50 Horror Movies You May Have Missed (vol. 3)

Welcome to the third annual mega list of movies you may have missed! Hurrah for more movies, movies and lists!

So, without further ado and to welcome in this year's October Challenge, I present:

50 Horror Movies You May Have Missed (vol. 3)
Because there will be more. Oh yes, there will be more.

Abby (1974)

Abby: This is a film that, unfortunately, was locked in a legal battle with The Exorcist but still stands tall in its own right. A striking movie full of sex, chaos, screaming, and sex, I found it alarming and original. Loud, brash, exploitative, and unapologetic, this is a film horror aficionados must see. Pairs with food on 1970's dishware, watch on uncomfortable couches with a small group.

Antichrist (2009)

Antichrist: I have a friend, who normally doesn't watch a lot of horror films, tell me she had a panic attack when she watched this one in the theater. Even I had moments where I just wanted to look away - whispering to myself, "just make it stop....". An unsettling film in every sense and dimension, this will leave viewers cold, possibly confused, but with a deep-seeded feeling of complete dread. Pairs with food and drink foraged from the forest.

At Midnight I'll Take
Your Soul (1964)

At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul: A Brazilian masterpiece of the macabre. Chilling, horrific, *gastly*, our buddy here, Coffin Joe, will take you on a surreal trip where he torments, tortures, taunts, and deeply troubles everyone he comes into contact with. Brutal and disturbing, this is another film horror fans should not pass up. Pairs with red wine and bread.

Attack The Block (2011)

Attack the Block: If "from the producers of Shaun of the Dead" hasn't already sold you, then let me add that this sharp and witty horror comedy is a delightful tickler for all horror audiences. Aliens vs a rough and tumble group of London kids, this is a fun and feisty little flick for most everyone. Pairs with pizza, beer, and some of your best buds (preferably buds who you can count on to help you fight an alien invasion).

The Baby (1973)

The Baby: Here's a bizarre slapstick scorcher of a horror film, complete with man children and insane women. This film could induce a lot of debate topics afterwards OR it could just be a really strange and unsettling film that's best washed down with a strong drink. You can read more in my review here.

The Bay (2012)

The Bay: I generally have mixed feelings about found footage films, but this one didn't leave me with mixed anything - it was straight up terrifying. Incredibly gross. Gross, gross, gross, nightmares, gross *I'm making gag faces right now just thinking about it.* This film chilled me to the bone and made me gag. To make matters worse, the monsters in this film Actually Exist! This movie doesn't pair with anything except a strong stomach. You can read more in my review here.

Beaster Day (2014)

Beaster Day: Here Comes Peter Cottonhell: This is a wild and wacky film about a super ugly giant killer rabbit. As should be expected in a movie about a giant killer rabbit, there are stupid absurd amounts of blood, skin, gore, groans and laughs. In short, this is a downright awfully entertaining film. It's bad, really bad but really good with bringing on the chuckles. You can read more in my review here.

Black Devil Doll From
Hell (1984)

Black Devil Doll From Hell: I'm not even really sure where to begin with this one.... it's about a religious woman who buys a doll (one she was told not to) and then maniacal exploits proceed (and straight down hill) from there. Wild music, plot, and an even more wild (evil) doll - this is a startling film in many ways. Pairs with dishes from a bizarre titled recipe book.

The Blackcoat's
Daughter (2015)

The Blackcoat's Daughter: Originally called February (which I think would have been more fitting) this film is deeply, deeply, troubling. Oz Perkins, director of this film and another favorite of mine, I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, has done yet another stellar job of creating a Full Body Horror experience with sound effects, ambiance, with the chilling and eerie slow burn. This is his directorial debut and it damn near gave me a panic attack based on sound alone. Pairs with small sandwiches and ice cold water. Watch alone.

The Burrowers (2008)

The Burrowers: This is a surprising film on multiple levels. At first glance it looks a little hokey - it's far, far from hokey. It also takes place in South Dakota (shout out to my home state)! It's a wild west creature feature that is well worth nearly every horror fan's time and attention. Sharp, smart, wild, and completely engaging - you don't want to miss these monsters. One IMBD reviewer wrote: "If Lovecraft wrote a western..." while another said "If Deadwood, Tremors, and Night of The Living Dead had sex..." and I don't disagree with either. Pairs with anything made in a cast iron skillet or over a fire.

