As a seasoned horror enthusiast who’s seen more ghostly spectacles than Casper’s family reunion, I can confidently say that this year has been an absolute rollercoaster of screams and shivers! From the long-legged monstrosities haunting our summer nights to Art the Clown knocking Joker off his throne, 2024 has truly been the year of terror.
For any dedicated horror enthusiast (and I suspect that’s you, given your presence here), it might seem like you’ve already watched every spine-chilling film that’s ever been worth a good scream. However, don’t worry, because TopMob has collaborated with a team of psychologists to predict the scariest horror movie of 2024, based on scientific research.
2024, indeed, turned out to be a year dominated by horror films rather than traditional family-friendly or action movies. Notably, some of the most successful summer blockbusters leaned towards the spine-tingling genre; Longlegs being one of them that stood out.
As the year drew to a close, it was clear that Terrifier 3 had taken over the domestic box office, dethroning Joker 2 in the process – a feat that Art the Clown would certainly approve of. However, these two movies are far from the only ones that left a lasting impression on us this year.
During our spooktacular Terror-Tober event at TopMob, we invited several psychology specialists to give their professional opinions about the scariest movie of the year. That way, you can make an informed choice about what chilling film to watch this Halloween.
Woman of the Hour is the scariest horror movie of 2024, says psychologist
Absolutely! The recently released Netflix film titled “Woman of the Hour,” starring Anna Kendrick, has been named the scariest movie of the year. A significant factor contributing to this label is that it’s based on a chilling true story focusing on serial killer Rodney Alcala.
Emily Mendez, a previous psychotherapist and founder of mental health marketing and PR company Priceless Copy, expressed her opinion to us: “In my view, the most terrifying film set for release in 2024 is Woman of the Hour.
The recently released movie is a gripping true-crime drama skillfully intertwining the tales of Rodney Alcala and Cheryl Bradshaw – the innocent woman who unknowingly chose the killer during an episode of ‘The Dating Game’ in the 1970s.
In a statement, Mendez said, “Alcala predominantly targeted and murdered young, vulnerable women after leading them to isolated areas.” The film is chilling, Mendez continued, because it’s inspired by true stories, highlighting the ongoing anxiety that many women experience in today’s world.
Approximately one out of every three women globally has experienced male-perpetrated violence. This film illustrates instances where women may find themselves feeling pressured to comply with men’s desires, despite their discomfort.
The psychologist then identified a moment where the character portrayed by director Kendrick, named Cheryl, provided her phone number to the antagonist despite having unease about it.
It seems she may have provided him an untrue phone number instead, and yet she didn’t directly reject his proposition, perhaps due to fear of further engagement with him. This ambiguity added a chilling element to the film.
In this instance, TopMob proclaimed it as the scariest scene of 2024, undoubtedly. As soon as Alcala discovers Cheryl using a false phone number, he threatens her, “Prepare for your head to be brutally attacked,” before trailing after her towards her car.
If the Woman of the Hour were merely a fictional character, this scene would still have been chilling. However, considering that Alcala confessed to killing at least eight women and some experts estimate he may have killed as many as 130 in reality, their interaction becomes even more spine-tinglingly terrifying.
According to an article written by Jessica Cullen for TopMob, “Woman of the Hour” not only delves into the life of Alcala and his crimes, but also explores how a conversation can suddenly change from being comfortable to uncomfortable. Cheryl’s interaction with Alcala isn’t her only instance of experiencing a sudden shift in conversation tone due to a man, but it is certainly the most distressing one.
Sydney Sweeney’s Immaculate is a contender
Michael Mohan’s film, Immaculate, may not be a retelling of real events, yet it managed to secure a nomination for the scariest movie of the year by delving into more profound psychological terrors rather than relying solely on shocking moments or graphic violence.
According to Veronica West, psychologist and creator of My Thriving Mind, a platform for mental health experts, she believes that “Immaculate” is an exceptional example of creating a sense of unease without the need for any traditional ‘scary’ moments.
Consider it a form of terror that primarily affects the mind rather than the physical increase in heart rate. However, rest assured that your heart rate will still get a good workout as well.
“One explanation given for why the West is appealing is that it consistently keeps its audience engaged, making them stay alert due to the ongoing tension. This can be likened to subtly stirring our most primal fears by keeping things just out of sight, similar to a suspenseful horror movie hinting, ‘Listen carefully… something might be lurking behind you.’
She noted that our brains naturally tend to be wary of unseen or unpredictable things, which means this film keeps you on edge at all times, causing you to scrutinize every dim corner and soft noise.
Envision holding a challenging yoga position, unsure of when you can take another breath – this is the sensation of tension that Immaculate creates through suspense. The film skillfully stirs up your brain’s sense of anticipation by maintaining a tense atmosphere without overusing jump scares.
Additionally, West emphasized a concept called “psychological nearness,” which refers to situations that seem so connected to personal experiences that they may appear indistinguishable from reality and the world portrayed in movies.
The exceptional production skillfully explores ideas of solitude and self-discovery, making it easy for viewers to sympathize with Sydney Sweeney as she battles mysterious entities within a haunting monastery. As you watch, you might find yourself nodding in agreement, recognizing the themes.
Among all the elements that make possession films truly terrifying for me, none are more chilling than those exploring religious ideologies and the enigmatic unknown.
West noted that a hint of chilling religious terror can awaken one’s profound, philosophical fear,” he said. “The atmosphere, subjects, and consequences in Immaculate tug at the primal cords of good versus evil, sin, and redemption, urging viewers to ponder the unsettling ‘what if?’ that lingers within them.
Or, if those options don’t appeal, consider revisiting an old favorite like “The Exorcist,” which is highly recommended by Terrifier’s director, Damien Leone.
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2024-10-29 14:50