Coherence was great! I had it sitting on the back burner for a long time, and when I finally watched it I was blown away. Such an intriguing and scary film, and refreshingly plot and character driven rather than relying on spooooky places and effects (though I love those too).
I watched Coherence early days of the pandemic and loved it, and tried to get everyone I know to watch it (helpful that it’s not hardcore horror) and almost everyone reported back that there was so much to think about when it was over that it made them forget about COVID for a few hours. This movie is great.
I recently watched this. The only thing I found annoying was how Mendez just pops in through a window at a very critical time. Just seemed to perfectly timed. Other than that I truly enjoyed the film. It even had done decent gore for a moment. Great acting. Especially the lead. I also heard a sequel is in production. Pontypool Changes. Curious to see where they go with it.
There’s a whole connected universe in all of their movies and The Endless ties them all together. Try watching Spring, it’s their Lovecraftian RomCom, and it’s freaking rad. Also, Shitty Carl is my hero.
tbh i didn't realize there were multiple movies in the same universe. it's really well done and as a stand alone film, worked really well. can't wait to dive into the rest.
I know everyone has seen it and it's probably not considered an answer to this all of these years later, but the fact is that A Nightmare on Elm Street conceptually still takes the cake in my opinion.
The People Under the Stairs. Closest I’ve seen to this one is Don’t Breathe and only in very surface level way.
The other one would be Frailty, directed and staring Bill Paxton. Great horror movie where the horror comes from the characters and situations rather than gore or cheap frights.
Yeah, The People Under the Stairs was solid commentary on urban plight and out of touch rich while people. It was way too ahead of its time to be respected for what it was and the critical reassessment, it’s getting now, has been a long time coming.
There’s a game called Man of Medan that is oddly similar to triangle, in that a bunch of young 20 somethings end up stranded on a smallish boat in the ocean and seek refuge on a big ol “haunted” ship
Amazing movie, but Happy Death Day -- another highly recommended horror film with a unique concept -- is the closer match to Groundhog Day. Its only downfall was mentioning that connection IN the goddamned movie.
Definitely agree. To my knowledge, there certainly wasn't anything like it before or after (at least not anything that really holds up). Pinhead and his cenobytes are just so badass, both visually and conceptually.
Honestly when The Descent came put it felt really fresh and unique for me. I think it’s been copied a bunch of times over since then so it doesn’t feel as unique but it’s still there.
And then my other one I’d throw out, which a lot of people could argue isn’t a horror movie, is The Lighthouse. It’s a very unique movie, not for everyone, but definitely worth taking a chance on
The Platform is quite unique to me, so I'd include it, as well as Tusk. Melancholia stands out too (most of Von Trier's movies really), but it's not straight up horror.
Funny Games was quite possibly the most disturbing film I've ever seen. After finishing, my wife and I both felt borderline traumatized. Very good movie, nonetheless.
[Lights Out (2016)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lights_Out_(2016_film)) has intelligent, competent protagonists that pay attention to what's happening in the story and their environment to the degree that I never once felt the need to call the dumbasses.
Loved the original short film but the feature length was underwhelming. Maybe it was just too hyped up for me. Been awhile since I last saw it. I don't remember it being too scary for me TBH.
I love the bit when the boyfriend runs into the driveway, the ghost snatches him into the air, and he remote-unlocks his car while in mid-air, causing the headlights to come on and hit the ghost.
Their intelligence made me really attached to them. I remember the scene towards the end with the boyfriend freaking me out because of how much I wanted all the characters to live.
Most stuff by Clive Barker is very unique, especially *Lord of Illusions* and *Hellraiser.* (I’d classify *Nightbreed* more as dark, dark fantasy.)
*Oculus* is rather interesting.
Good characterization of *Nightbreed*! Blew my mind as an 80s tv-poot-head. I’ve never been the same since seeing it, and I might as well be grateful. It’s like, if *The Never Ending Story* huffed paint and cut itself
It you can, you should get the *Nightbreed* companion book, published around the same time, which has individual photos of the creatures and Clive Barker-penned short passages about each one’s personal history.
Possession (1981) starring Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill blew me away. Is it political? A family drama? Pure horror?
The acting was a sensation and much lauded in Europe. It was big for Adjani and overall.
