A Ghost’s Purpose: Presence Review + Breakdown

By: Myriam Akbar

Presence is a 2024 supernatural horror/drama film, following the lives of an American family navigating life with primarily relatable issues. However, it was released in theaters this year. Straying away from jump-scares and scary visual imagery, the tension is created through conceptual interpretations of fear. Artistically demonstrating Athazagoraphobia (the fear of being forgotten or ignored), the ghost takes the audience on a touching and intense journey as they search for purpose. While this film is receiving mixed reviews, I was impressed by the innovative nature of it and look forward to what else the year brings. In my opinion, it’s the most inventive and introspective ghost story since His House (2020) which is criminally underrated. 

Spoilers ahead..

Although we see the characters interact in present time, the film is shot from the POV of the ghost and explores different realms of time. One way I can describe it is that the viewer feels like a camera in the house, following the movements and experiences of the characters. The entity focuses primarily on Chloe, who is grieving the loss of a friend that she believes is haunting her. The ghost fixes up her room, straightening her school books. It watches her from the closet. Being similar to Insidious in several ways, the plot involves the way the family deals with this supernatural ordeal. Like many, the parents face marital struggles and the siblings have a hard time getting along. Chloe’s older brother Tyler is not afraid to flaunt his misogyny and narcissism, often mistreating her. He strives to fit in with the “cool” crowd at school, including an essential character named Ryan.

Initially thrown off by the inclusion of this seemingly random jock, I quickly learned his role and purpose within the film. He starts secretly dating Chloe and the audience is shown that he has been manipulating and drugging her. After mixing pills into a glass of juice, he attempts to get her to drink it but the ghost knocks it over. She believes the ghost is her friend Nadia, which I thought it was as well because it made sense considering she died from an overdose. I wasn’t expecting a twist and unlike some viewers, I really enjoyed the ghost’s identity reveal. 

The family eventually calls in help from a medium, who provides them with clues to the identity of the ghost. This is the most important part of the film in terms of predicting the ghost or making sense of it afterwards. She says that the entity could be from any place in time and is unsure about their purpose. However, they’re present because of a future event that will take place involving a window. I was both intrigued and perplexed by the complexity of these details, drawing me back into the film. I was taken out a bit by some of the drama aspects of the film, as well as the off-putting dialogue and insufferable characters (Rebecca, Tyler, and Ryan). On the other hand, the ending of the film made these choices seem intentional and effective. The siblings’ parents go out of town and the events that take place result in the real villain being exposed. To my surprise, the ghost isn’t the villain – but actually the hero. After sedating Tyler, Ryan pays a visit to Chloe who wants to end things. He manipulates her into drinking and “just talking” with him. She chugs the entire drink and becomes unconscious. He disgustingly describes what he gets out of drugging and date-rape, creating a chilling and traumatizing experience for me as a viewer. The ghost wakes Tyler up, who runs to the room and tackles him out the window – killing them both. I distinctly remember my reaction. I felt pure shock, then satisfaction, and lastly sadness for whichever character finds the bodies. This plot twist worked for some fans and didn’t work for others. Tyler was the presence the entire time. He traveled to the past to save his sister. I thought it was brilliant. 

My main criticism is that some of the dialogue is distracting and the forgettable acting performances make it feel like a low budget film. On the other hand, the intimate nature of the film literally puts the audience in the middle of a family’s everyday life. This may be the reason for the dialogue and acting — an attempt to feel as real as possible. I also didn’t see a trigger warning, which I feel it definitely needs for the portrayal of date-rape. The length of the most explicit scene builds tension but could have been shorter in my opinion.

Despite those negative points, I think Presence is a great addition to the supernatural horror sub-genre. Some have debated that the film isn’t horror; however, I strongly disagree because it explores fear and it can be multi-genre (horror and drama). The ghost isn’t the fear demonstrated, but a look into the fears a ghost has. This is one of the reasons why the audience isn’t shown the ghost until the end. The strategy of creating fear doesn’t rely on terrifying visual imagery, but the definition itself which is an unpleasant feeling that danger is near. Sound familiar? 

A Ghost Searching For Purpose 

I didn’t go into the theater with the goal of solving a mystery and for no particular reason. As I watched, I didn’t think: WHO is the ghost? I was focused on WHAT is the ghost experiencing? WHAT is it like to be a ghost ? As someone who had Athazagoraphobia as a child, I’ve thought about this many times. As a ghost, I imagined I would watch my family members grow up and move on with life. I think I would feel lonely and confused about my purpose still lingering around. With limited “power,” I would want nothing more than to save my loved ones from harm's way if I could see it coming. This is the experience for Tyler. 

