Poptic Nerve's Best Horror Films of 2024!






2024 has been a good if not a great year in film, as there were quite a few surprises from various genres however amongst the major blockbusters are films that may have been overlooked especially within the Horror category.
So here are my picks for the hidden or not so hidden gems in horror films of 2024!


Oddity


This Supernatural Thriller" is Irish horror film Directed by Damian McCarthy and starring Carolyn Bracken follows Darcy Odello, a blind medium and curio shopkeeper, who is grieving her twin sister Dani's murder. A. The plot involves Darcy using her psychometric powers to uncover the truth, when a wooden mannequin becomes a key to solving the mystery leading to a clash with dark forces.
Despite this slow burn thriller receiving mixed reviews, however, it won the Audience Award in the Midnighter section. 

Late Night with the Devil



This hidden gem set in 1977, focuses on Jack Delroy, an ambitious Chicago talk show host competing with Johnny Carson. The film imagines a fourth commercial broadcast network and follows Jack's attempt to boost ratings during sweeps week by hosting a Halloween special with guests like a psychic and a parapsychologist. The night escalates into chaos.
Although "Late Night" is praised for its dark atmosphere and David Dastmalchian's performance, it occasionally falters in its execution. However, despite its flaws and polarizing ending, the cinematography effectively recaptures the aura and aesthetics of '70s late-night TV that offers a unique experience for horror fans.

The Substance


"The Substance" directed by Coralie Fargeat. This body horror “comedy” examines the pressures of beauty standards and society's focus on youth. It stars Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, an aging Hollywood actress-turned-aerobics-workout-host who is dismissed from a TV network due to her age.
The plot follows Elisabeth as she discovers a product called "The Substance," which creates a younger version of herself, allowing her to continue working in the fitness entertainment industry focused on youth. The product has strict rules: she can only activate her younger self once, and they must switch off every seven days. As Elisabeth and her younger self, Sue (played by Margaret Qualley), continue using The Substance, they encounter the side effects of pursuing youth.

Critics have noted the film's dark atmosphere and the performances of Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley. The movie has been described as containing elements reminiscent of previous body horror films such as David Cronenberg's "The Brood", “The Fly” and Stuart Gordon's "Re-Animator." Which pays a modicum of homage toward the latter with its dark comedy approach.
What’s great about “The Substance" is how the film explores the consequences of society's fixation on youth and beauty. While it may not appeal to everyone, it provides a unique experience for horror fans as well as garnering Demi Moore a Golden Globe.

A Quiet Place Day One


The highly anticipated prequel to the critically acclaimed "A Quiet Place" series, "A Quiet Place Day One," takes audiences back to the terrifying origins of the alien invasion. Directed by Michael Sarnoski, the film masterfully captures the tension and fear that fans have come to expect from the franchise.
Set in a world where silence is the key to survival, the story follows a new set of characters Samira and Eric as they navigate the chaos and confusion of the first day of the alien invasion. The film opens with a heart-pounding sequence that immediately plunges viewers into the terrifying reality of the invasion. The combination of Sarnoski's direction and the stellar performances of the cast creates a palpable sense of dread and urgency.
One of the standout aspects of "A Quiet Place Day One" is its ability to expand the universe of the original films while maintaining the same level of suspense and intensity. The sound design is once again a crucial element, with silence and minimal dialogue used to heighten the tension. 
The performances in "A Quiet Place Day One" are exceptional. The ensemble cast, led by Lupita Nyong'o, as Simira who plays a cancer-stricken woman in search of the one thing that gives her a sense of purpose in a world turned upside down.  The film also features a cameo performance from Djimon Hounsou, who serves as a connective tissue from the previous film.
While "A Quiet Place Day One" offers plenty of scares and suspense, it also explores themes of resilience, and the human spirit making the film not just a horror movie, but a poignant and thought-provoking experience.

Longlegs


Directed by Oz Perkins, this hidden gem respectfully pays homage to "Silence of the Lambs" with a supernatural twist. FBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to an unsolved cold case that has a personal connection to the killer and reveals a more sinister element known as "the man downstairs," or Satan. The film’s cinematography captures the use of bland colors and dim lighting enhances the film's haunting aesthetic, while the sound design amplifies the tension creating a sense of claustrophobia and unease.
"Longlegs" is well-paced for a slow-burn thriller that leads to an ambiguous outcome. Nicolas Cage portraying the titular serial killer, combined with Perkins’ masterful direction and the film's haunting atmosphere, creates a memorable and chilling experience. While it may not be for the faint of heart, "Longlegs" is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre who appreciate a well-crafted and deeply unsettling story. Making this one of the more noteworthy hidden gems of 2024.


Robert Eggers’ "Nosferatu"


Another standout in the horror genre for 2024 is Robert Egger’s "Nosferatu." This reimagining of the classic 1922 film brings a fresh yet reverential perspective to the timeless tale of Count Orlok. Egger's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create an atmosphere of dread and unease make "Nosferatu" a remarkable piece of cinema that stands out in a year filled with exceptional horror films.
Set against the eerie backdrop of a desolate European village, "Nosferatu" delves deep into the themes of fear, isolation, and obsession. Egger's direction is masterful, blending haunting visuals with a chilling score that lingers long after the credits roll. The film's use of shadow and light pays homage to the original while also infusing it with a contemporary sensibility that resonates with modern audiences.
The performances in "Nosferatu" are nothing short of extraordinary. Bill Skarsgard’s portrayal of the malevolent Count Orlok captures the essence of the character in a way that is both faithful to the original and refreshingly new. His performance is enhanced by Lili-Rose Depp, who portrays the ill-fated protagonist Ellen Hunter with remarkable depth and poignancy, adding significant tragedy to the narrative.

One of the reasons "Nosferatu" is one of the most underappreciated horror films of 2024 is its ability to evoke genuine terror without relying on cheap scares or excessive gore. Instead, Egger focuses on building a pervasive sense of dread, using the setting, the score, and the performances to create an atmosphere that is as unsettling as it is enthralling.
The color palette of Nosferatu is another key aspect of its cinematography. Blaschke and Eggers have opted for a muted, desaturated color scheme that amplifies the film's gothic atmosphere. The implementation of earthy tones, deep shadows, and occasional accents of blood-red provides a striking contrast, fostering a sense of decay and morbidity. This is complemented by the meticulously designed sets and costumes, which transport viewers to the 19th-century setting and add to the film's authenticity.
In a year filled with high-octane horror films, "Nosferatu" stands out for its quiet, measured approach to the genre. It’s a film that invites viewers to lose themselves in its dark, gothic atmosphere, offering a cinematic experience that is both deeply disturbing and profoundly immersive. For fans of classic horror and those who appreciate a well-crafted, atmospheric film, Robert Egger’s "Nosferatu" is a must-see, and undeniably one of the best horror films of 2024. If there’s one gripe I have, is how Skarsgard’s Orlok sounds like the voice of the Mysterons from Gerry Anderson’s Captain Scarlet while slightly resembling a ghoulish Dr. Robotnik from Sonic the Hedgehog or Resident Evil 4’s Bitores Mendez, and speaking of videogames, Eggers would be the ideal choice for directing an adaptation of FROM Software’s Bloodborne.