The Canal (2014)

The Canal: This Irish creeptastic feature disturbed me so much that I still have trouble conjuring up memories about it. It's a ghost story and also so much more (in the psychological sense). It's cold, damp, heart pounding, messed up, and unforgiving. Frankly, this psychological thriller really messed my head up. You can read more in my review here.

The Changeling
(1980)

The Changling: Speaking of super great ghost stories... this film tops my restless spirits chart. I know it's not really an unknown film, and already tops the charts of others, but I just want to point it out because it seems to me some will pass it up for no good reason at all, or some people just don't *get* it. It's spooky, it's atmospheric, it's a haunting, sad, yet a startling little tale about a boy's ghost. I love this film. Love it, and I'm sure you will too with some patience. Give it a try on a dark, quiet night alone. You can read more in my review here.

Chopping Mall
(1986)

Chopping Mall: Mostly, all you need to know about this slashic is that it's about robotic mall security guards that go rouge. What more do you need to know!? Oh, I guess also it's obviously ridiculously fun, wrong wrong wrong, sleazy, cheesy, and your new favorite late night movie. Pizza, beer, friends, laughs - you get the picture. You can read more in my review here.

The Company of
Wolves (1984)

The Company of Wolves: I find this film mesmerizing. Following hot on the heals of the Little Red Riding Hood tale, this film meanders around the life of a young woman - on the verge of adulthood - and the possible monsters/wolves/men she could encounter. An incredibly unique werewolf film, this is sure to be enjoyed by cinephiles and those of the horror/fantasy blend. Pairs with picnic basket snacks, watch alone.

Dark Water (2002)

Dark Water: I've seen the U.S. version and the Japanese version and hands down, the Japanese (original) is far, far more frightening. I actually felt cold and damp after seeing it. Absolutely Chilled. Fantastic setting, ambiance, and most terrifying of all - the sound of water, this movie is one to be seen and one you'll never forget. Pairs with something warm but only after viewing. You can read more in my review here.

Deep Dark (2015)

Deep Dark: This one takes the Genie in the Lamp story and twists it into something far more insane and horrifying. It's about an artist who gets inspiration and his wishes granted by a super sexy talking hole in his dingy apartment wall. You might be chuckling now but this is not a movie for the yuk yuk yuks. It's serious, sad, unnerving, gross and completely outrageous. Watch with a small silent group, serve hors d'oeuvres.

Dig Two Graves (2014)

Dig Two Graves: Looking for a feel good fun revenge horror story? Don't try this one. Although revenge plays a significant role here, the story is far more sinister and macabre. Along with the paranormal horrors, this movie is jam-packed full of real life horrors. Humans are just simply the worst sometimes. Simply the worst. The movie begs the audiences' heart and attention in several different directions, while the eyes will be all about the cinematic beauty, but by the end you'll be exhausted, sad, and needing a good hug. Pairs with home cooked meals.

Don't Look Now
(1973)

Don't Look Now: Don't pay attention to the warning and look at this film - soak this film in - BE this film. I realize that this movie is likely already on many Best Horror Film charts but I still need to share it. Partly because I am super fan of Daphne Du Maurier's work (also author of The Birds and Rebecca), but also because this is one of a very few number of films that had me scream out loud, jump/crawl back up on the couch, and sit in silence for a moment just so I could try and understand what happened. The ending of this slow burn psychological thriller is absolutely not something you want to miss.

Dumplings (2004)

Dumplings: This shocker out of Hong Kong crosses so many boundaries - I loved it. A super sketchy cook has a dumpling recipe for eternal youth. What price are you willing to pay for it, and do you want to know the ingredients? Oh this film is so GROSS! It's wonderfully detailed, sound effects are marvelous, and the story is sure to crawl right up your spine. You can read more in my review here.

