The word “monster” can mean a variety of things to genre fans, but one thing is for certain–The industry wouldn’t be the same without them. Whether we’re talking about blood-sucking vampires or man-made creations, we’ve learned that some of horror’s most classic creatures are still some of it’s most intriguing. Perhaps now more than ever we’re starting to see a return to these maniacal monsters, but here are a few films that I’ve personally been impressed with over the last 5 years or so.
While slow to start, Chiméres takes the idea of vampire transformation and tosses it into the sobering world of reality. It’s also beautifully shot and features a climax that’s well worth the build-up. Seek this one out if you haven’t already.
Plot Synopsis: A young couple, Alexander and Livia, take off on holiday to Romania. Hospitalized after being hit by a car, Alexander must undergo a blood transfusion—with horrifying consequences: upon his return, he seems afflicted with a strange disease.
We can probably throw this one in the ever-elusive sub genre of Action/Horror, but Wer actually makes you feel like this motherfucker has the right to be a Werewolf–So leave him be! This one gets a little crazy towards the end, but that doesn’t make it any less bad-ass.
Plot Synopsis: A defense attorney begins to suspect that her client, who is charged with the murders of a vacationing family, might be more than meets the eye.
While the rest of the world discusses whether or not The Witch is a genre masterpiece or a collosal a dud; I encourage you to to check out some a bit more lighthearted. Witching and Bitching is the tale of a bank heist gone horrible wrong. It’s surprisingly hilarious and (wait for it) actually features Witches in the film… and a dude painted up like a silver, glistening Jesus. How could you NOT be interested?! Check it out.
Plot Synopsis: In this heist film turned horror fest, director Álex de la Iglesia’s love of mayhem is on full display as a gang of gold thieves lands in a coven of witches who are preparing for an ancient ritual — and in need of a sacrifice.
Zombies have been done to death (pun intended), so it’s nice to see filmmakers start to evolve in how they tell these stories. I’m of a firm mind that “less is more” in the sub genre that once thrived in rage-filled, fast paced mayhem. That’s where Extinction succeeds. It’s able to scale back on the Z word and focus on quality storytelling first and foremost. Of course, this is coming from a man that hates traditional zombie movies–so take this one for what it’s worth.
Plot Synopsis: And suddenly, overnight, the world came to a halt. Two men, two survivors, one kid, and hatred that separates them. A place forgotten by everyone, including the creatures that inhabit the Earth… until now.
While countless adaptations of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein have been produced since 1910, MacIntyre’s vision takes the story down a unique path, complete with throwback style and tons of humor. It has packed houses at Toronto After Dark Film Festival and is fresh off of Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Editing awards at Screamfest Horror Film Festival. No formal release date just yet on this one, but you’re going to want to stay informed.
Plot Synopsis: A delightfully dark, Frankenstein-themed horror comedy about a re-animated corpse, made from the stitched together body parts of three murdered young women, that decides to go on a bloody quest to find their killer and avenge their deaths!
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March 26, 2016
We covered Wer on the Dark Discussions podcast and I very much enjoyed Extinction. I’ve heard great things about Witchin’ and Chimeres, so I’ll trust your recommendation on Patchwork.
March 26, 2016
Your confidence is well placed, friend. ?