Midsommar (2019) #513

    In 2019, Ari Aster released his highly anticipated follow-up to his smash hit "Hereditary" with "Midsommar". Starring Florence Pugh, giving an emotionally raw performance as Dani, a young woman who loses her family in a tragic incident and turns to her boyfriend, who sees her more as a burden than as a partner. This is probably the most seen folk horror movie since "The Wicker Man", and this is one of the few horror movies that takes place primarily during the bright daylight hours.

  

    "Midsommar" begins with in a very serious tone, with Dani trying to contact her suicidal younger sister. Unfortunately, her sister has already followed through with her threat as well as killing their parents, fastening a hose from her car to their bedroom and a second hose tapped to her head. Dani calls her boyfriend Christian, who was out with his friends and was having a conversation with them about breaking up with Dani. He feels guilty and stays with her, to the dismay of his friends. A few months later, she learns that Christian is planning on going to Sweden with his friends Mark and Josh to visit their friend Pelle hometown. Christian invites Dani along, even though he is still considering breaking up with her. Once they arrive, the group is welcomed by the villagers of Pelle's small rustic home. There are a few other visiting foreigners, also bought along to witness the rituals that are to be performed. 
 

    First everyone enjoys a lovely meal and then the village witness an attestupa ceremony, where the eldest man and woman both leap from a high cliff onto the rock and boulders before. This freaks all of the visitors out, but Pelle explains that this act is an honor for the elderly. Then one by one, the visitors begin go missing. Christian has conflicts with both Dani and his friend Josh, who soon disappears as well. Soon Dani takes part of the Maypole dancing competition while Christian is lured away. The movie builds up to the final ritual, with a surprising but satisfying grand finale.

     

Frankenstein (2025) #512

    Based on the classic novel, "Frankenstein" is a 2025 film directed by Guillermo del Toro, premiering on Netflix. It's a beautiful film to watch, from the amazing set pieces, locations, and costuming. The film is more inspired that an adaptation of the novel, especially when it concerns Victor's storyline. Luckily the film is split into two parts, and the second half is focused on the Creature which is much more accurate to the source material. The pacing varies at times, and with a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes, the film does feel a bit over long.

    The movie opens with the accurate beginning with Victor boarding a ship that is trying to reach the North Pole but is stuck in ice. After the crew has a brief encounter with the Creature, Victor tells the captain the story that eventually led him here. He explains how his mother died giving birth to his younger brother, and how this event led him into becoming a skilled but arrogant surgeon whose primary goal is to find a cure for death. He is expelled from school after an experiment but is hired by Henrich, an arms dealer, and prepares a fantastical laboratory. During this time, he meets his brother's fiancée, Elizabeth, falls in love with her, is rejected, and learns that Henrich wants his brain implanted in the body that Victor is building. 

    

    Victor refuses Henrich's request, Henrich dies in an accident, the experiment takes place, and Victor is distraught when he thinks everything has failed. The next day, however, Victor finds that the Creature is alive and has great strength and healing abilities but seems mentally limited after only learning and repeating the word "Victor". As Elizabeth bonds with the Creature, William discovers that Henrich is dead, and Victor blames his death on the Creature. After William and Elizabeth leave, Victor sets the lab of fire with the creature inside. Hearing his name, Victor tries to rescue the Creature but is severely injured.

    The second half of the movie begins with the Creature boarding the ship and telling the Captain his side of the story. And this is where the movie aligns with the novel that we all know and love. The Creature survives the explosion and takes refuge at a small farm. Over the next few months, the Creature learns to speak and read from the blind patriarch. One day the blind man is attacked by wolves, and when the Creature tries to save him, he is seen by the blind mans family who attack the Creature at once. They leave him for dead, but the Creature soon heals from his wounds and discovers that he can not die, at least by violence. He tracks Victor down and demands that he creates a companion for him, which Victor refuses to do. The Creature attacks Victor, and Elizabeth is mortally wounded while trying to stop the fight. The Creature takes Elizabeth to cave where she dies. Victor chases the Creature until they arrive in the Arctic, where they finally come to terms and Victor dies. Taking all of this as a sign, the Captain and his crew abandon their plans for the North Pole, and the Creature remains in the icy abyss.

