Let’s rewind and give some appreciation to underrated horror films that deserve more love. Although the year isn’t over, these hidden gems are worth tracking down.
Because of the vast array of films and TV shows available today, these underrated horror movies might have been overshadowed. Factors like the popularity of major franchises like Insidious or the buzz around the latest A24 horror film may have contributed to their underappreciation. However, don’t miss out on these eleven hidden gems from this year; they truly deserve more recognition. Hunt them down and show them some love.
Unseen
Unseen, a horror-thriller produced by Blumhouse, revolves around Sam, a gas station clerk, who receives a random FaceTime call from Emily, seeking refuge from her murderous ex-boyfriend. Despite being miles apart, they connect through video chat, with Sam guiding Emily through the woods due to her visual impairment.
The film’s runtime is a concise seventy-six minutes, featuring two immensely likable protagonists. Unseen doesn’t overcomplicate itself; it balances tension and humor flawlessly, drawing viewers to root for the compelling characters at its core.
Influencer
Influencer, a Shudder original movie, presents a refreshing take on the social media influencer persona trope. Unlike the assumed recycled plot, this tight 90-minute thriller takes unexpected twists until its gripping finale. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Thailand, the story follows Madison, an influencer whose online life appears perfect, but her reality is far from it.
During her vacation, she befriends CW, who introduces her to the local area. However, their friendship takes a darker turn when CW leads Madison to a secluded island. Rather than focusing on murder and violence, Influencer delves into the complexities of online versus real-life identities, exploring themes of manipulation and personal struggles.
Clock
Clock, a psychological horror blended with body horror in the Hulu original film, revolves around a woman who partakes in a clinical trial to address her biological clock. The movie delivers a powerful message, shedding light on the societal pressure faced by women in their 30s to rush into motherhood before it’s too late.
The film is not against the idea of having kids, but rather it serves as a commentary on the challenges women endure when they firmly choose not to become mothers or face difficulties in conceiving naturally. The horror in Clock is rooted in a very real and profound issue, making it a thought-provoking and unsettling watch. Proceed with caution.
Sick
Sick stands out as the first COVID pandemic film that effectively acknowledges the events of 2020. While other shows and low-budget Indies briefly mentioned COVID in their late 2020 and early 2021 releases, the impact didn’t resonate fully as we were still living through it. Now, nearly three years later, Sick successfully captures the essence of the pandemic within a slasher film setting.
The story revolves around two friends spending time at a lakeside cabin during the summer of social distancing. As the night unfolds, they find themselves pursued by a masked killer. Penned by Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter of Scream, Sick maintains a simple premise but intricately expands its world in the final act. It cleverly infuses relatable humor, as we can all connect to various aspects of the movie, having experienced similar situations during the pandemic.
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster, directed by Bomani Story, presents a captivating re-imagining of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The story follows Vicaria, a brilliant teenager portrayed by Laya DeLeon Hayes, who firmly believes that death is not permanent and can be cured like a disease. In her pursuit of this belief, Vicaria attempts to revive her deceased brother’s body.
When she succeeds in bringing him back to life, she is confronted with the realization that he is no longer her brother but a monstrous being. The film delves into profound social commentary on the black experience in America, making it an essential watch for horror film enthusiasts.
Huesera: The Bone Woman
Huesera: The Bone Woman, a Spanish horror film, takes the theme of pregnancy horror to new heights. Released on Shudder in early 2023, the movie is a chilling ride that will haunt your nights. It revolves around a woman cursed by an evil spirit during her first pregnancy, and her only hope lies with a group of witches.
Natalia Solian delivers a compelling performance as Valeria, the well-written lead, who grapples with the loss of her identity and battles postpartum depression. Meanwhile, her family continuously undermines her. While the scares in the film will definitely keep you awake, it’s the very human drama that adds depth to the story, making Huesera an engrossing watch.
Swallowed
Swallowed, directed by Carter Smith, had its initial release last year but reached a wider audience when it premiered on VOD earlier this year. The film revolves around a disastrous drug run, where two friends spending their last night together get entangled in orally smuggling drugs.
To their horror, they discover that the drug bags contain something alive. The movie is a body horror that takes its time with pacing but excels in building dread and delivering stomach-turning moments in its final act. Notably, the iconic Scream Queen, Mark Patton, portrays an eccentric villainous character, adding to the film’s allure. Swallowed offers a gripping and intense viewing experience for horror enthusiasts.
Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey
Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey is an unconventional and bewildering slasher film that drastically twists the innocent child story. Despite a mere 3% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie takes place with Christopher Robin returning home from college, only to discover that Pooh and Piglet have transformed into murderous and human-hating beings.
The film embraces its absurdity and encourages viewers to suspend their disbelief entirely. If you can do that, you’re in for a wild ride as the beloved animal friends from our childhood commit horrifying acts akin to famous horror icons like Jason, Freddy, and Leatherface. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey is a surreal and bizarre experience that defies expectations and warrants a unique form of appreciation.
The Outwaters
The Outwaters, featured as a trailer during Terrifier 2 screenings in late 2022, brings a fresh and haunting perspective to found footage in the digital age. The film presents footage from three memory cards taken during a music video shoot in the Mojave Desert. It follows four individuals who camp out in the desert when not filming.
As eerie sounds and vibrations begin to unsettle them, the movie evokes a blend of unnerving and oddly calming horror. While some may draw comparisons to the Blair Witch Project, The Outwaters stands independently as a gripping film. To fully immerse in its terror, viewers must surrender themselves to its narrative, similar to how Blair Witch demanded engagement for a complete experience. The Outwaters offers a unique and captivating found footage journey into the heart of fear.
Skinamarink
Skinamarink evoked strong and polarizing reactions among audiences during its limited theatrical release in January. This lo-fi horror film aims to capture the unsettling sensation of waking up in your childhood home in the dead of night, while everyone else is asleep. The story revolves around two children who awaken to discover their father missing and all the windows and doors of the house vanished.
The plot may be difficult to fully comprehend based on this brief description alone. However, to truly grasp the concept and experience the film’s eerie atmosphere, it’s best to watch it on Shudder. Skinamarink’s unique approach to horror and its ability to evoke childhood fears make it a film that sparked passionate opinions among those who saw it.
