BEST 2020 HORROR MOVIES

 

  I won’t be the first and probably not the last to proclaim 2020 a dumpster fire of a year. And somewhere in that fire horror movies were able to burn bright! I’m not sure if it has been an amazing year because I got to watch more horror than ever, or that they were just that damn good. So good I’m doing this list a little different this year.

  First will come my top 10 films of the year instead of the top 5. I almost made it a top 20, but couldn’t come to an order of films that I was happy with. So instead I’ve broken down some categories to able to mention some films that deserve recognition. And still with the categories I know some films were left out that need to be watched, and I’m sorry to those films.

  If you’ve followed me on Twitter and/or the podcast you might have some clues as to the films I’ve really liked. I think I’ve tried to remain consistent starting with my #1 pick, which shouldn’t be a shock, and was the only film this year that I gave 5 pools of blood to. All the other films in my top 10 scored 4 pools of blood or higher for those wondering. #3 might be the biggest surprise to many, but I loved the film when it came out, and couldn’t toss it aside for more talked about films. There might be another surprise pick or two in there, but again I’m loyal to films I like. #10 was a hard one because it came down to “12 Hour Shift,” “Hunter Hunter,” and the winner…

#10: HIS HOUSE This is the only movie on the list I didn’t get a chance to review. Luckily I just recently saw it, and had to add it. The story of refugees gave us something a little different, and a couple to like. There’s a nice twist, but the best part of the film is how creepy it is. It’s those moments in the house that landed this film on the list.

#9: FRIED BARRY This is a title some might not be familiar with, but if you’ve followed the festival scene it’s played at a ton of them. It’s won all kinds of awards, and hopefully will get a bigger release one day. I wasn’t sure what to think of it at first, but the movie just grew on me the more I thought about it. Also, Gary Green puts on one of my favorite performances of the year without saying a whole lot.

#8: HOSTS Yes HOSTS with a S, and maybe another surprise pick. Well if you know me I’m a sucker for blood, guts, and brutality, and this movie definitely scored on all three especially brutality. The dinner scene was one of my favorite scenes of the year, and sets the tone for the rest of this movie. I liked that they never looked back, and weren’t afraid to continue the film down a dark path. It all came together with strong performances including the likes of Nadia Lamin, and Samantha Loxly.

#7: IMPETIGORE Courtesy of one of my new favorite director/writers Joko Anwar. He’s managed to light Indonesian horror films on fire with this one, and other must see films like “Satan’s Slaves,” and “The Queen of Black Magic.” He has a way of giving the audience just enough to keep them around long enough to scare the hell out of them in the end. This one is no exception with a wild story, and very satisfying ending.

#6: HOST A film born in quarantine, and given an extra bonus point or two because of it. Credit to this cast and crew for putting together a great film all with following quarantine guidelines, and filming under much different circumstances. They managed to take some familiar elements from films like “Unfriended,” and “Paranormal Activity,” and refreshed them in their own way. In a new world of Zoom calls, they gave us a reason to hesitate taking our next call. 

#5: THE MORTUARY COLLECTION It’s hard to believe I managed to squeeze in two anthologies in my top 5, but it has happened. There’s so much to like about this film starting with Clancy Brown. It was like he was born to play this role, and I’m not the only one who he convinced he could play “The Tall Man” if there ever was a “Phantasm” remake. I particularly liked how each short topped the one before it making it a magical collection of films. 

#4: SCARE PACKAGE This is a film that truly had me falling out of my seat laughing. It nails so many horror tropes, and couldn’t have picked a better main story focusing on a video shop. I will admit not ever short film was for me, but overall the ones I did enjoy were enough to carry the whole film over the top. Goo-man is a particular favorite character of mine created by Chris McInroy, who now has several spectacular short films under his belt.

#3: BECKY A surprise pick at a surprise position. Maybe to many, but not to me. I mentioned consistency in the opening, and at a time this year this was my number 1 film. It was great how they took well known actors, and put them in much different roles than audiences usually find them. The perfect example is Kevin James, who plays a bad guy no one will be laughing at. Lulu Wilson is no stranger to horror, but instead of playing a young girl in fear she is a badass girl with some fight in her. Blood, guts, and brutality helped make this film one of my favorites of the year.

