This Year, Horror is Back (And With A Vengeance)
- Jul 8, 2024
- 14 min read
I'm a big fan of film and cinema - I studied film at University. However, my number one favourite genre is Horror; from the campiest slasher to the arthouse-iest psychological.
There's something cathartic and fun about campy and cheesy Horrors but also something compelling and exciting about artsy, mysterious, Thriller-Horrors.
The only sub-genre I stray away from is demon/ghost haunting films because I find them cheap, simple, formulaic and only as scary as the amount of jumpscares that the director manages to cram into them. I don't hate a good jumpscare, but a good Horror only has a couple and a great Horror has none. They're a cheap gimmick that gets a quick, easy scare out of the audience because the film can't generate fear outside of a sudden movement and loud SFX. Any regular person will jump from a sudden sound and a paired scary image popping up on the screen, so it's an easy cure-all to any director worrying their film isn't "scary" enough.
The point is that the best Horror films are scary, creepy or unsettling because of the subject matter, how it is portrayed and the emotions it stirs when the audience is forced to confront it and ponder it.
For example, one of the best Horror films (and one of my favourite films ever) is Alien. It has one of the most famous film slogans which distills extremely well what makes it such a great Horror:
In space, no one can hear you scream
The simple idea of being trapped on a spaceship with an alien species that is picking off your crew one by one is terrifying. This is only magnified by the fact that the species multiplies by using your friends as incubators only for the baby monsters to violently, but magnificently, burst out of their chests whilst they're awake. Now, Alien is a great example of using jumpscares correctly. It balances moments of tension, fear and silence, with shocking and sudden attacks from the titular monster. And in the wonderful Horror genre way, it fulfils the ending with one of the best final girls ever whilst also subverting what a final girl is.
Thinking about it, that's the main reason Horror is my favourite. It is the only genre that is consistently a vehicle for social commentary, stereotype subversion or socio-political reflection. They always say that the most popular horrors of any period mirror the fears, concerns and mentalities towards social/current issues of the population at the time. For example, around the start of the 1980s, films like 'The Exorcist' (1973), 'Halloween' (1978), and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984) were reflections of concerns about dangers or deceit from within the suburban ideal. Up until that point, this suburban ideal had been portrayed and promised as the dream life, but, as people claimed these suburban lives, the reality was not so dreamy. On top of that, these films reflected fears of societal breakdown and the loss of innocence. At the time, crime rates were increasing, the existence of mental illness was beginning to be seen or heard and the American dream and Nuclear family were being dismantled. The popularity of these Horror films is rooted in how they tapped into something for audiences that was cathartic, exploratory, escapist, but most importantly, horrifying. When we watch them today, they're still brilliant films but the true source of fear and horror may be lost on us. As modern audiences, we come with modern concerns. But, we have had some brilliant Horrors in recent memory with some of them being definite instant classics. Think about 'Get Out' (2017); it is a clear reflection of society's fears around racial tension and division between communities. Or, more recently, Ari Aster's 'Beau is Afraid' (2023) which, though an absurdist horror, is still a reflection of fears around social collapse, the rise of anarchy and the increasing awareness around problematic and emotionally abusive mother-child relationships.
There have been so many social and political events in the past few years that Horrors can build upon. I remember people meme-ing the 'COVID' film that came out eerily soon after lockdown. However, despite there being some cracking examples of Horrors, they are fewer and farther between than I would have liked. This doesn't mean there have been no Horrors that I've liked, there have been plenty that I've thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, what I think we're seeing is an acceleration of films that cause conversation, impact and potential change. By this, I mean, over the past few years the amount of films that I deem likely to generate long-standing conversation has been increasing. This slow uptake of recent large-scale social events is to be expected as these events will take time to solidify and embed into culture enough to be used in films.
Regardless, when I think of the past few years, the following films are the only examples of conversation-driving Horror films I can think of.
Note how the number per year begins to increase around 2022:
2019:
Doctor Sleep (2019)
We'll likely discuss this sequel to The Shining because it's a sequel. It is very good, not that scary and only makes this list because it's attached to The Shining.
In The Tall Grass (2019)
Another Stephen King adaption which will receive the halo effect of being a Stephen King adaption. Very enjoyable, it is scary but slightly confusing.