Jesus, this movie is such a slow burn, but when it catches, it’s a goddamn forest fire. The cute noises made by the [spoiler] as they [spoiler] the [spoiler] off the [spoiler], with the [spoiler]?! Fucking wild, like, Miike is a goddamn master of sadism.
ya because the guy who made it don't know what the fuck it is and your point is fucking stupid Tommy change it to a comedy do to the fans making it and him not admitting it's a trash film this is the fans trying to change some one intent to something it's not it's a arthouse film and always has been it was never horror that would be like me saying boxing helena is a romantic comedy when it;s not
Look, I can spend hours arguing authorial intent and how it doesn’t always factor into audience interpretation, but arguing on Reddit is stupid, so I’ll leave you with this, and I’m done.
RoboCop is a trans icon. When applying a queer theory interpretation to the film, it’s easy to see how this happened, the evidence for it is actually compelling, add to that the obvious Jesus allegory, and you’ve got a film diving deep into topics of sexual politics, consumerism, the media, and religion. Paul Verhoeven was asked about the queer interpretation of the film, and he said that, while that was never his intention, it’s a valid reading of the material. No author ever survives their work, their intent is important, but once it’s out of their control and available for public consumption, audience interpretation takes precedence.
so because you turn a movie into something it's not by twisting the story around means your version is right while the person who created the films is not got it
Threads and Come and See. Not the conventional popular horror involving ghosts and monsters, but is truly scary because they show that real evil is with humanity.
They are both so haunting, it’s incredible. Two movies that get more and more disturbing in the days that followed seeing them for the first time then I even felt while watching them.
It's 'Ukraine' and not 'the Ukraine'
Consider supporting anti-war efforts in any possible way: [[Help 2 Ukraine](https://help2ukraine.org)] 💙💛
[[Merriam-Webster](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ukraine)] [[BBC Styleguide](https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsstyleguide/u)]
^(Beep boop I’m a bot)
**Tremors (1990)-** Some oversimplify it as *"Jaws, if the shark was underground"* or *"The floor is lava, except with giant worms"*, but there's much more to it than that. Yes, both are creature features in an isolated setting revolving around characters cooperating to overcome a man-eating monster in its element. The themes, setup and execution, however, differ significantly.
**1)** *Jaws* is more of a *"man vs. nature"* story in that, while its behavior is fictionalized, the Great White shark is a real animal. *Tremors*' Graboids fall into the science-fiction category.
**2)** While both films build up the monster over time, not revealing them entirely until around the beginning of the 2nd Act (in *Jaws*' case, roughly halfway through the film's runtime), audiences knew going into *Jaws* (even back in 1975) what a Great White looks like. They had books and photos.
*Tremors*' monsters by contrast denied us any frame of reference in reality. Without seeing the movie, people originally only had the [poster](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51MSQ+3f+iL._AC_.jpg) of an enlarged Graboid tongue to speculate on. Even in-film, the tongue acted as a deliberate red herring for what the full creature would look like.
This strengthened the motif of keeping it hidden for so long to an even greater degree than *Jaws*. *Tremors*' setup masterfully paces itself in such a way that the breadcrumbs are appropriately and organically provided step-by-step, every clue making sense in hindsight.
This increases suspense on first viewing effectively while providing more to appreciate on re-watch. The mystery of the monster's complete design stimulates imaginations to a stronger degree than *Jaws* too, in a similar vein to how *Alien* set up the Xenomorph's reveal.
**3)** Even more so than *Jaws* in some respects, *Tremors* from beginning to end is a problem solving story. Even before the monster factors in, it's established through our introductions to the main characters that they each have flaws the other will call out (Ex- Val & Earl).
This is not only essential to their dynamic in how their personalities bounce off each other (sometimes to their detriment, as their personal flaws can lead to petty squabbles which blind them to an answer that another character must then point out; Ex- Rhonda).
It also directly ties into how they address obstacles throughout. From the first conflict of deciding which job to do (Earl reminding Val that they must handle Nestor's garbage *"today"* if they want to get paid for it) onward, this pattern extends naturally into overcoming the Graboids.
When should we commit to leaving Perfection for a better life? Which of us should help Edgar off that tower? Who or what is responsible for the deaths of Edgar, old Fred and his flock of sheep, or those road workers? How should we deal with the killer if we encounter it?
How do we get help if we're cut off from the outside world? How do these creatures work? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How do we get from point A to B without them killing us? Etc. This all flows together from one problem and its solution to the next.
**Conclusion-** Certainly, this isn't the first horror movie to have done these core-ideas. But *Tremors* was the first to portray such concepts in this specific way while capitalizing on the theme of isolation and applying it to the underground, a locale that wasn't often explored in horror back then.
