As we barrel towards the end of 2024, horror cinema continues to push boundaries and challenge our wildest expectations (yay!) This year has already blessed us with some genuinely unsettling gems that prove horror remains one of the most innovative and thought-provoking genres of them all. Let’s check out five standout films that have left audiences both terrified and thoroughly impressed, and that has made The Longbox of Darkness quiver with joy. Many of them might be familiar to you, but that’s simply because they were so great that everyone, even non-horror watchers, seemed to take note.
The Substance: A Body Horror Masterpiece That Hits Close to Home
When I first heard about Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance,” I was skeptical. Another movie about Hollywood’s beauty standards? Haven’t we been down this road before? Boy, was I wrong. This isn’t just another commentary on the entertainment industry – it’s a visceral, gut-wrenching exploration of identity and self-worth that had me squirming in my seat.
Demi Moore gives what might be her finest performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a 50-year-old actress desperate to remain relevant in youth-obsessed Hollywood. When she discovers an experimental drug that creates a younger version of herself (played brilliantly by Margaret Qualley), things spiral into David Cronenberg territory – but with a fresh, feminine perspective that feels entirely unique.
What sets “The Substance” apart is its commitment to practical effects. In an age where CGI dominates, watching Elisabeth’s spine literally open up to birth her younger self feels horrifyingly real. The makeup work here is outstanding, especially during the film’s jaw-dropping third act when the consequences of using “the Substance” become gruesomely apparent.
While the body horror elements are shocking, what truly haunts me is how painfully relevant the themes feel. As someone who works in media, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the industry chews up and spits out talented women once they dare to age. Moore brings raw authenticity to Elisabeth’s struggle, perhaps drawing from her own experiences in Hollywood.
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Heretic: Hugh Grant’s Chilling Turn Will Make You Question Everything
Remember charming, bumbling Hugh Grant from all those romantic comedies? Forget him. In “Heretic,” Grant transforms into one of the most unsettling antagonists I’ve seen in years. His portrayal of Mr. Reed, a sophisticated manipulator who traps two Mormon missionaries in his home, is the kind of performance that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods have crafted something special here – a horror film that terrifies not through jump scares or gore, but through intellectual and philosophical manipulation. The claustrophobic cinematography makes Reed’s sprawling home feel like a maze of moral uncertainty, while the script tackles complex questions about faith, doubt, and the human need for certainty in an increasingly chaotic world.
Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East shine as Sisters Barnes and Paxton, bringing depth and humanity to roles that could have easily fallen into stereotype. Their crisis of faith feels painfully authentic, and watching Reed systematically break down their beliefs is more disturbing than any monster movie I’ve seen this year.
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Immaculate: Sydney Sweeney Delivers in This Gothic Nightmare
Speaking of crises of faith, “Immaculate” takes religious horror in a bold new direction. Sydney Sweeney proves she’s much more than just another young Hollywood star as Cecilia, an American nun whose assignment to a remote Italian convent becomes a descent into hell.
The film’s strength lies in its atmosphere – director Michael Mohan makes brilliant use of the Roman locations, particularly the haunting Villa Parisi. Every frame drips with gothic atmosphere, but it’s the way the film tackles bodily autonomy and religious authority that really gets under your skin.
What starts as a fish-out-of-water story quickly evolves into something far more sinister when Cecilia discovers she’s mysteriously pregnant. The film’s exploration of bodily autonomy and institutional control feels especially relevant in our current political climate, though it never becomes preachy or heavy-handed.
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Longlegs: Nicolas Cage Terrifies in This ’90s-Set Supernatural Thriller
Just when you think you’ve seen everything Nicolas Cage can do, he surprises you. In “Longlegs,” he disappears completely into the role of a terrifying occultist serial killer, creating one of the most memorable horror villains in recent memory.
Set in the 1990s, the film follows FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe), whose clairvoyant abilities lead her down a dark path investigating a series of family murders. Director Osgood Perkins (son of Psycho’s Anthony Perkins) proves horror runs in the family, crafting a film that feels both nostalgic and utterly modern.
The attention to period detail is impressive, but what really sells the film is its commitment to sustained dread rather than cheap scares. The sound design deserves special mention – I’ve never heard a horror film use silence so effectively.
Note: We recently did an in-depth review of Longlegs. Check it out here, but take heed: it contains mild spoilers.
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Late Night with the Devil: Found Footage Done Right
Finally, we have “Late Night with the Devil,” which might be my favorite horror film of the year so far. Set on Halloween night 1977, it follows talk show host Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) during a live broadcast that goes horrifically wrong.
What makes this film special is its commitment to authenticity. The production design perfectly captures the look and feel of ’70s television, while Dastmalchian brings surprising depth to what could have been a one-note character. His Jack Delroy is both charismatic and deeply troubled, making his descent into chaos all the more compelling.
The found footage format, which often feels tired in horror, works perfectly here. Watching events unfold through the lens of a live television broadcast adds an extra layer of tension – we’re seeing everything happen in real-time, with no escape from the mounting horror.
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The Wrap-Up
What strikes me about this crop of horror films is their willingness to tackle serious themes while still delivering genuine scares. From body horror and religious manipulation to supernatural thrills and found footage frights, each film brings something unique to the table while maintaining high production values and strong performances.
If these films are any indication, 2024 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for horror fans. Whether you’re into psychological manipulation, body horror, supernatural threats, or good old-fashioned possession stories, there’s something here for every type of horror enthusiast.
Remember to watch these with the lights on – you’ve been warned, Squeamish Ones.
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