Required Halloween viewing

What’s this? No video game talk this week? That’s right. Friday is Voni day and I can whatever I want. I AM IN CONTROL! MWAHAHAHAHA!

*cough*

Sorry, where was I?

So yes, no video games today. Instead, I wish to assist you in your Halloween viewing this year. If you’re not going out dressed up in various flammable fabrics, then you should curl up on the sofa with some popcorn, one of the following movies, and maybe the number for The Samaritans. Enjoy:

[REC]

[REC] follows TV presenter Angela as she records the show ‘While You Sleep’, as she joins a local fire-fighter crew for their night shift. As they are recording, the crew respond to a call to rescue a woman trapped in her apartment. They arrive at the building, only to find the residents terrified and things are certainly not as they seem. Soon they are locked into the building and fighting for their lives.

The film follows the Blair Witch tradition by being filmed entirely in ‘shaky cam’, which I know would put loads of viewers off but honestly, give it a chance. [REC] is horrifying because it presents the horror raw, without the screen filters and fancy soundtracks most films use. Watching through the cameraman’s lens really makes you feel as if the situation is plausible, and that it could happen to you. In fact, don’t turn round. There’s someone standing RIGHT BEHIND YOU.

Sleep tight.

The Orphanage

Laura, along with her husband and adopted son, move back to the orphanage where she grew up in the hopes of reopening it as a centre for disabled children. Before long, son Simon gains an imaginary friend Tomas, whom he draws as wearing a bag over his head. When Simon goes missing, Laura is convinced that the forces still living in the orphanage are behind it...

I’m not going to lie, I loved this film. I’m a sucker for haunted house stories, and this one’s a doozy. It taps into the part of your brain that freaks out when you hear a bang downstairs in the middle of the night. There is a problem that seems to happen in a lot of horror movies, where the main female lead is convinced something spooky’s happening but no one will believe her for ages, BUT OH LOOK SHE WAS RIGHT ALL ALONG, but if you can see past that you’ll love this.

I’m warning you though; it has a proper sucker punch ending. If you’re not moved by it at all you’re not human.

A Tale of Two Sisters

Some amazing horror has come from Asia, but this is my top pick. This Korean film follows sisters Soo-yeon and Soo-mi, who return home after spending time in a mental institution to their father and cruel stepmother. Their recovery is impeded when a ghost begins to terrorize them.

It’s a very simple concept, but it’s done brilliantly. The film follows the top rule of horror, which is the monster you can’t see is scarier than the one you can. You’ll be on the edge of your seat till the ending, and yes, it has a twist ending, but no, you will not see it coming. I promise you.

Session 9

Session 9 follows an asbestos removal crew, who are attempting to complete a job at an abandoned mental institution in just one week. However, one crew member becomes obsessed with listening to the recorded sessions with Mary, a deeply disturbed patient with several different personalities...

Finally, an English speaking movie!

I like Session 9 because it gives you the scenario and leads you to believe it will go down one path, but then throws convention out the window and does its own thing. The result is a film that grows slowly darker and grimmer until it reaches its bloody conclusion, but still doesn’t give up any answers without a fight. Love it.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark

Sally is sent to live with her dad and his girlfriend at Blackwood Manor, which they are currently renovating. Sally’s arrival results in the discovery of a bricked up basement and of the monster who lived there, waiting for another child to enter the house...

This movie is out now. Like, right now. How handy!

It’s another haunted house movie, so of course I’m biased. I’m not going to deny it has its faults (no one believes Sally about the monsters for AGES. I mean, after a while wouldn’t be at least inclined to investigate?) but it’s nice to see a horror brought out at Halloween that isn’t another gorefest. Plus, the ending is pretty grim and disturbing, so if you’re clearly sick in the head like I am, you’ll love it.

That’s your lot kids! I’m not taking responsibility for anyone’s dry cleaning bills.