As a lifelong cinephile who has braved countless horror films from the comfort of my own couch, I must say that this year’s lineup of chilling cinematic offerings is truly something to behold. From the sinister domestic drama “Cinephobia Releasing” that will leave you drenched in nervous sweat, to the off-the-wall final act of “Late Night With the Devil,” these films are sure to keep even the most hardened horror aficionados on the edge of their seats.
2024 is brimming with chilling movie premieres, featuring spine-tingling narratives that delve into various terrifying themes such as aggressive spiders and malevolent late-night talk shows. This year’s offerings are remarkable for their innovative twists on traditional horror motifs. For example, there’s a slasher film that draws inspiration from Terrence Malick as much as from Jason Voorhees; an apocalyptic story set in the future that focuses more on the collapse of a single family rather than global catastrophe; and not one but two films centered around nuns with sinister pregnancies. To make it even more intriguing, several of these productions have generated buzz at independent movie theaters, showcasing the horror community’s preference for venturing into uncharted territories.
Although Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is yet another significant work to be released, let me share with you the top horror films of the year up until now.
Before revealing the top spots, here are some honorable mentions:
Frankie Freako” (from Shout! Studios) – While it’s not strictly horror, this production harks back to ’80s and ’90s puppet films like “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” and “Critters”, and the director of “Psycho Goreman”, Steven Kostanski, has nailed it for genre enthusiasts.
20th Century Studios’ “Alien: Romulus” (2021) wasn’t groundbreaking, but it delivered an enjoyable dose of terror within the broader “Alien” narrative. The film excels with its exceptional sound, production design, and nerve-wracking sequences that will leave you on edge. Fede Álvarez, as both director and co-writer, deserves a lot of credit for delivering a space horror that many fans have eagerly anticipated.
Abigail
Universal Pictures
In the horror genre, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett continue to masterfully blend fear with humor, as seen in “Scream VI” and “Ready or Not,” and their latest film, “Abigail,” follows suit. The story unfolds when a group of criminals abduct what seems to be a child vampire, finding themselves in deep trouble with gruesome consequences. However, the film gains a unique edge through captivating acting by Melissa Barrera and Dan Stevens.
The First Omen
20th Century Studios
Under the guidance of Director Arkasha Stevenson and featuring standout performances from Nell Tiger Free, this chilling prequel to a nearly half-century-old series skillfully immerses viewers. Impressive cinematography and eerie set designs create an unsettling atmosphere for Sister Margaret’s exploration into her mysterious conception. Moreover, Free’s raw acting mirrors iconic film achievements such as the 1981 classic “Possession.
Infested
Shudder
2021’s standout creature feature is the French film “Spider Invasion,” where director and co-writer Sébastien Vanicek unleashes a torrent of deadly spiders upon a dilapidated apartment complex. Viewers will find themselves startled, wincing, and scratching as the death toll climbs and spiders scurry across every vertical and horizontal surface.
Stopmotion
IFC Films / Shudder
As a devoted cinephile, I’d put it this way: Delving into Robert Morgan’s haunting exploration of artistic obsession, the boundary between reality and terror becomes indistinct. Aisling Franciosi, a gifted stop-motion animator, breaks free from her domineering mother, only to uncover an abyssal darkness as she crafts her own tale. This film is a relentless blend of psychological, surreal, and body horror, with Morgan’s vision offering a bleak yet stunning portrayal of artistic creation.
Immaculate
Neon
Celebrate Sydney Sweeney’s rise as a horror queen in this gripping tale, where she plays a young nun grappling with an unexpected pregnancy. Directed by Michael Mohan, the film masterfully builds tension before plunging into the chaotic realm of B-movie horror, complete with gruesome scenes and a shocking finale for Sweeney.
Strange Darling
Magenta Light Studios
This captivating, intricate murder mystery series boasts an abundance of style, rivaled only by the powerful performances delivered by its principal actors, Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. Their game of cat-and-mouse causes havoc in a quiet Oregon town, where innocent bystanders unfortunate enough to be drawn into their path have little chance for survival. With a surprising finale and a closing scene that lingers hauntingly even after the credits finish, “Strange Darling” solidifies its position as the most daring independent production of the year.
