6 Films to Help You Overcome Your Fear of Subtitles
Tyler Doupe'
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I am a big advocate of foreign language horror. Several installments of my weekly column, The Overlook Motel, have featured subtitled films. And some of my favorite horror features of all time are presented in a foreign language. But I am well aware that there’s a vocal segment of the horror community averse to ‘reading a film’. So, because I like you and want what’s best for you, I am cultivating a roundup of features that should be accessible to those put off by the idea of watching a feature which requires captioning. So, read on for six films that are sure to help you overcome your deep-seated fear of subtitles!
Timecrimes
Timecrimes is a standout effort from celebrated director Nacho Vigalondo. This horror-thriller is as suspenseful as it is effective. The time loop narrative avoids common trappings and never becomes redundant or predictable. This tale of time travel sees lead character Héctor (Karra Elejalde) accidentally traveling back in time, only to find that no matter what he does, he cannot right the problems he created by altering his own destiny. This flick is so suspenseful and fast-paced enough that you’ll be too wrapped up in the twisty narrative to give a second thought to the fact that the dialogue is in Spanish.
Audition
This 1999 effort from Takashi Miike is brutal, darkly comedic, and also serves as something of a biting commentary on gender roles. If you’re unfamiliar with Miike’s work, Audition may be a logical jumping-off point as it’s probably the most accessible of the director’s output. With that said, Audition is still not for the faint of heart. It is visceral and intense. But the unspeakable acts of violence will likely serve as a welcome distraction from the pesky captioning you’re forced to read. So, give it a look and you can thank me (or curse me) later.
Cold Prey
If you’ve ever lamented the fact that we probably won’t ever see a snowbound Jason Voorhees in a canonical sequel/reboot, lament no more. This tale of winter sports enthusiasts stranded at a vacant lodge should scratch that itch for you. This slasher film is intense, atmospheric, and makes the most of a beautiful setting. The flick makes for an excellent double bill with its stellar sequel Cold Prey II. By the time you’re done marathoning both films, you’ll likely be more concerned with why you waited so long to seek them out than you will be with your aversion to subtitles.
House
Few films (English language or foreign) bring me as much joy as House. This is a wild and whimsical ride that never concerns itself with logic or making sense. The film tells the story of a group of giggling schoolgirls on an excursion to visit a relative. Along their journey, the young women encounter various forms of evil, including, but not limited to, a carnivorous piano, a sinister feline, and an evil witch! When watching this surreal effort, you’ll be far too busy wondering what the hell just happened to be bothered by the presence of subtitles.
The Skin I Live in
I have been singing the praises of this film since I first watched it roughly ten years ago. The Skin I Live in sees Antonio Banderas turn in a complex performance as a plastic surgeon with more than a few issues. The flick is a shocking tale of gender identity, male entitlement, and revenge. If like many horror fans, you haven’t seen this dark and unsettling feature, I suggest seeking it out. Film scholars have varying interpretations of the film’s messaging. But I would suggest having a look for yourself and drawing your own conclusions.
There’s plenty to unpack here. So, chances are, you’ll quickly forget the film is in a foreign language, as the narrative is every bit as compelling as it is shocking.
Fermat’s Room
This Spanish language horror film is a little like Cube crossed with Clue. It sees a collection of mathematicians (all of whom have been assigned pseudonyms) at a small gathering. Once there, the attendees realize they are trapped and must solve a series of puzzles if they hope to escape. The action is fast-paced and the stakes are high for this group of savants. Take my word when I say that you will not be hindered, in the slightest, by having to read the on-screen captions.
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