As a horror enthusiast with over two decades of chilling experiences under my belt, I can confidently say that this month’s horror marathon was a rollercoaster ride through fear and fascination. The high points were soaring, like watching the terrifying transformation in American Mary or the gruesome fun of Thanksgiving. However, there were also moments when the journey took a wrong turn, leaving me feeling as lost as the characters in The Beast Within or Don’t Turn Out The Lights.
This is the season when the nip in the air inspires thoughts of curling up with some top-notch horror movies streaming services provide. As a dedicated horror fan who enjoys everything from the grittiest indie slasher to studio-polished thrillers, I’ve dived deep into six films this month. Some were so good they deserved shout-outs from every rooftop, while others left me puzzled, questioning their production. Here are my recommendations for four must-watch movies, and two you might want to give a miss.
Horror Films I Watched This Month That I’d Recommend
1. American Mary (2012)
In the realm of horror movies, finding something fresh and unique can be as elusive as a ghost in daylight. However, the movie titled “American Mary” manages to stand out, gripping you from the start and holding on tight. This film is helmed by the Soska Sisters and tells an engaging story of retribution and body modification surgeries. The protagonist, Mary Mason, a medical student, takes an unusual professional route following a distressing incident, which leads her down a dark and twisted path.
Explanation Behind Its Success: The movie excels thanks to its original idea, darkly comic elements, and a captivating portrayal by Katharine Isabelle. It’s equally fashionable and disturbing, earning its place among the top body horror films by delving into the world of body modification culture in a way that is both alien and strangely meaningful.
As a fellow aficionado of tantalizing horror flicks such as “Black Swan” and “The Skin I Live In”, I wholeheartedly recommend adding the next thrilling masterpiece to your watchlist. Luckily, you can enjoy it instantly on Tubi or Pluto TV!
2. Bruiser (2000)
Let’s pause for a moment to acknowledge the overlooked gem on our list: “Bruiser”. Known for his work in horror, George A. Romero directed this movie which offers a thought-provoking and dreamlike exploration of self-identity. Despite numerous Romero projects that never came to fruition, “Bruiser” was one that did, but unfortunately, it’s become almost forgotten within his filmography.
The story unfolds around Henry Creedlow, skillfully portrayed by the ex-cast member of “X-Men: First Class,” Jason Flemyng. One day, he discovers that his face has been replaced with a faceless mask, symbolizing his discontent with his life in an unsettling manner.
From a devoted fan’s perspective:
This forgotten 2000s horror movie is one of the best horror movies on Tubi.
3. Mr. Crocket (2024)
Scary movies have a knack for turning childhood innocence into nightmare fuel, and Mr. Crocket takes this concept to spine-chilling new heights.
In his first full-length movie, Brandon Espy takes the helm of a chilling supernatural horror film, building upon his 2022 short film with the same title. The narrative revolves around Summer Beverly, a mother tormented by grief as she attempts to free her child from the grasp of a sinister children’s TV host, Mr. Crocket. Imagine a blend of Mr. Rogers, Pennywise the Clown, and a hint of Freddy Krueger, and you’ll have a fair sense of the film’s eerie atmosphere.
Explanation Behind Its Success: Starting from the very first scene, Mr. Crocket skillfully plunges viewers into a distorted universe where fond memories are used as weapons against us. The central character, Mr. Crocket, portrayed with chilling charm by Elvis Nolasco, assumes dual roles: a protector and a hunter. He lures mistreated children into his domain under the pretense of safety.
You can access one of the streamer’s best horror flicks if you have a Hulu subscription.
4. Thanksgiving (2023)
It’s surprising that the phony trailer from Grindhouse would transform into one of the most outstanding holiday horror movies in recent times. Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving certainly lives up to expectations with its abundance of gore, humor, and an eerie yet festive holiday ambiance.
