennifer Kent
Not only a great Horrorfilm, but also rich on metaphors AND one of the overall 10 best films of 2014. Watch it.
Honeymoon – by Leigh Janiak
This one really flew under the radar and didn’t get the attention it deserved. Great atmosphere, great leading actors (Rose Leslie aka Ygritte from GoT and Harry Treadaway aka Dr. Frankenstein from Penny Dreadful) and Janiak did a fine job of directing her cinematic debut.
Maniac – by Franck Khalfoun
Great performance by Elijah Wood and an interesting spin on the narration, since you see the whole film through the eyes of the killer (ego-shooter style).
Vargtimmen (Hour of the Wolf) – by Ingmar Bergmann
Well, it’s Ingmar Bergmann. He is one twisted-as-fuck dude.
Basically everything by Ti West (The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers, The Sacrament)
If you liked You’re Next, you will most certainly like these films too. Ti West is from the same “Indie-Gang” as Adam Wingaard and they cooperate on projects in different capacities.
Horns – by Alexandre Aja
Adaptation of Joe Hill’s book, main character is played by Daniel Radcliffe (probably his best performance so far). Even though some things got changed up I still really liked the film and even if you’ve read the book it’s still worth watching.
Willow Creek – Bobcat Goldthwait
Found-Footage-Sasquatch-Horror! Surprsingly well done and especially a long scene in a tent feels more like you’re watching the actors perform in a studio theatre rather than in a film.
Edge-case Horror:
Die Frau hinter der Wand (Whispers behind the Wall) – by Grzegorz Muskala
This actually is a TV film from Germany, which makes it quite surprising that it is as good as it is. Hitchcockian style camerawork and thriller-atmosphere with some mixed in horror-elements.
Child of God – by James Franco
“A dispossessed, violent man’s life is a disastrous attempt to exist outside the social order. Successively deprived of parents and homes and with few other ties, Ballard descends to the level of a cave dweller as he falls deeper into crime and degradation.”
Mostly a Crime-Drama Child of God features some horrific scenes – even though of them are only hinted. I was really impressed with this film, not only because I didn’t expect something like this from James Franco, but also because Scott Haze gave on of the best three lead acting performances of 2014. It is beyond me why he did not get nominated for any of the prestigious awards.
Korean:
Akmareul boatda (I Saw the Devil) – by Jee-woon Kim
One of the best Revenge-Films out there. Very explicit violence, interesting take on the whole “if you want to beat the Devil, you have to become the Devil” thing. Not sure how the film is distributed over in the US, but in Germany I had to get the “Black Edition” otherwise I would be missing like 25-30mins because of cuts. -_-
Bakjwi (Thirst) – Chan-wook Park
Awesome Vampire-Story by the Director of Oldboy. A Priest gets infected and turns into a Vampire, what does he do?
Gwoemul (The Host) – Joon-ho Bong
Genremix-deluxe. Comedy, Drama, Thriller, Horror, Action. The Host got it all. Also the monster is quite cool, really looks like something mutated out of all kinds of junk.
Funny and horror-ish stuff:
Housebound – by Gerard Johnstone
Girl gets placed under home detention and has to return to her mother’s house, there stuff starts to get creepy. Yeah, it’s a comedy, but Housebound still manages to creep you out and the thriller story is better than it is in some thrillerfilms.
What We Do In The Shadows – by Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi
Documentary on a group of Vampires who share a house in New Zealand. Simply hilarious. One of the best Vampire spoofs out there.
The Fantastic Fear of Everything – by Crispian Mills, Chris Hopewell
“A crime novelist whose research on Victorian serial killers has turned him into a paranoid wreck must confront his worst fears when a film executive takes a sudden interest in his movie script.”
Freaking Hilarious, while still providing you with the best kind of weird horror money can buy – watching this film is like reading a book by David Wong. Oh, and the main character is played by Simon Pegg.
February 21, 2015 — 11:52 AM
Brent McGuffin says:
I came here to recommend The Honeymoon. Watched in on Netflix last night and was pleasantly surprised.
Then I saw your recommendations and I think I’ll be having to update my queue
February 23, 2015 — 7:56 PM
stranger09 says:
Glad to be of help 🙂
I actually forgot to mention The Guest. It’s the newest film by Adam Wingaard, not so much horror, more like a retro suspense-thriller with some moments of mild horror – but extremly cool. The only true contestant to Guardians of the Galaxy for best soundtrack in 2014.
February 23, 2015 — 10:48 PM