Silence of the Lambs (1991) #511

 

Movie trailer here!

    The early 90's were an interesting time for the horror genre, mainly remembered for sequels from the 80's and a host of low budget, direct to video films. Movies like "Child's Play 3", "Puppet Master 3: Toulon's Revenge", "Critters 3", "Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker", "Howling IV: Freaks", and "Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare" graced the silver screens. Lots of third entries that year. Luckily, the horror-adjacent, instant classic "Silence of the Lambs" was adapted to film from the novel of the same name. This movie made Anthony Hopkins a household name and amplified Jodie Foster's reputation as an amazing actor as well.

    "Silence of the Lambs" is a thriller that follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she is tasked to interview the infamous Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lector, hoping to gleam any information that may help the FBI in their current manhunt for Buffalo Bill, an active serial killer who may have kidnapped a Senator's daughter. During their interactions, they form a unique bond and respect for each other, a relationship that draws the attention from Lector's useless psychologist/warden and from Starling's supervisor, the BSU chief Jack Crawford, each having their own agendas. 

    This became an instant classic because of the story itself and the incredible performances by those involved. Anthony Hopkins, also seen in "Bram Stroker's Dracula" and "The Wolf Man" makes Hannible Lector a horror icon, made more impressive that Brian Cox had made his own impressive rendition of the character in the 1986 "Manhunter". His presence on screen haunts you, his stare, and the delivery of his lines make for an unforgettable performance. Not be outdone, Ted Levine's portrayal of Buffalo Bill is also very iconic, immortalized by his dance routine in front of a video camera. This scene has been parodied and reenacted many times in pop culture, including this clip featuring Jay and Silent Bob.

    

  

    Another very memorable aspect of this film is how the characters are filmed when they are talking to Clarice, looking directly into the camera. It's an incredibly smart and effective way to film, having the attention placed on the viewer so we feel how Clarice might feel, and I have yet to see another film use this technique in the same fashion.

    The iconic mask

The escape scene - my favorite

Author's Note - The fifty movies that inspired me

   

    Having been a lifelong fan of horror, it only makes sense to share the movies from each year that had the most impact and influence on me as an artist and movie fan. Some years were easier than others when picking which movie represented year, while some years were extremely difficult to find a film that I felt worthy for this list.

1976 - The Omen

The mid Seventies was an interesting time for horror, especially for those more accustomed to modern horror, but 1976 did have heavy hitters like "Carrie" and "Burnt Offerings", but "The Omen" hits just right.

1977 - Rabid

David Cronenberg was and will always be the master of body horror, and "Rabid" is a perfect example of his work.

1978 - Invasion of the Body Snatchers

One of my favorite remakes, plain and simple.

1979 - Alien

The first horror movie I ever saw, sitting on my dad's lap. Slept through most of it but I was awake for the last 20 minutes!

1980 - The Shining

This might be the third most watched movie on this list, a comfort go-to when I needed something playing in the background.

1981 - An American Werewolf in London

My love for werewolves began with this film, which I saw when I was much too young. I was lucky enough to see a screening where Rick Baker hosted a Q&A afterwards.

1982 - The Thing

The second most watched horror movie on this list, but this is a movie I watch with full attention. I love this film and is still one of my all time favorites.

1983 - Videodrome

Another classic created by David Cronenberg AND Rick Baker! A truly inspirational film that flavors my own writing.

1984 - Gremlins

The first horror film on this list that I saw in the theater, going in completely blind and loving every moment.

1985 - Return of the Living Dead

The most watched film on this list, I love this movie so much. Another film my dad showed me when I was probably too young to see. Tar-man will forever be etched in my memories. 

1986 - The Fly

Another David Cronenberg film based on Body Horror. I get the feeling that this might be one of my favorite horror sub-genres. 

1987 - Angel Heart

A perfect detective noir film that blends horror into its very essence and an amazing performance from Mickey Rouke.