Within the belief that a ghost is a human who has died yet still remains, many assume that their state is lifeless and immobile. This film (like to Insidious) illustrates how not only can spirits interfere with our sense of reality (moving objects for example), they can have intentions and desires as well. Some insidious, some not. Presence gives a unique view of a ghost as we see Tyler experience those very feelings. Moving around, just watching his family. Fixing up his sister’s room. Watching out for her in the most literal sense. In this case, the ghost is regretful about his behavior while alive (particularly his mistreatment towards his sister). He experiences fear because he knows danger is near and that it involves his sister’s bedroom window. This created an anxiety inducing experience for me because I had a sense that the ghost had limited access to “reality” and was on a mission. I think the most human aspect of his experience is the fear of having very little ability to make up for the past. Although Tyler was able to save his sister, he wasn’t able to become the man that his father claims he knew he could be. 

Why Chloe? 

The film discusses the ability to sense when a spirit is around, as Chris attempts to understand his daughter and provide support. The details surrounding the loss of Chloe’s friend, matched with feedback from the medium suggests trauma has given her the ability to access the spirit realm. This could very well be the case; however, it’s hard to believe neither parent has experienced trauma in their lifetime. While Rebecca and Tyler appear to think the haunting is mostly ridiculous and an inconvenience, Chris can sense the energy that Chloe does just enough to show compassion towards her. I think this is key in understanding why she has the ability to access the spirit realm in comparison to the others – she possesses emotional intelligence, intuition, and empathy. These attributes provide her with the gift, shown through the shared understanding between her and her dad. On more than one occasion he demonstrates that he’s a caring and loving father. While Rebecca’s mysterious background is not explained, her disinterest in her daughter’s life and general dismissive attitude shows that she lacks what Chloe possesses. 

My favorite thing about Presence is how it uses a common (and possibly overdone) setting -- a haunted house, to tell a story about intention, compassion, and redemption. The clever use of time and perspective make for a complex supernatural cinematic experience.

Photo Cred: Wikipedia.com

I Spy For Slasher Fans

By: Myriam Akbar 

In the summer of 2022, Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin was released on HBO Max. Based on the book series Pretty Little Liars and early 2000s show, the project was the bloodiest in the franchise. Having been a fan since the publishing of the first novel in 2006, I was shocked to see it find its way into the slasher genre. ABC Family initially wanted the original series to be a teenage, slasher version of Desperate Housewives. Author Sara Shepard, had been working with a similar concept for her novels and that’s how the show came to life. While it had many aspects of a classic slasher film (group of teenagers, violence, masked killers, stalking etc.), it never went full-on slasher in terms of gore, stakes, and on screen kills. Although there were deaths and the main characters were targeted for years, they all remained alive after seven seasons. Think of it as I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) versus Hatchet (2006) or Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003). I’d say this is mostly due to the focus on neighborhood gossip, family drama, romance, and girlhood. I’m a fan of the entire package and revisit the original series often, but want to recommend the new series for slasher fans specifically. With this project, you can expect: blood, terrifying villains, slashing, chase scenes, and my favorite part – horror references galore! 

Original Sin utilizes a nearby setting, the iconic villain named “A,” similar plot lines and character types of the early 2000s version. Believed to be a reboot because of title and difference in premise, many were surprised to see both shows intertwine by the end of the second season. Although none of the main characters return, it revists characters and subject matter from the previous work. However, it does not necessarily continue the original story. So I’d call it a spin-off with elements of a requel. Unfortunately, the series was canceled after the second season: PLL: Summer School. This was disappointing news to hear but I still think people should give the show a watch if they’re fans of the horror genre. I was personally stunned by the amount of horror fanatics who didn’t watch the series. I’m not saying that out of bias, but because I can’t see them not enjoy the experience of basically playing Slasher I-Spy. Aside from the use of classic and possibly overdone tropes, it pays homage to a ton of films from various decades. 

Tabby is an essential character when it comes to the horror aspect of the series. She’s an aspiring filmmaker, who also works at the town’s theater. She’s beyond passionate about the genre; obsessed might be the better word – which I can relate to. She refers to horror films every chance she gets, but mostly in situations when it applies. Of course this wouldn’t work in just any show. However, in the case that a group of teenage girls are being stalked by a masked killer seeking revenge against them because their mothers were bullies – it works. For me, that is. Some viewers found the horror references to be an overkill and came off as unnatural. This is valid and makes sense for someone who either doesn’t watch much of the genre or hasn’t seen the original series. Although the placements felt cheesy at times, it overall made sense to me because a main character from the original series displayed similar behavior. Spencer was also an essential character, critical to the plot and themes. Part of her know-it-all personality included stating random facts, correcting the vocabulary of other characters, quoting political figures etc. Even relying on her analysis of Basic Instinct (1992) to build a suspect list. I think the writers did a clever job of incorporating her resourceful nature into a main character for the new series. In the end, both are responsible for solving mysteries, rescuing their friends from danger, catching killers etc. 

