As a seasoned movie enthusiast with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that these horror films have left quite an impression on me. Each one offers a unique take on the genre, from the subtle nuances of Ti West’s The Innkeepers to the intense mistrust portrayed in Karyn Kusama’s The Invitation.
Gradual-paced horror films are sometimes criticized for being dull, overly conventional within their genre, and too artistic for typical moviegoers. It’s challenging to refute certain criticisms as this specific approach to horror might not appeal to everyone. These movies offer a deeper, more intricate narrative that may demand more attention than usual from viewers of genre films. Indeed, they often necessitate multiple viewings.
These films buck convention by presenting unconventional content that deviates from typical genre expectations. If you prefer the familiarity of traditional horror flicks, which often dominate local multiplexes, these might not be for you. However, if you’re intrigued by thought-provoking, offbeat movies that take a more leisurely approach to storytelling, these films could be worth exploring.
These are some of the greatest slow-burn horror movies of the 21st century so far.
15 Resurrection (2022)
In the novel “Resurrection“, the character Margaret, a businesswoman, is forced to confront her troubled history unawares. As a devoted and protective single mother, she begins to cross paths again with an individual from her past named David. Over time, it’s disclosed that David was once her abusive partner, whom she had a child with. However, he had previously claimed to have “consumed” their son – a claim which now seems questionable.
Paranoia Is Strong Enough
In the final act of this movie, I found myself lost in a deliberately puzzling adventure, where our protagonist, Margaret, seems to disintegrate under the influence of some enigmatic entity. It’s clear that David isn’t being truthful, yet somehow, Margaret’s suspicions and terror become tangible. The film subtly builds tension through its suspenseful pacing, leaving viewers in a perpetual state of wondering whether what they’re witnessing is genuine or merely the result of Margaret’s imagination.
In the chilling movie “Resurrection,” Rebecca Hall delivers an outstanding horror performance that alone makes it worth watching; a testament to its underappreciated status.
14 In the Earth (2021)
In a forested outpost, scientist Martin teams up with park guide Alma to explore a strange occurrence after communication ceases. Their mission: uncover the mystery. Upon entering the woods, they discover the site deserted. A violent individual assaults them and makes off with their gear, but luckily, an enigmatic figure named Zach appears and tends to their injuries.
An Extrasensory Trip That’ll Make You Lose Your Sleep
As a gamer, I can tell you that this movie isn’t your typical scary-in-the-woods flick. It steers clear of relying on old folk tales to scare you. This is a Ben Wheatley production, renowned for movies like “A Field in England” and “Kill List.” And trust me, if you’re expecting the usual jump scares or predictable horror elements, you’ll be in for an unexpected ride. Wheatley doesn’t do horror like that; he creates something unsettling, something that lingers long after the credits roll.
Instead, this is a chilling and prolonged experience that relies on an atmospheric soundtrack to keep you on edge as you become ensnared in the fear of the film’s monster: the very essence of nature itself. And just to clarify, it doesn’t resemble M. Night Shyamalan’s The Happening in any way.
13 The Wailing (2016)
The Wailing narrates the tale of Officer Jong-goo, who is tasked with unraveling a string of bizarre murders occurring in a secluded, rural village. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he suspects that a powerful Japanese man might be orchestrating these events and manipulating the villagers’ minds. Simultaneously, his own daughter starts exhibiting symptoms of possession.
The Perfect Folk Horror and Crime Mashup
Back in 2016, I got my hands on a mind-blowing game-changer from South Korea – a film that’s part folk horror, part crime drama and leaves you questioning what’s real and what’s not. Is it a supernatural horror tale, or is it the result of mass hysteria? The movie keeps you guessing all the way to its climax, but it’s the mystery of the true threat that makes it so gripping and captivating. This film’s unique storytelling has won over critics ever since, earning a stellar 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – the highest score on this list!
12 A Dark Song (2016)
“A Dark Song”: In this story, Sophia is a mourning mother, deeply desperate to communicate with her deceased son. Despite the long months of intense anguish that the ritual she’s heard about demands, she remains resolute. She manages to persuade occultist Joseph to assist her in navigating this process.
Grieving Is a Bizarre Journey
A standout indie horror film, “A Dark Song,” ranks among the finest Irish productions ever created. Its eccentric yet authentic concept may require patience to unfold, but it’s a profound exploration of loss and the delicate nature of the human psyche. Despite being confined within four walls of sheer terror, there are moments that will make you chuckle, yet it keeps you on the edge of your seat as it leads to an unforeseeable conclusion.
You can stream A Dark Song on Shudder.
