Fear doesn’t discriminate between day and night. In fact, the contrast between the bright daylight and the lurking shadows can make daytime horrors even more potent. From the struggles of motherhood to the relentless growth of nature, and the sun-soaked plains of Texas, daytime holds enough terror to fuel our wildest imaginations.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
The Southern states have long been a breeding ground for horror, with films like Two Thousand Maniacs! (1964), Wrong Turn (2003), Antebellum (2020) showcasing the terror lurking beneath the genteel surface. However, none have come close to dethroning the granddaddy of slasher movies, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This film, though tame by today’s standards, leaves a lasting impression on those who dare to watch. With a smart script, strong performances, and plenty of subtext, it remains the foundation of modern horror.
The Evil Dead (1981)
Sam Raimi and Nicholas Cage are two of my favorite subjects, both with exciting new projects on the horizon. Raimi’s breakout hit, The Evil Dead, is a horror-comedy masterpiece that seamlessly blends slapstick humor with gruesome terror. Even after forty years, no other filmmaker has managed to replicate its unique energy.
Ring (1998)
As a self-proclaimed indoor enthusiast, I’ve always enjoyed spending my summers with great movies and a bucket of popcorn. While I typically gravitate towards J-horror films like Pulse (2001) or Ju-On (2002), I can’t deny the impact of Ring on my love for the genre. Its blend of repulsive imagery and gripping horror is precisely what draws me to these films, and Ring remains a late-nineties masterclass in terror.
Goodnight Mommy (2014)
Motherhood can be both a blessing and a source of fear, anxiety, and body horror. Films like The Bad Seed (1956), Rosemary’s Baby (1968), and It’s Alive (1984) have explored this duality, but few have captured it as effectively as the Austrian film Goodnight Mommy. Directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz, the story follows two boys who become convinced that their mother is an imposter, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of motherhood.
Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror (2021) – This documentary serves as an excellent introduction to the rich world of folk horror. Covering everything from the “big three” foundational texts to the countless offshoots that have emerged over the years, it’s a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to dive into the subgenre. With over three hours of analysis and recommendations, it’s a treasure trove of information that will keep your movie queue stocked for years to come.
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