TV & Film
Illustration by James T. Coniconde
Every region in the world embodies a unique spirit towards making horror films. Avid horror fans would be delighted to discover that what often keeps people up at night can take various forms, depending on where you’re from and the culture you’re raised in.
This Halloween, Vantage has prepared a rundown of the best horror movies from different regions around the globe that will surely keep you up at night for the rest of the spooky season.
Asia
Film: Shutter (2004, Thailand)
This Thai classic is a prime example of Asian horror. The desolate atmosphere, gloomy tone, and the eerie ghouls adorned in white all hark back to classic Asian horror flicks known worldwide. Shutter tells the story of a photographer whose past decides to haunt him through his photos. The tension that builds from the photographer’s frantic search for the truth behind the supernatural occurrences sets viewers up for a chilling plot twist. This movie will make you think twice before looking through your old photos.
Film: Seklusyon (2016, Philippines)
As a predominantly Catholic society, it’s no surprise that the most haunting Filipino horror roots itself in Catholic belief. Seklusyon offers a chilling juxtaposition of familiar religious imagery and malevolent signs of the occult. The film follows four deacons with sinful pasts as they enter a week-long seclusion to contemplate their commitment to the Catholic faith before entering priesthood. Meanwhile, a miracle child is probed for her status as a living holy presence, but is purported to be less saintly than she is made out to be. Erik Matti’s brooding, sharp style bleeds all over this haunting social commentary of modern-day idols and populism.
Oceania
Film: The Loved Ones (2012, Australia)
The Loved Ones is a teen-flick gone mad. Its story starts out as a seemingly cliché teen flick, but quickly takes a twisted turn. Prom night isn’t always magical for everyone and The Loved Ones takes it to the (gory) extreme. This Australian film is definitely not for the faint of heart. Those with weak stomachs should be wary of the torture scenes, but any fan of gore should be left very, very satisfied.
North America
Film: The Devil’s Backbone (2001, Mexico)
One of the earlier works of critically-acclaimed Mexican director, Guillermo del Toro, The Devil’s Backbone is a film that aims to touch the viewer’s heart as much as it tries to strike fear in it. The horror-drama is plagued by the real-life horrors of the Spanish Civil War. Its story is set in an orphanage in a remote and war-stricken area of Spain where an orphaned boy slowly uncovers the haunting secrets of the building he is housed in.
South America
Film: Jennifer’s Shadow (2004, Argentina)
There is a constant, impending sense of dread and worry following you in this psychological creeper of a film. An American actress flies to Buenos Aires in pursuit of her inheritance and encounters estranged family members who aren’t fond of her. Jennifer Casi’s (Gina Phillips) succumbing to a hereditary illness that causes her to have delusions of ravens feasting on her innards as she sleeps paints an absurd, yet hypnotic show of the grotesque and horrific. Jennifer’s Shadow will have you unsettled in your seat the whole ride as nothing in this film ever feels in place.
Africa
Film: Ojuju (2014, Nigeria)
Nigeria’s own “Nollywood” is a booming industry akin to Hollywood and Bollywood. Ojuju is an exciting thriller and a culturally nuanced take on the familiar zombie outbreak. We’re in for a steadily-paced slow burner loaded with a touch of wit: the antics of leading man Romero, an homage toHis marijuana-dealing associates, and sexcapades lend a few laughs here and there. However, the bulk of Ojuju focuses on the residents of a local slum who go through their normal lives until a handful of them start aggressively craving for human flesh. Isolated from other areas, they are forced to fend for their own against waves of the undead. Though shot on quite the tight budget, Ojuju still managed to clinch the award for 2014’s Best Nigerian Movie at the 4th Africa International Film Festival. It’s gritty, unapologetic, and a proper addition to the cinematic world of zombies.
Europe
Film: Goodnight Mommy (2014, Austria)
This Austrian masterpiece of misdirection and cinematic sleight of hand is a testament to the horrific potential of the unreliable narrator. Twins Lukas and Elias welcome their mother back home from a plastic surgery operation, but the kids believe that she is actually an impostor. There are no jump scares or supernatural mysticism to be found here, but there is no need, as the third act will have you squirming in your seat and not because of sheer brutality or gore. It’s the terrifying, excruciatingly built-up suspense with every turn and corner that will have you gasping for air non-stop.
The beauty of horror lies in its power to resonate with a timely, fundamental fear. The likes of zombies, vampires, and the dark, all embody real-world conflicts, dissonances, and insecurities that differ from culture to culture. We writhe and squirm to different sights and concepts depending on how we’re brought up.
However, the best of horror cinema transcends those cultural nuances and presents the rest of the world with the same sensations and tingles.
