[customfont1]13. The Hallow[/customfont1]
I saw this one in the fantastic setting of The Stanley Film Festival, after listing it as one of my top horror films to look forward to in 2015. It did not disappoint – and, as a member of the Fairy Investigation Society, I will tell you that not all elements of this film should be considered fact.
[customfont1]12. The Boy[/customfont1]
It is rare that an actor as young as Jared Breeze is able to carry, and bring to life, a story as dark and haunting as The Boy. This film could almost be a dark prequel to Psycho, but it stands firmly on its own as a disturbing and effective horror film.
[customfont1]11. Pod[/customfont1]
Unquestionably one of the best told horror stories of 2015, Pod director Mickey Keating channels the almost visceral discomfort of family tension into a unique story that kept me guessing until the very end. Appearances by Ashley Lauren Carter, Larry Fessenden, and Dean Cates didn’t hurt either, but the breakout performance by Brian Morvant as the brother and veteran who may or may not be crazy is perhaps the most impressive piece of this movie.
[customfont1]10. The Visit[/customfont1]
There were a few very solid horror-comedies this year, and I must the one that surprised me the most was M. Night Shyamalan’s first primarily-comedic story. A visit to their grandparents’ home in the country evolves into an unsettling experience for teenage brother and sister, Becca and Tyler. Lots of well-constructed humor and some genuinely terrifying moments as well. As a long-time fan of Shyamalan, I do believe this is his best since The Village.
[customfont1]9. Creep[/customfont1]
When I started 2015, I thought I had seen every permeation of found-footage that the brain could imagine – I was wrong. Though I actually enjoy many of the tropes I have come to expect when I turn on a found-footage flick, Creep deviated from the norm in a way that left me stunned and impressed. Byron is right – Mark Duplass is incredible. And so is Patrick Brice. Don’t believe me? Listen to our interview with him!
[customfont1]8. It Follows[/customfont1]
It Follows will forever hold a place in my heart as a fabulous I film that managed to remind a wider audience of the immense potential for storytelling that lies, all-too-often unnoticed, in the realm of indie horror. Killer soundtrack, great acting, beautiful cinematography – and definitely some of the most terrifying moments of my year.
[customfont1]7. Goodnight Mommy[/customfont1]
It seems it was the year for young actors to claim their place as powerful and skilled talent in the realm of horror. The Schwarz twins, in their roles as Lukas and Elias, flawlessly guide the audience on an interesting and terrifying mission to determine whether the woman recovering from surgery in their home is their mother or an imposter.
[customfont1]6. Spring[/customfont1]
This is the only film on my list that I have recommended to my fellow horrorophiles and my more squeamish friends alike. The story grows and evolves beautifully, eventually arriving at one of the most romantic endings I have ever seen – without losing it’s horror roots along the way. Did I mention we also got to interview directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead?
[customfont1]5. Bone Tomahawk[/customfont1]
The triumphant return of horror legend Kurt Russell was simultaneously one of the most impressive directorial debuts of the year. S. Craig Zahler brings his magnificent story to the screen with the help of perhaps the best cast on my top 13 list: Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Richard Jenkins, David Arquette, and Sid Haig. Beyond a fantastic horror movie, this is a tremendous film overall, and made me want to re-watch everything Richard Jenkins has ever done.
[customfont1]4. Krampus[/customfont1]
I am normally quite skeptical of anything that places a dark lense on my favorite holiday and borderline-obsession, but Krampus wowed the Christmas fanatic in me as well as the horror enthusiast.
[customfont1]3. What We Do In The Shadows[/customfont1]
What We Do In The Shadows delivered one of my most enjoyable movie-watching experiences in 2015, largely because I could not stop laughing. With references and details to satisfy a true fan of Vampire legend, the core of this film held true to horror roots while the script, story, and acting wove a tapestry of hilarity. This is one of the few movies on my list that is now in my ‘rotation’ of re-watches – it really doesn’t get old.
[customfont1]2. Lost River[/customfont1]
Though the sheer beauty of this movie would make it a fabulous work of art to simply watch without sound, the story and score made Lost River my most transcendental movie experience of the year. This one is not for everyone, admittedly, but if you enjoy the work of David Lynch or Nicolas Winding Refn, you absolutely must watch this movie. I really hope we get to see more from Gosling’s effort behind the camera.
[customfont1]1. #Horror[/customfont1]
It might seem strange that an actress, artist, and fashion designer was the director (debutorially, I might add) behind my favorite horror film of 2015. However, when you examine Tara Subkoff’s background and her status as an “it girl” of the 90s, the storyline of this movie – as well as it’s remarkable and thought-provoking nature – makes quite a bit of sense. Though I have read nothing to verify this hypothesis, the tone of #Horror feels inspired by the work of Bret Easton Ellis, which is another reason that my love of this brilliant film runs so deep. Like my #2 spot, #Horror is a bit of a controversial pick, but I can guarantee you it is unlike any movie – horror or otherwise – that you have ever seen.
