I’ve Never Been A Big Horror Fan, But Two Of My Favorite Movies This Year Are Changing That

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Among the films I’ve enjoyed most this year are “Sinners” and “28 Years Later”. While they were highly anticipated releases, it’s important to note that they belong to the horror genre, which isn’t usually my cup of tea. To be honest, I don’t typically get overly enthusiastic about horror films, but I don’t shy away from them either. Despite this, I don’t rush to the cinema to catch them.

In the past, I rushed straight out to watch “28 Years Later,” a horror film that truly excites me given my admiration for its creators Alex Garland and Danny Boyle, as well as their previous collaboration, “28 Days Later.” However, “Sinners” was an entirely different tale. While I usually steer clear of horror movies and vampire films, neither of which really appeal to me, I decided to wait until I had access through my HBO Max subscription. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a poor decision. Here’s why I might be reconsidering my stance on horror movies this year.

28 Years Later Is So Much More Than A Zombie Movie

In essence, these two films share a fundamental trait: they are fundamentally heartfelt stories. The horror aspect doesn’t detract from the narrative in either film, and both boast rich characters and engaging plots that draw you in deeply without resorting to cheap shock tactics or excessive violence. While 28 Years Later is indeed a zombie movie, it’s also a story about family and the tenacity of hope even in the most despairing circumstances.

The zombies may be significant and frightening, yet they don’t define the narrative. Instead, the focus is on the character development of Spike (Alfie Williams) as he matures amidst the desolate remains of a United Kingdom devastated 28 years after the Rage virus swept through. Through his experiences, Spike learns valuable lessons about life and death in a raw and tangible manner. The story concludes with him venturing out on his own, which is a typical step for young adults leaving home for the first time. I found this tale captivating, and it made me appreciate the brutal scenes, even the zombie encounters, for shaping Spike’s journey.

Sinners Might Be My Favorite Movie Of The Year

Following my viewing of “Warfare”, I didn’t believe any film could top it as my favorite of 2025. Frankly, I never thought a vampire movie would, but director Ryan Coogler knocked it out of the park with “Sinners”. Now I’m regretful for not catching it in theaters and instead watching it later on streaming. It’s an exceptional film, one that I should have anticipated loving. However, those pesky vampires… they were a bit hard to get past initially.

Initially, I’m captivated by the historical backdrop of the story in “Sinners,” specifically the 1930s America. This epoch abounds with compelling (and at times, heart-wrenching) narratives, and Coogler has brilliantly mined this rich seam. Additionally, I’m enthralled by the music from that era, the early blues pioneered by artists like Robert Johnson and Son House, as well as the Scots-Irish folk tunes from the same period. Remarkably, this film incorporates both styles of music, and the soundtrack is nothing short of exceptional.

I find myself enjoying the vampire story more because all its elements are combined in one tale, as it transforms a genre I usually don’t care for into a film that I truly adore. Similarly, the zombies in 28 Years Later made me appreciate that movie despite my general dislike for zombie stories.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve learned to approach each new horror flick with an open heart rather than a preconceived bias. Just because a movie features blood-sucking creatures of the night or the undead doesn’t automatically mean it won’t resonate with me. Here’s to embracing the unknown and giving every film a fair chance!

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2025-07-21 12:07