By Weston Kelly and Blake Kim
Insidious: 9/10
Both enthralling and thrilling, Insidious is the perfect mix of suspense and scare. The film has a well-executed spin on the classic haunted house, entirely subverting expectations partway into the story. Beginning with a normal family moving into an eerie house, the directors lead you to believe the cause of horror comes from the building. However, the protagonists take action and move out of the supposedly haunted house, only to be followed by their spiritual terrors. The haunting’s cause is well explained in the film and allows for the development of a sound plot that culminates in a captivating climax. Providing ample entertainment and having a strong plot, Insidious earns a 9/10 rating, only losing points due to the comical appearance of the main antagonist.
Evil Dead Rise: 8/10
Evil Dead Rise offers an action-packed experience, from beginning to end with its horrifying imagery escalating the terror in each scene. The limited apartment backdrop intensifies the feeling of unease where every corridor seems like a danger zone. The convincing practical effects along with standout performances by Alyssa Sutherland ensure a gripping viewing experience. Although the storyline treads ground the movie manages to bring a perspective to the beloved Evil Dead series. It manages to blend chaos and excitement although it doesn’t quite capture the level of depth as its predecessors did.
The Ring: 7/10
Anecdotes from family members led us to believe that The Ring would be scarier than it actually is. Although having an intriguing plot, the film could not capture our full attention the same way Insidious did. This was caused by the slow progression of the storyline, although the buildup to the well-scene was very satisfying. A major bonus was how well contrived the story behind the tape is, and how it ties nicely into what the current protagonists are experiencing. However, the bleak ending did not provide the end to the curse as we wished, instead passing it on to more people.
Longlegs: 9/10
Long Legs captivates its audience with its eerie atmosphere and disturbing visuals. This film creates an unsettling feeling, as it blurs the line between reality and nightmare. The directors of Long Legs utilize lighting and shadows as a method to add to the tension, which keeps watchers on the edge of their seats. Similarly, the lead actor Maika Monroe gives a standout performance, as she brings intensity with her powerful acting abilities. While the story might seem bland at times, with overly long scenes, Long Legs remains an intriguing psychological horror that exceeded our expectations.