Noroi: The Curse (2005) Review – A Masterclass in Found Footage J-Horror
Kōji Shiraishi delivers a masterclass in atmospheric dread with Noroi: The Curse. A complex, hyper-realistic found footage film that weaves folklore into a nightmare.
Candyman (1992) Review – A Groundbreaking, Socially Conscious Gothic Masterpiece
Bernard Rose’s Candyman is much more than a slasher. It is a haunting, socially conscious gothic nightmare that uses the projects of Chicago to explore racial trauma.
The House of the Devil (2009) Review – A Stylised and Nostalgic 80s Throwback
Ti West’s The House of the Devil is a masterclass in retro aesthetics. A slow-burn 80s throwback that prioritises grainy 16mm atmosphere over narrative speed.
Paranormal Activity (2009) Review – A Masterclass in Low-Budget DIY Dread
Paranormal Activity is a landmark of indie horror. A simple, effective, and visceral found footage hit that proved you don’t need a big budget to terrify the world.
Pet Sematary (1989) Review – A Classic Melancholic Monkey’s Paw Tale
Mary Lambert brings Stephen King’s darkest novel to life with Pet Sematary. A gritty, emotional, and visceral 80s classic that explores the terrifying price of grief.
Rent-a-Pal (2020) Review – A Chilling and Uncomfortable Study of Loneliness
Jon Stevenson’s Rent-a-Pal is a unique and unsettling character study. A retro-themed thriller that explores the dark side of loneliness and the price of friendship.
The Block Island Sound (2020) Review – A Muddled and Gloomy Scientific Mystery
The Block Island Sound is an atmospheric but muddled blend of sci-fi and family drama. A slow-burn mystery that ultimately feels a little too grey and messy.
Gwen (2018) Review – A Hauntingly Beautiful Study of Folk-Horror Dread
William McGregor’s Gwen is a visual triumph. A bleak, atmospheric, and beautifully acted period drama that skirts the edges of folk-horror in North Wales.
The Swarm (2021) Review – A Slow-Burn French Drama with a Body-Horror Sting
The Swarm is a slow-burn French drama that skirts the edges of body horror. A unique premise about locust farming that struggles with pacing and plot holes.
The Isle (2018) Review – A Dull and Drowning Siren’s Song
Matthew Butler-Hart’s The Isle is a visual treat that sinks under the weight of terrible acting and a turgid script. A period mystery that fails as a horror movie.
Relic (2020) Review – A Melancholic and Metaphorical Study of Decay
Natalie Erika James’ Relic is a masterclass in atmosphere but a questionable horror film. A slow-burn drama that uses a haunted house as a metaphor for dementia.
Saint Maud (2019) Review – A Chilling Descent into Religious Mania
Don’t go into Saint Maud expecting a traditional horror movie. This is something else entirely: a sad, harrowing, and utterly compelling psychological study of a young nurse’s descent into madness. A stunning directorial debut that’s more interested in disturbing you than scaring you. Click to read our full, spoiler-free thoughts.