I Saw the TV Glow
A24
This heartfelt, dreamlike drama revolves around two solitary teenagers who share an unbreakable bond through their favorite cult TV show. Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s creation is both captivating and emotional. She delves into the complexities of the trans experience in a closeted state, where the discomfort of isolation becomes more chilling than any supernatural creature could ever be.
Humane
IFC Films / Shudder
In a future where Earth’s resources are scarce and money is offered for euthanasia to control population growth, Director Caitlin Cronenberg launches her feature film debut. The witty, swift-paced script by Michael Sparaga revolves around a wealthy family, who find themselves in a predicament they can’t simply pay their way out of this time. This darkly entertaining indie film delves into the harsh realities of how we often mistreat those closest to us.
Oddity
IFC Films / Shudder
Damian McCarthy’s murder mystery, laced with eerie symbolism and captivating acting, presents Carolyn Bracken in an impressive role as a blind psychic woman unraveling the enigma of her sister’s demise. Her character owns a haunted antique shop and accompanies a mysterious wooden mannequin on this journey, seeking answers within her sister’s opulent mansion. The plot unfolds with clever twists that evoke genuine feelings and concludes sharply, offering a fulfilling sequel and complement to McCarthy’s initial work, the 2020 movie “Caveat.
Milk & Serial
Independently released on YouTube
Instead of preoccupying themselves with theater attendance and expensive intellectual properties, Hollywood executives choose to focus on, while independent filmmaker and comedian Curry Barker decides to disregard the trend and creates one of the year’s top thrillers for a mere $800. Collaborating with his creative partner Cooper Tomlinson, this 62-minute found footage adventure serves as an impressive demonstration of tension building, skillful editing, storytelling, and creating a chilling antagonist. Freely available on YouTube, it’s not hard to picture that the million viewers it garnered are now motivated to embark upon their own artistic journeys.
The Coffee Table
Cinephobia Releasing
This intense domestic drama, far from being for the faint-hearted, hides a gripping secret better left unveiled. Director Caye Casas masterfully transforms a seemingly innocuous new father’s purchase of an unsightly coffee table into a chilling tale that spirals out of control. The shocking twist of events, so gruesome it will make your skin crawl, will leave viewers dripping with anxiety. If you’re brave enough, go in without knowing.
Late Night With the Devil
IFC Films / Shudder
David Dastmalchian (“Dune,” “Ant-Man”) plays convincingly as a struggling talk show host, eager to boost ratings, who concocts a Halloween special with a girl suspected of being possessed by the Devil. The story, artfully crafted, unfolds in real time, maintaining an unpredictable pace throughout, culminating in a surprising and offbeat ending.
The Substance
Mubi
In my perspective, Coralie Fargeat’s captivating satire unfolds as a sleek sci-fi narrative revolving around the concept of reversing aging. However, it unexpectedly morphs into a bloody third act dance in the third act, striking an intriguing balance between fun, audacious, and poignant elements. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley gracefully portray TV personalities and their younger selves respectively, delivering powerful performances that flawlessly tumble the film’s complex ideas. The climax, though I won’t give it away, is more surreal than anticipated, propelling the movie to a level of brilliance that left me in awe.
In a Violent Nature
IFC Films / Shudder
Director Chris Nash’s unique spin on ’80s slasher films is irresistible to fans of VHS-era movies. The deliberately slow-moving film focuses on a supernatural murderer named Johnny, whose point of view is closely monitored by a camera mounted on his shoulder. In the midst of over-the-top kill scenes and stunning cinematography lies a biting satire infused with empathy, aesthetics, and authentic terror.
Longlegs
Neon
In Oz Perkins’ unsettling horror feature, Maika Monroe solidifies her role as the leading lady of indie horror, breathing new life into the police procedural genre. The film is steeped in malevolence, and its haunting tone and atmosphere are palpable throughout this visually striking story. The cinematography is dark and ominous, with deep blacks that hint at impending doom. Perkins masterfully maintains an air of dread, particularly through prolonged shots that leave viewers on edge, guessing what might lurk around the next corner. “Longlegs” is a captivating exploration of horror, a modern dark fable that stands alongside the greats.
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2024-10-30 00:18