As a seasoned horror enthusiast with a knack for uncovering hidden gems, I must say that the political horror genre has been on a roll lately, and “The Pizzagate Massacre” is no exception. This movie takes a refreshing approach to the subject of extreme-leaning media, offering a nuanced exploration rather than resorting to easy demonization. The characters are deeply flawed yet compelling, making it impossible not to root for them in their quest for truth.
In the world of cinema, it’s been suggested that every horror movie contains a hidden political or social message, with varying degrees of subtlety. ZAVVI posits that these films aim to frighten viewers using real-world issues, making their commentary particularly impactful. The horror genre is incredibly diverse, encompassing subgenres like horror-comedy, slasher-horror, and indeed, political horror.
Slasher horror is mainly based around iconic killers such as Michael Myers, Jason, and Freddy Krueger – all household names. Horror comedies include movies such as The Babysitter (2017) and Gremlins (1984). Political horror movies might seem like a new concept, but this genre has been alive and well for decades. Viewers might not even know that they’re consuming a political horror movie because the plot can blend it so well, but more times than not, it’s pretty obvious. Here are some of the best political horror films.
10 The Green Inferno (2015)
This Eli Roth-directed movie, often met with controversy, serves as an apt demonstration of political horror, both on-screen and off. The film follows a college group of activists venturing into a secluded jungle to aid indigenous inhabitants, leading to their most terrifying nightmares.
Causing a Real-Life Political Stir
In my view, this political horror masterpiece lies in the blunders that both the college gang and Roth commit throughout the film – their white savior complexes and the striking realism they bring to life. Remarkably, a glimmer of hope emerges at the end of the movie when the solitary survivor, Justine (Lorenza Izzo), speaks up to the authorities, asserting that the indigenous people who trapped her companions were nothing but kind throughout their ordeal, and should be respected and safeguarded instead.
9 Jaws (1975)
In a nutshell, the movie “Jaws” revolves around a trio – a sheriff, a marine biologist, and an experienced sailor – joining forces to eliminate a monstrous great white shark when it appears near a crowded coastline. The sheriff (played by Roy Schieder) persistently appeals to town authorities to close the beach to eradicate the danger. However, these officials are preoccupied with potential tourist revenue that weekend, choosing to disregard the shark issue.
More Than Just a Killer Shark Movie
Certainly, one of the greatest shark films ever produced, this serves as an outstanding illustration of corruption and avarice. Significantly, governmental corruption often places economics above public safety, resulting in the suppression of information. This theme has become quite common in horror, but it is most powerfully portrayed in Jaws and mirrors our contemporary society’s tendency to prioritize profits over people.
8 The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Packed with grisly and violent scenes, this movie is rich in political and social commentary. Though it’s based on the real-life serial killer Ed Gein, infamously known as the “Butcher of Plainfield,” who often disturbed graves to excavate bodies and strip their skin, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre offers more complexity than one might initially perceive.
Classic Horror Reflecting Political Uncertainty of the Era
The subject matter of animal cruelty and industrial farming is extensively portrayed in “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” a film that was released during a time of widespread discontent, encompassing the Vietnam War, an economic crisis, and political scandals such as Watergate. This movie challenged moral boundaries and undermined trust in authority figures.
7 Candyman (1992)
Featuring Tony Todd, the movie titled “Candyman” unfolds as a tale of vengeance in the heart of Chicago. When a college student named Helen Lyle stumbles upon the urban myth surrounding Candyman, a Black man who was tragically murdered by his white girlfriend’s father, her curiosity leads to dire consequences, as she unwittingly invokes his spirit and sets off a chain of chilling events.
A Competent Horror Movie that Also Addressed Race Relations
The eerie ambiance and effectively terrifying aspects of Candyman garnered it a devoted fanbase over time. Yet, its exploration of racial themes struck a chord with audiences beyond the genre’s typical boundaries, demonstrating proficiency in both skillful execution and thought-provoking content. Notably, the movie delves into the longstanding issues of race relations and class disparities in America that persistently fuel violence and political debates. As such, Candyman stands as a seminal and insightful political horror film, with this quality extending to its 2021 sequel as well.
6 The Purge (2013)
In this dystopian setting, America primarily maintains a crime-free status for 364 days of the year. However, there’s one exceptional day known as The Purge, sanctioned by the government to minimize annual crime rates. During this 24-hour period, any form of lawlessness is permitted without repercussions or intervention from law enforcement.
A Scary Scenario Made of Broken Politics
The Purge series showcases a chilling depiction of a dystopian society where fear and paranoia flourish due to political circumstances resembling our contemporary world. Each film in the franchise intensifies this theme, introducing more dramatic aspects. However, while it may not be realistic, it presents a grim portrayal of how extreme government measures, disguised as necessary policies, can lead to unchecked behavior and attempts to suppress an unruly populace.
