A New Age of Modern-Day Horror Films

I recently revisited Jordan Peele's critically-acclaimed directorial debut Get Out (2017) and each time I rewatch it, the film improves in my eyes. Then a few days ago I saw Ari Aster's sophomore film Midsommar (2019), and I couldn't believe the masterwork that is this film. Today, I want to configure the 4 different films that distinguish the types of horror films being made this century.

The following films I'm going to mention are:

Get Out (2017)

The VVitch (2015)

The Conjuring (2013)

Midsommar (2019)

(SPOILER FREE)

THE SATIRE - GET OUT (2017)

Blumhouse

Peele's Get Out shocked audiences across the world before and after its reception. Jordan Peele had been known as "the funny guy" for his entire career, so when he announced that he was making a horror film it was big news for all moviegoers. What drew me into this film wasn't really how "scary" it could be, but what type of horror it eventually became. Taking conventions from non-horror films such as Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) as inspiration to make a satire unlike any other. The satire-horror sub genre has become such a rarity that not many filmmakers attempt to make such films.

THE OLD SUPERNATURAL - THE VVITCH (2015)

A24

In with the old and staying the with the old, Robert Eggers' directorial debut showcased an old American tale in a unique light. Taking place in the early 1600s, Witchcraft was the common scare among many colonies and areas in the newly-settled early America. With skillful directing and editing, The VVitch uses supernatural elements to heighten the terror that is witchcraft. The film gained instant praise when it first premiered at Sundance in 2015. I believe that Eggers has brought back the old supernatural scary movie and crafted it in such a way that made it feel like a classic.

MAINSTREAM HORROR REVIVAL - THE CONJURING (2013)

New Line Cinema

The Conjuring made a huge splash back in 2013, with both critics and audiences. Ever since its release there has been a number of spinoff films that never lived up to its predecessor, and became the center of the "cash-grab" franchise. Nevertheless, James Wan's The Conjuring was being marketed as any other mainstream horror film but ended up becoming something more than that. With Wan's fantastic directing and a solid script, The Conjuring changed the pattern of disposable studio horror films.

MODERN FOLKLORE TRAUMA - MIDSOMMAR (2019)

A24

I previously watched the 1973 classic The Wicker Man (dir. Robin Hardy) before watching Midsommar, and something I loved in both films is how they displayed so much while not really showing anything at the same time. Midsommar takes the classic cult route in this film but interweaves it into a modern day story. The film takes on heavy themes such as trauma, relationship deterioration, and "family." Although gruesome and disturbing to watch, Midsommar uses some scenes to show off-screen horrors for the right intentions. Led by old folklore, Midsommar has become part of this unique sub-genre.

Sources:

Resmovits, Joy. “Jordan Peele Got Inspiration for 'Get Out' from Taking Standardized Tests in Elementary School.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2017, www.latimes.com/local/education/la-essential-education-updates-southern-jordan-peele-got-inspiration-for-get-1490224978-htmlstory.html.

Fabry, Merrill. “The Witch: True Story Behind the Movie Isn't What You Think.” Time, Time, 19 Feb. 2016, time.com/4219953/true-history-the-witch/.

Olsen, Mark. “'Midsommar' Explained: The Filmmakers Unpack the Sex, Rituals and Shocking Ending.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2019, www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-midsommar-spoilers-ari-aster-jack-reynor-20190703-story.html.