Ever wonder
what the most horrible thing to happen to you would be? Yes? Then
this list is definitely for you, because fortunately we have,
thanks to cinema, a whole bunch of scenarios of worst things to
pick from. Even if you don't spend your time whipping up macabre
thoughts, perhaps these films could simply be vehicles of entertainment
for you... in either case, Instep puts together five terrifying
films for you to watch at your leisure. But of course there are
thousands more out there just waiting to be discovered...
Gin Gwai (The Eye)
2002
The film that literally has its main character look through someone
else's eyes, Gin Gwai was released in Hong Kong in 2002. Directed
by the Brothers Pang (Danny and Oxide), Gin Gwai is so chilling
you might just have a sleepless night after watching it.
The story revolves around Wong Kar Mun, who has been blind since
she was two and finally gets a cornea transplant in her 20's.
Mun soon realizes that she can see more than just what is around
her in the tangible world; she can also see ghosts, which follow
her to tea shops, calligraphy class and even the elevator. Imagine
being cooped up in an elevator with a decaying ghost!
So of course Hollywood made an adaptation of Gin Gwai starring
Jessica Alba, but it isn't half as terrifying as the original.
And if you're up for some kitsch fun, there is a Bollywood remake
called Naina starring Urmila Matondkar for you to feast your eyes
on.
I Am Legend
2007
Yes, so there are so many apocalyptic-themed films out there that
we have lost count, but this one really stands out. The cast for
most part involves Will Smith and a dog called Sam, but never
for a moment does one get bored while watching I Am Legend.
I Am Legend plays with the idea of cure for Cancer gone wrong,
turning into a virus; killing people and transforming the rest
who come in contact with it into what Robert, Smith's character
calls the Dark Seekers.
The Dark Seekers are kind of zombie like but also vampirish in
that they cannot come out in sunlight. However the scary bit is
that as the movie progresses, the Dark Seekers evolve too, becoming
more intelligent.
The scariest thing about I Am Legend is the fact that in our times,
science going wrong is not such a far-fetched idea. So though
the film is not strictly horror, it still scared the bejesus out
of us.
The Exorcist
1973
This
film stars Ellen Burstyn as Chris MacNeil, who also is in another
horrifying film called Requiem For A Dream. What, that film didn't
make you pray to god to save your soul? It was that depressing
after all. Anyway, The Exorcist is supposed to be one of the scariest
movies of all time, though if you have a strong stomach and heart,
you might not find it to be as terrible as die-hard fans make
it out to be.
The exorcism in the film is for little Reagan, who plays Chris'
daughter. Reagan initially complains of her bed shaking at night
and eventually turns into a grotesque little thing with little
regard for things like crucifixes or priests. Also, she has bad
party manners. The conclusion? Don't mess around with Ouija Boards.
Flippancy aside, The Exorcist is petrifying in that way that only
old school films are, quietly giving you goosebumps and a sense
of disquiet.
The Blair Witch Project
1999
Everybody knows about The Blair Witch Project (TBWP), and many
of its die-hard fans call it "scarier than The Exorcist".
The movie is very basic, shot on a hand-held camera, mostly by
the three characters in the film and has a pace that picks up
feverishly and culminates in a gory (maybe, as they don't really
show anything) ending.
TBWP has its moments of terror as three people camping out in
the deep woods day and night will create pockets of horror. The
fact that the film was being touted as a true story also added
to its grisly charm. But the worst consequence of TBWP and its
success was Paranormal Activity, a film shot quite in the manner
of TBWP, but failing to create the tension present throughout
TBWP. The thesis of this argument is: if a film inspires even
one really not-scary, almost irritating film, its horror factor
definitely goes through the roof.
Zombieland
2009
After all those high tension films loaded with pregnant pauses
followed by a shocker, one needs a breather. And why not take
that breather staying within the horror genre, but with a twist?
Zombies have to be the grossest kind of monster there is and Zombieland
makes sure you know it. There is also nothing to do to protect
yourself from zombies but run or shoot and Columbus, the film's
main protagonist lays out rules of surviving zombies.
Zombieland is funny and keeps you on the edge of you seat, so
if you like zombies, but cant stomach them for too long, this
one's for you.
