A24 is the studio behind some of the greatest movies of the 21st century. Through hits such as Hereditary, Saint Maud, and The Lighthouse they brought low-budget horrors into the mainstream and made household names out of Ari Aster and Robert Eggers.
Though the titles above have recent release dates, A24 has been operating as a company since 2012 and has backed many horror movies in this time, some of which have gone under the radar. From Under the Skin (2013) to Climax (2018), these are the A24 horrors that deserve more attention.
Under The Skin (2013)
Under the Skin, directed by Jonathan Glazer, is a surreal sci-fi horror based on the 2000 Michel Faber novel of the same name. The movie stars Scarlett Johansson as an extraterrestrial being that roams Scotland to hunt unsuspecting men. These victims are then seduced and sent to another dimension where they are stripped and consumed as meat. Intellectually stimulating, it explores feminist themes and gender politics in imaginative ways.
The movie gained mixed reviews from audiences, and it must be said that Under the Skin isn't for everyone; abstract and lacking in dialogue, it perhaps leaves more questions than answers. But those that like a challenge, and movies such as Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey and Lynch's Eraserhead are most definitely on to a winner here.
Tusk (2014)
Truly the stuff of nightmares, Tusk is a horror comedy written and directed by Kevin Smith that stars Justin Long as Wallace Bryton, a podcaster who reacts to viral videos with his best friend Teddy (Haley Joel Osment). Searching for his next interviewee, Wallace stumbles upon Howard Howe (Michael Parks), a retired seaman with an unusual appreciation for walruses. Having been saved by one many years ago, Howard looks to recreate his hero, "Mr Tusk," with Wallace as his material.
Fans of body horror will love this one, as this process of turning Wallace into the lionized Mr Tusk is disturbing, to say the least. (Think, mutilation and a human-skin walrus costume). And though the plot and acting might initially have viewers in fits of laughter, audiences will struggle to muster a giggle by the movie's traumatic end.
The Blackcoat's Daughter (2015)
The Blackcoat's Daughter is a horror-thriller written and directed by Oz Perkins (son of Psycho star Anthony Perkins) in his directorial debut. The movie centers on two girls, Katherine (Kiernan Shipka) and Rose (Lucy Boynton), who are left behind at their Catholic boarding school over the holidays. Here an evil force haunts the corridors and threatens to put the students' lives at stake. Emma Roberts also stars as Joan, a girl who is heading to the college town for unknown reasons.
With its non-linear narrative, The Blackcoat's Daughter is a horror that will keep audiences guessing until the very end where the girls' individual stories finally link. Dark and disorienting, its chilly atmosphere will also keep them cold well past the end credits. Be aware though, The Blackcoat's Daughter is a slow burn; fans of more animated horrors may prefer the fifth and final entry.
It Comes At Night (2017)
Written and directed by Trey Edward Shults, It Comes at Night is a psychological horror set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by disease. The movie stars Joel Edgerton, Carmen Ejogo, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as members of a family living in the deep woods. When the three open their door to young couple Will (Christopher Abbott) and Kim (Riley Keough) paranoia brews and, soon enough, fights break out.
Another slow-burn horror, It Comes at Night is a tense watch about fear itself. Because it wasn't marketed this way, many felt ripped off by the movie which they thought would be more like The Conjuring or Insidious — that is, jump-scare horrors about evil entities. Going in blind, however, audiences can better appreciate It Comes at Night for what it has to offer: great performances and plenty of food for thought.
Climax (2018)
Climax is a psychological horror written and directed by Argentine filmmaker Gaspar Noé that stars Sofia Boutella and an ensemble of professional dancers. Set in 1996, it follows a French dance troupe who congregate in an empty school building to practice and party the night away. Their celebrations go awry, however, when they realize their drinks have been spiked. This results in an acid trip that is nightmarish for all, and fatal for some.
With its bold cinematography and electrifying performances, Climax is a stylish descent into hell; however, it isn't for the faint of heart. Overtly violent and provocative, it may offend some (and should probably come with a list of trigger warnings). But for those who want to be truly terrified, Climax is a safe bet. Just stick around for its climax to see.