Circling back to ISpy – while you can expect classic slasher plot tropes, prepare yourself for visual imagery that also feels familiar. In season 1, the title cards use a Halloween (1978) style and there’s a scene that looks just like Laurie looking at Michael from the classroom window. There’s some Valentine (2001) styled non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, and revenge motives. One that many didn’t catch but I highlighted on my blog, was the blood-written “A” on a bathtub wall like IT (1990). Most viewers believed it was just a darker approach to the original series’ “A” signature, but there’s themes of suicide and awareness of a villain’s return attached to it. Other examples to look out for include: a bloody high school dance like Carrie, cinematography mimicking Suspiria, visual imagery similar to The Shining, and many more. 

Similar to the first, season two pays homage to the horror genre through classic tropes, references, and imagery. Not surprising with a subtitle like Summer School, the setting is campy like Friday the 13th (1980) but there’s also some plot similarities that I can’t spoil because it’s part of the finale’s reveal. The writers borrowed from the Scream Franchise in many ways – from sketchy significant others, to obsessive cinema nerds. They also incorporated religious horror themes from Children of the Corn (1984). The season’s truly something out of a 90's slasher but still refreshing, having similar aspects to 2024’s Long Legs. 

Two pieces of negative criticism that I came across (that is worth mentioning to set you up with expectations) is that the main cast members were not skilled actors and that dialogue was cheesy and juvenile. In my honest opinion, some were better than others but I also felt that many actors (including and aside from the main cast) are gaining experience and have potential to grow in their careers. I would be overjoyed to see any of the Little Liars in a horror film and with a fun sub-genre like Slasher their performances didn't bother me at all. I agree about the dialogue for the most part because I felt like I was watching a Disney Channel horror film at times; however, I wouldn't say that the acting and dialogue was a high point for the original series either. Both have some exceptional talent; for example: Mallory Bechtel and Troian Bellisario. Also, the characters are supposed to be young so I kept that in mind while watching.

The downside to a series that aims to entertain and pay homage, is that many will find the plot twists or villain motives to be underwhelming. That criticism is absolutely valid if you’re looking for an elaborate and thrilling experience. The plot themes and villain reveals are not astonishing or revolutionary, but I feel the task of transforming an existing work into a modern slasher was executed cleverly. It does more than transcend the dark nature of the original series. It takes the premise (a group of secretive teen girls being targeted by an anonymous villain called “A”) and focuses on how this new generation of “Little Liars” strive to break generational curses (being a bully and living a dishonest life). Both shows explore womanhood, revenge, and redemption but Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and Summer School push these thematic concerns further. 

If you want to see fragments of your favorite slasher films in a series, are a fan of a good chase scene, or just looking for a show to binge – check it out on Max as soon as you get the chance. 

Sources: https://ew.com/tv/making-of-pretty-little-liars-original-sin/

PHOTO SOURCES: IMDB.com, LATimes.com, PrettyLittleLiars.Fandom.com, ScreenRant.com, BuzzFeed.com

Wolf Man Review

By: Myriam Akbar

I’d be lying if I said that I was anticipating this year’s Wolf Man remake and that’s not due to a dislike of remakes. Despite mostly being excited for new projects and unique concepts, I’m quite the fan of them. It’s like being transported to a parallel universe within the plot lore of a film and when it’s something I’m already a fan of, this is an exciting experience. I’m drawn to the level of creativity that is used in revision when altering the genres, character personalities, plot points, moods, tones etc. However because creature features are one of my least preferred sub-genres, I wasn’t planning on watching. Desperately needing a theater outing, I decided to give it a chance anyway because compared to other monsters – I like werewolves. While I’m not personally a fan of the Universal Picture Monster Franchise (I have nothing negative to say — just not for me), I understand and respect its historical impact on the horror genre. Because this revisits a beloved 1941 film — it truly set itself up for scrutiny and oh my is there a lot of buzz.

Directed by Leigh Whannel, Wolf Man follows a family who goes on vacation to the woods where they are attacked by a beastly humanoid-creature. Similar to that of many other films in the werewolf category, the subtext of the plot explores uncontrolled aggression and the repercussions of such behavior. Both parents are struggling with their emotional and mental health, as do many adults under stress. Also common, this starts to bleed into the family dynamics and negatively impact the child’s well-being. From the opening scene of the film, the audience is shown how the themes involving parenting correlates to the dangers of the woods. It’s also directly connected to Blake’s (the father) childhood and trauma, mirrored in his parenting style with his own daughter. The subtle yet clever juxtaposition between the mysterious and unpredictable nature of the forest versus the busy and chaotic city life works so well. It demonstrates the outside forces that create a never ending responsibility of keeping one’s child safe. However, it also depicts the emotional and mental labor of trying to keep it together in the process. To both spend quality time and find closure, the family visits the location where Blake’s father lived before his disappearance. The action begins when they arrive and find themselves under attack.

