Tag Archives: Olivier Assayas

BEST HORROR FILMS OF RECENT TIMES (20+1LIST)

Best Horror Films of recent times

written by Souranath Banerjee

The list of the Best Horror films of recent times is a collection of some of the most creepiest and horrific films that are released in the past few years.

horror-filmsThere is a theory that a bit of evil exits in every one of us, even in our shadows and specially in the absence of it. And thus, be afraid of the dark, be afraid of the dazzling light; be afraid of the spirits and demons, and the devil who takes the human plight!

And may be, these Horror films will make you believe in the ‘evil’ and finally accept its existence; and even surrender to it.

At least for now, surrender to these brilliant Horror films – embrace the terror and enjoy the list!

20. It Follows (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymoh5SIqgtw

horror-filmsThe after effects of a sexual encounter can sometimes go very wrong, but this particular film takes the after-sex complications to a different level altogether!

A young girl tries to escape from the clutches of some supernatural power since she is being constantly followed by it. Directed by David Robert Mitchell, the film has numerous panic moments and a perfect sense of overall suspense and tension.

19. Grave Encounters (2011)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8FBRATbJoA

horror-filmsA ghost-hunting reality television show goes to shoot an episode inside the abandoned Collingwood Psychiatric Hospital and voluntarily lock themselves inside the building for the night. And it was a mistake!

Directed by Colin Minihan and Stuart Ortiz as the The Vicious Brothers, the film has a pretty decent plot and it does manage to scare at regular intervals.

18. Before I Wake (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ho2Z0LtXsbY

horror-filmsIf dreams could become reality the world would have been such a beautiful place. But then, what happens when you have the nightmares?

(Click for review)

Directed by Mike Flanagan, it is based on a young orphan boy whose nightmares often tend to come alive. And his new foster parents need to stop these deadly dreams from being real!

Another recent film by the same director is Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016) that is also worth your consideration.

17. The Enfield Haunting (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jKtZD34Fo4

horror-filmsIt’s a brilliant Mini-Series starring Timothy Spall and directed by Kristoffer Nyholm, based on the true events that happened in 1970s Britain – the The Enfield Poltergeist incident. 

A noisy mischievous ghost takes hold of the body of a young girl, the youngest daughter of the family being haunted and starts communicating through her. Terrifying and very much believable – a must watch! 

16. The Babadook (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5WQZzDRVtw

horror-filmsA child obsessed with some monster and is prepared to tackle it. His mother of course doesn’t believe him but soon the kid is proved to be right!

(Click for Review)

Directed by Jennifer Kent, a rare horror flick that doesn’t have to depend on cheap jump-scares or gore. It has a great story to tell and it tells it in real style.

15. The Woman in Black (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4D-87X3vVc

horror-filmsA young solicitor travels to a remote village for work and finds himself in the midst of a situation where a revengeful female-ghost dressed in black is terrifying the locals and killing their children. Now his life is also in danger but can he do anything about it?

Daniel Radcliffe stars in this moody atmospheric horror flick directed by James Watkins, a creepy film that maintains the tension throughout.

14. Sinister (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kbQAJR9YWQ

horror-filmsA crime-writer for his research moves himself and his family into a house where a horrific crime took place many years ago. He soon finds some snuff films on the heinous crimes but then things go wrong in ways he had never expected! 

The Ethan Hawke starrer horror flick, directed by Scott Derrickson is a cool horror thriller with great sound designing well complemented with some very unexpected suspense moments.

Another installment of the same franchise is Sinister 2 (2015).

13. The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsIilFNNmkY

horror-filmsFive teenagers on a weekend holiday trip goes into the forest to stay in an isolated cabin and then something terrible happens! The film initially gives an impression  of a stereotypical horror/slasher formula flick but then again the movie has its own twists and turns that makes it special.

Directed by Drew Goddard, an intelligent film that keeps you hooked very much till the end.