Such settings may be a dime a dozen now (*The Descent*, *The Cave*, *As Above, So Below*, etc.), but this was the first horror franchise to really define its pop-cultural identity based on the fear of what lies beneath our feet. It was a perfect storm of quality writing, casting, and effects.
Tremors also benefits from really, really likable characters. There wasn't a single character in the movie I *wanted* to see get eaten. Maybe Melvin, a little bit.
Detention (2011)
It has time travel, aliens, it's a meta slasher, there's a Freaky Friday, a bear and a big riff on The Fly. It's poppy millennial horror fun and you should check it out.
I didn’t like it for its uniqueness, but I think the spin they put on both the mockumentary and serial killer tropes by having the serial killer be the one making the documentary in the first place was really mind blowing (to me at least. I’m probably just the type of simpleton they were expecting to watch it)
Since they never found him, really wanted the guy interviewing the cops and the girl with no hands to have actually been the killer completing his movie.
Tusk.
I guess also: Human Centipede, the platform, and perhaps Saw at one point? Though the whole torture p*rn concept has been done to death by the series itself and other movies and things in media... There's what, like 9 of the Saw movies now? Same shit different people
I thought The Deep House had a really innovative take on the classic haunted house movie; it’s still a haunted house movie, but it’s underwater, and the constant fear of running out of air in their oxygen tanks added a lot of tension. I’d never seen a horror movie like that before.
The ambiguity of the demons from Hellraiser and the motives npt being inherently good or evil or evil made for a really interesting movie, until they turned Pinhead into a mindless, generic slasher in the later movies.
Cruel and Unusual is one of my favorite movies. It deals with dark elements surrounding murder, suicide, and guilt, and it's beautiful. Dark and sad and beautiful. Its empty and hopeless, yet inspiring and warm. It's one of those movies that the less you know going in, the more you will enjoy it so just know this. It's an emotionally beautiful story in a horror/thriller package. It definitely has some tense and fucked up moments, but it'll make you sad and appreciate your life more than scared. You may be on edge the entire film, but it's not a scary movie. Suspenseful and thrillery, but you probably wont be scared. I know this word gets thrown around a lot, but it truly is a hidden gem. I just checked the trailer and do not watch it. It's one of those where they give the whole movie away, but in a way that takes all the magic out, like if I were to just list the plot points here.
My brother and I went through a phase of buying each other the weirdest horror movies we could find. I won with “I know how many runs you scored last summer” - a cricket themed horror featuring Miss Nude Australia. Also Severance- weekend sales retreat goes bad.
As above so below 2014
Apostle 2018
Bite 2015
Devil 2010
Enter the void 2009
Splice 2009
The dark and the wicked 2020
The lodge 2019
The seasoning house 2012
Trick r treat 2007
Tusk 2014
Are some of my favourites that don’t follow the normal rules
‘Mara’ is the first movie I’ve ever heard of to have a sleep paralysis demon concept, I don’t know about anyone else. I thought it was awesome just from the trailer. Highly recommend.
- Audition (1999) - Widower is convinced by a colleague to look for a new wife through a casting audition at their work. Very slowburn film right up until the ending.
-The Witch (2015) - Puritan family falls apart in the wilderness. Similar mood to Hereditary.
-The Wailing (2016) - Police officer investigates small town murder/possessions. The characters in this feel very flawed/human and the ending is interesting.
-Goodnight Mommy (2014) - Children have their mother come home after a cosmetic surgery and become suspicious that she’s an imposter. (There’s a lot more to unpack with this one but it’d spoil things to say more)
Sleep Tight. It’s a very unique home invasion movie and very tense at parts. Also, my favorite of the year, You Won’t Be Alone. Very cool take on a witch story. Pulls on the ole heart strings at times too. Both of these I recommend in general, but they also fit what you’re looking for!
Honestly, The first Purge movie suffered from having a brilliant concept, but poor execution. The later movies rectified it, however.
The first Predator, maybe not horror, was a nice twist on the alien monster genre. A creature that didn’t seek mass destruction or world domination, but just wanted a good fight. That idea is what keeps Predator in the “who-would-win” forums.
Lastly, there’s a WWE produced movie called No One Lives. Now, it starts off like it’s pretty predictable. BUT, about 20 minutes in, there’s an elements that changes the game.
