In the past I have recommended underrated films, as well as ones that may have slipped through the cracks in your film knowledge, but these have been slightly obscure and sometimes unable to find.
So what's on Netflix? Usually a lot of one or two-star tosh, amiright? Well there are five fantastic horror films hidden away in the bowels if you know where to look...
THE BABADOOK
A troubled widow discovers her son is telling the truth about a hideous monster that has entered her home through the pages of a storybook. However this monster only gets stronger the more you deny it's existence. Whether it's in a word or it's in a look, you can't get rid of The Ba....ba...dooooooook.
A very effective, low-budget Australian psychological horror film, certain to stay with you long after you finish watching. Whilst Amelia's son is probably one of the most annoying children ever shown on screen, her descent into depression, paranoia and insanity is incredibly realistic, all with the sinister shadow of The Babadook looming over Amelia's denial and misery.
Definitely one of the best films of the past few years, let alone horror.
EVENT HORIZON
When the Event Horizon, a spaceship orbiting Jupiter suddenly reappears after being lost for years, a team is dispatched to investigate. The ship's creator (Sam Neill) accompanies the ship's crew as they discover that the ship has come back from a place far worse than they can imagine.
If you like your horror mixed with a bit of science fiction, then I'd be surprised if you haven't already seen Event Horizon. (Remember when Paul W. S. Anderson made decent films? Sigh, memories...)
Combining a mixture of effective jumpscares, creeping dread and shocking gore, Event Horizon contains fantastic ideas about deep space exploration and it's potential downsides. Plus a stellar cast of Laurence Fishburne, Jason Isaacs, Sam Neill, Joely Richardson and the amazingly-voiced Sean Pertwee.
HOUSEBOUND
Kylie, a would-be-thief is sentenced to house arrest with her mother and stepfather after failing to rob an ATM - the only problem is the house is haunted; if she runs away, she's breaking the law.
A funny little New Zealand horror-comedy with a quirky set-up, interesting twists and turns, and a fantastic performance Rima Te Wiata as Kylie's spooked mother.
The house's sordid history plus effective atmosphere throughout will certainly give you the creeps. However it provides just enough laughs to balance the spooky atmosphere and keeps the film running smoothly.
Housebound is definitely for fans of similarly-themed horror-comedy What We Do In The Shadows, proving that you can both laugh as well as shriek this Halloween.
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
Two American college students, David and Jack are travelling through the Yorkshire Moors when they are attacked by a wolf. Jack is brutally killed but David survives, but is bitten. As he recovers he is plagued by violent nightmares, all leading up until the next full moon...
This truly is a Halloween classic. One of the definitive horror films of the early 1980s and ground-breaking in terms of Rick Baker's fantastic special effects. The film manages to be actually frightening and not just gory, as well as clever, witty and shocking.
If you haven't seen this before, I implore you to watch it, if only for witnessing a piece of cinema history. The werewolf transformation scene alone is still a sight to behold in all it's bone-breaking and grisly glory.
THE MIST
After a powerful storm damages his house, David (Thomas Jane) and his son visit the local supermarket for supplies. However a thick mist descends upon the town, hiding other-dimensional beasties within it, trapping David and other townspeople inside. Before long, the shoppers turn against each other, one by one.
Based on the Stephen King novel, The Mist is directed and written by Frank Darabont (famous for The Shawshank Redemption and the first season of The Walking Dead) and it is all the better for it. What could have simply been a tale of people getting attacked by other-worldly monsters is instead an examination on human behaviour in tough situations and how easily we divide when we should stick together. Definitely for fans of downbeat endings as this has one of the most harrowing finales in any film I have seen.
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Until next time folks, thanks for reading and Happy Halloween!
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If you're having the mist listed then I think amityville horror (2005) needs an honourable mention as well! Reynolds is really good in it.
ReplyDeleteNever seen it, but I'll give it a watch! Thanks for reading, and for the recommendation! :D
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