12. A Cure for Wellness (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF1rLFCdewU

horror-filmsAt a remote location in the Swiss Alps there is a mysterious “wellness centre” which seems to hide many terrifying secrets. And one man is desperate to know all about this mystical spa.

Directed by Gore Verbinski, this is a cool horror thriller shot beautifully, the story though a bit stretched and predictable but then also it has its own visual charm. Trippy and hypnotic and definitely worth a watch.

11. It (2017)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7no56Zw1e20

horror-filmsIn the neighbourhood too many kids are getting disappeared leaving only some bloody trails behind!

It’s time for the young guys to gang up and fight the scary evil clown who seems to be hunting down the children!

Directed by Andy Muschietti, this movie is based on the classic novel by none other than the master writer Stephen King!

Another recent film by the same director is  Mama (2013) that is again very much worth your time.

10. Lights Out (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LiKKFZyhRU

horror-filmsSomething supernatural that exists in the darkness, haunts and hunts only when the light is out!

Directed by David F. Sandberg, this is the story of a kid terrified by some presence that soon needs to be investigated.

A creepy movie with lots of jump scare moments and cool editing along with the flickering of light and darkness. A decent one time watch.

Another recent film by the same director is Annabelle: Creation (2017) that is very much worth your time.

9. The Conjuring (2013)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k10ETZ41q5o

horror-filmsA family shifts to a farm house at Rhode Island and they soon gets haunted by terrifying evil forces. And they have to seek help from the professionals!

Based on the true story from the accounts of Paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren.  Directed by acclaimed horror-director James Wan, tensed and creepy, some real scary moments, brilliant editing and a great haunting musical score.

The Conjuring 2 (2016) also by the same director is a decent watch too.

8. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYKANIDQlwU

horror-filmsA father-son coroner duo, trying their best to diagnose the unidentified body of a young woman and while doing so they accidentally unveil the mystery surrounding her death. But at what cost?

Directed by André Øvredal, this film has the rare ability to scare you not only by it’s intense visuals but also through the intelligently used sound play. A superb first half but the ending demands a little more. 

7. A Dark Song (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OccAJCbZ-7I

horror-filmsAn occultist visits a woman as they team up to perform a highly dangerous and strictly guided ritual that will eventually grant their inner wishes. But then somebody is not telling the truth and finally both their lives are in danger.

Directed by Liam Gavin, with just two characters confined in a single space, this film works pretty good and manages to fuel the drama and engage us till the end.

6. Annabelle (2014)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paFgQNPGlsg

horror-filmsAnnabelle being the ugliest collector’s item is gifted by a caring husband to his loving pregnant wife but soon enough Annabelle gets cursed by some blood thirsty Satan lovers and all hell breaks loose!

(Click for Review)

Directed by John R. Leonetti, this film is again a prequel of the popular Conjuring series –The Conjuring and the latest The Conjuring 2.

5. Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HxEXnVSr1w

horror-filmsThis it where it all begins, the very root of the Lambert family’s trouble, the reason why they were repeatedly being haunted and tormented by all these evil spirits through Insidious film-parts!

(Check for Review)

Directed by Leigh Whannell, the film focuses on the gifted Elise Rainier who tries her best to relieve a young girl from the clutches of the demons. 

A prequel to the first two installments of the Insidious franchise are Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013) and Insidious (2010) and they are both worth your time and scare!

4. Crimson Peak (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLWsNDZqXpo

horror-filmsDirected by Guillermo del Toro, a film that is a perfect blend of fear and deception, hatred and revenge, and of course horror.

(Check for Review)

An ancient house that has memories to share. And when the newly married bride comes onboard, she becomes the chosen one who opens the gates of the dark past – those gloomy tales that reveal many unpleasant secrets!

Two other horror films by the same director are The Devil’s Backbone (2001) and Cronos (1993) that are very much worth your time! 

3. Under the Shadow (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHVFP80Upxw

horror-filmsSet in the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, a mother and her young daughter living in Tehran struggles their best to cope with the catastrophes of war; but then, some mysterious evil presence seems to be haunted them by in their apartment!