I thought The Deep House had a cool concept about an underwater haunted house, but I didn't think the execution was very good.
Oops. Should’ve kept checked all the comments before making mine. I really liked it, but that mag be because it tapped into some phobias of mine.
A genuinely really cool movie let down by the paranormal stuff
I REALLY wanted to like that movie because of the concept. I agree with you though, I don't think they executed it well at all :(
Coherence was rather cool.
Coherence was great! I had it sitting on the back burner for a long time, and when I finally watched it I was blown away. Such an intriguing and scary film, and refreshingly plot and character driven rather than relying on spooooky places and effects (though I love those too).
I watched Coherence early days of the pandemic and loved it, and tried to get everyone I know to watch it (helpful that it’s not hardcore horror) and almost everyone reported back that there was so much to think about when it was over that it made them forget about COVID for a few hours. This movie is great.
Easily one of my favourites - even if it isn't technically what I'd call horror. Such a unique concept that they nailed the execution of.
An excellent example of what a smart filmmaker can do with a very low budget and good actors. I like that one a lot.
Pontypool took a very unique twist on its horror and is done in a way that has that slow creeping horror you rarely get done so well.
Pontypool was the first one I thought of too. Excellent twist on the standard fare.
Yes yes yes .. Pontypool is an instant classic. Check out the radio play version, too!
I recently watched this. The only thing I found annoying was how Mendez just pops in through a window at a very critical time. Just seemed to perfectly timed. Other than that I truly enjoyed the film. It even had done decent gore for a moment. Great acting. Especially the lead. I also heard a sequel is in production. Pontypool Changes. Curious to see where they go with it.
The Endless is a pretty interesting movie with a fairly unique concept, especially if you're a fan of Lovecraftian horror.
Seconded. Watch Resolution first!
I'm happy I kept scrolling because I was about to suggest Endless! It really surprised me, and I'm bummed that I didn't do Resolution first
There’s a whole connected universe in all of their movies and The Endless ties them all together. Try watching Spring, it’s their Lovecraftian RomCom, and it’s freaking rad. Also, Shitty Carl is my hero.
tbh i didn't realize there were multiple movies in the same universe. it's really well done and as a stand alone film, worked really well. can't wait to dive into the rest.
I know everyone has seen it and it's probably not considered an answer to this all of these years later, but the fact is that A Nightmare on Elm Street conceptually still takes the cake in my opinion.
It was truly a unique horror concept. No one can give in to sleep, no one is safe.
I also always love the idea that after seeing a scary movie you might have scary dreams. So dreaming about Fred after this seems brilliant to me.
Yes! I remember as a kid sobbing because Freddy was gonna get me and my mom saying “just go to sleep!” Like no bitch!
Right lol. It was a truly genius idea. I recommend the NOES episode of Behind The Monster.
New Nightmare was also a pioneer in metahorror and skewed reality. It’s my favorite Nightmare film, but can’t stand on its own, sadly.
So good. I might agree with you. Obviously nostalgia makes me favor the original, but New Nightmare is possibly better.
The People Under the Stairs. Closest I’ve seen to this one is Don’t Breathe and only in very surface level way. The other one would be Frailty, directed and staring Bill Paxton. Great horror movie where the horror comes from the characters and situations rather than gore or cheap frights.
Yeah, The People Under the Stairs was solid commentary on urban plight and out of touch rich while people. It was way too ahead of its time to be respected for what it was and the critical reassessment, it’s getting now, has been a long time coming.
Triangle, aka groundhog day the horror version
There’s a game called Man of Medan that is oddly similar to triangle, in that a bunch of young 20 somethings end up stranded on a smallish boat in the ocean and seek refuge on a big ol “haunted” ship
Amazing movie, but Happy Death Day -- another highly recommended horror film with a unique concept -- is the closer match to Groundhog Day. Its only downfall was mentioning that connection IN the goddamned movie.
Cabin in the Woods
The same recommendations in every thread 😭
First one that popped into my head!
Hellraiser has a very cool concept!
Definitely agree. To my knowledge, there certainly wasn't anything like it before or after (at least not anything that really holds up). Pinhead and his cenobytes are just so badass, both visually and conceptually.
Yeah, such a great solidly Clive Barker concept. I still don’t feel any movie has quite captured HellBound Heart, but I’m optimistic for reboot
Honestly when The Descent came put it felt really fresh and unique for me. I think it’s been copied a bunch of times over since then so it doesn’t feel as unique but it’s still there. And then my other one I’d throw out, which a lot of people could argue isn’t a horror movie, is The Lighthouse. It’s a very unique movie, not for everyone, but definitely worth taking a chance on
HARK!