#2: ANYTHING FOR JACKSON Another film that I have raved about, and the only one I gave a second thought to possibly taking the top spot from my number 1 pick. Julian Richings and Shelia McCarthy put on some terrific performances being funny at times, and truly evil in other moments. It was hard to know whether to root for or hate their characters, and that was part of what made this film so special. The whole ‘reverse exorcism’ angle gave the story something different, and it only gets better with the truly frightful demons that come alive in the second half of the film.

#1 THE DARK AND THE WICKED “The Strangers” is one of my favorite films, and it’s hard to believe Bryan Bertino could top it. Along came this film, and it blew my mind that he did it again. The performances were top notched, the setting was perfect, and the scares were to die for. The film got under your skin early, and never let you forget it. No time for jokes or comic relief, just time for brother and sister to wonder what to do next. It was dark, it was wicked, and it was with little doubt my #1 pick for this year months ago.

Now for the categories I mentioned at the beginning. Again this is mostly to recognize some other movies I liked and think you should watch if you missed them. They won’t include any of my top 10 films even though some will fit in the categories:

Horror-Comedy: 12 Hour Shift, Scare Me, Uncle Peckerhead, The Wolf of Snow Hollow, and Exorcism at 60,000 Ft

Based on new technology: Spree, Driven, and Come Play

Movie with message/feeling/heart: M.O.M. Mothers of Monsters, Relic, and Tent

Best ending/surprise: Hunter Hunter, The Queen of Black Magic, and Relic

Documentary: Leap of Faith: William FriedKin on the Exorcist, and Cursed Films

Remake: Invisible Man, Fantasy Island, and Gretel and Hansel

Surprise Hit: 1BR, Blood Quantum, The Beach House, VFW, and We Summon the Darkness

Featuring a cast of youths: They Reach, and Vampires vs the Bronx

Foreign films: La Llorona, The Platform, Boys from County Hell, and The Columnist

Creepy: The Wretched, The Pale Door, and Death of Me 

So there it is…my top films for 2020, and a little more. While I saw a lot there were a few I did miss. There is no right answer here, as everyone likes what they like, and hates what they hate. It’s good to have a place to start a conversation about horror, and these lists do just that. Feel free to disagree with any of my picks, and we can talk about why you went with different films. I do think we can agree horror shined in 2020 even without movies like “Halloween Kills,” “Spiral,” “Candyman,” “The Conjuring 3,” "The Quiet Place 2,” and several others. 2021 has some big shoes to fill and it might take more than these names to do well to accomplish that!

POSSESSOR REVIEW

Possessor follows an agent who works for a secretive organization that uses brain-implant technology to inhabit other people’s bodies - ultimately driving them to commit assassinations for high-paying clients.

Starring: Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott, and Jennifer Jason Leigh

Directed and written by: Brandon Cronenberg

Check out the video below and find out how many pools of blood it received...

FEAR OF THE WOODS REVIEW

 

Deep in the snowy hills of Alaska during the early 1990s. A large number of cattle have mysteriously vanished without trace from near a small ski-resort in one of the valleys. Not as much as a singe drop of blood left in their wake. The local hunting team lead by Damien’s father is given the task of finding out if a bear lies behind these attacks.

Starring: Veron Wells, Christian Arnold, and Ralf Beck

Directed and written by: Titus Paar

  Some people might not have a “Fear of the Woods,” but that might change once they see what’s waiting for them in these snowy hills. Damien (Christian Arnold) is following his dad (Vernon Wells) and his Uncle Joe (Ralf Beck) into the woods to find what has been killing people’s cattle. Not many people seem to know what’s doing it, but his father is pretty sure it’s a bear. A special bear that might act differently than the average one.

  Uncle Joe seems to sense something is out there, but Damien is doubtfully. He listens to his dad talk about the bear as they continue their search. Damien is pretty much just thinking this is one of his father’s tales until something makes its presence known. Suddenly Damien and the others find themselves part of a tale they might not survive. 

  The imaginary in this short film is simply fabulous. The winter snow makes everything look so refreshing, and the filmmakers make the most out of it to make the bear even more menacing than it already looks. The bear doesn’t need much help because it’s seriously badass. It will definitely have you jumping out of your seat when it first appears.

