The horror genre has many different origins. Something that writer Stephen King remembered in the prologue of his collection of short stories. Everything is dark and starless (2010). According to the author, known for his creepy stories turned into horror films, although it has always been linked to human nature, fear has driven culture to tell stories. Especially those that were capable of causing concern because they evoked trust. Those who stepped away from monsters, religions and dogma to delve into the supernatural. An impulse to try to explain the unseen through allegory, and to acknowledge that much of reality is still a mystery.
For the cinematic world, this perception of the horrifying is excellent. Moreover, allowing different arguments and views on the topic to cover always unexpected scenarios. From belief in primitive rituals and deities to the cold inherent in exotic places. Modern horror depicts eerie and inexplicable events that go beyond any scientific explanation. In particular, the genre of folk horror, explored how fear is directly related to collective paranoia and anxiety.
We leave you with a marathon of five films of the genre that you can watch right now, and what streaming services they are on. From a creature ravaging a tiny town in North America to a Swiss town where evil manifests itself in broad daylight. The selection covers several historical horror films and their mysterious backgrounds. Cruelty to people, without extenuating circumstances.
Horns: Dark Thing (Disney+)
Directed by Scott Cooper and produced by Guillermo del Toro, this is one of those horror films about an insatiable entity and meditations on unseen horror. Based on a story Quiet boy Nick Antosca, The script re-opens the theme of ancient creatures surviving in the midst of the modern world.
For this, the scenario follows a school teacher Julia Meadows (Keri Russell) and her brother, the local sheriff Paul (Jesse Plemons). They both live in a small town and go through their own pains, which they share even though they live under the same roof. But when they discover that one of the students Julia, Lucas Weaver (Jeremy T. Thomas) is hiding a secret, they will join forces to uncover it. What you can’t imagine In what they perceive as physical violence, it is actually a terrible mystery affecting the region and its history.
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The combination of folk horror with obvious English roots and a North American context gives the film a strong personality. But it is its dark and pessimistic ending that perhaps preserves its exceptional power as an argument about fear and suffering. And all this under the shadow of a formidable and gluttonous monster.
The Wicker Man (Filmin)
This 1973 British cult film directed by Robin Hardy was one of the first folk horror films to become an international hit. The film combines elements of mystery, horror and drama and has become a classic of genre cinema.
The plot centers on Sgt. Neil Howey (Edward Woodward). In the midst of an investigation into a disappearance, he travels to the remote island of Summerisle to dig deeper into some leads. Upon arrival, he encounters a pagan community that practices strange rituals and worships ancient Celtic gods. As you delve deeper into your research, Howie discovers that the island hides dark secrets and a terrifying fate awaits him.
The Wicker Man known for its gripping atmosphere, intriguing narrative and shocking ending. The film explores themes such as religion, superstition and the clash of cultures. It is also full of symbolism and references to Celtic mythology and nature.
Ritual (Netflix)
David Bruckner directed the adaptation of Adam Neville’s novel of the same name to create a sinister perspective of terror and dehumanization. All in the middle of an unexpected incident and at the end a close look at the nature of the paranormal..
As in the novel, the plot follows Luke (Rafe Spall), Phil (Arsher Ali), Hutch (Robert James-Collier) and Dom (Sam Troughton) in the midst of their shared grief. After the tragic death of one of their friends during a store robbery, they agree that now is the best time to strengthen their bonds of friendship. So they decide to go on a hike through the valleys of Sweden in his honor. However, they soon find themselves lost and trapped in a dark, ancient forest. There they will face unseen forces and their worst nightmares.
With a depressing and mournful atmosphere, the film combines elements of folklore, mythology and ancient cults. At the same time, it explores themes such as guilt, pain and the struggle to survive in a hostile environment. Although it initially went unnoticed at the box office, it gained popularity among fans of the genre. Especially for bringing folk horror to a new generation.
Apostle (Netflix)
Directed by Gareth Evans and heading straight to Netflix, the horror/suspense film is an exploration of fear of the supernatural. But, much more, travel to the regions the most terrifying aspects of faith and religious fanaticism.
The argument focuses its interest on Thomas Richardson (Dan Stevens), a man who goes on a dangerous journey to a remote island. His intention is to rescue his sister, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious religious sect.
But what starts as a clumsy plan ends up becoming a journey into unknown horrors. Infiltrating the community, Thomas discovers that what appears to be excessive devotion is actually the worship of a mysterious entity. This will bring Thomas into conflict with his concept of reality and especially, the basis of their beliefs in the realm of the unseen.
Midsommar: Terror Waits for Night (Filmin)
Ari Aster’s second film following his acclaimed horror debut with Devil’s Legacy, is a curious experiment with the atmosphere. Most of the plot takes place in daylight. In this case, frontal photographs or photographs from awkward angles are used, which create a feeling of mysterious distortion of reality. This allows us to tell the origin of fear and evil as a collective fact.
The plot tells about life Danny (Florence Pugh), a young woman who is going through a difficult personal situation after a family tragedy. With my boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) and his friends go to a summer festival in an isolated Swedish town. As the holiday progresses, Dani and his friends find themselves caught up in a series of circumstances that, while not entirely supernatural, are disturbing. Especially when they challenge your perception of reality and your common sense.
Among themes such as grief, codependency, relationship toxicity and community, the film embraces faith as a connection to the unseen. Moreover, with a type of terror that defies simple explanation. Its highest point.
Source: Hiper Textual
