Unraveling the Horrors that Haunt Our Minds
Forced Birth and Bodily Autonomy
The First Omen, Immaculate, Apartment 7A, and Alien: Romulus depicted women's struggles with bodily autonomy. These films showed how women can lose and reclaim agency in a world where reproductive rights are at stake. For example, in Immaculate, Sydney Sweeney's performance as Sister Cecilia was truly commendable as she became a holy figure despite being pregnant despite being a virgin. It's a story that speaks to the current social climate and the role of the religious right.
Even Beetlejuice had a harrowing birth scene, highlighting the genre's ability to explore such intense themes. These movies not only tell stories but also make us confront the nagging fears in the back of our minds.
Reproductive Freedom and Trans Identity
Some films in 2024 used horror as a medium to discuss reproductive freedom and trans identity. Abigail, for instance, started as a modern take on Dracula's Daughter but became a splatter comedy with a twist. Melissa Barrera's performance stood out as she showed why she's a sought-after scream queen.
I Saw the TV Glow also had an overt trans allegory, making it a rich text for queer people. The film explored the horrors of self-denial and repression through the story of Owen and Maddy, who bonded over a YA show and later faced the consequences of their past.
Other Themes and Genres
Cuckoo introduced the concept of a Final Girl Hunter with Schafer's exceptional performance. The nerve-jangling vibes and imagery created by writer-director Tilman Singer made it a standout horror film.
MadS was a trip-gone-wrong movie that became something else entirely. Director David Moreau depicted a descent into hell with a relentless sense of urgency, finding a unique way into a generally overserved horror subgenre.
V/H/S/Beyond was the best and most consistent entry in the V/H/S franchise since 2021. Each segment had its charms, from "Stork" to "Live and Let Die" and "Fur Babies."
Heretic was a talky film that was at its best when it was a three-hander. Hugh Grant's performance as Mr. Reed was masterful as he weaponized his fumbling charm.
The Substance satirized the lengths the wealthy will go to stay young and beautiful, with a distinctly feminist twist. Demi Moore's performance added gravitas to the film's message.
Smile 2 was about more than just trauma. It explored how we treat our pop stars and the toxic fan communities that surround them.
Noosferatu was a modern take on gothic horror with an exceptional cast. Bill Skarsgård's portrayal of Count Orlok was unrecognizable, and Lily-Rose Depp's performance was one of the year's best.
Red Rooms was a part-courtroom drama, part-psychological thriller that left viewers soul-sick. Juliette Gariépy's performance as Kelly-Anne was endlessly compelling.
A Quiet Place: Day One was a restrained and meditative film that explored survival. Lupita Nyong'o's performance as Sam was profound as she embarked on a quest for pizza and survival.