Without touching on the remaining plot details, I want to discuss some aspects that viewers have been discussing. Let’s start with the one that I find the most unexpected — the origin and nature of transformation in the film. Personally the chosen route wasn’t an issue for me, but it was for many fans of the original film and that’s about all I can say without spoiling it. It wasn’t until I started writing a werewolf script myself that I researched the various causes/origins of werewolves explored in mythology, literature, and film. I found the many versions fascinating and think most of the causes could be used in an impactful way. On the other hand, I do understand how that could be crucial for die-hard fans. One negative critique I agree with is that the setting and mood is not Gothic enough. The in-the-woods setting has done a lot for the horror genre but it’s a space that I would prefer to see writers step out of. It’s so overplayed that it has almost lost its spooky essence. Though much of the film is dim and shadowy, it didn’t appear Gothic cinematically. I think a modern city with Victorian architecture would have worked better. Although by nature the woods is full of mystery and suspense, the atmosphere lacked this because of the plot predictability. I also think the underwhelming nature of transformation (in terms of gore) was a contributing factor. I was surprised to see that the lack of blood, violence, and disturbing graphics wasn’t the main complaint. Often with horror films, the first negative response is that it wasn’t scary enough. While Wolf Man doesn’t come to mind when I think of frightening cinema, I understand the fear of losing control and making unforgivable decisions. The reason Blake hadn’t seen his father was because his upbringing caused a strain in their relationship. We see the potential of this generational curse being passed on with his own child and marriage. The metaphorical use of werewolves in art isn’t only about the aggression perceived by others and inflicted upon them. It also examines the internal experience of transformation; seeing yourself turn into a person that you don't want to be but having to accept that there’s no going back – accepting the new you. 

Another negative critique that I saw was that there isn’t a clear depiction of the issues going on in the marriage. This paired with the emotional reactions of the wife in certain scenes, confused some viewers. As I watched, I interpreted it as intentional script-wise. These choices force the audience to analyze the subtext and not rely on visuals. I believe the thematic concerns tackle emotional intelligence and the lack thereof, explaining why characters react the way that they do. Both parents have underlying, unhealed childhood trauma that they’re struggling with in the midst of trying to be the best parents that they can be. Blake and his daughter have a running inside joke about her being a mind-reader. In situations like this, it’s common for children to find themselves in this role. They’re not even old enough to comprehend their own emotions, yet they find themselves trying to fill in the blanks regarding what their parents are feeling. We as an audience also have to do this, piecing together what we can to better understand the entirety of the film. These script choices allow space for the unknown, which contributes to the overall heartbreaking essence of ending. It proves that it’s up to oneself to gain emotional awareness and regulation, in order to break generational curses – like aggression in the home.

If you’re looking to watch a creature feature that is scary and gory, this one more than likely won’t be for you – although there were some great jump scares. I watched it in 4D and ended up spilling my popcorn a couple of times. However if you like emotionally charged stories, you might be moved like myself. I was thoroughly captivated by the family’s emotional range and compassion, instantly caring about their survival. I also think if you appreciate the werewolf category, you will see the magic behind this one. Both modern and meaningful, I suggest watching in theaters – 4D if you can!

Cuckoos in Horror

By: Myriam Akbar

A horror film from 2024 that found its way on many fans’ top ten lists yet also confused most, is Cuckoo which stars Hunter Schafer as the protagonist. It follows a teenager who goes to live with her father after losing her mother. Strange occurrences take place and she is targeted by a hooded woman. Until the explanation is given, I’m not even going to pretend that I understood what was going on. I was intrigued and entertained by the imagery associated with the hooded woman and vibrating screeches. Despite not being essential for me in a horror film, those were the most “scary” aspects. The acting and cinematography were great, but my main issue with Cuckoo is that I had to research afterwards to understand it. I like a film that is thought-provoking, but here the unfamiliarity factor made the film less effective than it could have been with more world-building and foreshadowing. 

While rewatching, I decided to research an explanation of how the cuckoo bird relates to the story’s plot twist. Although it quickly made sense, I feel there were wasted opportunities to inject the science of it into the story. To summarize without spoiling every detail of the plot: cuckoo birds rely on brood parasitism, a behavioral pattern of animals that rely on others to raise their offspring. In the film, there is a near-human species that does the same. Their screeches affect humans and trigger the development of their young. With that, I felt satisfied. However, I ironically and unintentionally came across a television series that helped it all make even more sense. 

In 2022, The Midwich Cuckoos was released and is based on the novel of the same name. As I’m watching, I not only see the similarities between it and Cuckoo but another film that I haven’t seen in years — Village of the Damned. All it took was a few clicks, to learn there was a connection. I’ve seen both versions of the film but am most familiar with the 1995 version, because I watched it all the time as a kid. From my memory, the plot involved a bunch of pregnant women and their seemingly dangerous children. Similar to the plot of There’s Something Wrong with the Children. I remembered their silver hair and blank stares, but certainly did not know how they related to the cuckoo bird. Long story short: the plot follows a village where the women fall unconscious and give birth to children who are brood parasitic aliens. Like any television series based on a film, it expands on the story world and lore. However, not every series does this so brilliantly. It’s basically a fully fleshed out version of the plot-twist from Cuckoo, if it had implemented more sci-fi elements. 

