So, aside from the recent releases of Big Bad Wolves, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones and Devil's Due, what does this year have in store for us horror fanatics? Well, including a few honourable mentions and by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the most anticipated horror films of 2014...
After successful screenings at various festivals in 2013, Almost Human has generated quite the buzz and will finally receive a wider release this Spring. It follows the story of Mark Fisher, a man whom mysteriously disappeared from his home. Two years later, a string of suspicious and grisly murders leads friend, Seth Hampton, to believe Fisher is back, although not entirely alone... From the trailer, it looks as if the film is a pastiche of our beloved classics from the 70s and 80s, combining all body-horror, wardrobe and chainsaw motifs, into a story line that has a striking resemblance to John Carpenter's The Thing. A nice bit of gore and a nostalgic fusion of generic tropes gets my vote any day.
Eli Roth's directorial efforts return this year with The Green Inferno. It follows a group of student activists who travel to the Amazon in an attempt to save a dying tribe. As luck would have it, they crash in a jungle and are taken hostage by a group of natives. Cannibal movies are not for everyone, and indeed nor is the work of Roth as he certainly divides opinion to say the least. Nevertheless, as a self-proclaimed homage to the cannibal films of the late 70s and early 80s, horror fans eagerly await this addition to the sub-genre. A wide-release date is unknown but rumours of September are circulating.
THE SACRAMENT
Speaking of Roth, he has produced Ti West's latest directorial effort, entitled The Sacrament. Due for a summer release this year, it follows a documentary crew's visit to an apparent idyllic commune, where the photographer attempts to reconnect with his sister. In a true, horrific fashion things do go a little awry and even though the film looks to be a slow-burner, it is by no means a light-hearted affair.
Speaking of Roth, he has produced Ti West's latest directorial effort, entitled The Sacrament. Due for a summer release this year, it follows a documentary crew's visit to an apparent idyllic commune, where the photographer attempts to reconnect with his sister. In a true, horrific fashion things do go a little awry and even though the film looks to be a slow-burner, it is by no means a light-hearted affair.
A British entry on the list now, as Hammer production The Quiet Ones is due for release in April. This supernatural horror follows the unorthodox teachings of a professor, who exploits his students and uses controversial methods to try and create a poltergeist. If The Woman in Black is anything to go by, in addition to this recently released trailer, we're in for some ghostly frights indeed.
HORNS
French director Alexandre Aja has an interesting fantasy-horror hybrid coming out this year. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Horns follows Ignatius Perrish, a young man who awakens with strange horns sprouting from his temples. In the aftermath of the mysterious death of his girlfriend, this anatomical addition grants the grieving man the power to divine people's innermost secrets, including the murder of his beloved. It's another interesting role for Radcliffe, edging further away from the Harry Potter canon, and into the darker depths of human nature. Having received mixed reviews after its initial release at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), we will have to wait until the very end of 2014 before seeing it ourselves.
Based on the 2001 novel, Beware the Night, Deliver Us from Evil follows New York officer Ralph Sarchie join forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rituals of exorcism, to combat a wave of demonic possessions that are terrorizing the city. Other than this basic plot outline and a few official photos, there has been very little press surrounding this films production. All we know is that it is set for a summer release, so stay tuned for further information.
ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
A critically-applauded, Palme D'Or nominee enters the list now, as the acclaimed Jim Jarmusch brings us Only Lovers Left Alive. Due for a UK release on the 21st of February, this dark, vampiric love story follows Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston as two vampires who have been in love for centuries. It's most definitely a character piece, driven by dialogue and dry humour rather than out-and-out spills and thrills. However positive reviews have been flooding in and anticipation surrounding this cool love story is rife, especially in our supernaturally savvy culture.
Not to be confused with Hellion, the new Aaron Paul drama, Hellions is the new directorial effort from Pontypool's Bruce McDonald. It follows a pregnant teenager who has to take on a trio of hostile trick or treaters and survive Halloween. No release date has been announced and once again, things are a little quiet on the publicity-front. However, Pontypool is admired by many horror fans and there is excitement to see what frights McDonald has in store for us next.
OCULUS
Due for release on the 11th of April, Oculus follows a woman's attempt to exonerate her brother, after he was wrongly convicted for murder. In order to clear his name, she goes on a mission to prove that the murder was in fact caused by a haunted, antique mirror. After the films' world premiere at the TIFF, critics have found it to be a little slow and perplexing but totally worth the agonising first hour, for the 'stressful, disorientating and hypnotising' finale that proceeds it. It may have a few flaws, but there is excitement in the air. After all, it's not often the end of a horror film is perceived as the highlight.
So there we have it - just a few of the most anticipated horror films for 2014. Before I sign off and leave you in an anticipatory (or disappointed) fever however, there are a couple of films receiving a wide release this year, that most definitely deserve an honourable mention...
THE RAID 2: BERANDAL
If you haven't see The Raid, stop reading this right now and go and watch it immediately. If you have seen it then I'm sure you'll be squealing with many others, in anticipation for the sequel. Set for release in March, it once again follows Rama and his undercover duties with the thugs of Jakarta, to bring down the syndicate and uncover corruption within the police force. Gareth Evans is proving himself to be a master of action and martial arts, blending the two with seamless choreography and fantastic cinematography. Every minute of his work packs a visceral punch and thank goodness we don't have to wait long before receiving another fantastic, cinematic beating. Check out the trailer below...