Eraserhead (1977)

Eraserhead: I'm sure for most horror fans this film is both loved and cherished, but for those just getting started: don't let this one slip from your radar. A David Lynch classic, this visual and audio cringe binge stunner is one of my very favorite films and one that might best be appreciated alone or in a small, quiet group - preferably with anyone *considering* having children. Pairs with dishes from this list of truly upsetting recipes.

The Flesh Eaters: Don't be fooled - granted this is another classic 1960's creature feature, it also isn't. Super witty, surprisingly dark-humored, and downright not what you expect from a 1960's creature feature, this film is a perfect for a late night gathering of friends who are looking for more than just cheap laughs. Pairs with surprisingly complicated appetizers.

The Fly (1986)

The Fly: You might be asking yourself: what is this film doing in this list - of course I've heard of The Fly. That may be, but when was the last time you saw it?! This is one of those films that surprises me every time I see it. Egaaads! surprising. The Oh My! type of surprising. To be shelved in the same section of "Pretty Good 1950's Horror, Even Better 1980's Remakes" along with The Thing and The Blob. Pairs with food that flies are attracted to.

High Plains Drifter
(1973)

High Plains Drifter: I know, I know, this is a Western - but it's a really chilling, unsettling, supernatural Western! I love Westerns in addition to Horror, so I especially love Horror Westerns and I put this one right at the top of that list. Clint Eastwood at one of his most Clint Eastwoodness, this eerie and extremely disturbing tale follows the residents of Hell after a stranger floats into town... pairs with whiskey, more whiskey, and dust in your face.

Hobo With A Shotgun
(2011)

Hobo With A Shotgun: Blood, guts, chaos, exploitation, super violence everywhere - this is grindhouse horror all the way. I think the IMDB summary provides the best overall picture of what to expect from this film: "A homeless vigilante blows away crooked cops, pedophile Santas, and other scumbags with his trusty pump-action shotgun." Pairs with lots of junk food.

I Am The Pretty
Thing That Lives In
The House (2016)

I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House: I've already mentioned this film with the director's debut: The Black Coat's Daughter, and I want to stress that this film is not for every horror fan. It's an ultimate slow burn that oozes tension, dreamy realities, and a sad/shocking ending. Complaints about this film seem to come from people who do not understand that a good horror story doesn't always involve jump-scares. Requiring your full attention 100% in order to truly appreciate it, I recommend this one for Gothic horror fans on a dark, cold, lonely day. Pairs with soup. You can read more in my review here.

I Bury The Living (1958)

I Bury The Living: I was completely blown out of the water with this classic. Expecting something along the lines of House On Haunted Hill (which is Great! Just in a different way...), this film surprised me with its great acting, startling story line, and brilliant ability to completely chill the viewer. This is not a 1950's B horror film, not at all in my book. It's a beautifully compelling thriller with a Twilight Zone feel throughout. Pairs with popcorn, a frosty mug of beer, and a spooky evening alone. You can read more in my review here.

The Invitation (2015)

The Invitation: It took me some time to really *get into* this film, but once hooked, I was dragged to the bitter end with a horrified look on my face and a cold, calculated dread settling into my bones. This is a scary film, but it takes a while to really understand what exactly makes it so terrifying. Is it the odd couple? The lingering threat hiding in the darkness? The uncomfortable collection of old friends talking about uncomfortable things? It all will surprise you. Watch with friends after bailing on a dinner night with other friends.

Isolation: Scientific experiments have gone wrong at this small Irish farm. Really, really wrong. My brother reviewed the movie, here. The only thing I have to add is that this was also my face throughout much of the film:

Isolation (2005)

Juan of the Dead
(2011)

Juan of the Dead: Some friends came back from Cuba with amazing stories and a recommendation that I see this film. I'm very grateful for both! Gory, fun, serious, exciting - zombies take over Havana and the laughs and screams are in equal measure. A great film for a movie night with friends, but also a great film to discuss the variety of topics this movie hones in on. You can read more in my review here.