1988 - Hellraiser 2: Hellbound

For a long time, I preferred this film over the original because I felt it expanded the lore. Now, I love both films equally and wonder how the rest of the series would have turned out if they kept Julia as the true villain while the Cenobites waited in the shadows for their moment.

1989 - Pet Sematary

In a year full of sequels, "Pet Sematary" is both original and iconic.

1990 - The Exorcist 3

I recently saw the director's cut and I strongly recommend that you watch this version as soon as possible.

1991 - Silence of the Lambs

Simply Iconic

1992 - Candyman

Another film adapted from a Clive Barker short story, "Candyman" might be one of the smarter horror films I've seen.

1993 - The Good Son

93 was a slow year for horror films, but "The Good Son" is clearly the best choice over the two Stephen King adaptations that came out that year.

1994 - Wes Craven's New Nightmare

Who knew that Freddy Krueger could be re-imagined and scary again?

1995 - In the Mouth of Madness

"In the Mouth of Madness" is John Carpenter's take on Lovecraft, resulting in a wildly imaginative thrill ride.

1996 - The Frighteners

An extremely fun, original film starring Michael J Fox, with horror icons Jeffrey Combs and Dee Wallace. 

1997 - Event Horizon

Sci-fi horror on a cosmic scale.

1998 - The Faculty

Highschoolers vs aliens, very reminiscent of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers". 

1999 - The Blair Witch Project

Low budget, effective and fun, POV innovator. 

2000 - Final Destination

The first entry in an enduring series of films all about chain reaction deaths, and how you can not escape death. 

2001 - Frailty

Heavy hitting cast starring Bill Patton and Matthew McConaughey about a whose faith compels him and his sons to kill the demons hiding amongst us.

2002 The Ring

An actual scary PG-13 film, and a terrific remake as well.

2003 - Wrong Turn

Hillbilly mutant slasher, reminiscent of "The Hill Have Eyes".

2004 - Dawn of the Dead

Remake of the George A Romero's classic film, directed by a young Zack Synder with a script from a young James Gunn.

2005 - The Descent

Everyone remembers the claustaphobic scene.

2006 - Black Sheep

Not the film starring Chris Farley, but the overlooked gem about mutant sheep.

2007 - Inside

One of the most intense movies released during the French Extreme movement in the 2000's.

2008 - Pontypool

This is the first movie I name when someone asks for a recommendation. It's unique, gentle on those who don't like extreme gore, and highly entertaining.

2009 - Carriers

How impactful would this film have been if it was leased a decade later?

2010 - The Crazies

Another George A Romero remake that makes you wonder how the government would really handle an outbreak of this nature.

2011 - Grave Encounters

I love my found footage movies, and this one is just one of my favorites.

2012 - American Mary

Proving that she is more than just Ginger from "Gingersnaps", she is also Mary, a woman who won't be pushed around. 

2013 - Jug Face

A truly haunting tale about family, prophecy, and ritual.

2014 - The Taking of Deborah Logan

Scary found footage that deals with a serious condition that's scary in its own sense.

 

2015 - He Never Died

Henry Rollins gives an amazing performance as an immortal with family issues.

2016 - The Void

Cosmic dread with cultists and physical effects.

2017 - The Endless

More cosmic dread from the dream team of cosmic dread Moorehead and Benson.

2018 - Mandy

Nichoas Cage proves that he can handle cosmic horror and cultists in this iconic film.

2019 - Midsommar

Day time folk horror.

2020 - The Invisible Man

Abused Cecilia is haunted by an unseen force after her ex has supposedly died.

2021 - Willy's Wonderland

Nic Cage returns to the list as the silent Stranger, who takes on a crew of satanic animatronics. 

2022 - Barbarian

Zach Cregger's directorial debut, cementing his place as an up-and-coming modern horror powerhouse. 

2023 - When Evil Lurks

One of the best original, scary movies of the last ten years.

2024 - Late Night With the Devil

Inspired by the satanic panic, this original story of a late-night host's attempt to take the number spot in the ratings shows the sacrifices he willing to make. 

2025 - Frankenstein

Guillermo Del Toros' modern take on the classic novel.

2026 - TBD