Top 5 psychological horror movies that slipped under your radar

Get ready to get you mind disturbed and disrupted!

Most people think that the horror genre is “less then”, just a bunch of blood and violence. That can sometimes be the case, and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that!

However the horror genre is much more than that, and these movies can be true pieces of art and high quality entertainment. They can be stories that are able to discuss and reflect on taboo subjects, with an honesty that not a lot genres are able to replicate.

That’s why today I decided to create this list, to pay my homage to this unappreciated genre.

DISCLAIMER: This list is based solely on my opinion, so if your favourite movie or show doesn’t appear, don’t sweat it!

N#1 RAW (2016)

Synopsis

Justine (Garance Marillier) is a shy, vegetarian young woman, freshman at the same veterinary school where her sister, Alexia (Ella Rumpf), studies. During the trot, the girl is forced to eat animal meat for the first time and the action causes extreme changes in her life.

If you are a seasoned horror fan, this movie is for you. What Julia Ducournau — writer and director — was able to do with this film is truly spectacular. The subtlety of the characters, contrasted with the grim premise of cannibalism, is the essence of what makes a great horror film! This movie is available on Netflix.

N#2 The Strange Thing About the Johnsons (2011)

Synopsis

The Strange Thing About the Johnsons is a 2011 American short film written and directed by Ari Aster. The film stars Billy Mayo, Brandon Greenhouse, and Angela Bullock as members of a suburban family in which the son and his father are involved in an abusive relationship.

I know people are not really used to watching short films, but this one is available on YouTube, for free! The reasons why I decided to choose this short film are 1) most people already know and love Aster’s “Midsommar” (2019) and “Hereditary” (2018); 2) There’s no better way of knowing a filmmaker than looking at their earlier projects. Also, if you enjoy a twist, this short is definitively for you!

Trigger and spoiler warning: this movie talks about abuse and incest.

N#3 Neon Demon (2016)

Synopsis

The beautiful and young Jesse moves to Los Angeles shortly after turning 16 years old to try a career as a model. She hears from the head of the agency that hired her that she has all the qualities to become a star. But Jesse soon faces the envy of the most veteran models, who despise her youthful and innocent traits. As Jesse climbs into the brutal fashion industry, her personality is shaped so that she takes courage to face her rivals.

This one is controversial. A lot of people say it’s pretentious and indulges too much on style over substance. However, I think that people who say that didn’t really get what Nicolas Winding Refn was trying to tell us. I believe the film creates a compelling atmosphere that leads to a violent and impactful ending. You can rent this movie on YouTube.

N#4 The Lighthouse (2019)

Synopsis

In the late 19th century, a new caretaker arrives on a remote island in New England to help the local lighthouse keeper, but the isolation causes tension in the coexistence between the two men. Amid storms and sips of kerosene, the novice tries to unravel the mysteries that exist in his boss's fisherman stories.

I know, I know! I am obsessed with Robert Eggers’ work and I also know that this movie is not super underground. However, I do feel like “The Lighthouse” was underappreciated! The writing is gripping and the acting — from Rob Pattinson and Willem Dafoe — is truly hypnotising, and lures us into this mysterious tale! You can rent this movie on YouTube or GooglePlay.

N#5 BLACKOUT (2018)

Synopsis

Blackout is a documentary series investigating the strange case of Ethan Reed and his trance-like episodes of memory loss.

Ok, I know what you’re going to say “Oh Lívia, this is not even a movie”. Hey, look, I know that, but hear me out: this YouTube channel is one of a kind! The documentary style narrative is a fun throwback to classics like “The Blair Witch Project’’ (1999), and the premise of an entire town simply blacking out and not knowing why, is for sure interesting! You can check them out on their YouTube channel BLACKOUT.

So, these are my 5 picks, what do you think about them? Let me know what you think in the comments!