5 Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
In 1956, during the peak of the Cold War, this chilling horror movie was set. Its story revolves around a small-town physician who becomes increasingly concerned as he witnesses townsfolk transforming into mindless robots, their behavior eerily resembling that of zombies.
Making Monsters of Our Paranoia
In the 1950s, communism came into power, making this film a striking portrayal of life under that regime. This movie was a groundbreaking horror flick for its time and laid the foundation for future works. Its overtly political undertones served the movie well and continue to resonate today. The enduring appeal of this movie is evident, as it has been reimagined and acknowledged numerous times. The recurring themes of internal suspicion, ‘The Enemy Within’, remain pertinent in most contentious political environments, explaining its lasting impact on audiences.
4 Get Out (2017)
One weekend, Chris and his partner Rose decide to visit her family’s home, where Chris feels anxious about meeting her parents due to concerns about racial prejudice. Rose, however, encourages him not to fret, assuring him that everything will be alright. The viewers soon discover that Chris had numerous reasons to worry about this trip, but they turn out to be completely different from what he anticipated. This captivating horror film, skillfully directed by Jordan Peele, offers a series of unforeseen twists and turns – from Chris experiencing hypnosis for the first time to an unusual silent auction that takes place at his expense.
An Import Conversation Starter
Get Out seems to be one of the pioneering works that paved the way for discussing contemporary racial matters more openly in political discourse. Peele drew inspiration from numerous horror films that dealt with this theme, but it’s hard to ignore the significant influence and acclaim that Get Out had in keeping a widely discussed topic even more relevant. What makes it stand out is its exploration of themes beyond race relations, such as class disparity, which struck a chord with a diverse audience.
3 The Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981)
In the new continuation of the Omen series, Damien Thorn has matured into an influential figure, serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain. As he amasses power with the ultimate aim of achieving global control, a religious faction led by Father DeCarlo and a group of priests emerge to thwart his plans. However, being mindful of the danger posed to him, Damien actively summons malevolent forces to counteract his adversaries.
A Real Life Antichrist Doesn’t Feel Too Far From Reality
A devil in a place of political or corporate power is not that abstract, given the corruption that takes place throughout politics in a bid for power. The Omen III: The Final Conflict gives a more sensational and horrific account of what pure evil in a place of power could look like behind the scenes. All the Omen films contain elements of political thinking, specifically tackling power structures and their influence on culture. Still, the third film feels like a culmination of everything that came before it; plus, Sam Neill as the Antichrist is a memorable performance. Rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
2 The Pizzagate Massacre (2020)
In a stark contrast, conspiracy theorist Duncan, who strives to exist independently from the government, crosses paths with budding journalist Karen. She enlists his aid in investigating the ‘pizzagate’ controversy. Despite their disparate backgrounds, an unusual camaraderie develops between them, leading them to the alleged pizza parlor rumored to host a secret sex cult involving political elites. A violent incident forces them apart, and Duncan embarks on a struggle to rescue Karen from a radical militia group. Meanwhile, whispers about reptilian beings dominate a well-known right-wing conspiracy program, casting a shadow over many of Duncan’s actions.
Debunking a Conspiracy
What sets “The Pizzagate Massacre” apart in the realm of political horror is its subtle exploration of the subject of biased media, offering insightful perspectives rather than simply condemning dubious morality. The film’s protagonists, Duncan and Karen, despite their flaws, are portrayed as complex characters that audiences find themselves supporting. Despite their questionable actions, John Valley’s direction makes them intriguing. This film leans more towards dark satire with action, using horror elements sparingly, relying on the audience’s familiarity with conspiracy theories to create tension. While it’s not heavy on horror, it does deliver a satisfying political horror experience. You can stream it on “Prime Video, Tubi, or Plex“.
1 Deathdream (1975)
The film titled “Deathdream” starts off with the character Andy Brooks coming back from conflict (though the specific war isn’t explicitly mentioned, it’s hinted at being the Vietnam War). Strange actions from Andy are initially attributed to him struggling to adapt to normal life again. However, unusual alterations in his physical appearance and demeanor suggest that something far more ominous is happening. As Andy starts murdering townsfolk, it gradually becomes clear that what’s come back isn’t Andy anymore.
Tackling the Mental Toll of War And Government Treatment of Soldiers
Despite being overlooked, the movie “Deathdream,” a pioneering slasher with insightful social commentary, is often undervalued. This could be due to its relatively unknown status as a Canadian horror production by Bob Clark, who is best known for his work on the classic slasher film “Black Christmas” and the popular holiday movie “A Christmas Story.” However, “Deathdream” delivers a chilling portrayal of a soldier who returns from war emotionally scarred, addressing not only the atrocities inflicted by the government but also the lack of support veterans often encounter upon their return. You can stream it on Prime Video, AMC+, Shudder, or Tubi.
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2024-11-04 22:32