2019 had a big selection of horror films, and the quality varied from a couple real gems, to a bunch of trash not worth watching. But the biggest takeaway for me, personally, is regret. At the time of writing this, there are still at least 10 movies I really wanted to catch up with, and have real potential to being contenders for me. So without further ado, here are my Top 13 horror/thriller/genre films of 2019.
13. Haunt
I’m a big fan of extreme haunts, both in real life and in film. The Houses October Built and Hell Hous LLC are some mainstays for me. Last years “Extremity” really let me down. This year, however, gave us Haunt. Another entry in the extreme haunt/haunted house (attraction) sub genre. This movie was violent, and the gore was good. The story and characters were fun. It was just an enjoyable ride all together.
12. The Wind
Wouldn’t be my list without a slow burn horror film entirely consumed by tone and atmosphere. Limited cast, simple plot, great score that really ramps up your nerves and anxieties. Set around the turn of the century in the American West, it’s a tale of seclusion, isolation, and demonic/supernatural activity. It’s a good “turn the lights off and watch alone at 2:00am” type of film.
11. Bliss
My list wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t include a Joe Begos film (spoiler alert for 2020), and this year is no exception. Drugs, vampires, sex, neon lights, flashing lights, crazy music…I mean, do I really need to say anymore? Great practical effects and blood. A tight runtime that doesn’t allow you to get bored, and gorgeous 16mm cinematography. This is art house on acid.
10. Trespassers (aka Hell is Where the Home Is)
A home invasion film featuring Janel Parish (Mona) of Pretty Little Liars. There are a few twists and turns in this movie that aren’t what you’d expect. It isn’t a masterpiece, but home invasion is one of my favorite sub genres, and this does a few things interesting enough to stand out for me.
9. The Golden Glove
My first foreign language entry. This German film tells the real life story of Fritz Honka, a serial killer from the 1970’s. What made this movie stand out to me, is that the killings weren’t the forefront of the movie. The violence was often simply hinted at, or executed off camera. The movie was a character study of the man himself, and his day to day life. But with that being said, this movie will absolutely make your skin crawl, cause you to feel dirty and gross, and I swear to God you can even smell this film. Trigger warning: sexual violence and violence against women.
8. Ready or Not
Okay, here it is. The unlikely, mainstream release that just completely surprises me every year. Samara Weavings gives an amazing performance and is a joy to watch. The movie doesn’t really do anything special or original, but what it does, it does well. It’s fun, it’s funny, it’s a trip and wild ride. It’s one of the most fun theater experiences I had all year. I mean, an entire family trying to murder a new bride during a skewed game of hide and seek? Awesome.
7. The Field Guide to Evil
Another foreign entry, and this years lone anthology film. 7 segments from 7 directors all coming from 7 different countries. Anthologies first me are something I enjoy the premise of, but hardly ever the execution. This movie, however, is amazing. All the segments are good to varying degrees. Nothing is skippable. It’s like the foreign, art-house take on a horror anthology, and it’s well worth your time.
6. Us
What can be said about this film? Peele’s follow up to Get Out. It’s beautifully made, wonderfully acted, and everything is so sharp. Sure, the story/twists/potential plot holes are there…but that isn’t enough to be a detractor for me. I had a great time with this film, and is something I’ve returned to a couple times since it was in theaters.
5. Climax
This might be my furthest stretch as to what is considered horror/thriller. A technical masterpiece, filled with insane choreography (of both the actors and camera person). What seems to be one long take, with the camera flowing and floating in and out of the rooms, groups of people, dance floor, etc. It’s one large acid trip gone wrong. It is loud with tons of movement and light, and not everyone escapes the night with their lives. It fills you up with anxiety and doesn’t let you go. So for that reason, I think it’s horror enough.
4. Luz
Some more 16mm, foreign goodness. Demonic possession told in a style I’ve never seen before. Amazing performances that feel like watching a stage play at times. Some of my favorite cinematography of the year, with the grittiest and grainiest images I’ve seen in quite some time. A bit “out there” and abstract, this movie has a short run time and is very rewarding. You won’t see anything else like it.
3. Knife + Heart
A retro/throwback film to the good old days of 70’s Giallo. You have a black leather gloved, knife wielding killer. The entire thing takes place around a homosexual soft core porn company. The costumes, hair and makeup, and set design are wonderful. It all comes together and works towards the same aesthetic, and pulls it off beautifully. This movie is 90% style for me, and that’s what I like most.
2. Piercing
Another film that is throwing back to a previous generation of horror. In fact, the soundtrack to this film uses Goblin songs from other 70’s horror films. It’s a simple movie with two characters, a man and a woman holed up in a hotel room. He wants to murder her, and she had her own plans for the night. It’s so enjoyable, and extremely stylish. Dark yet fun at the same time. I feel like this movie has definitely gone under most people’s radar.
1. The Lighthouse
I mean, any surprises here? Clearly my list thus far has favored movies that lean heavily on style and cinematography. This movie has that in spades. Gritty, black and white film in 1.19:1 aspect ratio. Two men slowly losing their mind from seclusion and alcohol abuse. It’s one of the most absurd, ridiculous, entertaining, and wonderful movies of the year, horror or not. Something I want to watch over and over again, and study each and every frame and line of dialogue. If you haven’t seen this one yet, do it now.
