My 10 Favourite Horror Films of All Time

If you read my blog or if you know me to some extent, you'll know that I absolutely love horror films. I write about them a lot, I tweet about them a lot, and of course I watch them a lot. While I've already done a post last year on the 50 greatest horror films of all time, I felt like it didn't really reflect my own personal opinion. So now, seeing as I've got some spare time and have recently put together a list, I'm going to do a post on my top 10 horror films of all time. This is 100% personal opinion and over time could even change, but as of now, for anyone who's interested, these are my top 10 horror films of all time.

10. The Witch (Robert Eggers, 2017)

What's it about?

After being exiled from their community in 17th century New England, a small puritan family decide to settle in an isolated rural area away from society. However, after the disappearance of their newborn child and a number of supernatural occurrences, the family begin to suspect that something wicked is at work in the woods around them.

Why it makes the list:

A fairly recent entry at number 10, but a damn fine one at that, The Witch was one of the most immersive horror films I've ever experienced on the big screen. Unlike a lot of modern horror films that rely mostly on jumpscares and gore, The Witch opted for using pure suspense and it works like a charm. The combination of Mark Korven's chilling score with the clever editing and Egger's direction create this terrifying atmosphere of dread throughout, playing with the audiences senses. When I first watched this film, I wasn't scared because of something jumping out onscreen, I was terrified at the prospect that something could. The way Eggers builds tension is excellent and manages to get the audiences heart racing without ever having to do anything explicitly scary onscreen. It's an effective method of filmmaking reminiscent of earlier horror films like The Shining, managing to do a lot by ultimately doing very little. On top of all that, the film also gave us THE greatest horror icon of the 21st century: Black Philip the goat.

Favourite scene:

Towards the beginning when we see why the titular witch snatched poor baby Sam. It had the whole cinema on the edge of its seat.

9. The Beyond (Lucio Fulci, 1981)

What's it about?

After purchasing an old hotel in Louisiana, a young woman is plagued by supernatural events around her which leads her to suspect that not everything is as it seems at the hotel. She forms an alliance with a local doctor and a mysterious blind woman in order to discover the hellish secret behind the Seven Doors Hotel.

Why it makes the list:

With Lucio Fulci you either love him or hate him, and I personally fall into the former category. Fulci's films are probably most well known for their use of explicit and over the top gore, and The Beyond is without a doubt his magnum opus. While it does contain a fair amount of bloodshed (there's a particularly nasty scene involving tarantulas), the film is also oozing with atmosphere and has some excellent cinematography as well. Fulci proves here that he is more than just a master of gore, but that he has also mastered the technical side of horror films as well as seen by the way he creates atmosphere. The entire film has this extremely eerie atmosphere, as though there is this ever present force stalking the protagonists that can manipulate the environment around them as it pleases. Because of all the bizarre and uncanny events that take place within the film, it has this surreal, almost Lovecraftian vibe to it that Fulci pulls off incredibly well. Being a Fulci film however, it also contains some top of the range gore to make your skin crawl. The mix of splatter and surrealism is not one you'd encounter often, and not one that could always work, but in The Beyond, I feel it works perfectly. Arguably one of Fulci's strangest and most terrifying films ever, and one that's sure to send a shiver up the spines of anybody who dares watch it.

Favourite scene:

SPIDERS.

8. Alien (Ridley Scott, 1979)

What's it about?

After receiving a distress call from a nearby moon, the crew of the merchant ship The Nostromo land there in search of intelligent life. However, what they find is something much more deadly and malevolent that begins to pick them off one by one. In space, no one can hear you scream.