11 Censor (2021)
In the mid-1980s Britain, the Video Nasty films faced rapid censorship. Enid, who spends her time watching movies and banning them whenever possible, has a tumultuous past. Her sister vanished when they were young children, and the case remains unsolved. When she’s asked to assess a particular film, she notices striking similarities between the depicted events and her recollections of her sister’s disappearance.
The Product of a Corrupted Mind
As a gamer, diving into Enid’s Catharsis feels like embarking on a stylish and powerful journey through a bleak era where emotional suppression was seen as the answer. I embody Enid, a character who embodies fragility yet clings tenaciously to her truth, even when it seems as if it could shatter at any moment.
In the gaming realm, I can’t help but be captivated by Prano Bailey-Bond’s masterful portrayal of a character’s mental collapse in her film. As a gamer, I appreciate her unique vision on the impact of excessive violence when it isn’t acknowledged as a raw truth. This 2021 release is undoubtedly one of the standout movies I’ve seen this year.
10 Relic (2020)
In the story titled “Relic“, we find Kay and her daughter Sam taking care of Edna, who is Kay’s mother and the family matriarch. Edna’s dementia has progressed to a point where it seems as if she’s disappeared from her home. Upon their arrival, they discover that the manor is overrun with mold, which appears to be spreading rapidly. However, to everyone’s surprise, Edna reappears one morning without any apparent injuries. She doesn’t remember where she was during her absence.
A Beautiful Take on Acceptance
The movie deviates from typical haunted house films; its initial chilling and enigmatic segments might lead you to think otherwise. However, common horror clichés are swiftly addressed, and surprisingly, the narrative soon veers away into something unique: a puzzling exploration of legacy, symbolized by the physical deterioration associated with old age, which is portrayed in Relic.
The movie reaches its climax by encircling its themes with an unforgettable scene, where the three generations of characters converge in a chilling sequence that will linger in your memory for several days.
9 Saint Maud (2019)
In the film titled “Saint Maud“, a former nurse named Maud, who has recently taken up the role of caretaker, resigns from her job at a medical center following an unsuccessful attempt to save a patient. Now deeply religious and adhering strictly to her faith, Maud endeavors to make her new charge – a cancer-stricken ex-dancer with no affinity for Catholicism – understand the necessity of transformation to secure eternal life. However, in her fervor to spread her beliefs, Maud oversteps boundaries, and her interpretation of martyrdom ultimately proves… significant.
The Limits of Faith
The captivating movie by Rose Glass offers a striking impression, irrespective of one’s religious beliefs. It’s essential to clarify that it isn’t a graphic religious horror film depicting good versus evil. Instead, the narrative delves into the protagonist’s journey exploring the concept of martyrdom and theological ideas from a deeply personal perspective: what if self-sacrifice entails giving up one’s life for the convictions one holds dear?
8 The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
As a seasoned horror movie enthusiast with years of viewing under my belt, I must say that “The Dark and the Wicked” is one of the most chilling films I have encountered in quite some time. The story follows Louise and Michael, siblings who return to their family home to spend time with their dying father. However, their mother’s reaction upon their arrival is far from welcoming, culminating in a shocking act of self-harm on the very night they arrive.
Family Values Aren’t Always Convenient
Bryan Bertino’s gripping possession film deviates slightly from its peers such as The Exorcist and The Evil Dead. Unlike those, The Dark and the Wicked presents a subdued depiction of suffering, focusing on siblings who are compelled to seek redemption amidst grief and loss, yet don’t feel driven to find solace or cope with their feelings.
Despite the fact that they are not excused from it, they must still endure a gradual descent into a personal inferno – a torment more chilling than anything portrayed on screen before. The conclusion is sure to send shivers down your spine.
You can stream The Dark and the Wicked on Shudder.
7 Possum (2018)
The narrative revolves around Philip Connell, a puppeteer who’s experienced a decline in his profession and is now tormented by one of his puppets named Possum. In an attempt to escape his past, he returns to his childhood home where his uncle Maurice resides. However, each time Philip attempts to explore parts of the house that are unfamiliar to him, Maurice prevents him from doing so. Strangely, Possum appears to have a life of its own, constantly reappearing in Philip’s presence, despite his efforts to get rid of it.
A Twisted Mind Is the Perfect Horror Setting
As a longtime connoisseur of psychological horror films, I must say that “A Dark Song” is one of the most underrated and captivating movies I have ever seen. Coming from someone who has spent countless hours delving into the depths of human psychology through cinema, this film stands out as a unique and jarring journey into the mind of a deeply disturbed individual.
You can stream Possum on Tubi.
6 Under the Skin (2013)
“In a somber corner of Scotland, ‘Under the Skin’ invites us to follow a mysterious, otherworldly beauty who entices unsuspecting men with her charm. As these men are drawn in by her allure, they find themselves unwittingly led to their demise, disappearing into a shadowy, biologic chasm of utter blackness. The narrative gradually reveals the darker aspects of humanity’s nature as it confronts this enigmatic humanoid predator.”