  It’s great to see Vernon Wells lead this expedition, and go face-to-face with the bear. There’s some good tension and suspense in the final moments that will have you wanting more. Audiences were supposed to get just that from “Fear of the Woods,” as it originally was supposed to be a full length feature film, but COVID-19 put a stop to that. After watching this short you’ll see what a shame that is with everything they accomplished in about twenty minutes!  Enjoy the short film below, and see why this bear will make you stay out of the woods!

  HorrO

More info about this film at:

http://promotehorror.com/2020/12/15/fear-of-the-woods-coming-to-youtube/

A CREEPSHOW HOLIDAY SPECIAL REVIEW

 

In the holiday themed, hour-long episode, “Shapeshifters Anonymous,” written and directed by Creepshow showrunner Greg Nicotero, based on a short story by J.A. Konrath (Last Call), fearing he is a murderer, an anxious man searches for answers for his “unique condition” from an unusual support group.

Starring: Anna Camp, and Adam Pally

  “Shapeshifers Anonymous” is an early Christmas present from Creepshow and Shudder. Someone has been murdering people around town, and Robert (Adam Pally) thinks he might be the murderer. How could he not know that he’s a killer? Well he has some hints to what could be happening, but he's having a hard time remembering what’s happening on certain nights.

  In need of some help, he does what many of us do. He goes to a support group looking for answers to his problem. This is a unique group that should be able to help him. The group isn’t sure about helping him at first, but then they welcome him in. The group is led by a woman named Irena (Anna Camp), who helps introduce him to everyone, and begins to get to the root of his problem.

  No spoilers as to what specifically happens next, but lets say this starts off with a lot of humor. It’s an unusual support group made up of some unusual characters. What’s unique about them is hilarious, and it will only get better. As a group they’re pretty funny interacting with each other, and make the most of welcoming in a newcomer.

  It’s Christmas time, but this isn’t about them spreading holiday cheer. There’s plenty of blood and guts to come. Robert is going to find out what’s happening with himself, and as he comes to grips with that he’s about to find himself in a wild situation. A situation that gets crazier and crazier by the second including the final moments.

  Overall, there’s a whole lot to say about this special episode of Creepshow, but not without spoiling it. What I can say is you’re definitely not going to what to miss it. Anna, Adam, and the rest of the cast do a great job in their roles. The episode starts with a lot humor and doesn’t let up. And in all the humor there will be plenty of holiday blood spilled. It all comes to an exciting, and very surprising ending! Watch it when it’s released December 18th, and watch it again on Christmas.  

  HorrO

More info about this film at:

http://promotehorror.com/2020/12/15/a-creepshow-holiday-special-comes-to-shudder-this-friday/

HUNTER HUNTER REVIEW

 

Joseph and his family live in the remote wilderness as fur trappers, but their tranquility is threatened when they think they are being hunted by the return of a rogue wolf, and Joseph leaves them behind to track it. 

Starring: Camille Sullivan, Summer H. Howell, and Devon Sawa

Directed and written by: Shawn Linden

  “Hunter Hunter” takes audiences into the wilderness, and examines who is really the hunter. Joseph (Devon Sawa), his wife Anne (Camille Sullivan), and young daughter Renee (Summer H. Howell) have spent a lot of time surviving in the woods. Many things can put their lives in danger living alone out there, and for now it appears to be a wolf. The wolf seems to be eating everything they’re trapping for food and fur, and they worry about their safety as well. 

  Being a good hunter, Joseph decides to put an end to the wolf, and goes hunting for it. Renee is eager to follow in her father’s footsteps, and insists on accompanying him. Maybe not the best idea, but he takes her with him anyway. Everything is fine to start, but once he closes in on the wolf he sends her back home. Renee, and her mom are then forced to wait for his return as their survival continues to be threatened the longer he’s away.

  In order to enjoy this film the audience is going to have to be patient with it. It starts off introducing the family, and what they’re doing in the wilderness. Joseph spends time showing Renee the tricks to hunting, and then what to do with the kills once they’re brought home. The drama starts with mention of the wolf, and the need to get rid of it. More drama is created with Renee insisting on going with her dad to hunt the wolf. Hunting the wolf does bring in some excitement, but soon enough the audience is going to realize this isn’t a man vs wolf horror film.