Photo Creds: Wikipedia.com, Rottentomatoes.com

Nefarious Review

By: Myriam Akbar

I most definitely saw the poster for Nefarious floating around, but it stayed under the radar for me. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to give it a try. Although a few aspects threw me off, I enjoyed it more than I was expecting to. The religious horror film follows a psychiatrist who sets out to prove that a death row inmate is faking his possession. 

For the most part, I’m a fan of dialogue-heavy storytelling. I feel when the pacing and runtime is right, it can be an effective technique. Nefarious does a good job of this, considering the protagonist’s career involves interviewing. The back and forth kept my interest and wasn’t so complex that I needed to decipher the language. Although a few lines were thought provoking, the subject matter isn’t necessarily new but entertaining. 

The antagonist didn’t bring the fear factor for me and that’s my biggest issue. The actor’s performance was underwhelming and strange in the way that I viewed Nicholas Cage’s performance in Longlegs. I didn’t find the acting of the protagonist here either, for me it felt like over-acting although a second watch might change my mind. The concept didn’t scare me because I've watched a ton of films that correlate multiple personality disorder with demonic possession. However, the ending and very last scene gave me chills. I even considered turning on the light, but was too spooked to get out of bed. The plot twist is predictable but better than a boring ending. I see it as a mix between The Traveler, Frailty, and The Man From Earth. If you’re a fan of the religious horror subgenre or any of those films, this just might be a hit for you!

Photo Cred: Wikipedia.com

Doing Stuff in the Forest: Murmur Review

By: Myriam Akbar

Murmur is a 2024 multi-genre film, following a group of friends who go into the woods to explore a new augmented reality device. As someone with slight technophobia and very little technological hubris, the trippy nature of the visuals freaked me out! However, I will say I find instant relief knowing I’m not interested in fooling around with such a thing. The main genre present is sci-fi/horror, as the characters are experimenting with a horror themed game that distorts reality. Like with any film in my fuck-around-and-find-out category, the characters assume nothing could go wrong. What sets this film apart from others I’ve put under that label, is how it cleverly uses social criticism of technology while mocking horror tropes. For example, the classic: inconveniently tripping over something. But here, the reason for tripping is because there was a projected image that got in the way. 

It also calls out the dangers of social media challenges and trends (like the violence that came from the Slenderman) by having characters prioritize recording over safety. The dissolution of boundaries between the characters and reality is what created fear for me when watching this film. More so than the concept and chilling visual imagery. This is because behavior like that does happen in reality, more than we like to admit. People commit crimes and put their health at risk for some internet engagement. That’s why this isn’t the kind of film where you will find yourself deeply invested in the characters and their survival. There’s a level of accountability that has to be taken when one chooses to become a “guinea pig.” The characters are literally subjecting themselves to whatever issues arise from using an alternate reality system. I think when the audience is aware of this, they view the survival aspect as less compelling. While there are still stakes, the characters feel less like victims and more like willing participants… which they are. 

My favorite thing about Murmur is how it successfully intertwines various other genres: comedy, found footage, mockumentary, and social commentary. Another aspect I believe is done very well, is the intentional dialogue used in the script. It emphasizes the narcissism reinforced by humans when they doubt the significance and strength of nature. Similarly, it shows the lack of nuanced thinking that exists with unfiltered technological hubris. Another thing about the dialogue that I liked is that the interactions between characters felt natural. The satire also works in this film because of its relevance and timing, like when a character refers to the group as the “real teenagers of the redwoods.” It shows how much youth is sociologically impacted by social media. 

Visually, there’s a lot going on which makes sense because the characters are having different experiences at the same time. So, even viewers are experiencing the content differently. It felt like I was time traveling or being transported to each setting that the characters went to. Although I enjoyed that experience, it can be confusing or distracting for some viewers. It’s one of those films that you need to pay attention to. There’s also some non-linear scenes that aren’t memorable but that’s not a significant criticism.

Murmur is a fun watch that I would describe as a mix of two horror films — As Above, So Below and Stay Alive. The first because of the found footage elements and curiosity-killed-the-cat factor. And the second because it involves a horror game that ends with blood. It’s currently only available to rent but I highly recommended checking it out, it’s worth the watch!