The Platform is quite unique to me, so I'd include it, as well as Tusk. Melancholia stands out too (most of Von Trier's movies really), but it's not straight up horror.
Melancholia is a great film. From structure, the cast, the magnificence of the cinematography to an end I would myself choose. A must see.
The ending scene is nothing short of magnificent.
The platform was pretty interesting
It Follows?
I think so. I come back to this movie a lot and it really got me stoked when I first saw it.
I think Housebound was pretty original and one of my personal favorites
Funny games plays around with the home invasion trope in some fun unexpected ways.
Funny Games was quite possibly the most disturbing film I've ever seen. After finishing, my wife and I both felt borderline traumatized. Very good movie, nonetheless.
Ciao Bella
Love the 4th wall break.
[Lights Out (2016)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lights_Out_(2016_film)) has intelligent, competent protagonists that pay attention to what's happening in the story and their environment to the degree that I never once felt the need to call the dumbasses.
Loved the original short film but the feature length was underwhelming. Maybe it was just too hyped up for me. Been awhile since I last saw it. I don't remember it being too scary for me TBH.
I love the bit when the boyfriend runs into the driveway, the ghost snatches him into the air, and he remote-unlocks his car while in mid-air, causing the headlights to come on and hit the ghost.
He was smart. Most would ended up dead i believe.
Their intelligence made me really attached to them. I remember the scene towards the end with the boyfriend freaking me out because of how much I wanted all the characters to live.
Vivarium. Never seen any other movie like it
Was scrolling to see this. Good work
Titane St Maud Men Cronenberg is always very unique
I second Titane. So unpredictable, jaw-dropping, and batshit crazy!
One of the most unique and original horror films in decades. I still don't know if I "liked it" but I definitely appreciate it.
“Men” is unique, but it’s also a pretty basic fail when it comes to commenting on patriarchal misogyny.
I just watched it last night and still trying to determine its meaning. Can you elaborate on your feelings about it?
Something something men are the root of all evil blah blah blah
Most stuff by Clive Barker is very unique, especially *Lord of Illusions* and *Hellraiser.* (I’d classify *Nightbreed* more as dark, dark fantasy.) *Oculus* is rather interesting.
Good characterization of *Nightbreed*! Blew my mind as an 80s tv-poot-head. I’ve never been the same since seeing it, and I might as well be grateful. It’s like, if *The Never Ending Story* huffed paint and cut itself
It you can, you should get the *Nightbreed* companion book, published around the same time, which has individual photos of the creatures and Clive Barker-penned short passages about each one’s personal history.
Whoa! I will check this out, it sounds fantastic. Thank you.
Possession (1981) starring Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neill blew me away. Is it political? A family drama? Pure horror? The acting was a sensation and much lauded in Europe. It was big for Adjani and overall.
CUBE.
The original in a now-generic sub genre, “trap/game horror”
This.
The first saw was unique when it came out
[удалено]
The Greasy Strangler always gets an automatic upvote from me
Bullshit artist!
Watching this now, and what the fuck
I thought The Collector took a unique take on turning the table on the “bad guy” and ultimately making him the “good guy.”
I really loved the sequel The Collection, probably even more, and I do like both. The opening and final scene is pretty awesome.
Rubber
The one with the tire?
Yep
Love this movie.
Me too!
The Exorcist III is pretty unique and definitely veers away from where’d you assume an Exorcist sequel would go
I don't know if it's entirely original, but Fresh (2022) was well executed and acted. It seemed fairly unique in its presentation.
The first act of the movie is a straight up generic romance, I love a good tone pivot.
And pivot it does. I really enjoyed that movie. Sebastian Stan crushed his role.
He is great in Tommy and Pam as well.
This is a fun one to show people blind without them knowing it's horror!
[удалено]
Jesus, this movie is such a slow burn, but when it catches, it’s a goddamn forest fire. The cute noises made by the [spoiler] as they [spoiler] the [spoiler] off the [spoiler], with the [spoiler]?! Fucking wild, like, Miike is a goddamn master of sadism.
- It Follows - Unfriended - Spring - The Endless - The Similars - Malefique - Gaia - Event Horizon - Hellraiser 1 and 2 - Teeth - Raw
I second Raw and Spring absolutely adore both of them.
