I recently re-subscribed to Amazon Prime and I am glad I did. My absence from the streaming platform allowed them to rebuild their film and TV library. So, now I have loads of new & old stuff to share with you all.
I have decided to break these posts up and separate them into genres. So, I am sure you won’t be surprised that “horror” is the first genre to be covered. Here’s Part 1. Enjoy.
HEREDITARY
It was hard to believe that Hereditary was he directorial debut from Ari Aster. The film chilled me to the bone and was a welcomed and superior edition to the haunted house sub-genre.
These days, well to me anyway, haunted house movies rely totally on jump scares to fuel the story. Films like The Conjuring & Insidious actually take your hand and hold it for you. You know when these scares are going to happen because it is just so damn obvious.
A wife, husband and their two kids become victim to violent paranormal occurrences when their grandmother dies.
Also, check out my review for Aster’s bizarre second feature MIDSOMMAR
SUSPIRIA
The remake of Dario Argento’s 1978 horror classic. Suspiria stars Chole Grace Mortez, Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton. The story is centred around a dance company and its members.
A great retelling o this classic story but probably would not be for everyone. There’s a certain artistic style that some viewers may find too artsy. I think this is a film that you need to judge for yourself. Don’t listen to what others say, you might be surprised. And, hey! it’s on Amazon Prime, so you might as well give it a shot
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke provides us with a haunting, original soundtrack.
BRIMSTONE
Guy Pearce gives one of his most haunting performances as The Reverend in Martin Koolhoven’s Brimstone. With an equally impressive strong performance from Dakota Fanning, Brimstone is a dark and unsettling entry into new-wave gruesome westerns such as Bone Tomahawk.
I believe the less you know about this one the better. If you haven’t seen it yet be prepared to be mesmerised in nearly every scene, then broken-down and have your soul destroyed.
Co-starring Kit Harrington (Game Of Thrones) and Carice van Houten (Game Of Thrones) Emilia Jones (High Rise).
EDEN LAKE
Starring Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reily. To this day, Eden Lake is still a movie that hits you right in the gut. A truly satisfying horror film that leaves you feeling distraught and empty inside. A film that lingers in the back of your mind for years after watching it.
A simple premise about a couple who go for a peaceful break in the woods. Their romantic getaway is cut short when they are attacked and hunted by a group of young, very dangerous hooligans.
Everything about Eden Lake is great. Not only do we have two fantastic performances from Fassbender and Riley, but the young supporting cast is equally as good with a young Jack O’Connell delivering a spine-chilling performance as a budding psychopathic killer.
THE BABADOOK
The Babadook, in my opinion, one of the strongest directorial debuts in history. Directed and written by Jennifer Kent, The Babadook won the hearts of horror lovers from around the world. The thing is though, it is not quite a horror film but more of a psychological drama about love, loss, guilt and primarily mental illness.
Getting released soo is Jennifer Kent’s second feature The Nightingale. It looks superb so make sure to check back for more information on that one.
THE BODY
I am so happy to find this one on Amazon Prime, The Body is a Spanish mystery/horror/thriller that I had trouble finding for years. The film follows a detective who is looking for a dead body that has disappeared from the morgue.
A brilliant and dark thriller, with exceptional performances from all of the cast. Full of unpredictable twists, with an ending no one will see coming.
Directed and co-written by Oriol Paulo, writer of The Invisible Guest and Julia’s Eyes.
RIGHT AT YOUR DOOR
This is one of my all-time favourite infection/virus/outbreak movies. I thought this was a genius idea and a fresh approach to what we usually get in that sub-genre.
Made on a shoe-string budget, Right At Your Door tells the story of a Dirty Bomb being detonated in L.A. Unknown chemicals force the military to put a quarantine into place which separates husband and wife, Brad and Lexi.
Brad seals off the house and makes it airtight. His wife is locked outside and he can’t let the woman he loves inside for fear of infection or contamination.
Tense and brilliantly made independent cinema.
That’s it for part one. Make sure to check back soon for part 2. As Always, thanks for reading.
Word by Gary Gamble
Founder/Owner/BigCheese @ Moviehooker
