Despite being less than sad to see 2023 fade into the distance, I will admit that it delivered the horror content goods. Even while the industry grabbled with multiple valid strikes and the lingering effects of the ongoing global COVID pandemic, there was certainly no shortage of films. Everything from big blockbuster franchise juggernauts to indie darlings, streaming debuts to festival favorites had their moments worthy of the spotlight. For me, one trend, one word, one approach separated the standouts from the mids—fresh. I was utterly blown away by the wealth of fresh new ideas, filmmakers and stories that 2023 delivered. These were some of my favorites.
10. COBWEB
From the moment COBWEB begins to the moment it ends, fall vibes abound. This is one of many reasons its completely fumbled summer release is baffling. Director Samuel Bodin crafts a dark, mysterious world centered around young Peter (Woody Norman) and his odd parents, played to perfection by Lizzy Caplan and THE BOYS fave, Antony Starr. Despite the child perspective, COBWEB earns its R-rating with some unexpectedly brutal sequences. Draped in a hauntingly effective score by the talented composer Drum & Lace, COBWEB comprehensively exhibits just how terrifying and confusing being a kid can be. While its third act proves to be the make-or-break portion that separates the fans from the haters, COBWEB delivers an overall experience that really worked for me.
9. SAW X
Even though there are plenty of things I hate about our world, the fact that there are 10 SAW films is not one of them. Better yet, the fact that the 10th installment in the SAW franchise is actually good inevitably makes me smile. What makes SAW X work is the fact that Director Kevin Greutert (who also directed SAW VI and SAW 3D) and the rest of the SAW crew have paid attention to franchise fans and how previous installments have aged. While trying to please fans can be dangerous, SAW X proves that the strategy can work when considered and implemented appropriately. By leaning into the star power of Tobin Bell and Shawnee Smith, SAW X is able to expand the world and mythos of SAW past the boundaries of Saw City while keeping its blood-soaked, trap-filled, grime-covered soul intact.
8. THANKSGIVING
I have gone on record multiple times with my less-than-favorable opinion of Eli Roth and his filmography. While I appreciate and agree that films like HOSTEL and CABIN FEVER capture a trend in time, they’re not exactly my cup of tea. Now, that said, THANKSGIVING is a blast. Based on the cult trailer from 2007’s GRINDHOUSE, Roth flushes out his long-percolating idea of a Pilgrim-masked killer into a perfect seasonal slasher. Packed with intentional genre tropes, nods, subversions and themes, Roth proves yet again that his genre knowledge and ability to implement that knowledge in fresh, fun ways is second to none.
7. EVIL DEAD RISE
For a franchise with a main character as beloved as Ash, portrayed by an actor as notable as Bruce Campbell, it’s risky to venture forth without them. However, the EVIL DEAD franchise was built on taking risks, so it's pretty fitting that the latest installment continues to carry that torch. Leaving the cabin in the woods where it belongs, EVIL DEAD RISE trades in the rustic vibes for a more urban city setting. By dropping the familiar elements of EVIL DEAD into a new and unfamiliar setting, the horror that has chilled audiences for decades finds new and inventive methods of terror.
6. M3GAN
Despite the obnoxious and intentional trendiness of M3GAN’s initial marketing, the film quickly reveals itself to be much more intelligent than first impressions may suggest. As a vehicle, M3GAN, the doll captures the moment and current zeitgeist in an intensely clever and humorous way. It also looks great and is genuinely scary at times. Coupled with solid music, direction, and performances from Allison Williams and Violet McGraw as a tragic family odd couple, M3GAN has become one of the best modern sci-fi horror movies of the last few years. At the same time, M3GAN never forgets its Blumhouse roots and leans into the darkness, horror and grief inherent in the story while never making them the central crux on which the whole film rests.
5. INFINITY POOL
I never know quite what to expect from a Brandon Cronenberg film, and that uncertainty is always part of what appeals to me. Remaining consistent, INFINITY POOL goes places only a Cronenberg could think up while never sacrificing momentum or vision. Utilizing the sheer beauty of Mia Goth, Alexander Skarsgård, Cleopatra Coleman, Jalil Lespert and the fictional resort location, Cronenberg explores the hideous selfishness and cruelty simmering just beneath the surface of humankind. Given the right means, motive and opportunity, the temptation to throw decency and civility out the window is simply too much for many to resist.
4. SKINAMARINK
I’ve seen a lot of movies in my 38 years of life, but I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like SKINAMARINK. Truly some weird, wild stuff. Where SKINAMARINK succeeds is in the difficult-to-explain way it taps into deep-seated childhood fears. As we follow the two young siblings navigating through their house that has suddenly lost all doors, windows and parental oversight, the odd aesthetic, grating sound design, and warped perspective upends viewer expectations. There are few (if any) traditional narrative mile-markers for audiences to latch onto and project where the film may be leading. In fact, it wouldn’t be hard to envision SKINAMARINK used in future medical or psychological studies like some sort of cinematic Rorschach test. Though definitely not for everyone, this is a film I’ll likely never fully stop thinking about.
3. DARK HARVEST
Look, I’m a sucker for a good vibe, and that is undoubtedly DARK HARVEST’s strongest attribute. Shockingly gorgeous, the rocky road to development is nowhere to be seen on screen. In the film, director David Slade creates a believable, cozy 1960s midwest town that just happens to have an extremely dark yearly fall ritual that features all of its young men hunting down a terrifying creature known as Sawtooth Jack. Even if the metaphor of the story is a bit transparent, it does not make the story of DARK HARVEST less effective. As the leads, Casey Likes and Emyri Crutchfield, are sweet, endearing and compelling. Even though their dialogue can feel a bit saccharine at times, it fits with the setting and story. Rampant with Halloween aesthetics and beautiful period trappings, Slade creates an instant seasonal classic.
2. TALK TO ME
There’s something to be said for sticking to your guns, and that idea definitely seems to have paid off for Danny and Michael Philippou, the directors of TALK TO ME. Even though this was the feature directorial debut for the YouTube stars, they knew exactly what they wanted to put on screen and waited until someone would let them do that properly. What resulted is a super fresh spin on the idea of possession that also captures the absolute recklessness of youth in all its brutal, terrifying glory.
1. WHEN EVIL LURKS
I had heard good things about this film before I watched it, but I’ve learned to take such things with a grain of salt to temper my expectations. But I’m here to say now, believe the hype when it comes to this film. Even though some of the ideas and themes the film is putting forth aren’t exactly new, director and writer Demián Rugna presents them in his own brutally unique way. There are genuine moments that shock and surprise and will likely catch even the most seasoned horror hounds off guard. That said, perhaps the most impressive part of WHEN EVIL LURKS is how Rugna crafts an entire world and mythology, mainly using dialogue and character interactions. Never is valuable time wasted on unnecessary background or information. Audiences are simply dropped into this world and encouraged to keep up. WHEN EVIL LURKS is dark, nihilistic, tense and filled with gore and great practical effects, but perhaps most importantly, though, for a list like this, it also scared me.
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