The horror genre has always been hugely dependable for studios looking to make a quick profit; the genre has also served as a gateway for brilliant filmmakers to break into the film industry. Because costs are relatively low, horror movies give filmmakers and studios plenty of room to experiment. It also helps that the genre has a dedicated fan-base that usually shows up regardless of the quality of the offering. But this year has proven to be quite difficult for horror, with several major movies falling short of expectations at the box office. The one silver lining is that this has allowed for smaller titles from independent distributors to gain recognition.
This Halloween, here’s a selection of offbeat recent horror titles that have stood out in one way or another. While one of them features a landmark central performance by Nicolas Cage, another successfully revitalised the dormant mockumentary format. Here are five of the best ones, in no particular order.
Longlegs
Longlegs has hit Indian screens.
Directed by Oz Perkins, Longlegs emerged as the highest-grossing film in the art-house distributor Neon’s history, reminding audiences that Nicolas Cage can never be written off no matter how hard he tries. Cage starred as the titular serial killer in the film, which appeared to revolve around the character despite limited screen time. From his memorable makeup to his haunting backstory, Longlegs immediately announced himself as a horror icon. The film’s slow-burn tone and its homages to The Silence of the Lambs, on the other hand, added new layers to the dense narrative.
Also read – Longlegs: The scariest horror movie of the year knows exactly how to weaponise Nicolas Cage
Late Night with the Devil
A still from Late Night with the Devil.
Not too long ago, the mockumentary format was the rage in Hollywood. Films like Paranormal Activity and Cloverfield were box office behemoths. But as with most trends, this one, too, saw a decline. Late Night with the Devil was in no way a smash hit, but for its distributor, IFC, it was a gold mine. The movie follows a late night talk show host during the taping of an episode, where the guest is a young girl seemingly possessed by the devil.
Immaculate
Sydney Sweeney in a still from Immaculate.
Sydney Sweeney broke out with a supporting role in the hit HBO series Euphoria, before announcing her bankability at the box office with the romantic comedy Anyone But You. Not too long after the film’s blockbuster theatrical run, she headlined the horror film Immaculate. Sweeney played a young American nun sent to an Italian convent, where she uncovers a plan to birth the child of the devil. The plot of the film was remarkably similar to that of The First Omen, which debuted around the same time. But Sweeney’s central performance, and a memorable climax, give Immaculate the edge.
Bramayugam
Mammootty in Bramayugam. (Image: Mammootty/Facebook)
Director Rahul Sadasivan announced his talents with the Malayalam horror film Bhoothakaalam some years ago, and he took things to another level with his follow-up, the black-and-white folk horror Bramayugam. Starring Mammootty in a memorable role, the film dealt with sweeping themes of self-destruction, toxic masculinity, and the horrors of the past. Despite its lack of jump scares and other mainstream horror staples, the film emerged as a hit at the box office as well.
The Substance
A still from Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance.
Possibly the most difficult-to-watch film on this list, director Coralie Fargeat’s body horror deals with themes of celebrity, ageing, and feminism. It follows a fading movie star who takes an underground drug that creates a younger version of herself. Both characters enter a battle of wits with one another, as the film races towards a jaw-dropping climax. The Substance also features a career-defining central performance by Demi Moore, who is already gaining Oscar buzz.
Click for more updates and latest Hollywood News along with Bollywood and Entertainment updates. Also get latest news and top headlines from India and around the World at The Indian Express.