  When Joseph appears to be closing in on the wolf he sends Renee home for her safety. He eventually stumbles upon an area where something  extremely awful has happened, and the film finally hints at the horror to come. Hinting at the horror is one of the many things this film seems to do well. After that glimpse of it, the film takes the audience away, and focuses on Anne and Renee again. Drama is built up as they wait anxiously for his return, and they’re continually concerned about the lurking wolf. 

  The film even introduces two rangers, who at first seem like comic relief, but eventually play a part in how everything unfolds. There will be nothing to laugh at when it’s hinted horror might be coming their way as well. Not wanting to give any spoilers, lets just say stick with the story because the payoff is beyond worth it. True horror will show its face by the time this story ends. Not only is it beautiful from a horror standpoint, but it’s nice to see it's justified by the events earlier in the film.

  “Hunter Hunter” starts off like a slow burn that might not grab everyone’s interest at first. However, it does so many things well leading up to one of the most horrific ending scenes you'll find! Camille, and Summer are fabulous in their roles, and so is Devon even though his time is short. The second half of the film really works because Camille and Renee bring out the fear and desperation their characters are in. Another thing that works well is the pacing, and sense of realism of the situation. When the few hints of horror are dropped the audience will get just a short time to think about it until they get sucked right back into what the family is going through. That is until horror slaps them in the face in an absolutely horrific final scene. I seriously wish I could say more about that scene, but I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. So I’ll leave it at that, and give the film 4 pools of blood!

     

  HorrO

"Hunter Hunter" is available in Select Theaters, Digital and On Demand December 18th!

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/11/18/official-trailer-for-hunter-hunter-in-select-theaters-vod-and-digital-december-18th/

WHERE THE SCARY THINGS ARE EPISODE 74: CASTLE FREAK

 

Where The Scary Things Are Episode 74 CASTLE FREAK with Director TATE STEINSIEK and EMILY SWEET

This week we are talking CASTLE FREAK 2020 with Emily Sweet and Director Tate Steinsiek. Support the show (https://linktr.ee/WTSTA666)

WhereTheScaryThingsAre.com

Apple apple.co/3ae8EGT

Spotify spoti.fi/3gJSwhA

SEPTEMBER REVIEW

 

A serial killer goes about his evening routine until he is interrupted by an uninvited guest. 

Starring: Jeff Payne

Directed by: Mason McDonald

  “September” takes a dive into a serial killers' world. This short film opens with a killer coming home with his latest victim. He unloads them, takes them to the back of the house, and snaps a few pictures of them. He then comes back to the house, and shows the audience just how organized of a serial killer he is. Of course he's hungry after all the work so he prepares a snack, but his meal is cut short.

  Before he can sit down to enjoy his sandwich, notices something strange at the door. He then finds some of his things have been moved. This can’t sit well with someone so organized. As his anger builds he heads to the bathroom where the shower is running. The film comes to a head when it appears the killer meets his unexpected visitor.

  “September” is a very interesting short film because instead of leading the audience to a kill it examines what the killer does after. It’s crazy to see how organized the killer is even though it makes sense that he would be, especially doing it as much as it appears he does. It also sprinkles in a feel of normalcy reminding the audience a killer can always be living next door. And then the best thing about the film is watching the killer’s comfortable setting suddenly become uncomfortable for him. They draw out the suspense nicely, and like it or not, leave the ending to the audience’s imagination. A final hats off to actor Jeff Payne for managing to nail being a serial killer without having to say anything. Now it’s your turn to see what you think of this risky ending in the short film below!

  HorrO

FUSED REVIEW

 

A woman with a rare medical condition, believes she is responsible for several murders in the Kansas City area. 

