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Best 11 Horror Films Of 2017- James Jay Edwards’ Picks

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Be sure to check back in with us through the week for more lists from some of iHorror’s top writers!

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via Chris Fischer

11. 78/52

James Jay Edwards’ Top Eleven Horror Movies Of 2017

78/52 (2017), courtesy IFC Midnight.

The shower scene in Psycho is possibly the most scrutinized and analyzed scene in movie history (film geeks might make an argument for the Odessa Steps sequence in Battleship Potemkin, but I digress).  Well, 78/52 is a documentary all about that scene and more.  If there’s ever anything that you’ve wondered about the making of Psycho in general or the shower scene in particular, it’s probably in 78/52.  A must-see for Psycho fans, or just for people who like to know how things tick behind the scenes.

 

10. IT

James Jay Edwards’ Top Eleven Horror Movies Of 2017

IT (2017), courtesy Warner Bros.

You may be tired of reading about IT by now, but there’s a reason why it’s so talked about.  It’s terrific.  Bill Skarsgard is no Tim Curry, but to his credit, he doesn’t try to be.  And the kids are both lovable and relatable, so IT basically turns into Stand by Me with a killer clown.  Of course, Part 2 was the weaker half of the 1990 television mini-series, so we’ll have to see how that plays out.  But Part 1 of the new IT was pretty fantastic (and it has the box office receipts to back it up).

 

9. Kong: Skull Island

James Jay Edwards’ Top Eleven Horror Movies Of 2017

Kong: Skull Island (2017), courtesy Warner Bros.

Ape-Pocalypse Now!  Yes, Kong: Skull Island is on this list.  This is the most fun Kong has been since 1976.  Sure, Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson seem like they’re in a completely different movie, but Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, and John C. Reilly are in on the joke and they all understand that Kong is King.  And the big guy looks better than ever.  I can’t wait for this rebooted King Kong to take on the rebooted Godzilla.

 

8. It Comes at Night

James Jay Edwards’ Top Eleven Horror Movies Of 2017

It Comes at Night (2017), courtesy A24.

After last year’s indie breakout fringe movie Krisha, a lot of people thought that director Trey Edward Shults should try his hand at making a bona-fide horror movie.  It Comes at Night is what he came up with.  It’s one of those movies where it feels like nothing is happening, when in reality, everything is.  A new twist on the old cabin in the woods motif.

 

7. The Blackcoat’s Daughter

James Jay Edwards’ Top Eleven Horror Movies Of 2017

The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015), courtesy A24.

The Blackcoat’s Daughter was actually made in 2015, but it just saw release this year after a long period in distribution limbo.  I’m a little jealous of people who have never seen it, as I wish that I could experience it for the first time again.  Nevertheless, let’s all thank the cinematic super-heroes at A24 for saving this wonderful film from purgatory.

 

6. Raw

James Jay Edwards’ Top Eleven Horror Movies Of 2017

Raw (2017), courtesy Focus World.

For my money, no movie had nearly as many “holy shit!” moments this year as Raw.  It’s been touted as both a cannibalism exploitation flick and a body horror movie, but it’s really just one of those shockingly beautiful horror films that only come along once in a blue moon.

 

5. War for the Planet of the Apes

James Jay Edwards' Top 11 Horror Movies Of 2017

War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), courtesy Twentieth Century Fox.

And speaking of Ape-Pocalypse Now!  These new Planet of the Apes movies just keep getting better.  Rise of the Planet of the Apes was great, and War for the Planet of the Apes is even better.  Seamless visual effects and a knockout performance from mo-cap superhero Andy Serkis (can we nominate him for an acting Oscar yet?) anchor this blockbuster spectacle.

 

4. Split

James Jay Edwards' Top 11 Horror Movies Of 2017

Split (2017), courtesy Universal Pictures.

Whenever people think of M. Night Shyamalan movies, the first thing that comes to mind is “The Twist.”  Of course Split has a twist, and it’s an awesome one that literally changes everything that has come before it, but it’s unlike any other Shyamalan twist (purposely being vague so as to not spoil it for the two or three of you who may not have heard about it yet).  But enough about twists, Split also has the year’s single best performance with James McAvoy’s flawless portrayal of a person with 23 personalities (although he only shows six or seven of them – slacker!).

 

3. Gerald’s Game

James Jay Edwards' Top 11 Horror Movies Of 2017

Gerald’s Game (2017), courtesy Netflix.

On paper, Stephen King’s Gerald’s Game is an unfilmable novel. Oculus director Mike Flanagan said “hold my beer” and delivered one of the most tense and suspenseful experiences of the year.  Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon your point of view), Gerald’s Game dumped right to Netflix, so Carla Gugino’s incredible performance won’t garner any Oscar love.  But look at the bright side: most of you can probably watch Gerald’s Game right now if you want to.  So do it.

 

2. The Killing of a Sacred Deer

James Jay Edwards' Top 11 Horror Movies of 2017

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017), courtesy A24.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer is the kind of movie that will get me in trouble for including, as it’s not the average, run-of-the-mill horror movie.  It’s an ominous, atmospheric, creepy little gem that takes a right turn at the halfway point and goes places the viewer never expects it to go.  Again, not strictly horror, but as much of a horror film as we’re bound to get out of director Yorgos Lanthimos.

 

1. Get Out

James Jay Edwards' Top 11 Horror Movies of 2017

Get Out (2017), courtesy Universal Pictures.

For my money, Get Out was flat-out the best movie of the year, horror or otherwise.  On the surface, it’s just a creepy sci-fi/horror flick, but once you let it sink in, you realize that writer/director Jordan Peele has tricked you into thinking about the many ills of modern society.  This is why I have high hopes for Peele’s Twilight Zone reboot.

 

So, what did I miss?  What are your favorite horror movies from 2017?

 

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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