As Halloween approaches, several new horror films have emerged, offering a variety of thrills ranging from supernatural mysteries to intense gore. These recent releases, available across streaming platforms, showcase a mix of innovative storytelling and genre traditions.
One notable entry is "Backrooms," streaming on HBO Max, which has become a surprise global box office hit, grossing over $400 million. Directed by Kane Parsons and based on his web series, the film follows a furniture salesman, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, who stumbles into a labyrinthine world of endless yellow hallways and sharp angles. The film blends elements of science fiction, found footage, and existential horror, with Parsons, only 20 when the film was released, receiving praise for his atmospheric direction. Renate Reinsve co-stars as the salesman’s therapist, who also becomes trapped in the mysterious space. Critics have interpreted the film as an allegory for themes of victimhood and unrealized potential. Cinematographer Jeremy Cox and designer Danny Vermette have been commended for their eerie visual construction reminiscent of classic horror imagery.
Another supernatural thriller, “Keeper,” is available on Hulu. Directed by Osgood Perkins, known for his prior horror works, the film centers on Liz (Tatiana Maslany) and her doctor boyfriend Malcolm (Rossif Sutherland) celebrating their anniversary at a remote cabin. The arrival of Malcolm’s cousin and a mysterious woman, Minka (Eden Weiss), introduces unsettling events that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. The film combines naturalistic terror and folk-horror elements, exploring themes of love and masculinity through an unsettling and off-kilter lens.
For a darker comedy take on horror, “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” streams on Mubi. Written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun, the film tackles the legacy of a fictional 1980s teen slasher franchise known for its controversial portrayal of transgender identity and sexuality. The story follows Kris (Hannah Einbinder) as she attempts to reboot the franchise and reconnects with the reclusive former final girl, played by Gillian Anderson. The film combines surrealist storytelling with queer theoretical themes, resulting in a cerebral and uniquely stylized narrative.
Horror fans interested in extreme gore can turn to “Evil Dead Burn,” also available on HBO Max. This latest addition to the “Evil Dead” franchise delivers graphic violence and supernatural terror centered on a widow (Souheila Yacoub) and a demonic force haunting her social circle. While the plot received mixed reviews for its pacing, the film’s unrelenting, maximalist horror and inventive practical effects have drawn attention for their shocking intensity.
Lastly, “Goody Goody,” streaming on Shudder, is a supernatural thriller that explores a home birth gone awry. Directed by first-time feature filmmaker Raymond Creamer, the film depicts Goody (Samantha Robinson) laboring in a remote cabin amid a mysterious blizzard and a power outage. As the narrative unfolds, the atmosphere grows tense and unsettling, focusing more on mood and dread than plot clarity. The film has been noted for its appeal to fans of pregnancy-related horror, despite some narrative shortcomings.
Together, these films highlight the diversity and creativity present in contemporary horror cinema, spanning psychological puzzles, folk myths, gross-out horror, and socially conscious dark comedy.