Why it makes the list:

Ah Alien, how you've aged like a fine wine. Despite being nearly 40 years old, the film still holds up excellently in the modern world and is still just as scary as it would have been all those years ago. It's one of the most isolated and claustrophobic horror films ever made and its influence can still be felt in both the science fiction and horror genres today. An isolated ship in the vastness of space is the perfect setting for this space age creature feature, there literally is no escape from the terror that stalks the protagonists. With nowhere to run, the crew are forced to fight and hunt down the creature, but it's far to clever to let that happen. Screenwriter Dan O'Bannon and Ridley Scott really manage to bring to life that sheer sense of isolation and hopelessness felt by the crew, so much so that you feel almost as though you are stuck up there with them. Pitting the characters in tiny ventilation shafts and dark, steamy corridors, the whole film feels incredibly claustrophobic which turns the tension right up to eleven. I remember watching the scene with Tom Skerritt in the ventilation shaft for the first time with my heart racing, and yet no matter how many times I watch that scene, knowing what's about to happen, I still feel just as terrified. It's a terrifying, yet incredibly fun film that you can watch time and time again without it ever losing its impact. They certainly don't make them like this anymore.

Favourite scene:

Tom Skerritt in the vent, gets me every time.

7. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (Robert Weine, 1920)

What's it about?

A troubled young man recounts the horrific encounter he had years ago with mysterious hypnotist Dr. Caligari and his murderous somnabulist Cesare.

Why it makes the list:

One of the most iconic horror films of the 1920's, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is like watching a moving painting onscreen. From the extremely angular and exaggerated sets to the gothic costumes, the entire film has this very dreamlike atmosphere making it come across as something entirely otherworldy. It is the pinaccle of German expressionist cinema and captures everything that made the short-lived subgenre so dazzling. The visuals are by far second to none and the film contains some of the most iconic frames in horror film history, but it's not solely reliant on style. The film is also known for having the first ever twist ending in cinema, I don't want to spoil it because it's a clever one, but it's clear how much it has influenced similar films years after its release. Coming in at a mere 76 minute runtime, it's a clever little film and an easy watch even for those who wouldn't normally enjoy silent films. The gothic imagery and surreal atmosphere make it such an immersive and enticing film that draws you in as if it is hypnotizing you like Caligari himself. It's hard not to love this film, and even harder not to acknowledge how influential it was to countless filmmakers years later. From Tim Burton, to Dario Argento, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari had an effect on them all and its influence can still be found in the media today. It was a true pioneer of not just horror cinema, but of cinema as a whole.

Favourite scene:

When Caligari wakes Cesare for the first time, Conrad Veidt is so chilling.

6. Bride of Frankenstein (James Whale, 1935)

What's it about?

Following the events of Frankenstein (1935), the film sees Henry Frankenstein reluctantly return to his work when a former mentor, Dr. Pretorious arrives. Under the pressure from both his mentor and his original creation, Dr. Frankenstein frantically attempts to make a female companion for the creature to issue in a new world of gods and monsters.

Why it makes the list:

Beating the likes of Aliens and The Empire Strikes Back for being the best sequel of all time, The Bride of Frankenstein manages to further develop the universe introduced in the first film. A large part of the film follows the creature himself (in another amazing performance from Boris Karloff) who continues to roam the countryside after almost dying in a windmill fire. The creature was already a sympathetic character in the first film, but now we see an extra layer of depth added to him as he begins his search for companionship. It is truly compelling in this sense as we see this creature desperately searching for acceptance only to be turned on by almost everyone who encounters him. While he does eventually find acceptance in the form of a kind old blind man, he is soon chased away by passing by villagers. It's an interesting arc for the creature that sees him eventually resorting to threatening his creator himself in order to give him the companion he so desperately yearns for. It's all quite sad to be honest. Of course, one of the highlights of the film is Ernest Thesiger as the devilishly camp Dr. Pretorious who makes for a sinister yet comedic villain. Ultimately culminating on a bittersweet note, Bride of Frankenstein is a thought-provoking, emotionally driven piece of gothic horror that immortalised Karloff in the role of the monster, despite it being his penultimate performance as him.

Favourite scene:

We belong dead.

5. Halloween (John Carpenter, 1978)

What's it about?