The Lighthouse (2019)
Wild, wild, wild. Another absurdist-type. Definitely will be talked about because of how weird it is. Willem Dafoe loves a weird film.
Midsommar (2019)'
Obviously. Brilliant. Ari Aster's best.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)
We do not talk about how fun, campy and good this horror film is. Probably won't be talked about too much but I want it to be and it's my list so...
Us (2019)
Jordan Peel well-established himself with Get Out. Us is even better. He explores a more fantastical side of horror and it's so so so good.
Vivarium (2019)
We will talk about this film because it's bad. It pretends to be wild but is pseudo-absurdist. There is no reasoning or explanation behind what happens. It's only on this list because there will continue to be back and forth around trying to explain it but there's no answer and this discussion will be perpetual. Don't watch it.
2019 wasn't that bad, but only 3 genuinely great films. 1 good film that I'm biased towards. The other 3 have extenuating circumstances that will lead them to be talked about.
2020:
The Invisible Man (2020)
A brilliant adaption of a long-standing fantasy monster. It modernises the concept in such a clever way with great scares and haunting shocks.
Underwater (2020)
We will come to love this film but it is criminally under-rated. It's my list so I'm putting it here.
That's it for 2020. I suppose the pandemic had an impact.
2021:
Fear Street Trilogy (2021)
A really fun, campy slasher trilogy that was released all within the same month. The story spans decades and, despite not being super original, its a lot of fun. Plus, Sadie Sink.
Last Night in Soho (2021)
A bit of a divisive one as it polarised audiences. I loved it because it's a twisty, creepy and ghostly mystery film from across two different decades.
The Innocents (2021)
Not exactly 100% a horror film, but it is uncomfortable to watch. A Norwegian horror focused on unsupervised children with superpowers.
Titane (2021)
Julia Ducournau's second film proves she's not a one-hit horror wonder. Not for the faint of heart as a psychological body horror.
Werewolves Within (2021)
A good example of an atypical, but good adaption of a videogame. Not necessarily a game-changer (pun intended), but has a halo effect of the videogame-film discussion. Also, it's unique for being a Horror comedy.
2021 was better than 2020, but only 2 films that I think had a genuine impact on the film industry - The Innocents & Titane.
The former helped progress films outside of the US & UK being in the mainstream. The latter because it solidified Ducournau as a true Horror auteur.
2022:
Barbarian (2022)
This is a real game-changer, I think. It finally brings back the blend of practical and special effects - where horror flourishes.
Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
One of the strongest examples of social commentary in horror. This horror-comedy film satirises social media culture whilst slashing away at its protagonists.
Bones and All (2022)
One of the very few examples of a romantic horror film. The horror of this film isn't necessarily horrifying or scary, but more just unsettling as its characters are shunned by their families and left entirely to fend for themselves.
Fresh (2022)
An actually successful portrayal of a cannibal narrative that is creepy rather than gory. Sebastian Stan as a villain is brilliant.
Hellraiser (2022)
This requel (remake and sequel) of one of my favourite Horror films is surprisingly successful and will probably be talked about as the rebirth of the franchise (which I can't wait for). Plus, a trans-woman as Pinhead adds a brilliant new layer to the social commentary.
X (2022)
The first of Ti West's trilogy. It uses Mia Goth, the scream queen, to initiate the trilogies' cross-decade story around the false promises of Hollywood to young women.
Nope (2022)
Jordan Peele's third entry to the horror realm. It's probably his scariest. That scene in the tube thing with Stephen Yeun. It's also a rare, recent use of aliens in horror that's done well. I love Keke Palmer too.
Men (2022)
Another polarising film, but it is extremely unsettling and creepy. I really enjoy the British folk Horror space that it uses. The absurd story portrays the female experience of men and is incredibly divisive. It raised lots of talking points.
Speak No Evil (2022)
This Dutch film is extremely uncomfortable. Another example of the growing acceptance of films outside of the American/British mainstream film machine.
The Menu (2022)
Not so much a scary horror film as it is a hard-to-watch psychological exploration of the fakeness behind the so-called 'high art' lovers. It's clever, uncomfortable, infuriating, but brilliant. The subject of high-art food can be subbed in for anything, like high-art film.
That's it for 2022. Now, let's take a break before we continue because this is where, I believe, it properly starts to get good.