Photo Cred: Wikipedia

Object Sentience in Horror: Oddity Review

By: Myriam Akbar

Oddity is a 2024 supernatural horror film that fulfilled my wish for more films involving object sentience in the genre. Within it we’ve seen: talking dolls, personified hotels, killer mirrors, and even deadly vehicles. Most times the origin of sentience is explained through means of possession (Child’s Play, for example) or other times through means of technology (Megan). The plot follows a clairvoyant cabinet of curiosities shopkeeper, investigating the murder of her twin sister. Offering a new take on object sentience, Darcy (the protagonist) uses information gathered from the psychic readings of her shop items to get revenge. Well received and praised, this is a must-watch horror film of the year. 

Much of the story acts as a psychological thriller, shrouded in suspicion as the murder mystery unfolds. There’s a constant dreadful mood and dark atmosphere. The jump scares pair well with the terrifying appearance of the entities. The chilling visual imagery was effective, especially the wooden mannequin who with simplicity gave me the creeps. Similarly, the auditory imagery of the bell sound in the last scene. The acting is great and it’s shot well. There is a twist regarding who committed the murder, but I predicted it early so it didn’t have much impact for me. I felt in certain moments the emphasis on suspension gave it away. Nonetheless, the story and scares are worth the way because not all that’s entertaining needs to be shocking. I truly think there’s potential for a sequel, but I can’t say why without spoiling a big part of the movie. It’s still fun to keep in mind as you watch though. 

In my top ten list, I almost gave this film the number one spot because of how unique and eerie it is. If you’re a fan of jump-scares, you should definitely check this out because one of them definitely got me. It’s a refreshing and clever expression of things-that-go-bump-in-the-night, available to watch on Shudder.

Photo Cred: Wikipedia.com

Top Ten 2024 Horror Films That Stuck With Me

By: Myriam Akbar

During my process of building any film list, I try to balance what I enjoyed and what I believe was executed well. In most ways cinematic commentary is subjective, but there can be useful critiques given (for a script writer like me) by discussing objective narrative strategies and directing techniques. More than anything, I ask myself: Did the film surpass my expectations, by lingering in my mind for days — weeks even? Did it offer something new? Does it feel like it was made with a passion for cinema?

In this piece, I’ll highlight ten films from 2024 that: provide refreshing ways to experience horror, explore unique concepts, and balance the intertwining of multiple genres. To make the most sense of my perspective on what qualifies as horror and its sub-genres, I want to highlight an interpretation of the Oxford English Dictionary definition from the novel Scream Writing (2019 ): “Alright, so a horror film would be a film that endeavored to provoke fear, shock, or disgust within the viewer,” (pg. 15). It’s a fitting definition in my opinion, because it demonstrates how emotionally layered the experience of watching a horror film is. People often assume that I love the genre because I like to be scared. That’s not only a stretch from the truth, but a total misunderstanding. I am drawn to the complexities of human nature and survival, so naturally the genre scratches the inside of my mind in the very best way. For me, watching a horror film showcases the wide spectrum of feeling one can experience in a lived reality: contentment, shock, disappointment, anxiety, fear, laughter, confusion, acceptance, courage, and if not a bleak ending — hope. Other genres don’t have that impact on me and that’s why I’ve been a horror fan since my youth.

1.) Rita

Rita is a heartbreaking yet beautiful Guatemalan film that’s based on a true story. The story follows a girl named Rita who escapes her abusive father, only to be taken to a government-led shelter where girls are exploited and abused. Together they discuss plans of fleeing, posing her as their leader. The plot involves exposing the state's sick actions and whether the girls will find freedom. Despite that being the primary course of events, the impact of its entirety is there without a long run-time. The film intertwines multiple genres effortlessly: supernatural horror, dark fantasy, and social commentary (exploring human trafficking and femicide). Rita stuck with me for many reasons, but truly landed in the top spot because it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. From the enchanting drumming beats, to the directing choices, to the way it made me feel. The entire film expertly plays with juxtaposition in such a brilliant way, both literally and symbolically. The little things – like glitter and gold twinkle lights versus the dark atmosphere. Another example is the black versus white angel/fairy wings, which cleverly contributes to the fantasy genre elements. It’s like watching a whimsical ballet that becomes taken over by the shadows of the woods. There’s deeper placements as well, like the presentation of events feeling dream-like yet also nightmarish. This along with the shifts from freedom to being trapped, which correlates to my favorite use of this device – the shifts between reality and the non-physical world. This had the most emotional and mental impact on me, by placing me in a position of both haunting complacency and naive hope. I don’t want to spoil the direction of the film or its ending. What I will say is that I wasn’t expecting it to have the mood that it does because of the premise and fantasy elements. Rita is currently available to rent on Prime Video and I highly recommend watching, if you’re looking for cinema outside of the US. If you’ve watched the film Incident in A Ghostland and liked it, this just might be for you!

