Boo! As October begins, many will take the season as an opportunity to cozy up and watch some horror flicks. Personally, I’m a horror enthusiast year round, but there is something special about the “spooky season” that makes me extra excited to throw on an old favorite or find something new that will haunt my dreams.
One thing that has always drawn me to the horror genre is its unique focus on womanhood. Horror has historically featured many female protagonists, and it has often used the extremes of the genre to portray the experience of being a woman in our society. The “final girl” and “monstrous femme” have both become incredibly common tropes in horror.
Unfortunately, women have also often been mistreated by horror films. Their suffering is used to titillate, and their survival is often based on how “pure” they are. Male directors have dominated the film industry, and for a while, horror was no expectation, even horror that focused on womanhood.
Fortunately, as time goes on, more and more horror movies are being directed by women. These films vary greatly, ranging from spooky satires to twisted tragedies. What they all have in common is that they provide new and bold perspectives to add to the horror canon.
Below, I have listed out six (devilish, I know) of the best of the best of these movies. If you are looking for the perfect horror movie this Halloween and want to watch more films directed by women, give them a try! It’ll scare you how much you’ll love them!
“Raw” (2016), directed by Julia Ducournau
A coming of age movie with a healthy serving of cannibalism! This French language horror film tells the tale of a young vegetarian beginning veterinary school and having her life forever changed during a week of intense hazing. The use of music is brilliant, and the characters’ relationships to each other feel real and poignant. If you enjoy it, I would also recommend checking out Ducournau’s other film, “Titane,” which also combines the disturbing and the heartfelt to create something incredible.
“Jennifer’s Body” (2009), directed by Karyn Kusama
Misunderstood in its time due to misaimed marketing, this campy teen horror movie has grown to cult status. Its dialogue is witty and unique, and the relationship between Needy and Jennifer, the two leads, captures the complicated nature of a toxic friendship. The soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring some killer 2000s pop-punk.
“Saint Maud” (2019), directed by Rose Glass
Watch this movie. Put down everything and watch this movie. Saint Maud is a stunning film that will leave you parsing through its themes long after the credits run. The movie examines religious fanaticism, loneliness and trauma within its tight 84-minute run time. It centers Maud, a private carer for Amanda, a former dancer who is dying of cancer. Maud becomes obsessed with saving Amanda’s soul before she dies, refusing to let anything or anyone stand in her way. The film culminates in a magnificent and brutal ending that will force you to reexamine everything you have just witnessed.
“Bodies Bodies Bodies” (2022), directed by Halina Reijn
A satirical slasher that deftly subverts genre expectations, this movie is perfect for a fun night with a group of friends! Think “Among Us” but with vapid twenty-somethings in a mansion. The comedy is sharp and biting, and stand-out Rachel Sennott is an absolute stand-out as the lovably obnoxious Alice (she has a very important podcasting career, obviously). The movie uses classic slasher tropes and set-ups to poke fun at our generation in a way that never feels condescending. The twist ending is ingenious, and I promise you won’t see it coming.
“Nanny” (2022), directed by Nikyatu Jusu
I always love a horror movie that can also make me cry, and this film was just as heartbreaking as it was chilling. Nanny is a psychological horror that explores themes of immigration, familial devotion and class through the story of Aisha, an undocumented Senegalese immigrant working for a wealthy New York family. The movie is also incredibly beautiful to look at, with each shot composed expertly.
American Psycho (2000), directed by Mary Harron
It’s iconic for a reason! This pitch-black horror-comedy takes a satirical look at Reagan-era capitalism through the disturbed eyes of one Patrick Bateman. It handles its difficult source material in a way that never feels gratuitous, and the examination of toxic masculinity is ever relevant. Every role is perfectly cast, and Christian Bale turns out a performance that will make you cringe, laugh and scream all at once. Get your raincoat ready because you’ll need it!
Thank you so much for reading, and Happy Halloween!