Kwaidan (1964)

Kwaidan: Based on the tales collected by late 19th Century author, Lafcadio Hearn, these simply stellar ancient Japanese legends are a marvel to experience. Beautiful, stunning, heartbreaking, and chilling - this film and its stories is one of my favorites. It's just so, so, so beautiful. The music, cinematography, the sound effects, costumes, choreography - All Of It: Marvelous. Watch with artsy fartsy friends or alone. You can read more in my review here.

The Little Girl Who
Lived Down The
Lane (1976)

The Little Girl Who Lived Down the Lane: Resourceful and incredibly creepy little Jodie Foster, battles inquisitive neighbors and a really really creepy and super gross Martin Sheen. Watch out folks, this little girl down the lane is not someone you want to mess with. Disturbing and atmospheric, watch this one alone on a rainy afternoon. Pairs with PB and J sandwiches and orange juice.

Long Weekend (1978)

Long Weekend: Scenes from this film come back to me for no reason, from time to time. Disturbing scenes. Dead animal scenes... Needless to say, the movie will stick with you. This Australian classic is a creeping crawler of man vs. nature. Do I have to say who wins in the end?!? You can read more in my review here. Pairs with anything picked up at the local farmer's market.

The Loved Ones
(2009)

The Loved Ones: Another film to add to your Australian cringe binge marathon. Here you'll follow a young man on his worst prom night ever. A goretastic blood bath and torture festival, that is also a dark comedy to the darkest degree. It's a film will leave you with slack jaw and a solid punch in the gut. Cringe Binge Galore. Pairs with cake, a nasty nasty gross looking cake (that may or may not have already fallen on the ground).

Lovely Molly (2011)

Lovely Molly: This is not one of my favorite films, but I think it's a must see for horror fans. One IMDB user titled a review: "This Film Will Leave A Disturbing After-Effect To Your Memory Long After You See It". I absolutely could not agree more! Not one of my favorites but I can't stop thinking about it - particularly certain images from the film. Harrowing, unsettling, heartbreaking, and downright wrong, this film will stick with you (and mess you up) long after seeing it. You've been warned. Pairs with don't do drugs.

The Magdalene Sisters
(2002)

The Magdalene Sisters: You'll likely never find this film in the Horror section, it's a Drama, but I find a lot of dramas absolutely terrifying (see also Requiem for a Dream, Quills) because real life can be terrifying. Based on actual events, this film follows young women thrown into a Catholic asylum against their will in 1960's Ireland. "Thrown into a Catholic asylum against their will" should be enough to make it a horror story but it gets so much worse. So much worse. Pairs with crackers and wine.

Memory of the Dead
(2011)

Memory of the Dead: An Argentinian horror film of epic proportions! A gortastic gorefest that is visually stunning while also being a super macabre love story. Not a film to miss if you're looking for something new in the horror and supernatural world. Monsters, witchcraft, blood, blood, blood, overall brutality - and it all spins wildly at the very end. Watch with friends you invited over for dinner. You can read more in my review for The Bloodlust, here.

The Monster (2016)

The Monster: I had a bit of trouble really *getting into* this one at first. Mostly because the mother seemed so laughably young to possibly be the mother of a kid her daughter's age. My mind just made them sisters, with the oldest being the awful older sister. Once their road trip began, however, my attention changed and the story got really, really interesting, and heartfelt. Bonus: the monster here, the actual creature in the woods (because there really is more than one *monster*), is strikingly terrifying. Pairs with road trip food and bottles of beer - will need a hug afterwards.

Neon Demon (2016)

Neon Demon: Love this film, I absolutely love it. Thing is, I'm not entirely sure what I love about this film. It's tactile, sticky, gaudy, beautiful, striking, mesmerizing and very very very creepy. Unsettling. Disturbing. Chilling. Hard. Completely full of WTFs - this is a film pulled from the bloody and traumatizing nightmares of deserted streets, lonely but budding youth, and the modeling world. Not a horror film for every horror fan, but certainly one for fans of art house horror and mind melty slow burners. Pairs with rice cakes, water, and a stiff martini. Watch alone.

