Screenshot of Shutter Island
Tension-filled flicks for October
By Cazzy Lewchuk, Opinions Editor
Horror movies scare us in many ways. It could be from the gore, or from ghosts jumping at the screen every few minutes. Sometimes, the real horror comes from the fears that play tricks inside our mind. In these movies, the characters descend into madness and aren’t sure what’s real… and you may feel the same after watching!
Shutter Island (2010)
In 1954, US Marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) investigates an escaped murderess from Ashecliffe Hospital, an insane asylum. Trapped on a spooky island in the middle of a storm, Teddy quickly realizes this is no ordinary escape. Suspense, twists, and brilliant directing by the masterful Martin Scorsese make this a thriller you won’t soon forget.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Bruce Willis plays a psychologist who befriends a troubled young boy (Haley Joel Osment) who has some disturbing abilities. In one of the most parodied lines ever, the boy eventually reveals that he can “see dead people.” While there are ghosts, the real tension comes from murders, twists, and even heartwarming human emotion in M. Night Shyamalan’s horror debut.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodi Foster) investigates serial killer Buffalo Bill, who’s been kidnapping young women for sinister means. To understand his psyche, she enlists the help of another killer: currently incarcerated cannibal psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins). As Clarice and Hannibal face off before Buffalo Bill kills again, the lines of who’s interrogating who begin to blur…
Misery (1990)
Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is a novelist who’s been in a serious car accident. He’s found by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who’s not only a nurse, but claims to be his biggest fan! Lucky for him, right? Unfortunately, Paul soon discovers Annie’s sinister past and tactics as she holds him hostage while he recovers. Kathy Bates’ performance here goes down in history as one of the most terrifying movie villains, ever.
The Thing (1982)
In an Antarctic research station, a group of scientists fall prey to an alien parasite. It can take the shape of its victims—meaning no one is sure who to trust. Although it didn’t do well in theatres, this one has gone on to be considered one of the greatest horror movies of all time from genre master John Carpenter.
The Omen (1976)
Diplomat Robert Thorn (Gregory Peck) switches his stillborn son with an orphaned baby in Rome. Young, precious Damien seems to be an innocent child—yet terrifying events constantly happen around him. Eventually, Robert must confront the truth that Damien is actually the son of the Devil and the Antichrist. Driven by tension, this one is truly frightening to believers and atheists alike.
Jacob’s Ladder (1990)
Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) is a Vietnam veteran tortured by the horrors he witnessed. He now suffers from delusions and hallucinations in the present. Although his loved ones try to help, Jacob quickly descends into madness, not knowing what’s real or imagined—and you may find yourself questioning what’s really going on as well.
The Witch (2015)
In 1630, an isolated Puritan family is shocked by the disappearance of their baby. Naturally, they suspect their eldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) of being involved in witchcraft. While something supernatural is probably going on, the scariest thing here comes from the harsh realities of a devout Christian lifestyle in the 1600s. This one leaves a deep impact—and you may never look at a goat the same way again.Images: Movie stills
