As a lot of you may know, I am infatuated with the horror genre! Although, I find that a lot of horror films only get seen and make money these days if they are remakes, never-ending franchises, or filled with a cast of talentless hacks who often wind up on the cover of Us Weekly. It seems like it’s all about making a commercial product, rather than making inventive, scary, and creative films.
So I thought I would start a blog every week on my recommendations of horror films that deserve to be seen. Feel free to comment on your own suggestions!
Any movies that deal with home invasions scare the crap out of me. (Haute Tension and If I Die Before I Wake are just to name a few) Although nothing has terrified as much as this French import and (festival favorite) that is guaranteed to become a cult classic.
The movie begins with one of the most tense and creepy beginnings in a horror film, and doesn’t let up for the rest of the film’s duration. (Which is only 77 minutes, yet it feels like so much more)
The premise is pretty basic enough. School teacher, Clementine and her writer boyfriend, Lucas experience the most horrifying night of their lives, as they are attacked by a group of people (who are always hidden in the shadows) in their huge house in the middle of nowhere.
The concept may seem unoriginal and done to death, but what co-directors David Moreau and Xavier Pauld get right is the amount of tension and fear they are able to induce in the audience as they watch the two protagonists go through horrendous obstacles to fight for their survival.
I have never watched a movie that made me sweat, scream, and cover my eyes as much as Ils had. You will literally feel like you’re inside the house and you will feel as helpless as the two unfortunate leads going through the terrible ordeal. The prolonged jumpers, the very often tense moments, and the dreadful atmosphere are what make this movie such a terrifying experience.
Although once the killers are revealed, (don’t worry I won’t spoil it for you guys) I wasn’t scared anymore. I was furious. I could feel my cheeks getting red and I was screaming at the television set. (Believe me, this is not a BAD reaction) Most people will either feel like me or be more disturbed by the reveal of the antagonists. (This is something I highly commend the directors for)
Ils (Them) is a horror film that doesn’t waste anytime with any narrative, yet is able to make you care for the characters as soon as the horror begins. (Very rare in this genre) It doesn’t waste any time when it comes to scares and ends as shocking as it started. Honestly, it is the scariest film I’ve seen in years! Watch this with the lights down low and with a group of friends and witness all of their reactions. (If they react anything like me, you will have fun making fun of them after the movie is done.)
