Paranoia, rituals, shadows, nature… The year in horror
1. The Lighthouse
A beautifully shot exploration of masculinity and paranoia, set in an island lost in time.
2. Midsommar
Like in Ari Aster’s previous movie, Midsommar is full of beautiful, intriguing images, and open-ended symbolism.
3. Us
Suspenseful storytelling, social commentary (without being didactic), and a surprising and fun flick at the same time.
4. Knife + Heart
A beautiful homage to Giallo, with crazy colorful lighting, amazing costume design, and over-the-top set scenes, not to mention the spot-on score.
5. Luz
An intriguing gem of a little movie, with memorable scenes and acting, Luz is an original and experimental story about demonic possession.
6. Crawl
Intense and claustrophobic movie, Crawl is a really fun and terrifying time facing the perils of nature.
7. In Fabric
A dress that kills, and beautiful images, colors, and cinematography in a story about the church of consumerism and ‘retail abstraction.’
8. Starfish
An alien invasion from the point of view of a mourning person. What else do you want?
9. The Dead Don’t Die
A comment on the world and also on zombie movies, this is an alt-comedy meta-film done with humor and respect for the original source.
10. The Head Hunter
Minimalist and atmospheric, the movie suggests more than shows, which makes it a very intense experience in horror and fantasy.
Honorable mentions: Gwen (atmospheric and creepy, Gwen is a folktale with psychological horror undertones.); Bliss (The best vampire adjacent movie in a long time, an intense cinematic experience); 3 From Hell (a hell of a ride, with over the top, and crazy moments); One Cut of the Dead (Funny and surprising, the movie gives an extra turn on the screw and makes you smile at the end); The Hole in the Ground (If you like movies with creepy little kids and a bit of family drama, this is one for you); Piercing (Visually instigating and tonally unusual, Piercing is a small yet intriguing psychological thriller); Climax (An intense and scary ride into chaos and despair).