Night Tide (1961)

Night Tide: I believe this might be Dennis Hopper's first film, and he's absolutely fantastic in it. Also speaking of art house horror and mind melty slow burners - this thriller of a creature feature is a delightfully heartfelt and frankly, distributing, love story between a man and a mermaid. A classic black and white film that requires your full attention at all times, this is a great choice for a dark and stormy afternoon/evening curled up on the couch. Watch with sailors, pairs with seafood.

Primer (2004)

Primer: I saw this film once, over ten years ago, and I still can't forget it. A full-on quiet thriller that is also a psychological horror film, this when-science-goes-too-far startup company has bit off more than it can chew when their idea actually works. Another slow burner that requires your full attention, I suspect this one gets better the more often you watch it. I advise watching it at least once, however, over vending machine food, with extremely patient friends who work in the tech industry.

Pumpkinhead (1988)

Pumpkinhead: I'm putting this super great (is it a classic yet?) out there to be triply sure every horror fan has seen this film, as I'm not sure how many lists this one already tops, but it needs to be added here just in case. An epic creature feature with an absolutely frightening creature, this story revolves around love, lost, revenge, and the costs of all those. The cost of Pumpkinhead. I am hard pressed not to re-watch this film whenever I see it come on TV or streaming services. Watch this film, people. Watch with friends on a movie night, but just make sure you watch it. Then watch it again.

Santa Sangre (1989)

Santa Sangre: It took me years to get through this absolutely chaotic Mexican horror film. Years. Considered one of Alejandro Jodorowsky's best movies, this psychedelic nightmare is not for every horror fan but I strongly encourage all horror fans see it, even if it takes a while. Madness, chaos, religious tortures, disturbed love - and hell, let's throw in some clowns and elephants too. This is a moral tale, wrapped in a nightmare, wrapped in the souls of hundreds of tortured persons. This is not my favorite horror films but I respect the hell out of it. Approach at your own risk. Watch with brave friends. You can read more in my review here.

Slither (2006)

Slither: This one slide right into my life years ago - I laughed and loved it. Then years later I was like, "Wonder what this film is about - I'm going to watch it. [a few minutes in] Wait. I've seen this already!" I blame the poster image. It's not an accurate representation of what this creature feature is all about, and not remotely affiliated with anything I remembered about the film. A gross, funny, creepy crawly feature that will leave you covered in guts and bellowing with laughter, it's a great pick for a fun movie night with friends. Pairs with hot dogs or sausages. You can read more in  my review here.

Starry Eyes (2014)

Starry Eyes: Turn that Neon Demon into a double feature night with another nightmarish thriller about the entertainment industry. This movie emulates the quote (still unsure who it's from but I love it anyway): "Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure that you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes". Also, be careful what you ask for - you might just get it. Pairs with cheap food and people that won't stab you in the back or, well, invite you into a cult.

Teeth (2007)

Teeth: I want to see more films like this. Not quite a thriller, not quite a creature feature, not quite a bloody revenge story - but something just a liiiiiiiittle different. A super smart, sharp, tale about killer body parts. Sexual parts. We need more movies like these in our lives. Watch with your best friends at a ladies night out, serve with booze and food that screams IDGAF. 

The Tenant (1976)

The Tenant: Regardless how you feel about Roman Polanski, myself included, I strongly urge horror fans to give this thriller a try. A surreal story about apartment dwellers, this film is quick to start giving you the creeps right fast and furiously. Full of questions, comments for after the show, and a deep, dreadful overall feeling of "what just happened?", this art house horror is one that will taunt your memories for years to come. Pairs with French food, watch alone or with a trusted neighbor.

The Vanishing (1988)

The Vanishing: This is the Dutch original that spawned the U.S. 1993 release of the same title. I saw the remake first and loved it. Nearly 15 years later I saw the original. Both are absolutely horrifying but naturally, the original is better. This twisted story follows an abducted woman, a boyfriend that won't stop looking for her, and the psychopath that toys with them both. This is a deeply, deeply troubling film in every sense of the word. Frankly, I've never been able to look at a truck stops the same since. Pairs with gas station food, and hold tight to your loved ones.

