A24’s 2024 Horror and Sci-Fi Movies, Ranked

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As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the silver screen world, I must say that this year has been a veritable treasure trove of cinematic delights, particularly when it comes to horror films that delve into the depths of human psychology and theology.

Indie studios are instrumental in fueling creativity and uniqueness within the movie business. These innovative production houses often bring to life captivating original stories or films that challenge conventions. Neon is one of the standout indie studios currently producing movies, with recent hits like “Immaculate”, “Longlegs”, and “Anora”.

The remarkable achievement and acclaim of these independent movies demonstrate that they play a crucial role in sustaining the film industry by introducing fresh, inventive concepts. Indie productions, regardless of genre – be it drama, comedy, or even horror and sci-fi – challenge conventional norms. However, it’s particularly in the realms of horror and sci-fi that indie films excel, as they venture beyond the traditional popcorn flick formula to craft thought-provoking, intelligent genre narratives. This is why independent filmmaking is essential.

In recent times, it’s A24, a studio based in New York City, that has significantly shaken up the landscape for independent horror, sci-fi, and beyond. Since 2012, this indie powerhouse has been churning out unique films and TV shows that challenge genre norms. They’ve effectively set the bar for what independent filmmaking can achieve, with a knack for selecting projects that leave a lasting impact. From dramas to comedies, coming-of-age stories, and beyond, A24 consistently delivers work that stands out in a crowd.

This idea particularly applies to the realms of horror and science fiction, as exemplified by movies such as Midsommar, Hereditary, Ex Machina, and Under the Skin. The studio consistently pushes boundaries and introduces fresh concepts within these genres, and 2024 is no different. Here’s a rundown of A24’s 2024 horror and sci-fi releases, listed in order of anticipated release.

5 ‘The Front Room’

Under the guidance of Robert Eggers’ siblings Sam and Max, the chilling film titled “The Front Room” serves as a horror comeback for Brandy Norwood. This suspenseful tale revolves around a young couple who find their lives disrupted when they decide to accommodate the husband’s aged stepmother. However, things take a sinister turn for Belinda (Norwood), especially after her mother-in-law moves in. As it becomes evident that the older woman harbors malicious intentions towards Belinda’s unborn child, Belinda is forced to defend herself and her unborn baby.

A Strong Return to Horror for Brandy

The plot of “The Front Room” shares some common ground, and it can be likened to a blend of “The Visit” and “Rosemary’s Baby“. In many horror films, religious fanatics or devil worshipers have been depicted as trying to seize unborn children from desperate mothers for years. However, the younger Eggers brothers decided to give it a unique twist by creating a film that is both unsettlingly funny and campy. The powerful acting of Brandy in the lead role and Kathryn Hunter’s chilling portrayal as a wicked mother-in-law contribute significantly to the movie, as their performances complement each other exceptionally well. This debut from the Eggers brothers is impressive, and it marks a successful return to the genre for Brandy.

4 ‘MaXXXine’

Ti West’s film titled MaXXXine was the thrilling finale to the X slasher trilogy. The final chapter follows Maxine Minx (played by Mia Goth), six years after the farmhouse massacre depicted in X, who now resides in Los Angeles of 1985. After pursuing a career in the adult entertainment industry, Maxine lands her big break when she’s cast as the lead actress in a horror film sequel. However, her shot at fame is jeopardized when a serial killer targeting young Hollywood celebrities could potentially expose her violent past.

A Tribute to ’80s Horror

In a nod to 80’s campy Giallo horror films, reminiscent of ’80s L.A., MaXXXine served as a tribute, complete with gloved killers and vibrant color schemes. While it lacked the slasher-style horror of X or the psychological depth of Pearl, this film was an enjoyable finale to the trilogy, offering a compelling character study. Both X and its prequel, Pearl, showcased their respective genres with grace; X paid tribute to the gritty slashers of the ’70s while Pearl echoed Technicolor Old Hollywood films, all while delving into intriguing character studies.

Stream MaXXXine on Max

3 ‘Y2K’

Kyle Mooney, who was part of Saturday Night Live, is directing his first movie titled Y2K. It’s a humorous sci-fi story set on New Year’s Eve in 1999. The film focuses on two high school students, Eli (Jaeden Martell) and Danny (Julian Dennison), who end up crashing a New Year’s party and find themselves in a life-threatening situation. The movie explores an alternate scenario of the Y2K Problem, a real concern back then about computers worldwide not being able to handle the transition from 1999 to 2000 because dates were formatted as MM/DD/YY, making 2000 indistinguishable from 1900. In Mooney’s film, this prediction comes true, causing global computerized infrastructures to collapse.

A Digital Disaster Comedy

At this year’s SXSW, the film “Y2K” debuted in March and presents itself as an elongated comedy sketch from SNL, brimming with ’90s nostalgia, yet presented in a more cinematic fashion. Initially, it offers a charmingly eccentric start before fully embracing the absurd disaster comedy genre. This film is a creative reinterpretation of disaster horror/sci-fi comedies, featuring excellent practical effects that progressively improve throughout the movie. For those who experienced the late ’90s or early 2000s, it encapsulates a unique brand of nostalgia that can only be associated with the dawning digital era.

Y2K will have its theatrical release on December 6th.

2 ‘I Saw the TV Glow’

Jane Schoenbrun’s third movie immerses viewers in the nostalgic atmosphere of the ’90s, focusing on late-night teen programs this time around. The story revolves around a suburban teenager named Owen (Justice Smith), who embarks on a journey when his senior peer Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) introduces him to an enigmatic late-night TV program titled “The Pink Opaque“. This show offers a surreal glimpse into a supernatural realm that mirrors our own. As Owen watches the television, his grasp on reality starts to falter.

A Beautiful Nightmare About Being Yourself

A captivating amalgamation of drama and eeriness, titled “I Saw the TV Glow“, serves as a thought-provoking lesson on the repercussions of deviating from one’s intended life path. With its unsettling visuals and at times disturbing imagery, the film creates an otherworldly atmosphere reminiscent of an extended dream sequence with haunting undertones. The horror in this production is less about jump scares and more about the terror that originates within. It’s about the fear stemming from ignoring our unique qualities as individuals and the struggle to express our emotions effectively.

Stream I Saw the TV Glow on Max

1 ‘Heretic’

The fifth collaboration between directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods offers a distinctive, chilling portrayal of religious horror. Entitled “Heretic”, this film focuses on Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East), two young Mormon missionaries. They are seen going from door to door, trying to invite people into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. However, when they knock on Mr. Reed’s (Hugh Grant) door, they find themselves in a dangerous game of hide-and-seek that challenges their unwavering faith.

A Horrifying Discussion About Theology

Hugh Grant delivers an outstanding performance in this film, seamlessly transitioning from unsettlingly humorous to genuinely terrifying scenes. His portrayal of a charismatic psychopath is exceptionally convincing. Unlike many religious horror films that revolve around satanic cults, corrupted churches, and endless jump scares, Heretic offers a captivating exploration of faith versus doubt, skillfully examining the impact of organized religion on belief systems.

The movie tackles recurring themes concerning the powerful influence of various religions, setting it apart from similar films in the genre due to its unique portrayal. Throughout the film, Mr. Reed subjects the characters’ faith to rigorous tests and provocative arguments against religious doctrine, compelling them to either uphold their convictions or succumb to skepticism. Each character reacts differently to these allegations and comparisons, resulting in an enthralling pursuit that prompts viewers to reflect upon their personal beliefs.

Heretic is currently playing in theaters.

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2024-11-20 05:32