Netflix Horror Fix 10/14/15

Hey everyone! It's time for another chunk of horror films for you guys to sink your teeth into on Netflix. We are inching closer and closer to Halloween with each day and with it our desire for the scary and macabre grows. This week's block is a melting pot of all different kinds of genre films, ranging from creature features to musicals there is something for everyone to enjoy. As always I try to include an equal mix of both old and new films that fit the bill to give you a variety to choose from as you pick your October viewing. So turn of the lights and get ready to be scared, your Netflix Horror Fix is here.

1. Dark Was the Night (2014) Directed By: Jack Heller

Just added to netflix at the beginning of the month, this new little creature feature has the feel of a Stephen King adaptation. When a small mountain town starts to experience strange disappearances the townsfolk begin to think an old local legend may be coming to life. Something is alive in their woods and it is rapidly lowering the local population. The only man that can do anything about it is the town's sheriff, who happens to be suffering from the sudden loss of his son and divorce from his wife. Mixing human emotion and drama with supernatural horror this movie hits on all cylinders and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat with a pillow over your face.

2. The Hole (2009) Directed By: Joe Dante

Joe Dante may not be making the same caliber movies he was back when we were growing up, but the guy has still got some steam left in his engine. The proof is in his 2009 young adult supernatural horror film The Hole. Mixing mystery with horror he creates a film that is not only scary for the younger crowd but a thoroughly entertaining story of the paranormal for any horror fan. When two brothers find a mysterious hole in their basement their curiosity leads them to discover the mysterious nature of its existence. Before long they find themselves being tortured by their own worst nightmares and their only explanation as to why comes from that hole. It has a simple premise but with solid acting and good direction this film is surprisingly effective. 

3. Day of the Dead (1985) Directed By: George A. Romero

With The Walking Dead premiering this past Sunday I know a lot of you are in zombie mode, so there is no better way to curb that craving than to pop on Romero's classic Day of the Dead. The third film in his original "zombie trilogy" this is arguably the most creative. Night of the Living Dead changed the way horror movies were made and Dawn of the Dead added a level of social commentary that didn't exist too much in the genre prior. Day of the Dead continues that social satire and builds upon it with a brilliant story of zombies, claustrophobia, and the human condition. 

the film focuses on a group of military personnel who have locked themselves in an underground bunker as the infection spreads. They are trying to find a way to escape this mess while a military doctor experiments with the undead to either find a cure or repurpose their existence. The film deals with human tensions and drama between the members of the bunker and their differing ideals while still delivering an incredible and terrifying zombie feature. If you have never seen this film change that immediately as it is one of the best zombie films ever made.

4. Let the Right One In (2008) Directed By: Thomas Alfredson

Going with the original swedish film over the (actually quite good) American remake, Let the Right One In is a beautiful horror film and one of the most inventive vampire stories in the history of the genre. When a lonely young boy befriends a new girl in his neighborhood he quickly discovers that she isn't your average child. It isn't easy for this kid to make friends though so he easily overlooks her bloodthirsty nature and helps her along in her devious acts. The film uses the tropes and "rules" of vampire lore to create a brilliant story that has so much more depth than you typically see in these kinds of movies. If you are looking for something with a little more substance this Halloween season you can't do better than this.

5. Stage Fright (2014) Directed By: Jerome Sable

Among all of the massive sub-genres of horror there is one that is quite small and incredibly niche and that is the horror musical. Made popular by The Rocky Horror Picture Show, this sub-genre has grown to have a nice cult following with more musicals being released in recent years. One of which is Stage Fright, a wonderfully entertaining movie about a bunch of kids attending a summer theater camp. A bunch of hopeful theater kids go to camp in hopes of honing their craft and finding a future in the arts. Their dreams are cut short however when their camp is terrorized by a mysterious masked killer with an affection for death metal. The kills are wacky and the music is fun, and with great performances from Minnie Driver, Allie MacDonald, and Meatloaf this film is a blast to watch. If you are a fan of the horror musical, or have simply never seen one, Stage Fright is a great way to ease yourself into the crazy sub-genre. 

That's all for this week, check out last week's post if you haven't already for more great horror suggestions. As always, thanks for reading and I am Zach Who Watches Movies. You can find me anytime on twitter @ZachWWMovies, smell ya later!