The Video Dead (1987)

The Video Dead: Zombies start crawling out of a TV set and begin killing people (but not before they start stealing stuff!). Hold on to those remotes, folks, this one is bonkers. It's terrible. It's a horribly, horribly hilarious *horror* film. Gather your best peoples, bring plenty of booze, and make a day of fun with this film, Chopping Mall, and Beaster Day. You'll laugh until your face falls off. You can read more in my review here.

The Void (2016)

The Void: Not to be confused with the anthology that was released the same year, this feature taps into creatures, religions, madness, isolation, and the pure chaos that nearly all horror fans have come to love and appreciate in their fine horror entertainment. With fantastic monsters, and a story that quickly tailspins into crazy town (all while wrapped up in dirty blanket that smells like a sci-fi fiasco), this would be a good pick for a night alone or watch with a small group of friends who are just as weird as you are.

The Woman Despiser
(1967)

Woman Despiser: An absolutely fascinating horror story out of 1960's Turkey where miniskirts, pop music, and big hair rules. It's also about a psychopath with a particular hatred towards woman ... not new news anywhere in the world, sadly, of course, but this film takes it to a whole new level. Completely absorbing, raw, unsettling and original - this is not a film to miss if you like art house horror meets Hitchcockian thriller. Watch with a very small group where no one despises each other, pairs with Mediterranean dishes.

Chopping Mall (1986)

I have friends where when we meet up some of the first words out of our mouths are: "Have you seen....?"

In fact, most of the content on my Have You Seen page is collected from these conversations! I have great friends.

Although Chopping Mall didn't come to my attention from such a conversation, I did share it in such a conversation recently.

First and foremost, this film is simply offensive on multiple levels. Multiple. Levels. But, that's pretty much what I'd expect with a film where killer robots are on the loose in a shopping mall. 

From IMDB: "Eight teenagers are trapped after hours in a high tech shopping mall and pursued by three murderous security robots out of control."

*You had me at murderous security robots*

Fans of schlock entertainment will find lots of entertainment with this film. I was actually surprised by how entertained I was - and I have a healthy appreciation for terrible B films and my valuable, precious time. 

With a plethora of campy moments, eye-rolling one-liners, 1980's nostalgia, and really amazing kill scenes, Chopping Mall, is a ridiculously innovative slasher that will latch on to the heart (with lasers) all the B rated and cult following feels.

Also, I can't get over how funny the film's tag lines are - I think this list should continue growing:

• Tonight Park Plaza Mall switches on the world's toughest security force. Absolutely nothing can go wrong...
• Shopping will never be the same!
• Where shopping can cost you an arm and a leg.
• Chopping Mall - Where they slash their prices - and their customers!
• Buy or Die
• At Park Plaza Mall the security force isn't just tight, it's terrifying!
• Shop til you drop, dead!

Film will pair wonderfully with a group of friends (after a shopping spree, of course), beer, more beer, pizza - or preferably - a truck load of food from the local mall food court. 

I watched this film on Amazon. Check out Horror Habit's Find It. Watch It links to locate where else you can see this absolutely absurdly entertaining film.

S & M: Les Sadiques (2016)

It should come as no surprise to anyone, but Alex Bakshaev has done it again!

I was first introduced to Alex and his work by way of his still stunning 2015 film, The Devil of Kreuzberg.

Also, much to my complete delight, he played Inspektor Lang in the very definition of if a moving painting was a short horror film, Tlmea (2016) - a short that happens to be directed by Kevin Kopacka. The same Kevin Kopacka who stars in Alex's latest film: S & M: Les Sadiques. My heart is made happy by the coordination of such talents.

This Lynchian art house thriller is not a friendly one. From the brilliant backdrop of the cold, wintery, nearly almost always night setting in bustling Berlin, to the standoffish (nearly heartless) interactions of all the characters, viewers may need a hug afterwards.

My first thought on the film was that it felt like a coming of age nightmare. The dreamy atmosphere felt as if someone was recalling a really traumatic period in their life when just starting out in the world. A period in almost everyone's life that is already uncertain, sometimes frightening, and - based on some life choices or equally unfortunate luck - is fraught with peril.

