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In recent years, the horror genre has experienced a resurgence. Despite the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, the horror community has still been clamoring for a more consistent selection of scary films. With AMC’s streaming service Shudder, horror fans have found what they are looking for.
Shudder: The Horror Cycle
Like many other things in life, the horror genre is cyclical. It experienced its ups and downs, peaks and valleys, and everything in between. Horror had a boom in the late 1970s and 1980s but hit a downfall in the 1990s. While the 90s did produce some quality films, the buzz appeared to have fizzled. In the 2000s, horror once again became a moneymaker, as studios jumped the remake crazy. Classics like Dawn of the Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Friday the 13th all received re-imaginings. Smaller budgets with a brand that fans already knew seemed to equal big bucks.
Over the last decade, smaller studios like Blumhouse and A24 have carved out their own niche, delivering films that have received critical acclaim. Jordan Peele’s Get Out was nominated for an Academy Award, and arthouse horror like Hereditary and The Lighthouse were also given praise.
5 Must-Watch Shudder Originals
With fans dying for more horror content, AMC rolled out the streaming service Shudder via a beta test in 2015 and was making the rounds a year later. Shudder has produced exclusive TV shows like The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs, as well as gaining the rights to classic horror movies. In addition, here are five must-watch horror films exclusive to Shudder.
“Metamorphosis”
Synopsis:
An evil spirit that changes faces infiltrates one family placing one brother in danger while the other tries to save him.
Why You Should Watch It:
The plot synopsis for Metamorphosis doesn’t do the film justice as it paints it as yet another generic possession film. The low Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and fans didn’t help its cause either. While those might deter some, the facts are that Metamorphosis is one of, if not the best, horror film of 2020. South Korean films tend to stand out from their Western counterparts and this Asian exorcism gem is no different. The performances are strong, the direction is solid, and the creep factor is top-notch. Shudder has a variety of quality exclusives on their streaming service, but Metamorphosis should be at the top of your list.
Shudder: “Blood Quantum”
Synopsis:
A zombie virus decimates all of Earth’s population except the Mi’qmaq community of Red Crow.
Why You Should Watch It:
If there’s a subgenre of horror that could be guilty of oversaturation, it’s the zombie genre. While that might be the case when it comes to more mainstream releases, several low-budget zombie films have delivered the good in recent years. Case in point the 2020 Canadian zombie flick, Blood Quantum. A zombie virus infects everyone but a small Native American tribe who are split in how to handle those around them.
Director and writer Jeff Barnaby weaves in social commentary that is typically reserved for the late George A. Romero to deliver when it comes to the undead. The zombies and special FX are impressive, as is the cinematography and overall look of the film. What flies under the radar is the acting, which is delivered well, especially when considering that some of the cast were members of the local Native American tribe. Shudder struck gold with this one and it deserves your attention.
“The Beach House”
Synopsis:
College sweethearts on a romantic getaway struggle for survival when unexpected guests exhibit signs of a mysterious infection.
Why You Should Watch It:
The Beach House premiered on Shudder right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. The irony is that it’s a film about isolation and what could take place when you are far away from others. The film takes you in one direction but then splits you off into another as the story progresses.
With a main cast of only four, it was imperative that each actor nailed their role; which they did. The performances are stellar and stand out, even as the impressive visuals dominate the screen. Writer and director Jeff Brown hit a home run that should be on everyone’s watch list.
“Mandy”
Synopsis:
In the Pacific Northwest in 1983, outsiders Red Miller and Mandy Bloom lead a loving and peaceful existence. When their pine-scented haven is savagely destroyed by a cult led by the sadistic Jeremiah Sand, Red is catapulted into a phantasmagoric journey filled with bloody vengeance and laced with deadly fire.
Why You Should Watch It:
Here’s the thing about Mandy. I didn’t love it. I liked it and thought it was unique, but I didn’t love it. It’s the type of film that is polarizing and should be watched by every horror fan so you can make up your own mind. Nicolas Cage’s performance is what you’d expect from him given his recent filmography. He’s over the top, wild, and unbelievable.
Mandy director Panos Cosmatos uses Cage and on-screen nemesis Richard Brake to help create uneasy moments wrapped up in the acid-like dream state created by Cinematogpraher Benjamin Loeb. It’s not for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a shot if you subscribe to Shudder.
“Anything for Jackson”
Synopsis:
A sinister couple hatch a supernatural scheme to resurrect their dead grandson through a pregnant woman.
Why You Should Watch It:
If you’re looking for something a bit slower and methodical, Anything For Jackson is a film you should keep on your Shudder radar. We’ve seen possession films before, but the idea of a reverse exorcism is a new one. Julian Richings and Sheila McCarthy deliver unnerving performances as a couple who can’t cope with the loss of their grandson. While the rest of the cast puts in solid work, the anchor of the film comes from Richings and McCarthy who leave your stomach unsettled throughout the 97-minute runtime. Anything For Jackson isn’t a pleasant film, but it’s not supposed to be.