Why It Works: Roth leans heavily into the absurdity of the premise, delivering a blood-soaked slasher that feels like a love letter to the best slasher movies of all time. The kills are as inventive as they are brutal, and the self-aware humor hits all the right notes. If you’ve ever wanted your turkey dinner served with a side of carnage, Thanksgiving is the answer to your prayers, and you can check it out now with your Netflix subscription.
Horror Films I Watched This Month That I Wouldn’t Recommend
1. The Beast Within (2024)
As a gamer, I’ve always been fascinated by the symbolism of werewolves, representing inner struggles and transformations. However, in the movie “The Beast Within,” they failed to tap into this rich folklore. In this film, I played Noah, a werewolf whose secret life as a lycanthrope starts to unravel when my daughter Willow (Caoilinn Springall) discovers the truth. The concept was intriguing, but unfortunately, this movie didn’t bite hard enough into its potential, leaving viewers with a half-baked mix of horror and drama that felt more like a mess than an engaging experience.
Explanation Behind Its Failure: Director Alexander J. Farrell aims to delve into the topic of domestic violence using a werewolf tale. Regrettably, the symbolism is too overt, drowning out any genuine suspense or fear. Rather than crafting a multifaceted narrative, it feels like a sermon with minimal subtleties.
The movie struggles with not delivering authentic scary moments. Although the eerie shots of West Yorkshire’s landscape create an unsettling atmosphere, the scares primarily consist of anticipated jump-scares, and the absence of gore leaves horror enthusiasts craving for something more substantial. Moreover, even the werewolf transformation scenes—often a key element in such films—are kept mostly hidden, reducing the genre’s impact on the audience.
In a new take, Harington delivers an impactful portrayal of the troubled father, yet the script struggles to make a decisive choice between its horror origins and domestic drama aspirations. The narrative seems unclear, merging heavy topics with genre conventions in a manner that appears fragmented.
The movie’s ending, rather than leaving a lasting impression with its climax, instead feels overly explanatory and almost comically so. This excessive clarity in revealing the film’s symbolism borders on the absurd, and ultimately, after the credits finish rolling, what remains is not a mind-blowing finale, but a sense of lost potential due to the squandering of goodwill generated by the acting or visuals.
2. Don’t Turn Out The Lights (2024)
A road trip horror can give you an exhilarating experience if done well, but unfortunately, the movie “Don’t Turn Out The Lights” veers off course and doesn’t regain its footing. Directed by Andy Fickman, this film chronicles a group of friends traveling to a music festival whose trip takes an unexpected turn when their RV breaks down in a desolate location, leading them into encounters with supernatural terrors. While the concept could have built tension and delivered scares, the movie’s execution falls short of expectations.
The Reason It Falls Short: Initially, this appears to be a casual and funny road trip movie, but it eventually becomes disorganized and disappointing. The characters are poorly developed, with stereotypical personas that make it challenging to sympathize with them. Olivia, who is self-centered and pulls her friends to the festival, and Carrie, her anxious best friend, lack depth and mainly fit typical character molds. Even Jason, the former Marine, is characterized solely by his proficiency in high-pressure situations. The humor frequently appears contrived, as shown in a crude joke about RV bathroom issues, which further contributes to the film’s aimless feel.
Fickman’s decision to leave the terror’s origin uncertain for most of the movie is a daring move, but unfortunately, it doesn’t pay off. The occasional red eyes that appear, hinting at possibilities ranging from supernatural entities to suspicious travelers, don’t create genuine fear. Instead, the lack of definition gives the film an aimless feel, as if it’s merely going through horror clichés without fully embracing any of them.
The Final Verdict
This month’s horror film marathon was a diverse mix, yet it only strengthened my passion for the genre. Movies such as “American Mary” and “Thanksgiving” showcase horror’s knack for startling us, making us think, and keeping us entertained, all while pushing beyond the boundaries set by its more simplistic offerings. On the other hand, films like “The Beast Within” and “Don’t Turn Out The Lights,” despite falling short of expectations, serve as reminders about the perils of settling for mediocrity in this genre.
So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and dive into the good ones—you’ll thank me later.
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2024-11-21 16:37