2024 has dropped so many new horror movies that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially now that most are hitting streamers so fast and furious. Peacock added Twisters on November 15, and before most of us had a chance to log in, many other movies also appeared on the usual suspects. Smile 2, Trapped Inn, and the Street Trash remake arrived on VOD on November 19, forcing many horror fans to open their wallets.
Because so much is available to watch from the comfort of our homes, I figured it was time to highlight five new horror movies that deserve your attention. So, break out your TV blanket and get cozy. We have plenty of distressing films now streaming on a television near you.
Blink Twice (dir. Zoë Kravitz)
Where You Can Watch: MGM+
A tech billionaire meets a waitress at his fundraising gala and invites her to join him and his friends on his private island. I was not prepared for how good this movie is. I was also not expecting Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut to be one of my favorite thrillers this year. Blink Twice has a whole vibe and a rhythm unmatched by anything else I have seen this year. We all thought we had this psychological thriller figured out but soon discovered we severely underestimated it. While there are a ton of familiar faces in this film, Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum should definitely be considered for awards. Ackie is our lead, and Tatum manages to keep up with her while giving us the best performance of his career so far. I also hope that whoever is to blame for changing the title from Pussy Island stubs their big toe five times a day.
Blink Twice arrives on MGM+ on November 21.
The Piano Lesson (dir. Malcolm Washington)
Where You Can Watch: Netflix
Two estranged siblings fighting over the heirloom family piano awaken bitter feelings, old resentments, and a ghost. This adaptation of an August Wilson play of the same name is Malcolm Washington’s feature directorial debut. He is directing his brother John David Washington as their dad, Denzel Washington, serves as producer. After seeing the finished result at the London Film Festival, I need this family to work together more often. The Piano Lesson captures the feel of live theatre, where so many other films before it have failed. The movie also features outstanding performances from Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, and Samuel L. Jackson. For some confusing reason, a few websites list it as a musical. So, I cannot wait for more people to discover it’s actually a horror drama. It’s also PG-13 if you’re looking for quality genre titles to watch with the youth this holiday season.
The Piano Lesson arrives on Netflix on November 22.
Rita (dir. Jayro Bustamante)
Where You Can Watch: AMC+ and Shudder
A girl who ran away from her abusive father is put into an institution for troubled girls. However, the exploited girls imprisoned in the center are plotting an uprising in a desperate bid to tell the world their story. This tragic dark fantasy is inspired by a Guatemalan orphanage fire in 2017, which took the lives of 41 girls. This is possibly one of the best Shudder Originals we’ve seen this year. There are some gorgeous visuals of the magical groups of girls, and the lead, Giuliana Santa Cruz, gives a heartbreaking performance. However, this harrowing story is beyond upsetting and will leave you a shell of the person you were. Anytime I thought things could not get worse, we learned a new detail about the monsters in charge of the girls. This rage-inducing trend continued right through to the tragic end of the movie.
Rita arrives on AMC+ and Shudder on November 22.
Rumours (dir. Evan Johnson, Galen Johnson, Guy Maddin)
Where You Can Watch: VOD
Leaders of seven wealthy democracies meet to draft a statement on a global crisis. However, they end up lost in the woods and facing multiple dangers. At first glance, this looks like another political satire with sprinkles of dark comedy. After a second look, you have to acknowledge all of the zombie activity and unexplainable phenomena. I never expected that I would be writing about Cate Blanchett and Charles Dance being in one of the silliest genre movies of the year. Yet, here I am. Rumours was a pleasant surprise, and I’m glad this new title is finally arriving on video on demand this week. I highly recommend it if you are not in the place for something heavy or logical. This is pure chaos aimed at getting giggles from its audience, and it achieves that.
Rumours arrives on VOD on November 12.
Your Monster (dir. Caroline Lindy)
Where You Can Watch: VOD
A soft-spoken actress in remission moves into her childhood home as her life falls apart. However, she soon discovers she is not alone when she bumps into a charming monster in her closet. We love Melissa Barrera‘s horror movies and were happy to see her back so soon after Abigail. While her character’s chemistry with Monster (Tommy Dewey) is undeniable, their relationship is merely a vehicle for Laura (Barrera) to find her voice. Laura’s arc also allowed Barrera to showcase her range and remind us that she can really do it all. Your Monster surprisingly turned out to be one of the few movies about feminine rage this year that truly understood the assignment. As someone who hates romantic comedies, I am shocked at how much fun this angry little movie was. I personally hope it leads to more movies where women learn to stick up for themselves and are encouraged to tap into their rage.
Your Monster arrives on VOD on November 12.
Do you plan on checking out some of these new titles this week? Or have you already seen them all and agree they deserve more attention? Let me know either way at @misssharai.
Categorized:News
