What a year for horror. From the paranormal to the scientific, werewolves and end times, 2023 shows it had a great deal of horror hidden up its sleeves.
It’s time to celebrate some of the best that this last year had to offer! From features, TV, shorts to comics… there’s a lot horrific to love.
Let’s start with our top ten films:
1.) When Evil Lurks
This was an intriguingly twisted little indulgence. In the most unsettling way, it had me captivated, unable to tear my eyes away from the screen while wearing a visible grimace. Once When Evil Lurks establishes its rhythm, there’s no turning back; it devours characters without a hint of mercy, all in a brilliantly strange (and chillingly morbid) manner.
This film has the potential to be profoundly terrifying. Its tension is established early and its palpable ferocity never wanes. It’s unlike any other movie I saw this year and it was brutally bold.
2.) Raging Grace
It favors its horrifying mood rather than a reliance on special effects. A decision that makes this vary from others of the genre and the thrilling countdown to the finale is realized in excellently crafted strides.
That’s what makes this film a standout for me, it felt like it resides in its own space, and that expanse…gets creepy. Raging Grace is a pearl of a horror; inventive and compelling. — originally published on Film Inquiry.
3.) Birth/Rebirth
It’s gory, it’s shocking, but it’s never dull or unrelenting.
Laura Moss‘s debut boasts some stellar female performances from Marin Ireland and Judy Reyes. It’s an intriguing rumination on grief and motherhood through a new horror lens with lovely flourishes of clever humor throughout. A must-see!!— originally published on Film Inquiry.
4.) Infinity Pool
Brandon Cronenberg’s newest is a disturbing, electric, sex, and crime-filled odyssey. A chaotic dive into depravity cementing Mia Goth as our newest horror queen. This is a visceral, surreal take that may not strike a chord with all, but it’ll leave most slack-jawed. For me, it was dangerously innovative. The way I like it. —originally published on Film Inquiry.
5.) Sleep
The meticulously crafted screenplay, combined with the exceptional acting performances and the masterfully set mood, elevates Sleep as one of the best horror films of the year.
Seek this uniquely unsettling film out.
6.) Talk to Me
What works in Talk to Me is the vibrancy, the effects, and the creepiness that doesn’t rely on too many jump scares to make its mark. The script written by Danny Philippouand Bill Hinzman provides the energy for the young cast to feed off of. This feature debut may feel simplistic, but it’s bound to make the audience wriggle with an apt amount of style and spark. I can’t wait to see what comes next from these two.
This supernatural showing takes a new spin on an old concept making it both creative and creepy when needed.
7.) My Animal
The film occasionally threatened to waver, but my attention did not. With a haunting moody feel and an innovative premise, My Animal keeps the bloody werewolf genre fresh and alive.
A coming-of-age queer werewolf story? I’m here for it.
8.) Attachment
In his feature debut, writer-director Gabriel Bier Gislason craftsatruly compelling narrative that makes for an experience that caters to the paranormal audience but also expands it to something original. Terrific performances, an atmospheric vibe, and intriguing concepts make Attachment a must-see. Don’t sleep on this one. Well, you probably won’t sleep much after, anyway. —- originally published on Film Inquiry.
9.) Huesera: The Bone Woman
Huesera is a powerful, complex creation that leaves behind a torrent of emotions. It is a stellar debut from a new and bold voice in horror. —- originally published on Film Inquiry.
10.) Knock on the Cabin
M. Night Shyamalan‘s latest, the bleak but enthralling, Knock at the Cabin, is a subtly mysterious sort of horror. The kind that I believe Shyamalan excels at best. It features a stellar performance from Dave Batista and a slow building dread that wraps itself around you and doesn’t let go.
Honorable Mentions: Where the Devil Roams, Suitable Flesh, Enys Men, Cobweb, Evil Dead Rise
Best Horror Short film: Kalimba
Kalimba is a tightly wound wonder, enigmatic and enticing. There’s a lot to love here, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from this talented group. — originally published on Film Inquiry.
Best New Voice in Horror: Glue Trap
This doesn’t feel like a debut, it’s skillfully done with just the right pacing to make you feel the potential for survival, as it slips away.
It is also a lot of fun, what you’d want and hope for when it comes to a horror/comedy. There’s an entertaining feel heightened by a wicked third act turn.
Glue Trap is a masterful debut feature, showcasing a new and talented voice in horror.
Best Horror TV show: The Fall of the House of Usher
Chillingly constructed, each element is meticulously placed with deliberate intent. At first, there is a flickering ember, but it gradually engulfs everything.
The Fall of the House of Usher further solidifies Flanagan‘s mastery of his craft and serves as a testament to the talent he surrounds himself with. A superb horror treat. In the end, they are their own undoing. —originally published on Film Inquiry.
Two new awards this year: The Badass Beasties! These are made for the bold films that are female led!
Badass Beastie For Filmmaking: Where the Devil Roams
This grim and gothic narrative serves as further evidence that the Adams Family is one of the most impressive forces in the indie filmmaking community. The film incorporates unique elements of dark comedy and features plenty of their signature music. Where The Devil Roams is a beautiful and grotesque rock and roll anthem that slays. —-originally published on Film Inquiry.
Badass Beastie For Performances: Suitable Flesh
Suitable Flesh is full-on camp, revving the film up to a ten early on and never letting go. There are some gnarly sequences and an erotic thriller somewhere in there, making it feel like it’s suffering from a personality disorder itself. And I’m all for it.
It’s wild. It’s weird. Joe Lynch has crafted one hell of a Lovecraftian thrill ride. —-originally published on Film Inquiry.
Here’s to a wonderful 2024 beasties!
Thanks for reading!
Wonderfully Weird & Horrifying 