‘Terrifier 3,’ ‘Smile 2,’ and the 10 Best Horror Movies of 2024
Oct 18, 2024
01:50:09
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Chris Ryan, a film critic from The Ringer, joins the discussion to dive into the captivating world of horror cinema. They explore the success of 'Terrifier 3,' reflecting on its cult status and extreme gore. The pair also critique 'Smile 2,' noting its impressive filmmaking contrasted with a disjointed storyline. In an engaging segment, they each share their top five horror films of the year, highlighting promising entries like 'Longlegs' and beloved franchises. The conversation reveals the evolving landscape of horror and the enduring loyalty of its fans.
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Quick takeaways
‘Terrifier 3’ showcases the success of indie horror films, surprising audiences and proving the viability of low-budget filmmaking.
‘Smile 2’ continues to intrigue viewers with its blend of psychological horror and strong societal themes around trauma and media.
The podcast highlights the importance of practical effects in horror, enhancing immersion and delivering genuine scares compared to digital effects.
The evolution of horror anthologies, as seen in ‘VHS Beyond,’ introduces fresh storytelling approaches while appealing to diverse audience preferences.
Deep dives
Introduction of The Ringer WNBA Show
The Ringer WNBA Show introduces its format, focusing on discussing key personalities and analyzing recent developments within the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The host emphasizes the exciting elements that make the WNBA compelling, likely involving interviews with players, coaches, or analysts from the league. This format aims to create engaging discussions that resonate with fans and enhance their understanding of the WNBA's dynamics. Listeners can expect a blend of expert insights and in-depth commentary, making the show a valuable resource for basketball enthusiasts.
Pluto TV: A Free Streaming Option
The episode highlights Pluto TV as a fantastic resource for streaming thousands of movies and shows at no cost. With a vast library that includes films like 'Mission Impossible' and 'Forrest Gump,' users can indulge in a wide variety of entertainment without paying a subscription fee. This accessibility to classic films is appealing, especially for those who enjoy revisiting beloved titles or discovering new ones. Pluto TV's compatibility with various devices allows for convenient viewing options anytime and anywhere.
The State of Horror Cinema
The episode discusses the current landscape of horror films, noting that the genre has proven to be financially successful despite fluctuations in the larger film industry's performance. The speakers mention that horror has maintained a consistent audience, having thrived amidst the ups and downs of other film genres over the past two decades. They explore the creative diversity within the horror category, acknowledging that while some venture into experimental territory, others lean into familiar tropes. This mix of innovation and tradition is what continues to captivate both audiences and filmmakers.
Terrifier Series and its Cult Following
The conversation delves into the 'Terrifier' series, specifically discussing the character Art the Clown as an unconventional horror icon. Initially gaining traction with a cult following, the series is noted for its extreme gore and low-budget roots, gaining unexpected box office success. The filmmakers emphasize that despite the minimal storyline, it's the sheer intensity and creativity of the kills that draws audiences in. The willingness to push boundaries in horror filmmaking is celebrated, as it reflects an audience eager for unique and provocative content.
The Appeal of the 'Smile' Franchise
The hosts talk about the horror film 'Smile,' which achieved massive box office success, becoming a staple of contemporary horror. They remark on the film's intricate blend of psychological elements and supernatural horror, which resonates with viewers. The commentary touches upon societal themes of trauma, isolation, and the impact of media representation in horror narratives. As the franchise continues to develop, the potential for exploring deeper narratives while delivering genuine frights remains a topic of excitement among fans.
VHS Beyond: A Unique Horror Collection
The release of 'VHS Beyond' is highlighted, showcasing the evolution of horror anthologies through its unique storytelling approach. Each segment taps into different horror sub-genres, blending found footage with experimental storytelling methods. Key contributors such as actors and directors bring their creativity to the anthology, allowing a space for fresh voices in horror. The collection is heralded for its ability to appeal to both genre enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
Caddo Lake: A Critical Reception
The discussion includes 'Caddo Lake,' dissecting its narrative and thematic elements while critiquing its storytelling choices. While some found the non-linear structure effective, others were left puzzled by its execution. The film's attempt to balance horror and thriller aspects was met with mixed reviews, showcasing the challenges of crafting a cohesive narrative in genre cinema. Audience reactions reveal a divide, demonstrating the subjectivity of horror filmmaking, where not every approach will resonate with all viewers.
Emphasis on Practical Effects
Throughout the conversation, there is significant praise for the revival of practical effects in modern horror films. The hosts argue that this trend enhances immersion and genuine terror, contrasting with digital effects that often feel detached. Highlighting the craftsmanship behind physical horror creations, they celebrate filmmakers dedicated to pushing the limits of practical effects to evoke visceral reactions from audiences. This commitment to tangible, earned scares elevates the horror experience, ultimately enriching the genre as a whole.
Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss the biggest film at the box office, ‘Terrifier 3,’ the third installment of the independently made horror clown franchise that has become this year’s biggest box office surprise (1:00). After, they talk about another horror franchise that’s become a reliable sensation for moviegoers, ‘Smile 2’ (23:00); they go over the impressive filmmaking but ultimately choppy story. They then transition to each sharing their top five horror movies of the year so far (1:15:00), including some obvious bellwethers like ‘Longlegs’ and some franchise entries like ‘Alien: Romulus’ and ‘The First Omen.’