Starring: Sarah Mcguire, Katie Rohlfing, Jennifer Femiano, and Kristin Rea

Directed by: Patrick Rea

Written by: Patrick Rea and Michelle Davidson

  “Fused” opens with a trip to the doctor’s office for Sarah. It’s not her first time there, as she seems to have a condition that the doctor is trying to figure out how to cure. On the way home, she has to pull over because she’s not feeling well. A  jogger comes to help her out, but that help isn’t very welcome. She also hasn’t been very welcoming to her girlfriend Cassie, who comes knocking on her door looking for answers.

  Later that night the two have a serious conversation about her illness. What appears to be a skin condition is a whole lot more. She talks about blackouts and events she can’t remember before mentioning she has another set of DNA in her. With that, Sarah asks Cassie to watch over her for the next few days in case anything strange happens. Of course things seem fine for a couple of days until they’re not anymore.

  This short film begins with some mystery, but doesn’t take too long before it starts to unravel it. Sarah has an interesting condition that can lead this film in many directions. If the audience catches the first couple of clues they will know this isn’t going to end well. Sarah Mcguire puts on a great performance especially in the film’s final moments. Also, the film does well to keep it’s dark tone and imaginary the entire time. Now it’s time for you to check out “Fused” below!

  HorrO

THE CRIMSON VIDEO REVIEW

 

A young man comes into contact with a mysterious internet video sent to him by his friend, Adam. “What’s done, is done… when two men become one!” 

Starring: Bayden Redshaw and John H. Shelton

Directed by: John H. Shelton

  “The Crimson Video” is a short film with two main components. One is a young man who is filming a video of himself talking about receiving a video. He received the video from a friend and didn’t think much of it at first. However, after time he tells the audience that things in the video he received have started to become real. He’s basically using the video looking for help, and even leaving a video behind if something happens to him.

  The second component is this video that he received. As he talks the audience gets to see the video a couple of times. It’s a man with a mask on laughing and repeating the phrase, “What’s done, is done… when two men become one!” There is a red lighting in the man’s background making it a little more intimidating. 

  All together “The Crimson Video” seems like it might have been a scene from a bigger film. Obviously the masked man has a story to tell. Who is he, why is he on this video, and why is he taunting the people who watch it? Most importantly what does his phrase mean to those watching? While it leaves the audience with many questions both actors pull of their roles well. The audience can feel the stress the young man is under, and the masked man is creepy enough with his one line. Check it out below and hope the masked man is waiting for you!

  HorrO

ARCHENEMY REVIEW

 

Max Fist (Manganiello) claims to be a hero from another dimension who fell through time and space to Earth, where he has no powers. No one believes his stories except for a local teen named Hamster. Together, they take to the streets to wipe out the local drug syndicate and its vicious crime boss known as The Manager. 

Starring: Joe Manganiello, Skylan Brooks, and Zolee Griggs

Directed and written by: Adam Egypt Mortimer

  In most superhero movies, to have an “Archenemy” means you should be a hero first, and that’s the big question here. Max Fist (Joe Manganiello) appears to be a homeless man just interested in drinking, and telling a wild story. A story about being a hero from another dimension, battling an archenemy, and losing all his powers when landing in the present day dimension. He seems to be just another lost soul until he crosses path with a young man named Hamster (Skylan Brooks). 

  Some might say Hamster is lost as well, but he’s just trying to find his place in this world. He believes he can do that by finding a big story to cover, and that story might just be about Max. Hamster takes the time to listen to Max’s story, and spends time with him hoping that his story is true and he can capture proof of it. Just when it seems like he might never get that proof his sister, Indigo (Zolee Griggs), finds herself in trouble with the drug dealer she has been working for. Their only way out may rest in the hope that Max truly is a superhero!

  

  Many superhero movies are based on comics, and people are familiar with how the hero came to be. One of the many good things about this film is that it’s a new story to audiences, and one that spends a lot of time questioning whether the hero is really a hero. Yes, the audience gets to see some of Max’s story about being a hero in another dimension, but it’s done in comic/animated form. This animation mixes in well with the film, and doing it this way still leaves doubt about how real his story is.

  While the attention starts on Max this movie is also about Hamster and Indigo’s stories as well. Like Max, they’re trying to find their place in this world. Hamster seems to be doing it the right way, even though he’s gambling a lot on Max being for real. Indigo takes more of a risk getting involved with a drug dealer, and soon enough takes a big gamble of her own. While sometimes the Marvel superhero universe moves things too far out of the real world these two characters, and even some aspects of Max, will give the audience things they can relate to.