2.) Oddity 

Oddity is a film that gave me all the object-sentience-goodness I was craving from the supernatural horror sub-genre. The plot follows a blind clairvoyant woman, seeking answers as to who brutally murdered her twin sister. Although it has a short run-time and is simplistic in nature, I almost gave this film the number one spot because of how unique and eerie it is. It reminds me of the slasher Tourist Trap because of the use of mannequins, relying on uncanny imagery and chilling movements to create an uneasy mood. If you’re a fan of jump-scares, you should definitely check this out because one of them definitely got me. Also the auditory imagery is top notch, especially in the very last scene. My favorite thing about this film is the way the protagonist's occupation (shopkeeper at a cabinet of curiosities shop) correlates to the unique concept of her reading objects for clues to solve the mystery and enact revenge. The acting performances are great and the entities look terrifying. It’s a refreshing and clever expression of things-that-go-bump-in-the-night, available to watch on Shudder now.

3.) The Substance 

I would describe The Substance as a repulsive and somehow-still-sexy film that makes an iconic addition to the body horror sub-genre. Despite thinking this would be in the number one spot, I’m a massive fan who has been thinking of it ever since I watched it in theaters. The plot follows a woman struggling with her fading celebrity career and the consequences of her using a black market drug to gain a more youthful appearance. This is the first on the list that I’ve put in my fuck-around-and-find-out film category, because as you can imagine there’s side-effects and they’re completely bonkers. I “went in blind,” knowing very little and that was the 2nd best cinematic decision I made the whole year. The film tackles a ton of themes: womanhood, struggles and acceptance of aging, the entertainment industry’s unrealistic expectations of women, drug and cosmetic addiction, misogyny etc. I believe the serious nature of the thematic concerns is well balanced with bright colors, dance numbers, spunky dialogue, and unhinged body horror scenes. Both Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley give spectacular performances, so much that most viewers instantly voiced their need to see them win awards. What’s fun about this film is that despite pulling inspiration from popular horror films, it truly has its own aesthetic and vibe. It made for awesome costumes this Halloween and I imagine I’ll see more over the years as more people watch. The Substance doesn’t hesitate with the gore, so if you're squeamish – this is not for you. My only negative critique is the run time of two hours, twenty minutes. I feel many scenes could have been shortened, especially the ending because to me it drags on and becomes gimmicky. I think a half an hour shorter would have been perfect! Nonetheless, this film is truly the definition of a must-watch. Overall, it’s feminine, fresh, and freaky as hell.

4.) Blink Twice 

Blink Twice is a film that some debate is not horror, but rather a psychological thriller. An often neglected sentiment in modern perception is that two things can be true at the same time. I think this is a perfect example of that and the subjectivity of cinema in general. The plot follows a waitress who is invited to a strange yet extravagant island by a billionaire CEO, who previously stepped down because of unspecified yet clearly controversial behavior. Private flights, all white matching outfits, and psychedelics -- everything you'd imagine in that kind of setting. The film explores themes relevant in current society: rape culture, exploitation in the entertainment industry, abuse of power, and generational trauma. Memory is a huge component of the mystery in the story, as characters start to question how long they’ve been on the island and what’s really going on. For many like myself, watching this was a triggering experience and at first I didn’t think I would be able to rewatch it. There’s several scenes depicting physical and sexual abuse that even while considering the subject matter, still shocked me. Since its release, I’ve seen it four times and that is solely because of the craftsmanship. Director Zoe Kravitz, did an outstanding job with: the script, world building, characterization, casting, the score, and using her own personal experiences to create something that felt real. Bringing it back to that horror definition, this film checks every box: the concept and setting creates fear, the suspense and plot twists create shock, and the revelations and subject matter create disgust. There’s some fun chase and kill scenes, secondary characters (Badass Maid), and a monologue from Channing Tatum that sent chills down my spine. If you’re a true-crimer or just like a good thrill – this should be at the top of your watchlist. 

5.) Murmur

Murmur is a trippy, fun film that I caught within the last two weeks of the year and I’m so relieved that I did. I’m not ashamed to admit that I have technophobia and zero technological hubris. So naturally a plot involving teens playing a horror augmented reality game, freaked me out. This is another one that I’ve added to my “fuck around and find out” film category. As you can imagine, playing the game begins as “harmless fun” but slowly transforms into a dangerous nightmare. Murmur shows how altered states of reality operate within a horror setting, while considering its tropes. For example, tripping over something that was behind a projected image. It also criticizes violent social media challenges like the "Slenderman" and how characters become injured just by the distraction of these. Other thematic concerns include: accountability with technology usage, the sociological impact of social media, and human narcissism towards nature. It has aspects of found footage, horror, sci-fi, social commentary, and mockumentary. The intertwining of genres is brilliantly executed in my opinion, as well as the balancing of satire and gore. I like to describe it as a mix of Stay Alive and As Above, So Below. I think the pacing works well and the dialogue is intentional which is one of the main things I look for in a script. There’s some jump-scares and chilling imagery that stuck with me after watching. If you’re looking for a less-talked-about horror film from 2024, I highly suggest giving this one a shot because a lot of people unfortunately missed it. 