Directed by Babak Anvari, this Persian film is a potent mix of metaphors and real spooky moments, undoubtedly the most intense horror film of recent time!

2. The Witch (2015)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjBN0ByAqDk

horror-filmsperiod horror drama from 1630s, a family in New England becomes the victim of witchcraft, dark forces, black magic and evil possessions.

(Click for review)

A chilling string of events including a missing newborn and the crops- failure eventually leads to fear, paranoia and brutal injustice. Director Robert Eggers‘s version on infamous “Salem Witch Trials” of Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 1. The Wailing (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43uAputjI4k

horror-filmsIn a remote village a series of horrific unnatural deaths perplex both the villagers and the police. And then it soon becomes evident that this mystery demands a paranormal investigation!

(Click for review)

Directed by Hong-jin Na, this South Korean horror movie is a gritty and dark tale, violent and savage, and very entertaining!  

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most innovative one. A must watch).

+1. Personal Shopper (2016)

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSqMpkGOW9g

horror-filmsA girl, personal shopper by profession, seems to have been able to make contact with her twin brother who died years back.

Kristen Stewart gives a memorable performance in this moody, eerie horror thriller; though not a very satisfying ending for me but still surely worth checking out.

Directed by Olivier Assayas, who won the Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival for this film!

Similar Interest: Horror Anthology films

Similar Interest: Best Asian Horror Movies

Similar Interest: Best Horror Comedies

Similar Interest: Best Japanese Horror Movies

Poster courtesy: www.impawards.comen.wikipedia.orgwww.imdb.com.

Best International Films to watch at the 18th JIO MAMI MUMBAI FILM FESTIVAL with STAR 2016 (10+1list)

Best International Films to watch at the 18th JIO MAMI MUMBAI FILM FESTIVAL 2016

written by Souranath Banerjee

And finally that moment is here, that very event for which we all Cinema-Lovers have been impatiently waiting for – the 18th JIO MAMI MUMBAI FILM FESTIVAL 2016 starts from 20th Oct!

And so, it’s time to check out the best of World Cinema – International films (Fiction) that demands your attention while you get busy with the festival!

1. I, Daniel Blake

Fiction | Section: World CinemaCountry: UK, France, Belgium | Year: 2016. Language/s: English | Time: 100 Mins.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahWgxw9E_h4

i-daniel-blake-posterA middle aged carpenter who after a heart attack requires state welfare, befriends a single mum and her two kids and it’s their brilliant emotional story of friendship and survival.

Directed by Ken Loach, the film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival this year!

Dave Johns incredible performance, certainly one of the must watch films of this festival!

2. Personal Shopper

Fiction | Section: RendezvousCountry: France | Year: 2016 Language/s: English | Time: 105 Mins.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIRGyoyBHS8

personal-shopper-posterThe fashion underworld of Paris, a young American woman making her living as a personal shopper for a celebrity may have some psychic ability to communicate with the spirits!

A brilliant performance by Kristen Stewart, and directed by Olivier Assayas who shared the Best Director prize at the Cannes Film Festival this year along with Christian Mungiu!

3. The Salesman

Fiction | Section: World CinemaCountry: Iran, France | Year: 2016. Language/s: Farsi | Time: 123 Mins.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgPdkCB7sKY

the-seperation-posterEmad and Rana, a young couple who happen to be performers rehearsing for Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” living in Tehran had to move to a new apartment, a rented one.

But then their relationship gets complicated in more ways than you can imagine.

Directed by Asghar Farhadi, one of the most anticipated films in the festival!

4. Graduation

Bacalaureat (original title)

Fiction | Section: World CinemaCountry: Romania | Year: 2016 Language/s: Romanian | Time: 128 Mins.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VimmuogOOks

graduation-posterA unique father-daughter drama that circles around various intricate emotions and compromises related to parenthood.

Brilliant performances by Adrian Titieni and Maria-Victoria Dragus as the father daughter duo.

Directed by Cristian Mungiu who shared the Best Director prize at the Cannes Film Festival this year along with Olivier Assayas.

