Netflix: October 2015 Horror Roundup
Matt Molgaard
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October is upon us, and unlike December, a month in which Netflix loves to ignore the horror crowd, this month is a gift from the Netflix selection gods. There is a wide variety of new genre pieces hitting the service site this month. Some are dreadful, some are superb, and some are superb in a strange, dreadful sort of way.
Unlike some months, which seem to feature obscure pictures exclusively, you’re going to spot plenty of familiar titles among the 15 films listed. We hope you’ve got time to spare this Halloween season because Netflix is going to be calling your name just about every night.
Curse of Chucky: Don’t be fooled by the fact that this is like the 19th film in the Child’s Play franchise (okay, it’s actually the sixth); Curse of Chucky absolutely rocks. It’s a damn dark film, and it’s unforgiving. It’s also almost devoid of comedy (of course we get a few jokes, but nothing like what we’ve seen from the last few series installments) and far more frightening than any film in the franchise, sans the original, which was creepy as shit. For the record, Fiona Dourif is also smoking hot.
Dark Was the Night: This quasi-Wendigo tale is excellent. It functions under the approaching vehicle with a slow burn and explodes at the end in a gratifying conclusion. A few of the special effects featured look a little rough, but outside of that this is an awesome character study that nails tension and terror to an equal degree. Kevin Durand makes for an excellent lead, and the chemistry between him and his deputy, played by Lukas Haas, is great.
Djinn: Full disclosure (there will be a couple of those in this list): Djinn isn’t a great film. Not by a longshot. It’s also nowhere near the best film that Tobe Hooper has directed. But that’s the thing about us horror nuts; when we devote ourselves to a filmmaker, we always want to see his/her new film. It gives us an idea of where they’re at while simultaneously supporting them. Trust me when I say that’s about all you’ll be doing, learning where Hooper is at today (it’s not a great place) and showing a little support. There probably won’t be much enjoyment involved.
The Brainiac: This old school hokey flick is just fun. It’s basically a revenge story that serves as the ultimate often unintentional comedy and beer drinking experience. It’s a bit ridiculous, and if you’re as stressed out with life as I am, it’s just the thing you need to remember it’s all right to laugh and take life a little less seriously.
The Stranger: There are a number of problems with this script. If you watch it closely, you’re going to spot several inconsistencies in the details, and it does admittedly steal from the promise of the flick. However, it’s also a well shot and well acted piece that does hold the attention despite being more drama-driven than horror. This one isn’t perfect, but it is most certainly worth a look.
Tremors 5: Bloodlines: Unexpected gem of the year, right here. Just a year ago no one would have predicted a new Tremors film was on the way and that it was actually going to rock. But rockin’ is what we got. Bloodlines is an awesome flick loaded with good humor, shockingly impressive special effects, and strong performances. The production values will stun you, as will the movie. It’s an easy favorite of mine in 2015.
American Horror Story: Freak Show: For my money “Freak Show” was the creepiest season of “American Horror Story” yet. Sadly it did suffer from the same problems the previous seasons suffered from: It becomes a bit monotonous as the final episodes edge closer. Just the same, “Freak Show” is well worth your time and should actually make for great Halloween viewing.
The Blood Lands: This English home invasion tale is quietly creeping up on fans, and I think it’s going to leave a little mark when all is said and done. It’s not a pitch-perfect piece of artwork, but it’s a pretty entertaining, straightforward story that never overdoes it with plot details, keeps the tale as realistic as possible, and features strong performances from Pollyanna McIntosh (The Woman) and Lee Williams. It’s a bit reminiscent of You’re Next, but it feels like a completely unique story. Look into it; you may find yourself surprised.
The Nightmare: Who doesn’t love a good documentary about tripped out shit like Sleep Paralysis and the trippy shit that goes down when under such a state? Seriously, the reenactments aren’t fantastic, but the rest of the film is interesting. This is a lot less far-fetched than Rodney Ascher’s previous effort, Room 237.
iZombie: This lighthearted series about the undead and their unfortunate positions in life is never once to be taken seriously. It’s a funny little show that often gets a bit cheesy and unbelievable, but who the hell believes in zombies to begin with? Lighten up and let Liv, Ravi, Major, and Blaine take you on an absurd but enjoyable journey.
The Beast of Xmoor: Full (yep… here comes another one!) disclosure: I checked this out with a buddy of mine a night or so back, and we were completely tanked. So take this recommendation with a grain of salt. From what I recall, this one is all about a hunt for a monster who may be closer than expected. I recall some nice scenic shots and fair camera work. I also recall declaring it a “pretty decent movie,” but that quote could be off just a hair.
3-Headed Shark Attack: Oh come on! Do you really need to be told why you should watch a movie titled 3-Headed Shark Attack? Really?
Exeter: Marcus Nispel directs this possession flick that shouldn’t work at all but somehow does. There are clichés hanging out on set as though they’re paid employees, and there isn’t much in the way of any surprising tactics from the film. And still it holds a degree of magnetism. I’m going to go ahead and chalk that one up to the presence of Stephen Lang, who just rocks!
The Babadook: The Babadook… again? Yeah, again. It’s taken a hit due to fan oversaturation on social media, but if you somehow still haven’t seen it, it’s awesome and it’s back on Netflix.
The Lazarus Effect: This tricky spin on the old Frankenstein tale was a lot stronger than most anticipated. There isn’t much to take in with regard to originality, but there are some excellent performances featured and the flick moves at a very nice pace. The special effects are fair and the production values are respectable. This one may not have you jumping for joy, but it won’t have you shaking your head in rage for the asshole at Dread Central who recommended you watch the movie either.
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