Beloved And Chilling Halloween Movies From Around The World
Five international horror movies to check out this Halloween. Graphic by Brandon Arteaga.
Of course, most of us are familiar with iconic Halloween movies like The Purge, Friday the 13th, and Scream. However, have you ever adventured to watch a foreign film on a spooky October night? Here are some horror movies from all over the globe.
Suspiria (1977)
Starting with one of my personal favorites, Suspiria is an Italian witchy film with vivid visuals and a suspenseful soundtrack. Because of its charm, it was very successful when it was first released and is one of director Dario Argento’s highest-grossing films. The simple plot, palpable tension, and colorful scenes have attracted audiences to this classic horror movie for years.
The plot follows a ballet student who decides to study abroad in Germany. During her stay, she witnesses strange happenings, mysterious disappearances, and discovers her dance academy’s dark past.
Cinematographer Luciano Tovoli shot most of the film in an Italian studio, employing bright colors and surreal sets. Argento and Italian rock band Goblin mainly composed the soundtrack for Suspiria.
Under the Shadow (2016)
The next film, Under the Shadow, is written by British-Iranian Babak Anvari. It takes place in 80’s Tehran and includes social commentary, thrilling allegories, and revamped versions of horror tropes. Critics praise Under the Shadow‘s way of tying Iranian tales of spirits into a larger metaphorical story to no end.
This story follows a former medical student balancing war trauma and protecting her daughter. An unseen presence begins to haunt their house after an attack. As their belongings go missing and figures plague their nightmares, legends of Arabic creatures called djinns spread in their neighborhood.
Under the Shadow was developed between Jordan, Qatar, and the United Kingdom, starring many actors of Iranian descent.
Noroi: The Curse (2005)
The remarkable documentary-style film Noroi: The Curse comes from Japanese director Koji Shiraishi. Its well-crafted storyline and cinematography have made it a unique and different found footage film. Fans have analyzed this unfolding mystery for years.
Noroi: The Curse keeps viewers in anticipation as a journalist slowly pieces a supernatural mystery together. The deeper he dives, the closer he comes to discovering an otherworldly being responsible for the recent paranormal activity.
Critics applaud director Koji Shiraishi and producer Takashige Ichise for creating an exciting and intricate plot for this found footage film.
Les Diaboliques (1955)
This next classic film is a French thriller, Les Diaboliques, directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot. His work has inspired endless films, including the iconic Psycho (1960) by Alfred Hitchcock. Clouzot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats in anticipation throughout this mysterious horror film.
In Les Diaboliques, a cruel and abusive husband is targeted by his sickly wife and lover. Viewers speculate throughout the film, unaware of how this deceiving and macabre thriller will end.
Audiences see the plot as timeless and just as effective, standing out from horror films released since.
Rec (2007)
Last but not least, another film I enjoyed is Rec, a collaborative project between Spanish directors Paco Plaza and Jaume Balagueró. It follows a realistic and suspenseful zombie found footage story. The actors improvised multiple scenes, making the characters’ reactions more natural and authentic. Rec has won many awards, been ceaselessly complimented, and inspired three sequels.
Rec is anything but a typical zombie film. With realistic pacing, claustrophobic ambiance, and a religious and supernatural secret, this film transports viewers to the bustling apartment setting.
On top of watching classic American horror films this October, check out some foreign flicks that may become your new favorites!
