In anticipation of the release of “Obsession,” the new, acclaimed horror film from Blumhouse, which opens in theaters on May 21st, we’re looking back at the most hyped horror films of recent years. Our selection includes body horrors, psychological thrillers, and atmospheric indie hits that will make you want to not only turn on the light in your room but also discuss what you’ve seen with friends.
“One Piece”
One of the most talked-about body horror films of last year, it examines codependent relationships. Tim and Millie are a couple going through a crisis, so in an attempt to start over, they move to a quiet rural area. But after a strange incident in the woods, an inexplicable connection develops between them: they become literally physically drawn to each other. Their feelings turn into something frightening, and their bodies can undergo terrifying transformations.
The film stars Alison Brie and Dave Franco, a real-life married couple, making the on-screen action even more disturbing and intimate. Michael Shanks’s “One” is a dark metaphor for codependent relationships, the fear of loneliness, and how love can gradually erase the boundaries between two people.
“Substance”
A film that was literally impossible to avoid on social media in 2024. Coralie Farge’s body horror film instantly went viral thanks to its shocking scenes, aesthetics, and, of course, the return of Demi Moore in one of the most high-profile roles of her career.
Her character is former TV star Elizabeth Sparkle, whose career is beginning to crumble due to age. In an attempt to regain her popularity and “perfect” self, Elizabeth agrees to an experimental drug called “Substance,” which creates a younger, more perfect version of herself.
Demi Moore also stars in the film, playing the “perfect” version of the character. “Substance” is not only a spectacular and at times absolutely insane horror film, but also a caustic satire on the cult of youth, beauty standards and the pressures of show business.
“Midsummer”
After the release of Ari Aster’s film, tours to Sweden and white summer dresses were never perceived so calmly again. “Midsummer” became one of the main folk horror films in the history of cinema and finally cemented the trend for aesthetically pleasing, yet emotionally heavy genre films.
The story centers on Dani (played by Florence Pugh), who is experiencing a personal tragedy and a crisis in her relationship with her boyfriend Christian. She and his friends set off for an ancient midsummer celebration in a closed Swedish community. At first, the trip seems like the perfect summer getaway: sunshine, beautiful traditions, white clothes, and an atmosphere of complete freedom. But very quickly, the vacation begins to turn into something truly disturbing.
“Midsummer” is a simultaneously beautiful, hypnotic, and emotionally heavy horror film about toxic relationships, loneliness, and the desire to feel part of something bigger.
“Guns”
The new horror film from Zach Cregger, director of the acclaimed “Barbarian,” instantly became one of the most important genre premieres of the year upon its release. The story begins with the mysterious disappearance of several children in a small American town. All the missing were students in the same class, and very quickly the attention of the locals shifts to their teacher, who turns out to be more connected to the events than initially seems. While the police and parents try to understand what happened to the children, the atmosphere in the city becomes increasingly alarming and paranoid.
Cregger again relies not only on jump scares, but also on a feeling of constant tension, when the viewer, along with the characters, gradually loses touch with reality. “The Guns” grabs you not only with its mysterious plot, but also with an atmosphere of growing anxiety, which is why the film stays in your head for a long time after watching.
“It Comes for You”
David Mitchell’s indie hit, which has long since received the status of a modern cult horror. The story begins like a typical teen thriller: after a date with a new guy, schoolgirl Jay discovers she has fallen victim to a strange curse. Now she is being stalked by an unknown entity capable of taking the form of anyone. It slowly stalks its victim and never stops. The only way to break the curse is to pass it on to someone else. The leading role was played by Maika Monroe, who after the film finally secured her status as the new scream queen.
“It Comes for You” is frightening not with jumpscares, but with a constant feeling of anxiety and inevitability – and that is why it is still considered one of the most atmospheric horror films of recent years.
“The Soul Collector”
Oz Perkins’ disturbing horror film, which literally took over social networks after the premiere – viewers discussed everything: from hidden plot details to the frightening image of Nicolas Cage. The main character, Lee Harker, works for the FBI and takes on the investigation of a series of brutal murders linked to a mysterious serial killer nicknamed the Soultaker. But the deeper she gets into the case, the more she begins to sense that what’s happening is much more connected to her than initially appears.
The film is frightening in its overall feel – viscous and deeply disturbing. The lead roles are played by Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, who looks simultaneously terrifying and completely insane. After its release, “The Soul Collector” quickly became a favorite among fans of psychological horrors.
“Obsession”
The new horror film from director Karri Barker, which is released on May 21, has already become one of the most talked about and anticipated genre releases this spring. After the first screenings, the film received 96% on Rotten Tomatoes – which is rare even for the most high-profile projects of recent years.
This is the story of Bear, a shy guy who has long been unrequitedly in love with his colleague Nicky, and can’t confess his feelings to her. Everything changes after he finds a strange magic wand in an esoteric shop that can grant any wish. In desperation, the boy makes only one wish: for Niki to love him more than anyone in the world. And his wish does come true.
But very quickly, this romantic fantasy turns into a real nightmare. The girl literally can’t be without Bear, and her love develops into an obsessive obsession. “Obsession” plays with a fear that is very understandable to everyone: that a long-awaited dream or desire that you have been thinking about for so long, at some point begins to go completely differently from the scenario that you imagined.
