July was a month of horror thrills and chills, with modern classics, updated favorites, and shocking foreign films to get under your skin.
At AlethalWeaponArt, movies (particularly horror) are a huge part of our life — and our business — so we take time to celebrate the art of film every day. Each month, we’ll share six of our favorite watches, new and old, from the month so you can hopefully discover (or rediscover) some great horror films to help you escape the nightmarish real world for a bit.
No time to read? Click the button below to listen to this post.
Editor’s Note:
For horror enthusiasts seeking a thrilling cinematic experience, our monthly Six Flix series offers a selection of diverse and captivating films, each offering a unique take on the genre.
If you’re still clinging to the last remnants of Summer, we’ve got a lesser-known shark flick that makes a big splash when it comes to fun and fast-paced action. If you’re already digging out the Halloween decorations, we offer up an absolute cult classic that is sure to get you fully in the mood for Spooky Season.
For those looking to expand their horror horizons, we’ve got two nerve-wracking foreign films that created enough considerable buzz to receive American remakes, one of which will be in theaters shortly.
If you like something a bit different, we have an off-kilter dramatic thriller with an A-list cast from one of the most provocative and unique auteurs working today. Finally, we’ve got a certifiable modern classic, which offers a fresh and thrilling take on a classic monster story.
There’s something for everyone here, so dig in and find the perfect pick for a killer movie night.
1. THE INVISIBLE MAN (2020)
The Invisible Man is so incredible. We love it from start to finish. It captivates you from the beginning and is impossible to look away from, which you shouldn’t do. The fear and paranoia are so palpable and intensified by the way it is shot that it has you on the edge of your seat the whole time. You are constantly wondering if you’re seeing something move in the background.
The effects are OUTSTANDING, beyond amazing. All the fighting scenes with the titular villain are impressive and believable. This movie is like Hollow Man on Crack.
We absolutely love Elizabeth Moss. She is incredible in this role and takes this horror film to a new level. She is relatable, and we were so invested in her plight and so thrilled by the film’s ending.
An instant modern classic in our eyes, The Invisible Man is perfect when you’re in the mood for a psychological thriller with killer effects and a captivating story.
2. BAIT (2012)
Bait is so much fun. Of course, we had to watch a shark-themed creature feature in honor of Shark Week, and this action-packed thriller really fit the bill!
Set in a flooded grocery store after a natural disaster off the coast of Australia, a group of mismatched adults — including Sharni Vinson (You’re Next), Xavier Samuel (The Loved Ones), and Julian McMahon (Charmed)— try to find a way out when killer sharks start attacking them. There are a few silly little backstories, a cop father and an angsty daughter and an ex-couple, but other than that, it is a group of strangers. The flooding scene at the start of the film is really exciting and reminds us of Day After Tomorrow, another disaster flick we love.
Once the sharks start to attack, the movie is pretty fast-paced and flows well. The shark effects are cool and mostly practical; three animatronic sharks were used during filming, and they feel pretty realistic.
Check out the entertaining Bait when you are in the mood for a fun and fast popcorn thriller with plenty of toothy action.
3. SPEAK NO EVIL (2022)
Speak No Evil is one of the most frustrating movies we have seen in a long time, and that’s not exactly a criticism. Don’t watch the trailer — for this original Danish horror film or the upcoming 2024 remake. It straight-up ruins ALL the fun.
Speak No Evil is a psychological thriller about a Danish couple, Bjørn, his wife Louise, their young daughter Agnes, and their travel experiences. They go to stay with a family they just met, Patrick, Karin, and their young son Abel, at their rural home in The Netherlands after they meet and hit it off on a vacation in Italy.
We vehemently hated both couples. To take it one step further, every single person bothered us, even the kids! All behavior at almost every moment rubbed us the wrong way. This is the type of film that has you on nobody’s side by the end. They don’t do the things they should be doing… EVER. It’s a bad choice at every turn. You are in a constant state of anxiety and frustration until the end, which is absolutely the point.
Despite our discomfort, we enjoyed the film. It had great acting from all parties, and the plot was really fun and twisted.
Give this one a watch if you’re into dark and ominous vibes and a bit of nastiness; now’s a great time to watch before the American remake.
4. THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (2017)
The Killing of a Sacred Deer is such a unique movie. We came across the term “absurdist psychological horror thriller,” and that feels pretty accurate.
This one is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things, The Lobster), so you should expect something a little odd. It definitely delivers a very disturbing and unsettling vibe throughout. The acting feels incredibly stiff, almost like theater or a play. It initially feels very off-putting before you adjust to everybody’s strange cadence, but it sets a very strong tone.
The story follows a cardiac surgeon, Stephen (Colin Ferrell), who accidentally kills a patient during surgery and befriends the deceased patient’s son, Martin (Barry Keoghan), seemingly out of guilt. They become closer, developing an almost inappropriate, secretive relationship, and he eventually introduces Martin to his family. Nicole Kidman plays Anna, his very supportive wife, he also has two younger children Anna and Bob (Sunny Suljic and Raffey Cassidy). Very strange things begin to happen after they are all introduced: his children fall ill, and somehow, Martin is to Blame.
This is very much worth a watch if you want to feel disturbed and unsettled — it’s got a stellar cast and keeps you guessing.
5. FUNNY GAMES (1997)
The original Funny Games is one of our favorite horror films. Although we also enjoy the excellent remake, it just isn’t quite as disturbing somehow.
This is a home invasion story with a sick twist. It has a very raw and real feel to it. The actors do a great job throughout, especially Susanne Lothar. By the end of the film, she seems truly broken and hopeless (mentally and physically) in a way that is very rarely portrayed this well.
Essentially, two young men (Arno Frisch and Frank Giering) find their way inside the summer home of a family vacationing in what seems to be their summer home. Posing as friends of the neighbors asking for some extra eggs, they begin to terrorize the family and hold them hostage. They say they want to play a game and make a bet that the family will be dead by morning; that’s where the fun really begins.
It’s a fantastic psychological torture film that blends some actual torture, making the perfect combination. It also has a great ending!
This is a genre classic in our eyes and is always worth watching, especially if you’ve only seen the 2007 American remake.
6. DONNIE DARKO (2001)
Donnie Darko is another must-see genre film that has aged incredibly well. It has a pretty fun cast of familiar faces like Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Beth Grant, Drew Barrymore, and even Seth Rogen in his feature film debut.
It follows a psychologically disturbed young man (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is having hallucinations and sees a Rabbit named Frank, who convinces him to commit several increasingly destructive crimes. Because of his strange dreams, he is convinced the world will end in 28 days. The movie was also filmed over 28 days, which is cool. The film remains influential due to its complex narrative, extraordinary visual symbolism, and compelling characters.
When it was first released, it became the subject of endless discussion and interpretation. It’s the kind of film that lends itself well to repeat viewings. It also has a fantastic soundtrack and a very memorable ending.
The opening scene hooks you right away, and there are hardcore fall and Halloween vibes throughout, so this is a great time to revisit this one or discover it for the first time.
Follow Us!