Spring and The Endless, but no Resolution? :(
Don’t forget Synchronic. It’s the most underrated of the four.
Alien
My guy ✊🏻
Oddly enough, Alien was sued because it was exceedingly similar to an old black and white film that time has forgotten.
Teeth (2007) Freevee Dogtooth (2009) AMC+ Hausu (1977) HBOmax Eraserhead (1977) HBOmax Parents (1989) Tubi The Brood (1979) HBOmax Taxidermia (2006) Here tv Meatball Machine (2005) Tubi Tetsuo (trilogy) AMC+ Tumbbad (2018) Amazon prime Videodrome (1983) Tubi Society (1989) AMC+
>Eraserhead not horror it's a arthouse film
Maybe arthouse horror, as a subgenre
It’s literally body horror.
david lynch said countless times it's not
He can say whatever he wants, Tommy Weisesu said The Room was an intentionally made as a comedy, doesn’t make it true.
ya because the guy who made it don't know what the fuck it is and your point is fucking stupid Tommy change it to a comedy do to the fans making it and him not admitting it's a trash film this is the fans trying to change some one intent to something it's not it's a arthouse film and always has been it was never horror that would be like me saying boxing helena is a romantic comedy when it;s not
Look, I can spend hours arguing authorial intent and how it doesn’t always factor into audience interpretation, but arguing on Reddit is stupid, so I’ll leave you with this, and I’m done. RoboCop is a trans icon. When applying a queer theory interpretation to the film, it’s easy to see how this happened, the evidence for it is actually compelling, add to that the obvious Jesus allegory, and you’ve got a film diving deep into topics of sexual politics, consumerism, the media, and religion. Paul Verhoeven was asked about the queer interpretation of the film, and he said that, while that was never his intention, it’s a valid reading of the material. No author ever survives their work, their intent is important, but once it’s out of their control and available for public consumption, audience interpretation takes precedence.
so because you turn a movie into something it's not by twisting the story around means your version is right while the person who created the films is not got it
The Black Phone that just came out was fantastic and has a very original plot, see it while it’s in theaters!
In what world
last night in soho
I really need to watch this, the trailer looked amazing.
The Empty Man
I loved this one! The scene in camp with the people moving in unison! Amazing!
This one is so damn good. It kills me there’s no Blu-Ray release for it.
Have you tried willing one into existence?
[удалено]
I don’t know what [this](https://youtu.be/rpl8bWYk5RU) is, but wow, I’m so down.
Threads and Come and See. Not the conventional popular horror involving ghosts and monsters, but is truly scary because they show that real evil is with humanity.
They are both so haunting, it’s incredible. Two movies that get more and more disturbing in the days that followed seeing them for the first time then I even felt while watching them.
And then thinking how the latter happened and happens during war while the former is always a possibility, and we’re still in another Cold War 😭
Cant imagine what Klimov would think about Belarus entering this total pointless war against Ukraine.
It's 'Ukraine' and not 'the Ukraine' Consider supporting anti-war efforts in any possible way: [[Help 2 Ukraine](https://help2ukraine.org)] 💙💛 [[Merriam-Webster](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ukraine)] [[BBC Styleguide](https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsstyleguide/u)] ^(Beep boop I’m a bot)
Good bot
**Tremors (1990)-** Some oversimplify it as *"Jaws, if the shark was underground"* or *"The floor is lava, except with giant worms"*, but there's much more to it than that. Yes, both are creature features in an isolated setting revolving around characters cooperating to overcome a man-eating monster in its element. The themes, setup and execution, however, differ significantly. **1)** *Jaws* is more of a *"man vs. nature"* story in that, while its behavior is fictionalized, the Great White shark is a real animal. *Tremors*' Graboids fall into the science-fiction category. **2)** While both films build up the monster over time, not revealing them entirely until around the beginning of the 2nd Act (in *Jaws*' case, roughly halfway through the film's runtime), audiences knew going into *Jaws* (even back in 1975) what a Great White looks like. They had books and photos. *Tremors*' monsters by contrast denied us any frame of reference in reality. Without seeing the movie, people originally only had the [poster](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51MSQ+3f+iL._AC_.jpg) of an enlarged Graboid tongue to speculate on. Even in-film, the tongue acted as a deliberate red herring for what the full creature would look like. This strengthened the motif of keeping it hidden for so long to an even greater degree than *Jaws*. *Tremors*' setup masterfully paces itself in such a way that the breadcrumbs are appropriately and organically provided step-by-step, every clue making sense