10 | Happy Death Day
I’m not usually a fan of the “teen scream” type movies but Happy Death Day was definitely an exception. It quickly won me over with its simple yet entertaining and unique plot; a college student finds herself forced to live the day of her murder over and over again until she’s finally able to discover the identity of her killer. It’s basically Groundhog’s Day meets a horror slasher - what doesn't sound awesome about that?!? I watched it on my own and lol’d at quite a few parts so I imagine it would be even better with a group of like-minded pals.
9 | Get Out
I really debated whether or not I wanted to include Get Out in my top 10 list for this year. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good movie and I had a lot of fun watching it - I just feel like it got a lot more hype than it deserved (especially considering some of the other titles that came out in 2017). I finally decided to include it because, ultimately, I did have fun watching it (I mean, Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford!!). It was well acted and did manage to get a lot of folks out to see it and then talk about it. I can't help but be pleased that more people are getting into horror now because of blockbuster hits like Get Out.
The Bloodlust Podcast - Episode 67
8 | Split
Oh, Split. The movie where I found myself oddly attracted to James McAvoy dressed as a woman. Not just any woman, of course. He was dressed as Patricia, one of his 23 personalities. While I certainly enjoyed this movie in its entirety, it was McAvoy's performance that really sealed the deal - he stole the show (even from new horror darling, Anya Taylor-Joy!). Split is M Night's second movie since 2015's The Visit and though it doesn't necessarily have the sort of twist you might expect, it does have a surprise treat at the end for folks who have seen Unbreakable. Here's hoping M Night keeps it up!
The Bloodlust Podcast - Episode 64
7 | Creep 2
This second installation to Mark Duplass’ planned trilogy builds on the same general plot as Creep, but manages to feel more authentic - and far more uncomfortable -, largely due to the chemistry and interactions between the two characters. While I can’t say I liked Creep 2 as much as I liked Creep, I can say that I had just as much fun watching it.
The Bloodlust Podcast - Episode 88
6 | Beware the Slenderman
This HBO documentary covers the highly publicised case of Anissa Weier and Morgan Geyser and the Slenderman stabbing. If the idea of two impressionable and disturbed young girls becoming influenced enough by a fictional character to attempt to murder their friend isn’t one that sends a couple chills down your spine, this may not be the documentary for you. If it is, however, then borrow your friend’s HBO password and check out this movie.
The Bloodlust Podcast - Episode 65
5 | Black Mirror
Season 4
Not only did this season feel more tonally balanced than last season but, I just flat-out enjoyed it more. It’s hard to even pick a favorite episode; The season opener, USS Callister, was entertaining, tense, and visually beautiful to watch. Black Mirror can be a tricky show to recommend to folks, due to its often dark and emotionally devastating themes, but I feel like Charlie Brooker has found a balanced way to create new episodes that appeal to a wider and more diverse group of folks. If we could be guaranteed a new season every year, I would be a very happy camper.
4 | Super Dark Times
Super Dark Times was an unexpected, end-of-the-year win for me. Almost every technical aspect felt expertly conceived and executed, and the actors delivered performances that felt genuine and painfully authentic. There was a point during the movie where I felt physically sick from anxiety because of what was taking place on screen. All of this being said, I was really hoping it would end differently and when it didn’t, I was thrown off. Regardless, I loved this and highly recommend it.
3 | The Void
I think I can confidently say that, of all the horror movies I saw this year, I had the most fun watching The Void. The not-so-subtle Lovecraftian feel that's present throughout the movie only adds to the overall viewing enjoyment. The story-line may not be the cleanest and the acting may not be the best, but I was so enamored by the visuals and practical effects that I didn’t care. If you’re anything like me, once the movie hits a certain point, you’ll be at the edge of your seat, grinning like an idiot.
The Bloodlust Podcast - Episode 71
2 | Thelma
Joachim Trier really nailed it with this beautiful and well-acted story about Thelma, a young woman away at college - and away from her parents’ strict, religious home - for the first time. The story only focuses on a small snippet of her life, but it's a very significant snippet. Some of the scenes felt so hauntingly tense and yet, were relatively simplistic in their design and setup. Color me impressed. This will probably be a tough sell for your “blood & guts only” kind of horror fan but if you’re interested in something a bit more subtle, you should definitely give this a try.
The Bloodlust Podcast - Episode 87
1 | Raw
When I saw this movie earlier this year for the first time, I knew it would top my "Best of 2017" list. Honestly, this is one of the most impressive and satisfying movies I've seen in a while - even outside of the horror genre. Julia Durcournau created a terrifically disturbing yet, weirdly relatable story about a young girl, away at college for the first time and coming to terms with her new...urges. Raw was visually stunning, well-acted, and felt like something refreshingly new. You're doing yourself a great disservice if you don't give this movie a try.
The Bloodlust Podcast - Episode 68
