I don't think I'd call myself a massive fan of the horror genre. I don't really like gore, for instance, and I find it difficult to watch anything too dark. However, I do really love a genuine scare and any film that's able to provide that without too much death or destruction along the way is a winner in my books! So, with Halloween fast approaching, I've decided to compile a list of some of my favourite scary movies that hopefully even the most sensitive souls can enjoy...
The Others (2001)
Set in the immediate aftermath of WWII, Grace is raising her two young children, Nicholas and Anne alone in a large and secluded Victorian mansion on the Isle of Jersey as the three await the return of Grace's husband from war. When three new servants arrive to replace a series of staff who have recently disappeared, strange occurrences in the house begin to make Grace question the safety of her home and her family.
This was the first proper "scary film" I'd ever seen. I was probably about 10, and I've loved it ever since, despite the fact it may have given me quite a few nightmares! The film is directed by Spaniard, Alejandro Amenábar and if there's one thing I know for sure, the Spanish definitely know how to do horror and suspense right (see: 'El Orfanato' and 'Pans Labyrinth'). Scare factor: 4/5.
The Babadook (2014)
Amelia has been left a single mother following the violent death of her husband six year prior, and has been finding her situation increasingly challenging as her six-year-old son, Samuel becomes more and more difficult to control. Samuel experiences nightmares in which he is a haunted by a dark figure, the same figure, it appears, that is featured in a storybook which mysteriously appears at their home.
I watched this film around this time last year and I really enjoyed it, even as just a film in itself. It features some excellent performances and has a really strong and engaging plot. Scare factor: 3.5/5.
The Awakening (2011)
Florence Cathcart is a publish author who makes a living out of exposing supernatural hoaxes. When she is asked by a professor at an all-boys boarding school to investigate the appearance of a ghostly apparition which has been terrorising the boys at the school, a series of unexplainable events leads her to believe that perhaps there are some phenomena which science can't explain.
I watched this film for the first time last night and just had to include it. I was initially attracted by the fact that is stars Rebecca Hall (Vicky Christina Barcelona, Dorian Gray) because she's so talented, as well as the fact that it seemed to combine my love for period drama with supernatural horror, and it definitely didn't disappoint. It reminded me a bit of 'The Turn of the Screw', which is no bad thing. Scare factor: 3/5
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
From the confines of his Gothic mansion, an eccentric inventor gives life to a young man, Edward, he has created synthetically from human body parts, all except for his hands which are made up of scissors, a temporary measure. However, the inventor dies before he can give Edward hands and he is left completely on his own. That is until he is discovered by Avon saleswoman, Pegg Boggs who, taking pity on him, brings him home to stay with her family.
A Tim Burton classic which was actually the director's first collaboration with Johnny Depp as well as the film which was the beginning of Johnny and Winona. It's a great choice for Halloween for those looking for something a little eerie but not too scary. Scare factor: 1/5.
The Woman in Black (2012)
Still grieving the death of his wife several years before, young lawyer, Arthur Kipps is called to complete the paperwork of a recently deceased woman who lived in a remote mansion in a marsh on the outskirts of a rural town. On arrival at the town he finds the townspeople to be incredibly hostile towards him and his plans visits the house, which is believed to be cursed. Undeterred by the warnings of the locals, however, he continues to make visits to the house where the presence of an angry and malevolent spirit begins to make itself known.
This is another film I just love as a film in itself. l actually wish there were more films like it! I love classic ghost stories, especially ones from the superstitious Victorian era, with its obsession for all things ghostly and ghoulish. When I saw this in the cinema it scared the absolute crap out of me, and I've seen it quite a few times since to similar effect. Scare factor: 5/5
What are your favourite Halloween films?
.JPG)
.JPG)