15 years after he murdered his sister on Halloween night, the deeply disturbed Michael Meyers escaped from a mental institution and returns to his hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, to wreak havoc on its unsuspecting citizens. 

Why it makes the list:

While it wasn't the first slasher film ever made, Halloween is what set the standard for the countless slashers that would follow and is what essentially sparked the great slasher boom of the 1980's. Halloween may not have been the first of its kind, but its arguably one of the most influential (along with Bob Clarke's Black Christmas) and was mimicked countless times in the years that followed. This was also the film that truly established John Carpenter as the undisputed horror master he is known as today. Combining his unique directorial style with his own dread-inducing score, Carpenter manages to create a truly chilling air of suspense throughout, before anything scary even begins to happen. Some of the most chilling scenes are those when Meyers is merely standing there, watching. Carpenter establishes this character as a true force to be reckoned with and builds up this suspense throughout the film, so by the time Meyers does start killing off teens, he's all the more terrifying. I saw this in the cinema last Halloween, and while I had seen it numerous times beforehand, I felt as though I was watching it for the very first time. What makes it all the more terrifying is that Meyers is not some supernatural entity (not in this one anyway), but he's just a man. The fact that a human could do something like this is a chilling prospect and one that makes Halloween all the more real. Despite being copied countless times after, Halloween is still a one of a kind type film and one of Carpenters finest.

Favourite scene:

When Laurie thinks she has finally killed Michael and stops to catch her breath. He's behind you!

4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Tobe Hooper, 1974)

What's it about?

On a road trip through Texas en route to their grandfather's grave, two siblings and their friends become the targets of a deranged family of cannibals living nearby, turning an idyllic summers day into a sheer nightmare.

Why it makes the list:

What I love about this film is how raw it all feels. Nothing feels clean or polished, instead there is this consistently gritty tone throughout that adds an extra layer of realism to the film. Notorious at the time of its release for being too violent, if you actually watch the film you'll realise that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre doesn't actually show a lot of violence onscreen. In fact, there is very little blood at all. But director Tobe Hooper was clever when he made this film, having the ability to do very much by showing very little. The sound design and the editing were two of the key features in this film, both being displayed perfectly in the infamous meat hook scene. We watch as Leatherface hoists poor Pam onto a pair of rusty meat hooks, and although we never see the hooks actually pierce her skin, the way in which the scene is edited and the sounds of her agonising screams make it just as effective. This brings me to Leatherface himself, played tremendously here by the late Gunnar Hansen. Leatherface is a true force to be reckoned with, a hulking being who slaughters his way through anything or anyone in his way. He is also a very unpredictable character, making all of his scenes incredibly tense and unnerving. While not an inherently evil character in comparison to the rest of his family, Leatherface is a terrifying villain nonetheless and the last person you'd want chasing you with a chainsaw.

Favourite scene:

Leatherface's chainsaw ballet against the Texas sunrise.

3. Hellraiser (Clive Barker, 1987)

What's it about?

Where do I begin. After being dragged into a hellish dimension by grotesque beings known as cenobites, Frank Cotton returns to the real world in the form of a decaying skeletal being. In order to reconstruct himself, he enlists the help of his ex-lover and sister-in-law Julia, who has recently married Franks brother and moved into their old house. When the bodies begin to pile up, Frank's niece Kirsty must take action before it's too late.

Why it makes the list:

In a period full of countless slasher films, each seeming more similar than the last, Hellraiser was a breath of fresh air. From the mind of British horror novelist Clive Barker came a tale of demons, deception, and leather fetish gear that was like nothing ever seen before. The practical effects used in Hellraiser are simply astounding, each cenobite is so detailed and unique that they all leave a lasting impact despite their relatively short screen time. The combination of leather fetish gear and grotesque mutilation made for some of the most unsettling yet original creatures to ever grace the silver screen. Another thing that made it stand out so well during its release was the tone. The 1980's were a time for fun slasher films that were borderline comedic, I mean look at the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. However, Hellraiser was pitch black in its tone. The cenobites were serious villains with no sense of emotion while Frank and Julia Cotton were both nasty, unrelenting people. It was extremely dark for its time, and Barker creates this incredible sense of dread right the way through. The scene at the beginning in the attic is a perfect example, the dim lighting, the rattling chains dangling from the wall, the mutilated flesh scattered around the room, Barker was not messing around here, this was serious horror. Unrelenting and highly unique for its time, Hellraiser still holds up wonderfully today and is one that you will never forget.

