Overlooked Contemporary Horror Treasures That Deserve Greater Appreciation

      EJ Moreno revisits some modern horror films that have been overlooked…

      With the multitude of horror films released each year, including independent projects and daily streaming debuts, it's understandable that even exceptional horror titles can fall through the cracks.

      Recognizing that several hidden gems have been overlooked for too long, we’ll take a moment to reflect on seven horror films from the past decade that deserve more attention. The only criteria for this list is that these films needed to be underappreciated by horror enthusiasts or simply didn’t receive the recognition they warranted. Don’t expect to find titles like The Witch or Get Out here, as those films have already made their mark on horror fans. Instead, let’s breathe new life into some recent favorites.

      **Oculus (2014)**

      While many horror aficionados now revere Mike Flanagan, his mainstream breakthrough, Oculus, hasn't reached legendary status. However, that doesn’t undermine its quality; it provided a much-needed twist to paranormal horror. Emerging from Blumhouse and (curiously) WWE Studios, this eerie film unexpectedly appeared during the 2013 festival circuit and gradually captured the hearts of horror enthusiasts in 2014. Gaining an audience through word-of-mouth, it benefited from the early streaming/Redbox era. Featuring the talented Karen Gillan and Brenton Thwaites from Titans, the story revolves around a sibling duo confronting a malevolent mirror, but it delves into deeper themes of grief and family trauma before they became widely explored in horror. The film effectively showcases genuine terror, deserving greater recognition then and still today, particularly considering Flanagan's impressive legacy.

      **Starry Eyes (2014)**

      2017 marked the onset of the #MeToo Movement, prompting a significant dialogue surrounding abuse in Hollywood. Surprisingly, Starry Eyes was vocal about the industry’s dark underbelly long before the conversations began. Indie horror made strides in the early 2010s, with films like this finding a niche among devoted genre fans but remaining just outside mainstream acceptance. Despite its early embrace, Starry Eyes hasn’t undergone the critical reassessment it deserves, especially in light of recent revelations within the media over the past decade. Fortunately, the immensely talented Alex Essoe established herself in the horror scene following the film, becoming a familiar figure in Mike Flanagan's works. She played a pivotal role in surfacing conversations about exploitative producers, clandestine Hollywood groups, and the lengths people will go for fame—long before these topics became fashionable. Teaming up with the directors, she elevated Starry Eyes above mere streaming filler, making it a film worth revisiting repeatedly.

      **The Wailing (2016)**

      This entry could serve as a tribute to the remarkable South Korean horror films of the 2010s, with The Wailing exemplifying the genre's brilliance. It’s challenging to find another film as wildly imaginative as this one. The blending of genres, extraordinary performances, and the film's willingness to immerse itself in its peculiar lore sets it apart. It defies trends and clichés without feeling contrived. This thoughtful approach makes The Wailing feel inspired and fresh, which is a valuable trait in modern horror. Although director Na Hong-jin may not be as prolific or celebrated as his South Korean counterparts, his work resonates with an immense scale. Once you experience the haunting essence of this film, you’ll be astonished at how he manages to evoke violence and horror. Moreover, no one can pace a horror film quite like Na Hong-jin, showcasing a skillful editing style often absent in contemporary horror.

      **mother! (2017)**

      Darren Aronofsky is a filmmaker who could have easily entered the elite circles of 00s directors known for prestige and mainstream triumphs, yet no one can shock audiences quite like Aronofsky. From Requiem for a Dream to Black Swan, he possesses the unique ability to elevate horror beyond the conventional "elevated horror" label. However, nothing has unsettled and captivated me more than his daring and controversial project, mother!, released in 2017. This no-holds-barred religious horror film is unlike anything we've witnessed before. Starring his then-partner, Jennifer Lawrence, mother! offers no respite, plunging the viewer into a chaotic realm of religious themes. The film is saturated with anger and frustration, as Aronofsky employs Javier Bardem’s character to satirize the mayhem "God" has unleashed upon the world. It’s an experience that lingers long after viewing, a rarity in modern horror.

      **Upgrade (2018)**

      I often wonder why this film didn’t become a franchise. Perhaps it lost momentum to Mandy that year, or maybe it struggled to find an audience in theaters, but it’s unfortunate that Upgrade didn’t garner a larger following. Another Blumhouse production, Upgrade showed all the potential of a blockbuster but didn’t reach a sufficient audience. Directed by Leigh