Oh, another article on upcoming horror films? Well, just in case there was any doubt that horror is one of the most popular genres out there. Actually, looking at what’s due to come out this year – which includes no less than FOUR Stephen King adaptations – I can see both the usual suspects sporting an overused formula, and some potential gems as well. So why don’t we take a look over both of these categories? And if you were wondering, I didn’t include The Hole in the Ground, Us and Pet Semetary, simply because they’ve been recently released. I also didn’t include the new Jacob’s Ladder remake, because I don’t take kindly to pointless remakes of old classics. So, in no particular order, we have:
1. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
First up we have a horror stemming from the mind of Guillermo del Toro, which is (mostly) a good thing to hear. The film revolves around a group of teens, and is also targeted toward a young audience, so I’m really curious how it will manage to reconcile the two seemingly contrasting notions. Will it be a real treat, or will it be all looks and no substance? Guess we’ll see in August.
2. IT: Chapter Two
IT was such a resounding box office success, that I would have been utterly shocked if a follow-up wasn’t quickly devised. Lo and behold, it will arrive later this year. And I was happy that the red balloon sewer memes were just starting to die down… The second installment happens twenty seven years after the events of the original, which means that new actors have been recast for the main roles – and the original cast may still make an appearance via flashbacks.
3. Midsommar
Hereditary was not only one of the best horror films I have ever seen, but one of my favourite movie experiences altogether. Considering that, I cannot not be excited about a new film from the same writer/director, Ari Aster. Midsommar is exactly what I’ve always wanted to see in a horror: daylight and bright colours, instead of the overused perpetual darkness. And, true enough, if you take a superficial look at its poster, you might mistakenly label it as a corny summer romance flick. Which, I can guarantee, it will most certainly not be.
4. Little Monsters
Not all schooltrips were made equal. Some teachers will organise cultural tours in a city, while others will take their class in the middle of serene nature. Miss Caroline opts for neither, and instead plans out an outing near a top-secret governmental science experiment site. Because what could go wrong? Soon, the music teacher will have to do her best to protect her class from zombies. The film is supposed to be a comedy horror, and stars Lupita Nyong’o in the main role. I’m curious to see how it turns up.
5. Doctor Sleep
This is not only the second Stephen King adaptation, but it’s also the second Stephen King adaptation which takes place many years after the original book/film. As a sequel to The Shining, Doctor Sleep follows the all-grown-up Danny Torrence (played by Ewan McGregor) as he once again comes into contact with supernatural forces. Mike Flanagan, the director of the intriguing Hush and the less than inspiring Ouija series, has a hell of a job following up on Stanley Kubrick’s original film and meeting expectations.
6. The Lighthouse
Until Hereditary came along last year, I considered The Witch to be one of the finest and freshest takes on the horror genre in years to come. Which, naturally, has me super excited about the new film from writer and director Robert Eggers. The Lighthouse (not to be confused with The Lighthouse Keeper, which also features a lighthouse, surprisingly) is also set in a historical context – early 20th century, this time around – and will star both Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson.
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