The story opens with a young woman who has run away and is looking for a safe place to spend the night and from there our young Marie unexpectedly finds herself under the wing of the lovely Sandra (from The Devil of Kreuzberg fame), who offers support and shelter. The women become close, very close, and then life happens and their worlds spiral into a hell neither saw coming.

There are several tales interwoven throughout the film. Tales of suspicion, jealously, intimidation, power, and deception. All these whispering stories build up together to form a massive tower that points directly at This Is Not Going To End Well.

As I said earlier, this is a dreamy film - not dissimilar from someone recalling a life they wish to forget or told by someone who is trying to recall an intense dream they had the night before. Supporting this dream world is a brilliant, misty and intense score, as well as a striking cinematographic land where realities intermingle with the dangerous mysteries of the heart.

This film creeps, crawls (sometimes on top of you), and then - particularly in the last few minutes - slaps you in the face and walks away. This is not a film for everyone, but if you are fan of art house horror (particularly anything David Lynchian) then I have no doubt you'll find yourself as fully absorbed as I did.

Please take a moment to check out the teaser!

Once again, a round of applause to all who helped make this film possible, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to see it! Best of luck to everyone on their future endeavors!

I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House (2016)

I have been wanting to talk about I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House for several months but I could not seem to find the words - but I'm going to try to give it shot now.

I've seen this film a couple times already. In the first viewing I was struck by the ambiance (confusing, relatable, cold, warm, uninviting, snug, sad, thrilling) and the characters (confusing, relatable, cold, warm, uninviting, snug, sad, thrilling). I loved it.

However, it took me some time to warm up to the film ... my conducting odd jobs in the background during the show didn't help... but when I did fully tune in, the entire watching experience changed. I wanted more, I wanted answers, I wanted to hug everyone.

In the second viewing I was completely absorbed, so much so that I wanted to touch the story, eat it.

I wanted to eat this film. Caress it. Devour it.

This is a super tactile, sexy film. Every little move is delicate and perfect. The voices and sounds are low, soft, and ghostly. Clothing, lighting, hair, the paint job in entry hallway, the books in the shelf - all shown through the screen canvas as if done by a master painter. Beautiful, simply beautiful. 

Going back quickly to the first viewing, I'd like to take a moment to talk about the clothes. The woman depicted in the poster image, for example, plays a significant role in the film (no surprise there), however her role in the film suggests her time and place is in the early 1800's. Fans of history, such as myself, will quickly note that the clothing style is more appropriate for the mid 1800's. 

This bugged me for a moment. Thinking to myself: how could such an expertly done film make such a mistake? By the second viewing, I realized my blunder. This was no mistake. I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House has no mistakes. 

By the second viewing I realized that I was transported to a world were time and being is intermingled, lost, without a home (outside the house itself). Memories, identity, truth, and linear steps in existence are left to the viewer to decide. This story calls into question what we know about ourselves and how we respond to "The Other Side".  

I found the film as a whole, beautifully heavy despite it's light and airy initial feel. I loved it. I want to eat this angel food cake of a movie.

Not a film for everyone, but certainly a film for fans of slow, slow, slow thrillers. Or as a tour guide at a winery once told me about a part of the brewing process, "...slowly exploding...", which I found absolutely hilarious at the time because it didn't make sense to me, but it applies well (and makes sense to me now) in relation to this film.

The last few minutes are downright terrifying, for many reasons but mostly because the 'big reveal' is so completely opposite of the entire movie experience up until then. It shocked me, it actually frightened me. I ended up rewatching the last few scenes several time because I couldn't believe/understand what had just happened. I loved it.

In short, this is a stellar film and I think it's required viewing for story tellers in all medias. Pairs well with strong coffee or cold, cold water. Angle food cake. Watch with those who know how to appreciate extremely expensive scotch, or watch alone on a dark, late night. 

I saw this movie on Netflix, or use the links under Find It. Watch It. on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this original, heart-wrenching, masterful thriller.