Everything is terrible

Things are feeling pretty rubbish right now.

It’s hard to avoid the news, it’s harder still to avoid the horrors that are just outside your window. I’ve made lists of films before (here and here), but this one is a collection that I think reflect something about the times we live in.

I am being slightly loosy-goosey with the term horror- some might be better categorised as historical drama or science fiction and yet, all of them scare the bejesus out of me. Each one points to a specific cultural anxiety and pushes it to its extreme-war, systems of oppression, the destruction of the environment.

In Alien and Infinity Pool, the true terror is not the creature but the system; corporations and power structures that consume human bodies as readily as any monster. Fresh and The Substance take this further, commodification and destruction of the body is not abstract but literal.

Elsewhere, horror becomes a language for past trauma. The Nightingale, Black ‘47, and Candyman insist that the past is not past; that the shadows of colonialism, famine and slavery persist.

Films like His House and Under the Shadow position horror within war. Here the supernatural emerges from psychological rupture and displacement.

Pulse and Lake Mungo are quiet, devastating studies of loneliness, where technology fails to connect us.

They Live and Invasion of the Body Snatchers expose how easily identity is flattened under capitalism and white supremacy.

Look I know it's depressing, but great Art connects us and reminds us that we aren’t the only ones that despair at the state of the world. These films matter because they make the invisible visible.

Under the Shadow (2016) -War
A mother and daughter in 1980s Tehran are haunted by a malevolent presence amid the Iran-Iraq War. Trauma, superstition and bombardment blur into one devastating force. I implore you to watch this if you haven’t seen it, it’s an excellent film.

Alien (1979) – Corporate Greed
A spaceship crew encounters a deadly alien. In this world, the corporations they work for value profit over human life (sound familiar? ahem -Amazon- ahem)

Triangle of Sadness (2022) – Class and Status
When a luxury yacht trip descends into chaos, social hierarchies are stripped away. This film is equal parts disgusting and hilarious and is a wonderful satirical takedown of wealth and status.

Infinity Pool (2023) – Class and Status
Wealthy tourists discover a legal loophole in a dystopian resort. This film explores morality, excess and privilege.

Soft & Quiet (2022) – Extremism and Racism
A real-time descent into extremism as a group of women reveal and act upon racist ideologies. I feel like those that need to see this film would never watch it. Deeply distressing and disturbing.

They Live (1988) – Brainwashing and Consumerism
A drifter discovers sunglasses that reveal a hidden ruling class that are manipulating humanity through advertising and media. This film is so much fun, particularly the fight scene in the alley way. A must watch.

Green Room (2015) – Extremism
After witnessing a murder in a Neo-Nazi club, a punk band become targets and must fight for their survival. Some amazing body horror scenes, full of dread and this stars the wonderful Anton Yelchin.

The Nightingale (2018) – Colonialism
In colonial Tasmania, a young Irish convict seeks revenge against British soldiers. This was a one time watch for me-it’s brutal.

The Host (2006) – Environmental collapse
A river monster emerges in Seoul, born from environmental negligence and government failure. This film has so much heart and some great scares too. A personal favourite.

The Substance (2024) – Commodification of the self
A fading celebrity uses a mysterious drug with horrifying consequences. I think a lot of people have seen this- but if you haven’t, I won’t spoil anything. An excellent commentary on aging, identity and beauty.

Black ‘47 (2018) – Colonialism
Set during the Great Famine, an Irish soldier returns home and seeks vengeance against the British and ruling classes. Think- a Western set in Ireland. This was a very satisfying watch.

His House (2020) – War
Refugees from South Sudan struggle with both trauma and a supernatural force haunting their new home in England. A must watch in my opinion, not what I expected at all, it explores the ghosts that haunt those fleeing war.

Fresh (2022) – Commodification
A woman discovers a horrifying secret about her new lover. I’ll leave it at that- this films leads you down one path then slaps you around the face. It’s a good watch, funny in parts and horrifying in others. Very entertaining and it has an excellent soundtrack.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)- Conformity and brainwashing
People are replaced by duplicates. This film really holds up- equal parts uncanny and terrifying.

Saint Maud (2019) – Religious fanaticism
A devout nurse becomes dangerously obsessed with saving her patient’s soul. This film expertly blurs the lines of mental illness and religious experience. I am always very suspicious of those that claim “"God” has told them things. It all too often becomes an excuse to commit atrocities.

Candyman (1992) – Gentrification / Legacy of slavery
An urban legend manifests in Cabrini-Green. This film explores racial violence, history and myth. I watches this at a sleepover when I was thirteen. It’s stayed with me ever since.

The People Under the Stairs (1991) – Gentrification
A boy discovers horrifying secrets in a landlord’s house, exposing class and housing inequality. This film made me want to learn Tarot and be suspicious of landlords.

District 9 (2009) – Racism / Apartheid
Aliens confined to South African slums face segregation and cruelty. This is a very on the nose commentary on the very real apartheid that was enforced in South Africa. Unfortunately this film and its message is as relevant now as it ever was.

Frogs (1972) – Eco Horror
Eek! I cannot contain my love for this movie. Nature turns against a wealthy family as animals begin attacking in retaliation for environmental abuse. Too right in my opinion. I’m on the side of the frogs.

The Bay (2012) – Eco Horror
A found-footage account of a small town plagued by a deadly parasitic outbreak linked to water pollution. Expertly done- this is gross and scary.

Lake Mungo (2008) – Loneliness
A grieving family uncovers unsettling secrets about their deceased daughter through eerie footage and revelations. Slow and sad, this touches on so many issues, like, what happens after we die?

Pulse (2001) – Loneliness
A film that captures existential dread perfectly. I won’t spoil it. It’s strange, uncanny and has some truly terrifying scenes.

Hope I’ve suggested something you might not have seen before. Thanks for reading and being here.

Laura x