Favourite Horror Films of 2024

2024 was a solid year for films. So far, we’ve been blessed with not one but two Zendaya releases “Challengers” and “Dune: Part Two.” Then November saw the release of both “Wicked” and “Gladiator II.” However, as an avid horror fan, I’ve found myself particularly drawn to the releases from this genre. So these are some of the horror films I’ve seen this year, in the order I saw them - in case you’re seeking any recommendations. Since these films are horrors, some of their subject matter is slightly sensitive/distressing. Alas, I won’t go into massive detail about anything particularly disturbing.

This article contains spoilers for each of the films - proceed with caution...

Longlegs

Maika Monroe as Agent Lee Harker

I managed to catch this one while it was still in cinemas in July, and I’m glad I did. “Longlegs” is the fourth film directed by Osgood Perkins, son of the horror film icon Anthony Perkins [AKA Norman Bates]. Before watching, I had seen bits and pieces of promotional material online but managed to remain mostly in the dark about the film’s details. 

What I had seen of the film beforehand had mainly originated from its wildly successful viral marketing campaign. Between Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, I was shown various adverts and trailers for the film. Such as this one, revealing how Maika Monroe’s heartbeat was raised to 170 BPM upon seeing the titular Longlegs for the first time.

Nicolas Cage stars alongside Monroe, playing said Longlegs. As to be expected with any of his roles, Cage gives his all to this movie. Once you’ve had the misfortune of meeting him for the first time on screen, you’ll spend the rest of the movie feeling his presence - even when he’s not shown, you’re paranoid that he’s lurking somewhere nearby or that he’ll reappear at any second. The plot follows FBI agent Lee Harker, as she’s been chosen to help with an unsolved string of murder-suicides, all involving nuclear family units and committed by the father of each family. Yet, somehow, all linked to the same mysterious Longlegs. There is no evidence to connect Longlegs to the crime scene, except for a letter left at each one. As the narrative unfolds, it begins to appear that Lee might already know Longlegs, having met him as a child - but the story isn’t that straightforward. I don't want to entirely ruin all the twists and turns, so for the full explanation, you’ll need to watch the film. 

“Longlegs” spans a runtime of an hour and forty minutes, but it won’t feel that long. The movie hooks you from the get-go, clamping your attention in a vice until it closes. It had such an impact on me I even decided to dress as Longlegs for Halloween (hubba hubba, I know). We’re starting this list off with an absolute banger: 100% give it a watch if you’ve not already managed to.

Maxxxine

Mia Goth as Maxine Minx

This next one I also managed to catch in cinemas; Ellie and I decided to arrange a double bill at Newcastle’s Tyneside Cinema. After “Longlegs”, we met Natasha (who opted out of the first one) and waltzed on into “Maxxxine.” I think we got the order of our double bill the correct way around because “Maxxxine” is a fun time. A good way to lift our spirits. It is the final part in the Mia Goth led trilogy, starting with “X” and followed by “Pearl”, which were both released in 2022. Written and directed by Ti West, the film features some other big names you might recognise. Lily Collins, Halsey, Giancarlo Esposito, and Kevin Bacon are just some examples. 

The narrative picks up six years after the events of “X”. In1985, Maxine Minx is living in Los Angeles, attempting to achieve cinema stardom. Despite potential setbacks from her history in the adult film industry, she manages to land a role in a horror film. While she progresses through her daily routine, Maxine repeatedly declines invitations to parties in the Hollywood Hills, only for the girls who invited her to go missing. Those who have seen “X” might remember the reveal of Maxine’s father at the end - the preacher playing on TV. Well, keep him in mind because you'll see him again in the final instalment. 

Mia Goth and Halsey in Maxxxine

Before the film’s release, an extra from the set came forward with allegations that Mia Goth kicked him in the head during filming. According to the extra, James Hunter, he has sustained lasting effects of this injury, such as “vertigo, migraines, nightmares, and severe emotional distress.” Those who were aware of the lawsuit filed by Hunter may have been wanting to avoid this film up until now, which is completely valid. However, if that does apply to you, and you weren’t already aware, Rolling Stone published an article in August bringing to light Hunter’s history of scamming renters out of their money and stalking women. This history includes a restraining order filed against Hunter by an ex-girlfriend of his in 2022 after Hunter had threatened to share explicit photos of her. I won’t say that this invalidates his claim against Mia Goth, but I would say you can probably enjoy the film without worrying about his well-being too much… 

I had so much fun watching “Maxxxine,” I’d probably compare it more to “X” rather than its other counterpart, “Pearl”. Makes sense when you consider the fact that “Pearl” is the only instalment not to directly follow Maxine Minx as a character. If you enjoyed the slightly campy, very bloody slasher aspects of “X”, then be prepared to thoroughly enjoy this final part of the trilogy. It did feel much more female-centric than “X”, so that got bonus points from me.