5. The Woman Who Left

Ang babaeng humayo (original title)

Fiction | Section: World CinemaCountry: Philippines | Year: 2016 Language/s: Tagalog | Time: 226 Mins

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiciSsltTFw

the-woman-who-left-posterA stylishly shot black and white revenge drama directed by Lav Diaz.

A woman plans to take revenge on her former lover, after she had to endure 30 years of wrongful imprisonment.

Incredibly slow, extensive long takes, a nearly four hours long movie – but this one won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival this year!

6. Aquarius

Fiction | Section: World CinemaCountry: Brazil, France | Year: 2016. Language/s: Portuguese | Time: 145 Mins

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Zln78CcFkA

aquarius-posterAquarius, a two-storey old building and Clara, a 65-year-old widow is the only resident left in that apartment. And she is not ready to sellout at any cost to the company desperate to buy out the whole building.

Nominated for Palme d’Or at the Cannes – directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, a superbly engaging drama and a brilliant performance by Sonia Braga.

 

7. The Wailing 

Goksung (original title)

Fiction | Section: After DarkCountry: South Korea | Year: 2016 Language/s: Korean | Time: 156 Mins.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43uAputjI4k

the-wailing-posterA stranger appears and the horrific rumours starts to spread throughout the village. And then there is death – a series of gruesome killings without any logical reasons!

(Click for Review)

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hong-jin Na, this is a perfect horror thriller which will keep you guessing till the end! 

8. The Red Turtle

La tortue rouge (original title)

Fiction | Section: RendezvousCountry: France, Belgium | Year: 2016. Language/s: French | Time: 80 Mins

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw7BggqBpTk

the-red-turtle-posterAn animation film without dialogues!

It’s about a shipwrecked man on a deserted tropical island inhabited by turtles, crabs and birds – a brilliantly beautiful film like a fable or a fairy tale!

Directed by Michael Dudok de Wit, this is one of the prime attraction in the festival since it is the first non-Japanese film to be produced by Studio Ghibli.

9. Under the Shadow (2016)

Fiction | Section: After DarkCountry: Jordan, Qatar, UK | Year: 2016. Language/s: Farsi | Time: 83 Mins

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHVFP80Upxw

under-the-shadow-posterSet in Tehran, 1988 during the Iran-Iraq war, a mother and daughter struggle to cope with the terrors of the war. But then the war is not the only horror they have to endure.

Great acting and superb storytelling, directed by Babak Anvari; this one is a slow paced horror film that lets the tension built up in its own time and yes – the effect is damn scary. 

10. Swiss Army Man

Fiction | Section: World CinemaCountry: USA | Year: 2016 Language/s: English. Time: 97 Mins.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrK1f4TsQfM

swiss-army-man-posterA young man named Hank (Paul Dano) gets stranded in an island all alone – yup, exactly like Tom Hanks in Cast Away but instead of a floating Volleyball named Wilson, Hank gets a farting dead-body named Manny (Daniel Radcliffe)!

(Click for Review)

Directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert comes an imaginative, humorous and cinematic satire.

 

and (The ‘+1′ film is not necessarily the best but certainly the most interesting one. A must watch)

+1. Madly

Fiction | Section: World CinemaCountry: USA, UK, India, Australia, Japan, Argentina. | Year: 2015. Language/s: English, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish| Time: 105 Mins.

Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJbO8FY3o9U

A global anthology consisting of six short films made by filmmakers madly-posterrepresenting Japan, Argentina, the UK, the USA, India and Australia with a common goal to dissect love!

Directed by Gael García Bernal,  Anurag KashyapNatasha KhanSebastián SilvaSion Sono and Mia Wasikowska – definitely one of the prime attractions of this festival.

A few other films that are totally worth your time are Endless PoetryAfter the StormNerudaThe Lovers and the DespotElleManchester by the SeaAusterlitz and Hounds of Love.

Poster courtesy: www.imdb.com and mumbaifilmfestival.com.