6.) Strange Darling

Strange Darling is another psychological thriller that I feel leans towards horror and can certainly be argued as that. This film is what started my “going in blind” journey and the strategy did not disappoint – the best cinematic decision I made all year. The plot involves a seductive game of cat and mouse between a man and woman, with the mystery existing in the question: which one of them is the actual danger? Using non-linear storytelling and an abundance of plot twists, Strange Darling plays with your gender biases and assumptions to keep your eyes glued to the screen. Despite the story not exploring much else, the watch is enthralling and addictive. Willa Fitzgerald’s performance was phenomenal and solidified her as a horror Scream Queen. I rarely say a film is perfect but this one is extremely close. My only negative critique is that the ending has a glaring pacing issue that was a bit aggravating. Nonetheless, this is a sexy and savage must-watch of 2024!

7.) It’s What’s Inside 

It’s What’s Inside is a mind bending sci-fi horror film, that has a dash of comedy. It follows a group of friends on their way to a wedding, who gather for a celebration beforehand. This is the final addition to the fuck-around-and-find-out category, as they decide to play a game of let’s-switch-consciousness. This is made possible with an advanced technology device which these days, doesn't even sound far-fetched. What I love most about this one, is how unique the concept is — I’ve truly never seen anything like it before. It’s trippy, fun, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s full of twists and turns regarding who has switched with who; so much that if you don’t give it your undivided attention, you’ll find yourself misplaced in the story. There is a final twist at the end that corresponds with the world building in the story. I don’t hate it; however, I would have preferred a few different scenarios to replace it, as well as the resolution portion in general. I won’t spoil it but it came off over-complicated and cheesy, whereas other possibilities that I considered would have had a more effective impact on me.

8.) Mr. Crocket

Mr. Crocket is a nightmare-fueled horror film with a gory, cartoonist vibe. It follows a mother trying to save her son from being kidnapped by a madman who emerges from the television. Despite being an obvious villain, he targets households that have some form of abuse present in the home. This particular aspect of the plot triggered me, causing me to become uncomfortable and anxious due to personal experiences with childhood abuse. I hope to find myself healed enough to watch again because it’s a damn good film and there wasn’t a ton of black representation in horror in 2024. What I love most is the concept itself because there isn’t an overload of similar films in the genre and it has its own unique touches. I also think it’s clever to use relatable childhood experiences (watching shows like Mister. Rogers’ Neighborhood), because the audience can automatically put themselves in the story. There’s influences of A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Ring, also reminding me of the first season of Channel Zero: Candle Cove. Its colorful atmosphere contrasted with the blood and gore very well in my opinion, being one of the most perfected parts of the film. Likewise, the balancing of the playful nature of the children's show concept with the serious subject matter. This is one I highly recommend watching if you aren’t negatively impacted by the thematic concerns at hand and want some fun, gory entertainment. 

9.) Cuckoo 

Cuckoo is a strange and intriguing sci-fi horror film that follows the mysterious events that take place when a teenager who is grieving the death of her mother, goes to live with her father. I personally found a lot of the plot to be uninteresting, but I adore the overall concept once it's revealed and explained. It’s original, weird, and the world-building demonstrates potential for sequels. However, the unfamiliarity factor was underwhelming and distracting for me to adore the overall film. I like a cinematic experience that makes me think but upon first watch, the cuckoo reference didn’t land for me. I had to do research to understand what it meant in the world of the story. While it’s easy to apply the details to what’s happening in the story, I wasn’t crazy about having to rewatch just to have the full experience. It’s basically one of those movies where you couldn’t guess what’s actually going on even if you tried. I think the execution would have been more effective if it had leaned further into the sci-fi elements, intertwining the explanation in just a little bit more. What I did like though (without spoiling too much), was the unusual fear experience created by the sound of screeching and imagery of beating in the throat. I also think the hooded villain has a cool look, it reminds me of something out of Pretty Little Liars. If you like mind-bending films that leave you full of curiosity, this is the one for you!

10.) In A Violent Nature 

In A Violent Nature, is a slasher horror film that follows the POV of the masked villain as he does the killings. I will say that I don’t feel the plot pushed anything new or exciting, but it’s such a memorable watch because of the closeness we get as an audience. The camera and directional choices made me feel like I was moving with the villain as he walked. Hearing his breathing and panting made me feel like I was in the room with him. The kill scenes were my favorite of the year and that’s truly why it’s on the list. They were gruesome, merciless, and vivid. My main issue with the film is that there was zero attempt to create a twist or moment that was thought provoking. If there was just a little more effort in those departments, it could have made my top three. 

Cheers to another year of horror! I'm looking forward to all the fear, shock, and disgust 2025 brings to cinema.

Photo Cred: Collages made using images from IMDB.com