Why did I only watch these 5 movies now??!

The following five movies are all horror films, three of which, I just realized, are directed by women. Now that more and more women are in positions to direct, it is great to see some new perspectives in a genre that has mainly been dominated by men.

Hatching (aka Pahanhautoja) (Hannah Bergholm, 2022)

This little movie is a great example of what Northern European cinema is up to these days. It combines a coming-of-age drama (yes, really!) with fantasy elements and full-fledged body horror. All the while, the movie does not lose sight of the emotions the young lead is experiencing as she tries to please her demanding mother. You won’t believe how all those bottled-up emotions manifest themselves!

Drag me to Hell (Sam Raimi, 2009)

Sam Raimi made a horror movie that is as funny as it is scary (but in a fun way!), which is not easy to pull off. Alison Lohman and Justin Long star in a story of Gypsy curses and one darn button. Although the SFX are a bit outdated, it doesn't really matter, as it takes nothing away from the story and the incredible sound design.

Bodies Bodies Bodies (Halina Reijn, 2022)

With this modern horror movie, Halina Reijn makes her directorial feature film debut. And what a debut it is. The story is darkly satirical, gory, well-paced, and has a great twist up its sleeve. The ensemble cast has great chemistry and effortlessly draws you into the absurdity that unfolds.

There's Something Wrong with the Children (Roxanne Benjamin, 2023)

I loved this movie because of how it mixed a gloomy, creepy atmosphere with a couple of young parents who have no idea what is happening to them. With Alisha Wainwright and Zach Gilford starring, this film perfectly blends horror elements with psychological tension. And if you have a family, I’m sure you’ll recognize some of the situations the kids put their parents through.

The Chaser (aka Chugyeokja) (Na Hong-jin, 2008)

Although technically not a horror film, this movie has plenty of horrifying tension and visuals to make it feel like one. Kim Yoon-seok stars as a small-time pimp who is looking for one of his girls that has gone missing. The movie looks stunning, not only as we move through the bright lights of Seoul's Mapo district but also as we descend into the murky cellars where all the gruesomeness takes place. It is highly disturbing but in a very (very) good way.