Horror Movies Thread

[rageofthegods]

The dirty secret of Universal's Dracula is that it's not very good compared to the movies to come. They were definitely still figuring things out.

The original Boris Karloff Mummy is basically the same story and much more effective. The scene where the Mummy wakes up is probably one of the scariest in cinema.

 

[saint.piss]

This is actually impressive, What the heck lol

 

[belloq87]

I'll come to DRACULA's defense a little bit. I think the opening sequence in Transylvania is a high point for the entire Universal Horror cycle of the early 1930s. It simply can't be beat for atmosphere.

Once the story moves to London, it gets a little sluggish, but any time Dracula, Renfield, or Van Helsing are in a scene, it's good stuff.

 

[saint.piss]

 

[rageofthegods]

This and the "new movie in the universe of Cronenberg's Fly" being announced on the same day is a real flirting vs harassment situation. Can't wait to hang out with my pal Esther again.

 

[saint.piss]

 

[Viator]

 

[saint.piss]

 

[Skold]

It better have garbage day!

 

[belloq87]

HERETIC is a very high-quality effort. Not only does it feature what I think is Hugh Grant's best performance to date, but it also engages with big ideas in a thoughtful and clever way.

If you're the type of person who responds to the theological/philosophical content of stuff like THE EXORCIST, THE NINTH CONFIGURATION, and THE EXORCIST III (all written by the great William Peter Blatty), definitely give HERETIC a chance, because it's right in that wheelhouse.

 

[Jake S]

I know what I'm watching tomorrow!

 

[CoryLevy91]

MadS is a fun spin on the infection sub genre with an interesting hook (the entire film is played out in one continuous shot following essentially the beginning of a zombie like outbreak happens following a love triangle of young partying hooligans) that features some terrific sound design and truly mesmerizing infected behavior. The gimmick does leave some moments of languishing but it's superbly effective when things start getting intense, claustrophobic and truly off the rails. Well worth a watch, especially if you're yearning for something itchy and tasty in the zombie subgenre.

 

[Rideguy70]

I know this movie has been around for a bit, but finally watched Caveat. I liked it a lot! But it is a slow burn, psychological movie, much in the style of Ozgood Perkins--so not a lot of gore or action, but seeped in atmosphere. Also has some unusual twists, and a relatively open-ended ending.

Same director also did the more recent Oddity, which I liked as well (and again, similar vibes), but thought Caveat was a bit better.

 

[CoryLevy91]

Heretic is yet another great addition to a stacked year. A wonderfully simple idea packed with deep thoughts brought to life with a trifecta of superb performances, foreboding atmosphere punctuated by striking scares and some subtle yet terrific camera work. Hugh Grant is an Anthony-Perkins-as-Norman-Bates level of deliciously demented here, reminding us that the best bads are the ones who staunchly believe they are 100% correct. His madness is somehow both masterfully contained yet so bountiful it drips out of his every pore. While it's clearly Grant's playground to play in, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East both likewise bring the goods as nuanced, enriched Mormon missionaries that can stand toe to toe with Grant's Mr. Reed. Speaking of Psycho, Heretic brings with it a Pyscho level twist that I would not have predicted in a thousand years that had me gripping my seat and my heart palpitating at dangerous levels.

Legitimately think it'll end up in my Top 5 for the year and it'll only grow on me with repeated viewings. Damn good visceral horror. 2024 continues to be the year of horror.

 

[jseal777]

If anybody liked the two Creep movies, The Creep Tapes on shudder is an anthology of all the different tapes the guy from those movies has and the first two episodes were really good. Fun stuff.

 

[saint.piss]

 

[Viator]

Apoc Horseman on X is claiming that Clayface for the DCU is moving forward. A script has been apparently written by Mike Flanagan (but he won't be able to direct), and it will be set in the DCU proper.

If things apparently keep going smooth, the film begins production next year as a full on horror movie for the studio.

 

[amar831]

I’m sure it’s already been brought up, but my goodness, The Substance is one of the best movies I have seen in a loooong time. My head still hurts, i’ve never been so stressed watching a movie, just wow. Suspense, dread, misery. A+ cinematography, very original, superb performances from both leads. I mean. Wow. I just stared blankly while the credits rolled just trying to gather myself. Wow. A love letter to when horror was horrifying.

 

[belloq87]

I’m sure it’s already been brought up, but my goodness, The Substance is one of the best movies I have seen in a loooong time. My head still hurts, i’ve never been so stressed watching a movie, just wow. Suspense, dread, misery. A+ cinematography, very original, superb performances from both leads. I mean. Wow. I just stared blankly while the credits rolled just trying to gather myself. Wow. A love letter to when horror was horrifying.

The last fifteen minutes of THE SUBSTANCE are spectacular.

The whole movie is great, but that ending kicks it over the top.

 

[CoryLevy91]

Azrael is a nice little fast paced breeze of 88 minutes filled with some nice gore, an interesting premise and yet another great genre performance by Samara Weaving. It'll likely go under the radar in a stacked year like this but it'll be one that you look back upon years from now and either discover or remember it's an underrated gem.

Loving how diverse 2024 has been, horror is in such a phenomenal place right now.