From 2019-2022, we've counted a total of 26 films from across four years. This means an average of just over 6 films a year that will generate any conversation, in my opinion.
25 of these films are worth watching and only 18 that I deem likely to have an impact on film and/or the Horror genre. They're not the strongest statistics, but by year we can see a fastly growing positive story:
2019 - 3 films
2020 - 2 films
2021 - 4 films
2022 - 9 films (!!!)
This leads me to the point of this blog post (took me a while, I know...) but Horror is back and with a vengeance - peep the title.
As of 2022, 2023, and now 2024, we're seeing some strong entries into the Horror genre. More than that, unlike previous years (2019-2021), these great entries are likely to have a long-standing impact on the genre, and film at large. They have a point of view and commit to it by delivering this perspective 1000% with the intention of leaving the audience with conclusive thoughts or opinions on wider issues. These issues are handled, subtly or purposefully unsubtly.
We're also seeing the return of practical effects. For the film industry at large, this is a move in the right direction away from a too-heavy reliance on CGI and special effects. In the past, film only ever used practical effects because that's all that was available. Then CGI came about and film very quickly solely relied on that. Old practical effect horror films have this quality to them that is fun, campy and extravagant because of the imaginative, creative qualities of practical effects. Newer horror films that over-use CGI, though more realistic, take the fun out of Horror. What is left behind is a certain unrelatable, disconnected-from-reality quality that is just too computer-y and technology-esque to be genuinely scary. Who finds shiny, plastic-looking blood scary? Or a computer-generated monster that has unlimited, digital design possibilities providing it with no limitations for the imagination to produce its best work? When anything is possible, why be creative in the way you scare people?
Doctor Who is a great example of this. Some of the best, scariest episodes are the simplest where no digitally-led design is used. The earlier episodes that only used
practical effects are some of the most
immersive, entertaining and fully realised episodes. As CGI developed and Doctor Who began using it, the monsters became boring, depthless and detached from the show's roots. Only when they return to the practical side of things does Doctor Who produce great episodes again.
Rant over. Let's continue with my list of films that depict potential change/impact and generate real talking points for the genre and the industry:
2023:
Talk to Me (2023)
Made by Australian YouTubers, this was an unexpected success. An original Horror film that subverts and renews an over-saturated market of purgatory/limbo/'the other side' ghost films. It also initiated some useful conversations about where we should be looking for more original, quality Horror screenplays.
Pearl (2023)
The second instalment in Ti West's slasher trilogy. This prequel to X follows the villain in her former years. An interesting and characteristic Horror that hyperbolises the style of 1920-30 films.
Beau is Afraid (2023)
Another divisive entry, but it cannot be denied this film started conversations. Personally, I enjoyed it but it polarises audiences to extremes. It is an intense, uncomfortable journey that is baked in metaphor.
Evil Dead Rise (2023)
I said I steer clear from demon-haunting films and, in complete honesty, I haven't seen this one. But, its popularity and surprising success for this sub-genre of Horror is undeniable. A definite conversation starter.
Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)
Don't hate me for this one, I know it is not necessarily the best film. But, it is another videogame adaption that's somewhat successful and likely to kick off the FNAF franchise in film. I don't doubt we'll be hearing of this film for years to come.
Godzilla Minus One (2023)
An actually successfully scary kaiju film. It's made even better that it comes from Japan - the birthplace of kaiju. It might finally set-up a kaiju universe franchise that has a chance to prolong.
Infinity Pool (2023)
This is a niche one, but another example of Mia Goth's Horror chops. When I say practical effects are back, this film does it right. A twisty, mind-bending psychological with slasher qualities.
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
M. Night Shyamalan is always a questionable entry in any list. But, this film is a good reflection of current fears and, though not a game-changer, it suggests Shyamalan might be back on track. I suspect when his next film arrives, people will talk about this one as a reason to be hopeful.
Late Night with the Devil (2023)
Indie Horrors have historically been discounted, but this and other examples in this list show a gradual acceptance of the oddball types. This film is a brilliant example of how left-field options may just be better than the mainstream.
No One Will Save You (2023)
I only include this film on this list because of the conversation it opens about the typically rigid rules of screenwriting. If you haven't read the script for this film, it is extremely unique and imaginative in how it communicates the point. It's a great alien Horror with simplicity at heart, but fun, experimentalism too.
