7 Hidden Gems of Horror Cinema to Discover on Valentine's Day
Spend an unforgettable Valentine's Day through really original horror movies
If you want to spend a different Valentine's Day, go ahead and discover horror movies that are not so famous but definitely worth watching.
Here are seven horror movie gems that will shock you terrifyingly.
1-Vivarium (2019)
Vivarium is a surreal horror film directed by Lorcan Finnegan. This movie explores themes of domesticity and entrapment. It follows a couple, Tom and Gemma, who become trapped in a bizarre suburban neighborhood where they are forced to raise a mysterious child. The film uses its claustrophobic setting to comment on the suffocating nature of modern life and societal expectations surrounding marriage and parenting. The horror lovers have noted its ambitious premise but have also pointed out its slow pacing and lack of character development, leading to mixed reviews.
2-Vacancy (2007)
Vacancy is a tense thriller that revolves around a couple, Amy and David, who find themselves in a remote motel where they become targets of a sadistic killer. This horror film, directed by Nimród Antal, is praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and the relatable portrayal of its characters, who are dealing with the aftermath of a personal tragedy. The absence of gratuitous violence enhances the psychological tension, making it a standout in the slasher genre.
3-In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
Directed by John Carpenter, In the Mouth of Madness is a meta-horror film that delves into the nature of reality and fiction. It follows an insurance investigator who searches for a missing horror novelist, only to find himself drawn into the terrifying world depicted in the author's works. This horror film is noted for its Lovecraftian elements and its commentary on the impact of horror literature on the human psyche. Horror lovers appreciate its originality and the way it blurs the lines between sanity and madness.
4-The Descent (2005)
The Descent is a British horror film directed by Neil Marshall. This horror story combines claustrophobia with visceral terror. It follows a group of women who embark on a spelunking adventure, only to encounter deadly creatures lurking in the caves. The original movie is celebrated for its intense atmosphere, strong character dynamics, and effective use of gore. It explores themes of survival and the psychological breakdown of its characters, making it a modern classic in the horror genre.
5-The Invitation (2022)
The 2022 version of The Invitation is a reimagining of the classic vampire tale, blending elements of horror and romance. The film, directed by Jessica Thompson, follows Evie, who discovers her family's dark secrets during a lavish wedding. While it features a strong lead performance and an engaging atmosphere, many horror fans have pointed out its predictability and lack of depth in the script, which detracts from its potential impact as a horror film.
6-It Comes at Night (2017)
It Comes at Night is a psychological horror film directed and written by Trey Edward Shults. The creepy story is set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious airborne disease that has decimated the population. The horror movie centers on a family. Paul, Sarah, and their son Travis. They have retreated to a secluded cabin in the woods to escape the chaos outside. Despite these forecasts, this family will live a real nightmare that they never imagined.
7-The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a chilling horror film directed by André Øvredal. This story is centered on a father-son coroner team who perform an autopsy on an unidentified woman. As they investigate her mysterious death, they encounter supernatural occurrences that escalate the tension. The film is praised for its clever storytelling and claustrophobic setting, effectively creating a sense of dread. It stands out for the emotional depth of its characters, making it a noteworthy entry in the genre.
Conclusion
The horror movies mentioned above have highly original plots. Before seeing them, open your perspective and you will see a great fusion of mysteries, surprises and riddles that will blow your mind.
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Ninfa Galeano
Journalist. Content Creator. LGBT+ perspective 🏳️🌈
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Comments (1)
I've se en these 7 movies and the one that moved the most is In the mouth of Madness. In the Mouth of Madness is a cult film that remains relevant thanks to Carpenter's genius. He wanted to direct the film because of the relevance of what is happening in both America and Britain in terms of false morality. The only truth, although many find it unpleasant, is that religion seeks discipline through fear. Carpenter wanted to expose our perception of reality and how, sometimes, it is not what we believe it to be. The end result is really a paranoid fantasy about the end of our world. The film was not a financial success, something the director knew would happen because it was too obtuse and intellectual for the audience.