  So if the audience doesn’t know if Max is a hero or not is there any action to look forward to? Yes, there’s a gradual build of action here. There’s some simple stuff Max does like face down a car, and then the good stuff comes once he decides to take on the drug dealer’s thugs. He manages to do it in a way that hints that he has powers, but still nothing that definitely says he’s anything more than a good fighter. One thing for sure is that he has no problem being violent, and beating the hell out of anyone. With a budget much less than a Marvel film they still manage to pull off a thrilling ending that answers questions for all those involved, and could leave the door open for a sequel.

  Some may think of “Archenemy” as an enemy of Marvel films, but that isn’t necessarily the case. As mentioned there are differences like questioning Max being a hero throughout most of the film, and following relatable characters in a relatable setting. However there are similarities starting with the animation of Max’s backstory, and some of the events in the final act. There’s also strong performances given by Skylan, Zolee, and Joe who seems to fit this role nicely. In the end, it’s probably best to look beyond the comparisons, and enjoy what this story presents. With that, I give it 3.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/11/13/archenemy-by-adam-egypt-mortimer-releasing-december-11th/

LUZ: THE FLOWER OF EVIL REVIEW

 

El Señor, the leader of a small cult in the mountains, returns one day to his village with a child who is purported to be the new messiah. But when only pain and destruction befall the community, El Señor finds himself under attack from his own followers, including his three daughters, whose burgeoning femininity has already caused them to question their faith.

Starring: Yuri Vargas, Conrado Osorio, Andrea Esquivel, and Sharon Guzman

Directed and written by: Juan Diego Escobar Alzate

  “Luz: The Flower of Evil” is one flower you don't want to bloom. El Señor (Conrado Osorio) is in control of a small group of people in the mountains. Unfortunately he has suffered the loss of his wife Luz, and now is left to take care of his daughter and two other young girls. He’s very strict with them, but might be misguided with his thoughts on religion.

  As much as he tries to keep the devil away, he seems to always be lurking around. One night El Señor brings home a woman and her young child. Is it to feed them and give them a new home? No, it’s to rape the mother, send her away, and keep her son because El Señor is convinced the boy is Jesus. This is just one of the battles between good and evil that effect the fate of El Señor and the three young girls.

  Before getting to the horrors of this film, it’s almost impossible not to talk about the imaginary first. Alone there are great shots of the mountains, waterfalls, trees, and entire area where these people live. To make it even better, it seems they added color, or brought out the color in all these shots. Not often do audiences see such color, especially those who watch horror films that are typically very dark.

  And yes, as bright as this film is it also goes extremely dark. The aforementioned rape scene is one of those moments, and is definitely not pleasant to watch. One of the young girls creates an odd moment at night in the forest listening to a cassette. It’s an enlightening moment for her, but leads another girl’s storyline in a frightening direction. El Señor continually tries to keep the devil away, but it seems to become too much for him. He eventually goes to an extreme measure to save the girls, and get rid of the devil. And don’t forget poor ‘Jesus’ locked up in a cage against his will while all this happens.

  Being a foreign film it’s hard to judge the complete performances in another language, but it seems like they did an excellent job. Everything starts with El Señor so the pressure is on Conrado. The movie is about the good and bad, and he takes his character perfectly in each direction. The girls played by Yuri Vargas, Sharon Guzman, and Andrea Esquivel do well in playing off of El Señor.

  “Luz: The Flower of Evil” shows just how hard it is to escape the devil. El Señor has good intentions, but no matter what he does he seems to make matters worse. The girls are coming of age, and it’s hard to keep them in the dark any longer. They’re also going to make mistakes, which may or may not bring on the devil. However the harder they fight the devil, the more he seems to make his presence known. On the other end of the darkness is the wonderful color the film uses to show there is still good out there. With that said, I give it 3 pools of blood. 

  HorrO

Coming to Shudder Dec. 21 in the US, UK, AUS, & NZ

More info about this film at: http://promotehorror.com/2020/12/04/luz-the-flower-of-evil-coming-to-shudder-december-21st/