Scream VI (2023)
You'll notice Scream V isn't anywhere on this list. This is because, with a new cast, it feels just like a rehash of the originals. However, Scream VI recontextualises what we know into a bustling New York City setting which ups the intensity. It's probably the best Scream since the second one from 1997.
Totally Killer (2023)
If Freaky Friday met Friday the 13th = Freaky Friday the 13th! A camp, time-travelling slasher film which is fun, original and a perfect exploration of the massive possibilities of the slasher sub-genre.
M3GAN (2023)
This has and will kick off a slew of Horror films to come around AI and technology taking over (look at 'Afraid' coming out this year). This film is a bunch of fun and will sit as the source reference for both a new franchise and a new AI Horror sub-genre.
2023 was a strong year. 13 films I've counted. 9 of those are widely considered good films, but all of them have a lot to offer.
A great range too - from camp, inventive slashers to long-awaited videogame adaptions to fresh, exciting demon/ghost films to mind-bending, twist psychologicals. The full spectrum is represented. What's best about that is new entries into old sub-genres are changing the game on what had since been considered saturated and overdone by finding new, original ideas and ways to tell their stories.
Now, onto 2024, where I will mix films that have come out with films that have yet to come out but I have high hopes for:
2024:
Longlegs (2024)
This has received some brilliant reviews. Out 12th July. I have heard it called the best Horror of the year.
MaXXXine (2024)
The third and final instalment of Ti West's trilogy. We return to the final girl of the first film and her journey to stardom. In a Giallo film style, it's another experimental, unique approach. The mixed reviews are likely because of how stylistic it is being a giallo. But, Ti West is nothing if not a brilliant artist.
The Substance (2024)
Out in September. This is the one. Demi Moore and Margeret Qualley. This is the film that will bring back that 90s Horror vibe. Great reviews and won best original screenplay at Cannes (very unusual for a Horror film).
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
Already stirred a lot of conversation. A queer undertone. This one is a bit more niche but still can't wait to see it.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
You'll notice A Quiet Place 2 did not make my list above. The second installment is good, but it's just that; a good sequel. This is a prequel that I have heard really sets itself apart. Instead of falling into the trap of the sequel, this prequel explores something brand new for the Quiet Place world.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
Alien is my favourite film. Prometheus was alright, Covenant was better. But this, this is a return to form. This will reinvigorate the franchise. With the original director producing, we go back to where these aliens flourish but with the newly evolved creature from Covenant. The world of Alien is expanding and it's getting super interesting with lore that captivates me. Cailee Spaeny is at the helm which is a very different role from Priscilla, but she's amazing - I cannot wait.
The Alien TV series (2025)
This is actually set to come out in 2025, but it ties into Romulus so it's just evidence of how Alien is back for real.
The Strangers trilogy (2024)
Now, these probably won't be the best films in the grand scheme of cinema, but still... more from The Strangers franchise which is a simple slasher with all the fun and none of the fluff around who the killers are or any twists about them coming back to life (cough). Riverdale's Madelaine Petsch is at the helm so it's sure to be full of screams. The reason it's on the list is because all three of these films are released this year. 3 films, in 1 year - that's new and unusual. Only Fear Street has done that before.
The Crow (2024)
This franchise had a lot of hope in the 90s but was cut short by a devastating tragedy (RIP Brandon Lee). But when I say Horror is back, this has to be proof. Crow is coming back. It has IT's Bill Skarsgard at the front and he's clearly the Horror genre's new starchild. He's great. A superhero horror film that actually has a chance to be good (Morbius was never going to succeed).
Abigail (2024)
Horror is widening its sub-genre claims and that's just another notch on my bow when it comes to proving that the genre is hitting a new golden age. This film is a Horror comedy about a vampire. It stars the little girl from the Matilda the Musical film - what more do I need to say?
So, that's it. That's the blog post. 2024 is going to be a strong year for horror and I hope 2025 keeps the ball rolling.
Horror seems to entering what feels like a new golden age, and maybe that has something to do with the dark goings-on there has been for the past few years. With lots of new fears, concerns and worries, there's a lot to be built upon by Horror directors new and old.
What do you think?
~Luke
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