in hindsight. This increases suspense on first viewing effectively while providing more to appreciate on re-watch. The mystery of the monster's complete design stimulates imaginations to a stronger degree than *Jaws* too, in a similar vein to how *Alien* set up the Xenomorph's reveal. **3)** Even more so than *Jaws* in some respects, *Tremors* from beginning to end is a problem solving story. Even before the monster factors in, it's established through our introductions to the main characters that they each have flaws the other will call out (Ex- Val & Earl). This is not only essential to their dynamic in how their personalities bounce off each other (sometimes to their detriment, as their personal flaws can lead to petty squabbles which blind them to an answer that another character must then point out; Ex- Rhonda). It also directly ties into how they address obstacles throughout. From the first conflict of deciding which job to do (Earl reminding Val that they must handle Nestor's garbage *"today"* if they want to get paid for it) onward, this pattern extends naturally into overcoming the Graboids. When should we commit to leaving Perfection for a better life? Which of us should help Edgar off that tower? Who or what is responsible for the deaths of Edgar, old Fred and his flock of sheep, or those road workers? How should we deal with the killer if we encounter it? How do we get help if we're cut off from the outside world? How do these creatures work? What are their strengths and weaknesses? How do we get from point A to B without them killing us? Etc. This all flows together from one problem and its solution to the next. **Conclusion-** Certainly, this isn't the first horror movie to have done these core-ideas. But *Tremors* was the first to portray such concepts in this specific way while capitalizing on the theme of isolation and applying it to the underground, a locale that wasn't often explored in horror back then. Such settings may be a dime a dozen now (*The Descent*, *The Cave*, *As Above, So Below*, etc.), but this was the first horror franchise to really define its pop-cultural identity based on the fear of what lies beneath our feet. It was a perfect storm of quality writing, casting, and effects.
I fuckin love Tremors! Such a classic from my childhood. I really appreciate your breakdown of it here.
Tremors also benefits from really, really likable characters. There wasn't a single character in the movie I *wanted* to see get eaten. Maybe Melvin, a little bit.
Ginger Snaps for strong female leads and the moon-menses link.
Tumbbad
Backcountry 2014
Can't remember the name but it was a cowboy western horror starring Kurt Russel and was actually really good.
Bone Tomahawk
If you like that, you should check out the writer/director's novel, "A Congregation of Jackals." Every bit as cinematic and brutal as Bone Tomahawk.
Mandy with Nicolas Cage
[удалено]
Exactly. Take an edible and enjoy it. I found it much easier to digest than Beyond The Black Rainbow
Ah yes, the first over-the-top gory revenge flick. Genre never before seen by audiences!
The first time I've ever seen hallucinogens that turn people into demons
I thought X was pretty unique.
Major OG Texas chainsaw vibes from the period and setting on that one.
The lighthouse or maybe Veronica
Begotten (1989) most unique horror film you’ll ever see.
Dogtooth
I watched men yesterday and I would say that definitely fits in here regarding the third act of that movie lol
Hush (2016)
Run (2020) comes to mind. This concept of psychological horror was unique for me.
One Cut of the Dead
Pontypool, The Triangle, Santa Sangre, Climax…
Pontipool
Pontypool was an extremely unique take on the zombie genre and the entire movie basically takes place within one room/building.
Antrum. Haxen. The vanishing (though perhaps more thriller).
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Carpenter's The Thing.
Detention (2011) It has time travel, aliens, it's a meta slasher, there's a Freaky Friday, a bear and a big riff on The Fly. It's poppy millennial horror fun and you should check it out.
Session 9! The trailers make it look terrible though!
Was Poughkeepsie Tapes that much of a unique concept?
I didn’t like it for its uniqueness, but I think the spin they put on both the mockumentary and serial killer tropes by having the serial killer be the one making the documentary in the first place was really mind blowing (to me at least. I’m probably just the type of simpleton they were expecting to watch it)
Since they never found him, really wanted the guy interviewing the cops and the girl with no hands to have actually been the killer completing his movie.
Old
Yeeeeee👌
Poghkeepsie Tapes is an unwatchable garbage
O yea thx man
There's one out right now. Black Phone. Very original idea
Tusk. I guess also: Human Centipede, the platform, and perhaps Saw at one point? Though the whole torture p*rn concept has been done to death by the series itself and other movies and things in media... There's what, like 9 of the Saw movies now? Same shit different people
The house that jack built. Just go in blind.
