As a seasoned critic with a penchant for the macabre, I find myself constantly in awe of Mike Flanagan’s ability to weave chilling tales that resonate deeply within the horror genre. Having grown up with a fear of the unknown and a reluctance towards horror, it’s fascinating to see how Flanagan, much like Dr. Louis Creed in his adaptation of King’s “Pet Sematary,” has found a way to conquer his fears and create some of the most haunting cinematic experiences of our time.
Mike Flanagan, who is renowned for producing high-quality horror content in both film and television, shares an unusual perspective: he wasn’t particularly fond of horror during his childhood years. However, his perspective changed as he became a filmmaker, taking on projects like “Doctor Sleep” and the miniseries “The Fall of the House of Usher.” In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Flanagan expresses a sense of disillusionment with much of today’s horror cinema. Nevertheless, there are still a handful of films that send shivers down his spine.
As a child, I wasn’t ready for horror movies, confessing that they would scare me too much. However, that all changed in 1988 when the Stephen King’s ‘It’ miniseries aired on ABC, initially leaving me traumatized. But my interest bloomed over time, making me a fan of King’s work, and now I’m adapting it to film. My recent production, you see, is based on a Stephen King novella and boasts Tom Hiddleston in the lead role.
In a departure from fantasy drama, Mike Flanagan’s forte lies in the horror genre. He has significantly contributed to making Netflix a go-to platform for horror, with his works such as “Gerald’s Game,” based on Stephen King’s novel, and the miniseries “The Haunting of Hill House,” “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” “Midnight Mass,” “The Midnight Club,” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Flanagan acknowledges that it is uncommon for a horror film to impact him deeply, but he does mention two horror movies that still give him chills. Interestingly, both are foreign productions: “Lake Mungo” and “Martyrs.
Movies That Scare the Horror Director of the Moment
Lake Mungo is a 2008 Australian horror film that was primarily distributed through streaming platforms rather than theaters. Despite its limited initial release, it managed to garner a dedicated fan base over time. The movie revolves around the aftermath of Alice Palmer’s drowning at the age of sixteen. As mysterious occurrences start happening around the Palmer household, they embark on a journey to Lake Mungo in pursuit of the truth and an unusual ghost story.
Enthusiasts of horror movies find the film genuinely unsettling, with many commenting on how Alice’s ghost is present in multiple scenes without initially being noticed, and can only be spotted upon rewatching. Director Jordan Peele of ‘Get Out’ fame agrees, admitting that the movie gave him quite a scare and sent chills down his spine. He isn’t the only one who feels this way; Flanagan himself confesses that the film made him jump off the couch in fear.
Lake Mungo
is currently streaming on Prime Video, Tubi, Plex, and Freevee.
The chilling French-Canadian production titled “Martyrs” leaves some horror enthusiasts unwilling to revisit it. This movie revolves around Lucie (Mylène Jampanoï), a woman on a vengeful quest against the individuals who abducted and tormented her in her childhood years. Alongside her companion Anna, Lucie uncovers that the pursuit of revenge could unearth horrors more terrifying than she had previously imagined.
The graphic scenes of brutal torture in the movie were more than its avid viewers could handle. Flanagan explains, “While there’s a lot of gruesome content, it serves a purpose. I don’t typically enjoy excessive gore.” (paraphrased)
Martyrs
is now streaming on Tubi and Plex.
Upcoming horror director Mike Flanagan is set to take on a monumental task: reviving the iconic horror franchise, The Exorcist. Following the disappointing performance of the legacy sequel, The Exorcist: Believer, in cinemas last year, Universal is looking to make amends by enlisting Flanagan, hoping he can put the film series back on its feet. Despite not making any promises, Flanagan assures fans that his new Exorcist sequel will be “the scariest movie” he has ever created.
The Life of Chuck
is yet to received a release date.
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2024-09-08 18:32