This “Mean and Frightening” Horror Movie is Now Streaming And it’s Downright Sickening
Body horror is having something of a comeback. Titles like The Substance, The Shrouds, and even The First Omen and Alien: Romulus are updating classic templates with new, ooey, gooey bouts of body horror. It’s arguably the least accessible subgenre of horror, largely because it targets our innate revulsion. We see bodies in new, grotesque lights, yes, but it simultaneously reminds us of how vulnerable and soft our own bodies are. That’s why I can’t do eye gore, y’all.
There are several classics. Some, like The Fly, are award-winning. Others, like Excision, are grossly underrated. Wherever you fall on the scale of body horror (and how much your own body can take), there’s no denying it’s one of the freshest, most urgent subgenres around. Luckily, horror streamer Shudder just quietly acquired one of the best body horror movies of the century. You might have seen it before, but almost 20 years later, it still packs a hell of a wallop. Learn more about Carter Smith’s The Ruins below:
Per Shudder: A group of friends become entangled in a brutal struggle for survival after visiting a remote archaeological dig in the jungle where they discover something deadly living among the ruins.
The Ruins is Carter Smith’s filmmaking debut. He’d go on to helm titles like Jamie Marks is Dead (underrated) and Swallowed (also body horror, also really good). The Ruins, adapted from Scott B. Smith’s novel of the same name, is fantastic. While it was a critical and box office flop upon release, the film has only grown in favor among audiences. The Ruins remains distinct almost two decades later, even if its nastiest, gnarliest scenes will have you upchucking your lunch.
In his The Overlook Motel column, our own Tyler Doupé had this to say upon revisiting The Ruins: “As seeds of distrust and resentment are sown, the tension between the leads reaches almost unbearable levels. As the friends transition from easygoing tourists to scared and suspicious victims, the tension and paranoia continue to mount, adding to an already harrowing viewing experience.” It’s truly harrowing, and its surprise arrival on Shudder is a genuine treat. Check out what other fans are saying about the “absolutely excellent” movie below:
What do you think? Any plans to check out The Ruins on Shudder? If you do, creep over to my Twitter @Chadiscollins and let me know what you think.
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