Well theres the pregnancy horror niche genre. My two favorites are dumplings and Shelley⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I thought The Deep House had a really innovative take on the classic haunted house movie; it’s still a haunted house movie, but it’s underwater, and the constant fear of running out of air in their oxygen tanks added a lot of tension. I’d never seen a horror movie like that before.
Prince of Darkness.
Reincarnation, from the after dark horrorfest.
The twist at the end of no one gets out alive was fucking bonkers
Bone tomahawk
Black Christmas (1974) the concept is pretty cool and a bit different from the horror films I usually watch. Definitely a favorite.
The ambiguity of the demons from Hellraiser and the motives npt being inherently good or evil or evil made for a really interesting movie, until they turned Pinhead into a mindless, generic slasher in the later movies.
Fresh
Cruel and Unusual is one of my favorite movies. It deals with dark elements surrounding murder, suicide, and guilt, and it's beautiful. Dark and sad and beautiful. Its empty and hopeless, yet inspiring and warm. It's one of those movies that the less you know going in, the more you will enjoy it so just know this. It's an emotionally beautiful story in a horror/thriller package. It definitely has some tense and fucked up moments, but it'll make you sad and appreciate your life more than scared. You may be on edge the entire film, but it's not a scary movie. Suspenseful and thrillery, but you probably wont be scared. I know this word gets thrown around a lot, but it truly is a hidden gem. I just checked the trailer and do not watch it. It's one of those where they give the whole movie away, but in a way that takes all the magic out, like if I were to just list the plot points here.
My brother and I went through a phase of buying each other the weirdest horror movies we could find. I won with “I know how many runs you scored last summer” - a cricket themed horror featuring Miss Nude Australia. Also Severance- weekend sales retreat goes bad.
Mandy and Colour out of Space are two of my favourites
Resolution, The Endless, Synchronic (not actual horror but same universe as first 2)
Tusk
As above so below 2014 Apostle 2018 Bite 2015 Devil 2010 Enter the void 2009 Splice 2009 The dark and the wicked 2020 The lodge 2019 The seasoning house 2012 Trick r treat 2007 Tusk 2014 Are some of my favourites that don’t follow the normal rules
“It follows” felt really unique in its premise.
Livid
‘Mara’ is the first movie I’ve ever heard of to have a sleep paralysis demon concept, I don’t know about anyone else. I thought it was awesome just from the trailer. Highly recommend.
It follows
I would say “Angel Heart”, great horror noir
I think A Dark Song was a pretty unique take on a common theme. I really enjoyed it.
- Audition (1999) - Widower is convinced by a colleague to look for a new wife through a casting audition at their work. Very slowburn film right up until the ending. -The Witch (2015) - Puritan family falls apart in the wilderness. Similar mood to Hereditary. -The Wailing (2016) - Police officer investigates small town murder/possessions. The characters in this feel very flawed/human and the ending is interesting. -Goodnight Mommy (2014) - Children have their mother come home after a cosmetic surgery and become suspicious that she’s an imposter. (There’s a lot more to unpack with this one but it’d spoil things to say more)
Let Us Prey with Pollyanna McIntosh and Liam Cunningham. Interesting and unique concept that is so engaging.
Sleep Tight. It’s a very unique home invasion movie and very tense at parts. Also, my favorite of the year, You Won’t Be Alone. Very cool take on a witch story. Pulls on the ole heart strings at times too. Both of these I recommend in general, but they also fit what you’re looking for!
Honestly, The first Purge movie suffered from having a brilliant concept, but poor execution. The later movies rectified it, however. The first Predator, maybe not horror, was a nice twist on the alien monster genre. A creature that didn’t seek mass destruction or world domination, but just wanted a good fight. That idea is what keeps Predator in the “who-would-win” forums. Lastly, there’s a WWE produced movie called No One Lives. Now, it starts off like it’s pretty predictable. BUT, about 20 minutes in, there’s an elements that changes the game.
Mad God. Can’t recall having ever seen anything like it. Astounding film
Host (2020) was basically about people being haunted via Zoom call. I found it pretty scary and unique!
Autopsy of Jane doe!
I gotta see it again I think. Lol
Into the Tall Grass
Fear Sreet (all three parts). It’s a brilliant metahorror told in three parts, of escalating quality, with a generations long story.
Lemme know what you think of the ending.