Must-See Horror Gems

by Kendrick "Driekone" Jahn
(Colorado, USA)

Here are some films that I think are worth a watch for those who have not discovered them yet. If you have, then I hope you agree that they are amazing films. Some may not put them in the horror category but I certainly think they belong there.

Antihrist (2009). A film by Lars Von Trier. I absolutely love this film and that it goes places most horror films don't go. It may be more of a psychological film to many, but the raw intensity and heavy emotion will leave you captivated for months afterward.

Dead Girl (2008). From Dark Sky Films, and directed by Marcel Sarmiento and Gadi Harel. This one is disturbing and it focuses on the mental sickness of a couple of outcasts after they find something strange in an abandoned hospital.

I Saw the Devil (2010). A film by Jee-woon Kim. A very well done Korean film that is shockingly violent and full of surprises. If you love Asian horror and psychological thrillers you must see this movie!!

Imprint (Masters of Horror) (2006). By Takashi Miike. I normally don't enjoy the Masters of Horror series, but I must say that this one grabbed me. I've always enjoyed Takashi Miike as a director (Ichi the Killer), and this one is very unsettling, although it's only 63 minutes long. It has a slow start with some artistic visuals, but it gets better. Definitely not for the squeamish, and there are many taboos.

Gozu (2003). Another one by Takashi Miike, and I must say I liked this one more than Imprint. This is another one that has many taboos, and as many already know, Takashi Miike has a way with making his audience cringe with disgust and excitement simultaneously. Check this one out!

Thirst (2009). Written and directed by Park Chan-Wook. This is one for Vampire lovers. It is extremely intense and erotic. It pushes the envelope in the realm of morality and consciousness. It will make you wonder just how far you would go if you became a monster and had to feed yourself to stay alive. A must see!

Laid to Rest (2006). Writer/director Robert Hall will take you on a journey through some intense kill scenes. These are some of the most creative and realistic kill scenes I've seen in a while in a slasher film. It's gory and wicked, and will have you biting your nails. Anyone that survives Chromeskull is a total bad-ass.

Rabid (1977). Written and Directed by the one and only David Cronenberg. It's an older one but a gem, nonetheless. If you are a fan of Cronenberg like I am, and you haven't had the chance to see this, check it out. It is Cronenberg at his finest in film making. This one is about a woman who becomes bloodthirsty but is not necessarily a vampire, but something entirely different. Awesome stuff!

Cronos (1993). A film by Guillermo Del Toro. I am surprised. I had never watched this until a few weeks ago. It's the winner of 9 Mexican Academy Awards and Best Picture, but how can we expect anything less from Del Toro? The guy is a visual master. He really does show why he is the best at what he does. It's not a gory movie but it's nice to get a break from the gore sometimes and watch something a little frightening and fun.

Bug (2007). Directed by William Friedkin. This one is another psychological mind bender. It has some disturbing twists and a shocking ending. This one will also leave a stain on you well after the movie has been viewed. Brace yourself here for a ride into the world of paranoia!

That's it for now. Hope you enjoy these as much as I did.

Sincerely,
Driekone