Time to Watch some Horror - Happy Halloween
As much as I love talking about films, there’s just something about horror that I love. It’s uncomfortable, sickening and plays on some of humanity’s worst traits, but its addicting and thrilling. Want to be spooked? Scared? Sickened? Well you’re in luck, here’s some of my favourite horror films. Time to have some shivers down your spine.
Possum (2018)
The film begins with Philiip (played by Sean Harris), returning by train to his childhood home. Upon his arrival, he brings with him a leather zip-up bag, containing the film’s titular character. Upon his arrival, he meets his Uncle Maurice, who serves as the main confrontation in the film. Whilst the two characters bond over their skills in puppetry, the tension between them explores their fractured relationship and Philip’s childhood. The story intertwines with the mystery of a missing 14-year old boy, which Phillip briefly interacts with at the start of the film. The film itself is a strange fantasy, often showing glimpses of the future or the past, hallucinatory journeys within Philips own consciousness. I could go on and on about the nuances of this film, but it’s best for you to see it for yourself and come up with your own ideas.
The film combines the tension of the characters emotional trauma with traditional horror, as the Possum, comes alive. It’s open-ended, deliberately oppressive and vague, and incredibly unnerving.
“Little Possum, black as sin. Bag is open, growing wider. What’s inside it, man or spider? Little boy, don’t lose your way. Possum wants to come and play.”
The Fly (1986)
Here’s a bit of context here; I’m not a fan of body horror. I can handle the most violent, gruesome horror films, but body horror is not where its at for me. Here’s where The Fly comes in. I have a love/hate relationship with The Fly.
The film follows Seth Brundle (Jeff Goldblum (nice), a scientist creating an invention that will “change the world as we know it”. Along his journey of developing his teleportation system, he meets Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis (also nice), and a romantic relationship ensues. For his first self-test, Brundle successfully (?) teleports, unknowing that a common housefly has teleported with him. I’m sure you know what happens next. The fly’s DNA integrates with Brundle’s and the evolution begins.
The Fly is a great film, both in its practical special effects and the infusion of a love story with intense body horror. Veronica faces conflict as Brundle transforms; at what point is he no longer himself? Does he still love her? Like I said, I’m fine with intense horror films, but I almost couldn’t get through the last 10 minutes of The Fly. The combination of the body horror and emotional tension almost broke me. It’s a great film, but just,, be prepared.
(There’s also a sequel, which uh is ok? The ending is wild though let me tell you that much.)
“Am I becoming a hundred-and-eighty-five-pound fly? No, I'm becoming something that never existed before.
I'm becoming... Brundlefly. Don't you think that's worth a Nobel Prize or two?”
The Thing (1982)
As much I hate body horror, I seem to talk about it a lot huh?
The Thing is a loved yet hated film, hated when it was released, but loved now. Upon its release, audiences hated it, and that was because of a little film called E.T. E.T. presented aliens in a loveable light, with benevolence and a happy ending. And then here comes The Thing, with violence, body horror, nihilism and paranoia.
The film follows a science team in Antarctica. Unknown to the science team, the come into contact with an alien parasite, that can assimilate and imitate other creatures. The thing is (get it?), is that the alien has nothing but violence and world domination on its mind. The paranoia and distrust between the characters as they determine who has been assimilated his perfect to create an uncomfortable feeling, but the best part of the film is the special effects. Stan Winston worked on this film, and the scenes directly showing the alien are sickening. It’s intense and I love it (and hate it too).
(There’s also a sequel released in 2011, is it as good? No.)
“It could have imitated a million life forms on a million planets. It could change into any one of them at any time. Now, it wants life forms on Earth."
It was difficult to choose, but those were my top 3 horror films. I’d highly encourage you to give them a watch, they all are brilliant films. Although, if they’re not your style, here’s some honourable mentions:
Wolf Creek (2005) - Imagine Ivan Milat, but much worse (if that’s even possible).
The Descent (2005) - Six women go caving, and stumble upon a race of humanoid creatures. Claustraphobia to the max.
Alien (1979) - A classic.
Paranormal Activity (2007) - a brilliant example of horror in its simplicity, both in concept and production value.