In the 2010s, horror fans were treated to a series of truly terrifying films. And the horror films of the past decade have gone beyond simple jump scares to explore themes such as childhood trauma, racial violence, greed, and family secrets. Over the past ten years, we’ve seen some bloody gems that gave us chills… check them out!
2018: Hereditary
Ari Aster’s directorial debut, Hereditary, is arguably one of the most astonishing, bizarre, and unpredictable films of the decade. It’s a unique rollercoaster ride from hell that abounds with creepy and unsettling scenes. After Ellen, the grandmother of the Graham family, dies, her daughter is confronted with more and more unexplained events from her mother’s past. The more they uncover about the deceased woman’s life, the more sinister changes occur in the lives of the living members of the family. This film is a worthy successor to William Friedkin’s classic, The Exorcist, a cruel and chilling film that is sure to kick you in the stomach.
2019: The Lighthouse
Set in the 1980s, Robert Eggers’ film follows a long walk to a lighthouse on a small cliff overlooking the sea, where two not-very-trusting lighthouse keepers arrive on duty: the experienced old drunk Wake, and his rookie assistant Ephraim, who used to work as a lumberjack. Their desires, fears, suggestive surroundings and, of course, loneliness, have a growing impact on their minds, which then cathartically determines the relationship between the two men. Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe are superb, and the bizarre relationship between the two adds something even stranger: humour.
2020: Host
During the pandemic, almost everyone was forced to keep in touch with friends, family, and colleagues online. The six young people in the film regularly chat via Zoom, and on one occasion they hold an online seance using a medium. Rob Savage has added an interesting twist to the genre of “found footage” (i.e., nerve-racking), for which he deserves the attention and appreciation of horror fans.
2021: Titane
Alexia suffers a car accident as a child, the memory of which is still preserved in the form of a titanium plate in her head. Since her accident, the car show dancer has developed a strange fascination with metal. She has become less understanding of people, passion and violence are all she has, so no matter who approaches her with what intentions, she kills them. The film that caused the biggest storm at the 74th Cannes Film Festival was Titane, which went on to win the festival’s top prize to the surprise of many. The French director Julia Ducournau deals with human relationships and gender in the most twisted way possible.
2022: Barbarian
The year’s horror sensation stars Tess, a young woman who arrives in Detroit for a job interview and finds herself temporarily ensconced in a rented house. But when she arrives late at night, she discovers the house is already occupied and a strange man is already living there. She decides to spend the night there, but soon realises that there is much more to worry about than an unexpected roommate. Barbarian is an unpredictable horror film, and when it was released, the newspapers reported that there were plenty of moviegoers who simply couldn’t stand what they saw and left the theatre before the credits rolled. Highly recommended for beginners!