It’s just about impossible to count the independent horror films released each year. There must be 500 micros to hit, a few more hundred flicks with feeble but adequate budgets, and then you’ve of course got your heavily promoted commercial releases.
Sadly, those commercial releases tend to disappoint the most, while the productions battling a budget often inadvertently stumble upon significant eminence.
However, not every lower budget film garners the shine it delivers. And trust this: There are a great number of “little flicks” that merit massive praise. In order to keep things reasonable for viewers, I’ve isolated 10 recent indie pictures that refused to let monetary issues prevent them from being as amazing as they possibly could. And, for my money, each of these productions certainly deserves the title of amazing. Get ready to embark on a mission to find some awesome material. You don’t want to miss these beauties.
Asylum Blackout:
If you’re in search of a film that weaves a bloody web of paranoia, outrage, insanity and claustrophobia, Asylum Blackout has all you need. It’s an uncannily dark piece of work fit to confuse the senses via an outright onslaught of aggression and tangible threats. It’s also extremely well acted, unbelievably atmospheric (I checked this one out as a dual feature with Session 9 in a rundown Sacramento theater about six months ago and found the combo to be deeply disturbing) and frightening. Not jump out of nowhere frightening, but stick to the walls of your consciousness frightening.
Absentia:
Absentia may be the finest example of taking a miniscule budget (a reported $70k) and stretching it beyond the point of snapping. But rest assured, nothing’s snapping in this film, other than the mental limits of a few key characters… and potential viewers. Absentia relies on the work of the imagination rather than obvious visuals (though there are a few creepy shots) and it works like a charm. It’s a disconcerting piece of film, and it was strong enough to catapult writer/director Mike Flanagan to much grander projects, like the recently released and frequently lauded Oculus.
Armistice:
Few have likely heard of this English flick, as it hasn’t had much chance to catch on with Stateside media outlets just yet. Don’t allow that to impede on a potential screening session. It is a true must to absorb this inspired flick, which far surpasses your typical little haunted indie effort. The sets are extremely minimal, as are the onscreen players. But the heart of the film pounds away violently, all but ensuring viewers find themselves entwined in a spine-tingling and wildly depressing genre piece.
The Cabining:
Brainless? Sure. Shallow? Definitely. Cliché? You bet. Self-aware? Yessir. An absolute blast? Oh hell yes! This kooky cabin adventure gone wrong is what indie filmmaking is all about. It’s about filmmakers having a blast, creating some awesome scenes and being able to walk away knowing that they left viewers caring enough for the production to manufacture big word of mouth. Anyone who’s seen this one can attest to the fact that others are all but ensured to get a kick out of The Cabining. Lighthearted to the core, but truly engaging, The Cabining is a somewhat rare find, but if you spot it, look into it. Ass-kicking on the most enlightening of scales.
Chastity Bites:
Chastity Bites had some buzz in the approach of release, but the chatter has already died down, and I fear that may turn potential viewers away. When the praise subsides, so does the desire to seek out a film. But Chastity Bites is certainly worth a look. It’s humorous, there’s quite a bit of quality commentary included and, really, who doesn’t love a nerdy yet empowered feminist determined to slay an ancient vampire queen? Another highly entertaining flick you may have allowed to slip through the cracks.
The Battery:
Amazing, amazing, amazing! Did I mention amazing? This is the epitome of maximizing the minimal and generating a compelling, human connection between film and audience. The Battery felt real. It felt dreadful and heartbreaking because it felt real. The characters are fantastic; their plight is at times heartbreaking, at times somewhat uplifting. Through it all there’s this strange sense that descends on the viewer that says, that could be me, and it’s a paralyzing thought. Talk about a magnetic movie? Talk about The Battery.
Roadside:
Has Roadside even seen disc release yet? If not, it deserves to be dumped on shelves and in Redboxes around the US immediately. This tale of a psychopathic sniper hiding in the woods, a stranded couple trapped at his mercy, is tense. The onscreen performances also feel quite organic. For a picture that was essentially shot in one single, small location, the flick flies right along, and the mystery builds as we approach a simplistically unnerving conclusion. A high quality piece from Eric England.
Sick Boy:
Sick Boy proved that babysitter movies can be damn frightening without a masked stalker prowling about the premises (Michael Myers called in sick for this specific occasion). It doesn’t take a knife-wielding menace to invoke fear. Sometimes it just takes a little boy. A sick, sick little boy. Great buildup to a wonderful finale that looks and feels surprisingly realistic. Aside from that, the anonymity of the entire picture is just about genius.
Son of Ghostman:
Son of Ghostman isn’t an outright horror feature. In fact – believe it or not – it’s a hybrid piece, blending horror, good old fashioned homage and romance. And still, it’s an awesome movie that echoes a very John Hughes vintage vibe because every character on hand feels honest and relatable. They feel quite real, and the chemistry before the camera is great. If you love the good old horror host, and you respect passionate films, Son of Ghostman will keep you thoroughly entertained.
Death and Cremation:
Perhaps the greatest overachiever of the bunch, I anticipated very, very little from the quiet production. What I got was full satisfaction. Brad Dourif fronts the flick as a nondescript mortician who happens to create his own “clients.” If you’ve been a bully, beware: Stan might just have a plan for you, and it’s got absolutely nothing to do with the living. An extremely overlooked pic that far exceeded my personal expectations, Death and Cremation is a winner and as normally the case, Dourif shines like a brilliant beacon swaying across the desolate seas, guiding vessels to safety.