Yes, horror films by women exist. Horror may be male dominated, but women writers and directors are out there. Here are five films that I recently watched and liked, made by women in horror.
SOUTHBOUND (2015)
This anthology features the segment Siren, which was co-written by Roxanne Benjamin and Susan Burke, and directed by Benjamin. She’s a woman director to watch. Siren was my favorite story in Southbound, which is saying something since each segment is actually quite good, and I liked how they were connected. Am I cheating by including this since it’s not a feature? Probably, but more people should be aware of Benjamin’s work, and overall, it’s a great anthology that you should watch.
ALIEN ZONE (1978)
Also known as The House of the Dead, this is another anthology that’s directed by Sharron Miller. I believe it is the only film she ever made, which is a damn shame. There are a couple of stand out segments from this film that standout; one of them is an early found-footage type story that’s creepy as hell, and the other reminded me of Saw. Even if the stories are a bit corny, this is a worthwhile watch.
HOUSE OF SWEAT AND TEARS (2018)
Sonia Escolano has written and directed a mysterious, gory film about a Christian cult. While I thought that ultimately the film left a little too much unsaid, it’s beautiful to watch, even if it is slowly paced. For what it’s worth, I felt tense the whole time. I got to catch House of Sweat and Tears at Brooklyn Horror Festival, so I’m not sure when it will be released. Looking forward to seeing what Escolano does next.
THE DEVIL’S DOORWAY (2018)
One of the better found footage films that I’ve seen! I loved the dynamic between the two priests – one of them resists the notion that something supernatural and evil is at play – and that the story took place in the 1960s. That it takes place in the past made it a unique entry in the found footage subgenre (and I am, admittedly, a huge found footage fan). I thought everything – the sets, the acting, the camera style – came together really well to seem like authentic footage. The Devil’s Doorway is a recent release, so look for it on streaming platforms (I rented it on VUDU). Directed by Aislinn Clarke and also co-written by Clarke as well.
LEVEL 16 (2018)
Level 16 is a sci-fi, dystopian nightmare written and directed by
Danishka Esterhazy. It makes the most of its low budget, featuring great acting by the co-leads and excellent photography that captured the derelict spaces in which the young women were confined. What the young women were being taught and what they internalized at their school is timely to what is happening to young women today. It’s not clear from the film when the story is taking place but it could be happening now or tomorrow. This is another film I watched at this year’s Brooklyn Horror Festival. Be on the lookout for its release.
SUMMER OF ’84 (2018)
Anouk Whissell co-directed this fantastic horror film, which is one of my favorite releases this year. It’s compared to IT because that’s everyone’s go-to comparison when it comes to anything involving kids fighting evil. But don’t let that stop you from watching! Summer of ’84 is an entertaining and suspenseful movie that gets VERY dark at the end. The kids at the center of the film put on some great performances. As of writing this post, it should be available on various streaming platforms to rent.
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