I’d say the number one thing I try to avoid in life is feeling anxious or scared. Who wants that? But the same brain that works overtime to keep me that way is also telling me, “Go ahead, put on Rosemary’s Baby real quick.” Mixed messages, no?
I thought I’d offer a few recommendations in case you’re looking for movie night inspiration during this spookiest of seasons. I tried to pick some that are slightly off the beaten path, so maybe you’ve seen these, maybe you haven’t, but I hope you find something that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand straight up!
Suspiria (1977)
An American ballet student arrives to study at a prestigious dance academy in Europe, but soon realizes that there’s a little more going on here than just pirouettes and plies. Strange encounters, maggots raining from the ceiling and mysterious secret rituals have Suzy confused, scared and wondering what all this witch talk is about. This cult classic is worth the watch for the visuals alone, but the perfectly eery soundtrack and vintage gore don’t hurt either.
The Strangers (2008)
For me, the scariest movies are those in which the horror is random and realistic; no over-the-top premises are needed and the victims are chosen just because. It could be anyone, anytime, and in this film it is. A couple staying in a remote cabin is caught off guard with a middle of the night knock on the door. A case of mistaken identity, or so it seems. When another knock follows later, and things are found out of place, they’re left wondering if someone has been inside the house all along. A tension-filled night goes from weird to dangerous. Why them? “Because you were home.” Gulp.
It Follows (2015)
This film starts almost like a teen romp - a young woman goes for a swim, chats with her friends, gets dolled up for a date with a new guy. Things shift suddenly when, after a sexual encounter, she finds herself in a confusing and terrifying situation and learns of a nightmarish burden that has been bestowed upon her. What follows is her attempt to understand and lose that burden, all with the ever-present feeling of fear and pressure as the clock silently ticks forward. This is a compelling and original horror premise that keeps you guessing until the very last shot.
Teeth (2007)
The very picture of teen chastity, Dawn takes her position in her abstinence group very seriously. When she becomes the object of a violent sexual act, Dawn discovers, to her horror, that she possess vagina dentata, aka toothed lady bits. Ouch. Once a stranger to her own body, she gradually grows emboldened by her newfound power and unleashes herself into the world, prepared to use her teeth if the need arises.
Don’t Breathe (2016)
Three young delinquent friends decide to break into the home of a blind man they’ve learned is holding something they want: lots and lots of cash. They figure it’s easy money, like taking candy from a baby, but soon realize that although this man can’t see, he’s a more than formidable contender. Their plan of a quick cash grab in the dark soon turns into trying to outrun and outsmart this man in order to save their lives. In the process, they learn he's got secrets darker than they could’ve imagined.
Check back soon for Part 2!
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