One of the Scariest Alien Invasion Films Ever Made
In Jonathan Glazer’s unconventional take on the horror genre about alien invasions, Scarlett Johansson portrays the extraterrestrial character in one of her more distinctive roles. The film offers an authentic feel due to the inclusion of non-actors and a gritty, guerrilla-style production approach. This raw style, combined with exceptional sound design and music, creates a haunting atmosphere that is sure to leave your senses shaken.
5 Sator (2019)
Sator trails a family that has long been bound by legends passed down through their bloodline. Grandmother Nani, who is suffering from dementia, provides an opening for a force called Sator to infiltrate her consciousness and manifest its presence via “automatic writing,” which is a psychic ability where one writes whatever the spirit dictates. Adam, Nani’s grandson, takes up her mantle and diligently records Sator’s actions.
A One-Man Horror Show
Jordan Graham’s masterpiece, titled “Sator“, is not your typical low-budget horror movie that relies heavily on grand spectacles to evoke otherworldly feelings. Even in its most common “horror in the woods” setting, it deviates from tradition. Instead of being a series of jump scares, “Sator” is an intensely intimate film. It’s one of the most enigmatic films on the list, but also arguably the most terrifying.
You can stream Sator on Prime Video.
4 The Innkeepers (2011)
“The Innkeepers” follows the tale of Claire and Luke, who work at the Yankee Pedlar Inn as it prepares for its final days (a real hotel in Connecticut). With rumors of ghosts haunting the inn, Claire decides to spend her remaining time there attempting to uncover evidence of these spectral beings for an online platform. Equipped with ghost-hunting gear, they’ll delve into the truth surrounding the entities that linger within the hotel, but eventually discover that some secrets are best left untouched.”
A Great and Simple Ghost Story
Under the guidance of director Ti West, who later became known for the X trilogy, the chilling movie titled The Innkeepers employs its supernatural elements with remarkable subtlety. It transitions seamlessly from Gothic atmospheres to thoughtful moments and even maintains a certain innocence characteristic of horror films. Yet, when the moment calls for it, West doesn’t shy away from revealing the ghostly apparitions, making use of impressive production design and makeup that significantly enhances the overall film.
3 We Are What We Are (2013)
In the setting of a remote, mountainous region, the narrative unfolds around the Parker family – father Frank, his spouse, and their children. Tragedy strikes when Frank’s wife succumbs to an unexpected illness while shopping in town. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that the Parkers harbor a mysterious and ominous secret, which comes to light following this tragic event.
The Rite of Passage You’ll Never Forget
Jim Mickle’s remake of the same-titled Mexican film adopts a similar earthy atmosphere. It’s a drama with a horror setting that isn’t particularly gory. If the movie didn’t transition into its horror narrative, you could categorize it as a coming-of-age tale. Outstanding performances by Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, and Bill Sage in his finest role yet lead this film.
You can stream We Are What We Are on The Roku Channel.
2 The Invitation (2015)
The Invitation narrates the tale of Will, a young man embarking on a fresh chapter in life. Following the tragic demise of their son, he parted ways with his ex-wife. Yet, an intriguing dinner invitation from Eden, who now shares her life with another, compels him. As he steps into the stunning Hollywood Hills residence, Will starts to sense that the evening’s festivities are not quite as they seem.
The One That’ll Make You Afraid of Your Friends
In simple terms, the movie “Will’s Descent” offers an authentic portrayal of distrust, avoiding conventional horror elements for an entire hour. Instead, it appears to be a tale about a man who struggles to trust his ex-wife and her new partner. The final act is chaotic yet beautiful, leading to a visually appealing ending, but it takes its time to reach a conclusion that seems rooted in horror, which director Karyn Kusama handles masterfully. This film might leave you questioning even the shadows around you.
1 Unsane (2018)
In the film “Unsane” directed by Steven Soderbergh, the character Sawyer has been persistently evading a stalker, even leaving the city behind for safety. However, when she attempts to start dating again, things don’t go as planned and eventually, she admits herself into a mental health facility.
A Masterful Experiment
Steven Soderbergh’s horror-thriller has a relentless, enigmatic feel, with its pacing often seeming painstakingly slow, leaving viewers yearning for answers that take an eternity to unfold. The movie indeed employs some gimmicky techniques, which are hard to miss given that Soderbergh chose to film the entire production using an iPhone 7 Plus.
But it’s also a masterful exercise in storytelling that doesn’t burn its resources and takes its time to deliver its nerve-wracking conclusion. It’s one of Soderbergh’s most underrated films.
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2024-08-04 06:02