Horror films were more than just merely alive in 2018; they were thriving. Given that every day is a nightmarish horror show that none of us can escape from regardless of how long and loud we scream for help, it may come as a surprise that the genre is flourishing. Then again, if you take even one side-eyed glance at the history of horror, you’ll find that it has been historically one of the most reliable film genres in times of crises. While we often look at the cinema as a means to escape, we also look at it for guidance, to help us better understand what is happening in the world around us. Sometimes it helps to walk right up to the edge and stare directly into the abyss. Or, maybe you just need reassurance before the holidays that you’re not the only one whose family is a little off. Whatever the case may be, the eclectic mix of horror cinema this year has you covered.
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With a strong output of films between the theatrical, VOD, and streaming markets (Netflix and especially Shudder), it was difficult to whittle this list down to twenty picks. Our criteria for this was “horror, plus a little.” Each and every one of these films frighten, terrify, and leave us sleeping with one eye open, but not just because of the craft. There’s a sting to each of them that lingers long after the thrill is over, and after reading this, we recommend you run out and catch each and every one of these films.
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20. “Don’t Leave Home”
These days, successful independent horror films often draw heavy inspiration from John Carpenter and/or Stephen King (thanks, “Stranger Things”). While those artists are rightfully adored, the homage can get stale when it has nothing new to offer. So, it’s refreshing when a horror film – even not an entirely perfect one— comes along and finds stimulus in movies like, “Don’t Look Now,” “The Exorcist,” “The Changeling,” and other more somber, drama-oriented horror films. That’s exactly what “Don’t Leave Home” sets out to do. Melanie (Anna Margaret Hollyman) is an artist who is invited to Ireland to meet the subject of her latest piece (Lalor Roddy) – a painter who is the subject of a folklore with a disturbing end – and auction off her work. As expected, things (and people) are not as they seem. The ulterior motives behind certain characters are never a mystery from the start, which makes stretches of the film a tiny bit obvious, but it builds to a surprising reveal about mortality that is haunting and unique. The themes about loss, guilt, and facing the past are much more poignant than having things end with a potential monster or whatnot, and while “Don’t Leave Home” is admittedly patchy at times, it has plenty of strong, raw, memorable elements that stick with you [A reprint from our North Bend Flim Festival recap]. – Ryan Oliver
19. “Apostle”
Although fans of “The Raid” might be disappointed at the lack of hand-to-hand combat to be found in “Apostle,” Gareth Evans’ exploitation-arthouse fusion is by no means a step down from his previous outings. While merging a costume-heavy period piece with a grimy cult thriller is not groundbreaking, “Apostle” manages to never fall victim to its B-movie sensibilities and leapfrog across subgenres at the same time. Granted, the movie’s diseased tongue is assuredly nestled in its cheek at times; notably, “The Wicker Man” stands as the film’s foremost influence, both stylistically and thematically. However, “Apostle” keeps its wits around long enough to scrutinize the dangers of religious corruption before boasting enough bone-cracking, skin-ripping gore to satisfy the average horror buff and send the weak-stomached squealing into the next room. Initially adopting a slow burn approach to its supernatural underpinnings, “Apostle” gradually sheds any polite predispositions and devolves into a twisted 20th-century rendition of the best survival horror video game you will never play. While maybe not the most memorable of the films on this list, “Apostle” remains blood-spattered and worth watching. – Jonathan Christian
18. “What Keeps You Alive”
An isolated location, illogical decisions and a person who isn’t quite what they seem is nothing novel in the horror genre, but Colin Minihan (“It Stains the Sands Red”) takes these familiar elements and makes them feel fresh. Part of his innovation lies in casting two women (Hannah Emily Anderson and Brittany Allen) as a married couple and doing it so matter-of-factly, even when their one-year anniversary trip to a quiet cabin makes a sharp left into brutal violence. Or it could be the blackly comic approach his script takes on the unraveling of a relationship and the attacks that are far more than the usual marital spats. But what’s most impressive is the visuals from Minihan and David Schuurman, making his feature debut as a D.P. “What Keeps You Alive” not only offers stylish, stunning shots, but it also makes great use of space, especially vertically. The cabin, surrounded by ominous woods and towering trees make you feel just as trapped as the victims in this entertaining cat-and-mouse game. – Kimber Myers
17. “The Witch in the Window”
A film that flew under the radar earlier this year, Andy Milton’s “The Witch in the Window” is a prime example of minimalist horror done right. Clocking in at 77 minutes, Milton’s film follows Simon’s (Alex Draper) attempt to fix up a Vermont farm house with his son, in hopes to win back this estranged wife, only to realize that the house already as an inhabitant, the malicious spirit of the deceased Lydia, a previous owner who is not really happy anyone is moving in. What separates Milton’s film from the pact of sub-par haunted house films released every few months is a curiosity and tenacity that the characters possess and the reality of economics. The father is all in on the house, so when he realizes the place is haunted, he just has to see if he can deal with the guest that ain’t about to leave. A dead woman might scare him, but what if he doesn’t give in? Will Lydia grow tired of haunting him? Can he win the battle against this supernatural spirit? The answer is not as obvious as it might appear, as the apparition and new owner become locked in a fight for the house—Lydia ratcheting up her spiritual presence to terrifying results. The conclusion, one of the stranger examples of an untraditional family, is a nuanced conclusion to a film grounded in a father’s love for this family. For horror fans looking for a little bit more texture than just scares, this is one of those under the radar gems worth visiting. – Christian Gallichio
16. “The Ritual”
Atmospheric, paranoid, and taut with tension, “The Ritual” proves that Netflix originals are not automatically set to self-destruct. Known for his creative contributions to several horror anthologies (“The Signal,” “V/H/S,” and “Southbound”), director David Bruckner handles this claustrophobic, mythological creature feature with the talents of an accomplished craftsman. Well-rounded characters — Rafe Spall’s grief-stricken performance is standout — and moody cinematography pull “The Ritual” free of being labeled as yet another “camping trip gone wrong” creep-fest and into a league of its own. Although callbacks to “The Blair Witch Project” will certainly make themselves known over the course of the film’s nerve-wracking, 94-minute run-time, “The Ritual” is as endearing as it is relentlessly eerie. Themes of regret and shame wade in the undercurrent as you keep your knees tucked close to your chest, imagining what monster could possibly be pursuing the film’s unlucky protagonists. Despite third-act decisions hindering the movie’s overall impact, “The Ritual” is perfectly suited for midnight screenings and will probably dissuade you from planning any upcoming camping trips. – JC