Heretic

On the left: Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes. On the right: Chloe East as Sister Paxton

2024 was a good year for me, getting to see great movies on the cinema screen. I saw “Heretic” in mid-November at a local Vue; the film lasted almost two hours, but this was another one that felt like no time at all. I was hooked throughout. It was written and directed by filmmaking partners Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, whose work you might already be familiar with. They wrote the screenplay for 2018’s “A Quiet Place” and also worked on the screenplay for the 2023 Stephen King adaptation “The Boogeyman”. The cast may also sound familiar as it features Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and for some brief moments, Topher Grace, AKA Eric from “That 70s Show”. 

Thatcher stars alongside Chloe East as Mormon missionaries who attempt to convert Grant’s character, Mr. Reed. The young women encounter more than they’ve bargained for when Mr Reed’s illusion of hospitality and kindness swiftly falls away. Reed is not a man in need of converting; he has found what he claims to be the one true religion. The movie is impressive for all it manages to achieve emotively, with such a small cast confined to mostly one location - yet it never feels stagnant. Most of the film’s events occur inside Mr. Reed’s house, leading the viewer to feel just as trapped as the girls. 

The performances of the three main characters carried much of the film - yes, the plot is compelling, but towards the end, it risks becoming convoluted. The acting abilities of Grant, Thatcher and East are what reel you back in. You feel the bond between the girls, through their quiet moments and their dialogue together, you can sense their cohesion. You feel afraid with them, afraid of what Mr. Reed is capable of. I’m sure many readers will already be familiar with Hugh Grant’s previous works, he’s a certified classic rom-com ICON. So, to see him so unsettling, so off-putting, left me leaving the cinema feeling… disconcerted. 

Hugh Grant as Mr Reed

It was also very refreshing to see a female-fronted horror film that refrains from over-sexualising its leading women. Horror, in general, has often faced extremely warranted criticism over its (mis)treatment of women. This is not an issue you need to worry about going into “Heretic”. The two young women, Sister Paxton and Sister Barnes are rounded characters - intelligent, compassionate, adaptive, and resilient. They pose a threat to Mr. Reed through their capability. They’ll have you leaving the film saying, “Good for her.” 

The Substance

Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle

Next on the list is Coralie Fargeat’s body horror “The Substance.” Another autumnal release, this film hit cinemas in late September. Margaret Qualley and Demi Moore feature as two sides of the same coin - Margaret as Sue and Demi as Elisabeth. The same consciousness, two different bodies, aged about twenty-five years apart. 

Elisabeth learns about said mysterious substance in the hospital after crashing her car on her 50th birthday. With its promise of providing a younger and better version of herself, Elisabeth cannot resist. All she has to do is inject herself with the bright green activator fluid, and bam, Sue emerges, crawling her way out of Elisabeth’s very spine. This movie isn’t exactly for the faint of heart… or the weak-stomached. Sue is perfect in every place Elisabeth believes she is flawed - newer, flexible, and incredibly adept in professional level D.I.Y.

After activation, there are some rules to follow: the non-conscious body has to be intravenously fed each day it is not awake; the other self (Sue) has to stabilise every day; every seven days, they must switch. No exceptions. So obviously, because this is a film, they make some exceptions. Needless to say, it does not turn out very well. There are consequences for refusing to respect the balance.

Margaret Qualley as Sue

This film is fun. It cannot be accused of taking itself too seriously. It is over-the-top, filled with cringe-inducingly large syringes and bright BRAT-green fluid/vomit. At times, it does also feel distinctly sad, and I would hazard a guess that its core themes (attempting to outrun some sort of biological clock to claim back past years) resonates with a lot of its female viewership. Margaret Qualley is outstanding, as per usual. But it was Demi Moore who stole the show for me. I couldn’t help but feel this horrible lump in my throat every time Elisabeth would stare at her reflection with such palpable self-hatred. Sue’s life feels like an advertisement, selling you the dream. At the same time, Elisabeth is cast as the coveting viewer. The scene in which Elisabeth attempts to get ready for her date... it'll make you so sad that you may feel ill. I can't speak for anyone else, but I certainly found those scenes a lot more difficult to make it through than any of the gore. (Well, actually, no, the gore was pretty bad too).

One major downside of “The Substance” is that it shoves Dennis Quaid down your throat. The 'proudly parades Donald Trump as his favourite president' Dennis Quaid. You are by no means meant to like his character. He plays the loud, arrogant, misogynistic, and all-round disgusting Harvey. The producer of Elisabeth’s TV show. So, as far as casting goes, he is the perfect fit to inspire immediate rage in most viewers. If you can’t move past that, fair enough, I can’t fault you. But I would recommend that you try to, because “The Substance” is worth it.