Favourite scene:

The first look at the ghastly cenobites, Chatterer was always my favourite.

2. The Wicker Man (Robin Hardy, 1973)

What's it about?

Police Seargent Howie arrives on the isolated island village of Summerisle in search of a missing girl who the townspeople insist never existed. Howie searches the island for the young girl, encountering a number of the villagers and their mysterious pagan rites along the way. Howie must complete his investigation before somebody ultimately keeps their appointment with the dreaded wicker man.

Why it makes the list:

The Wicker Man is a different sort of horror as it's not explicitly scary. In fact, for most of the film nothing horrific happens at all. However, the late Robin Hardy manages to create this intense feel of isolation throughout which builds this unmistakable sense of paranoia. The fact that Howie is a Christian outsider in this tightly-knit pagan community makes him an isolated character who is alone without any allies on the island. While the villagers come across as relatively friendly, there is this constant sense that something sinister is lurking beneath the pleasant town of Summerisle. The cheery music and picturesque country setting juxtapose excellently with the underlying sense of dread and mystery. I've always found it even more unsettling the second time around, knowing of the films grim conclusion and witnessing all the cheeriness that came beforehand. Cheeriness has never been so unsettling. This is by far my favourite Christopher Lee performance, next to Dracula, as it is one of the more complex villains that he has played. Lord Summerisle is not an inherently evil man like Dracula, he is merely a man who is obeying his religion and believes that what he is doing is right. Lee clearly has a lot of fun as Summerisle which can be clearly seen as he skips about dressed as a woman towards the films end. It's a fascinating film that sees a devout Christian's odyssey into a strange new world of pagan rituals and rites. The film is full of strong themes, wonderful imagery, and one of the most shocking endings in horror film history.

Favourite scene:

The final scene with the eponymous wicker man or the maypole scene just because the song is so catchy.

1. Suspiria (Dario Argento, 1977)

What's it about?

American ballerina Suzy Bannion arrives at a prestigious dance academy in Germany to begin her studies there. However, she soon discovers that not everything is as it seems at the Tanz academy and that dark forces are working against her. Suzy then finds herself plunged into a terrifying world of murder and witchcraft from which she is unsure she will ever escape. 

Why it makes the list:

I mean come on, was there ever any doubt? Suspiria is by far my all time favourite horror film and one that I can watch time and time again without it losing its effect. Full of sets and gorgeous cinematography, every frame of Suspiria is like a painting, from the red neon glow of the hallways to the darkly-lit witches lair, the film is visually incomparable. Argento takes these psychedelic visuals and combines them with the terrifying score by prog group Goblin to create this incredibly unsettling atmosphere. It creeps under your skin and keeps you captivated, hypnotised almost, and as much as you'll want to look away you simply cannot. It's an incredibly eerie film from start to finish. While there is plenty of bloodshed to please gorehounds, the real beauty of Suspiria lies within its atmosphere, Argento paid so much attention to detail in order to craft it and it's clear that it paid off. Literally, all Argento has to do is take a shot of a hallway, play some Goblin music over it, and he'll already scare you senseless. Its vibrant colour scheme and production design make it by far the most visually stunning horror film ever, but Argento's commitment to building dread is what really makes Suspiria my favourite horror film of all time. He knows what makes the audience tick and uses this to his advantage, toying with their senses and bringing them into submission to his terror. Suspiria is a dazzling and truly terrifying film, and a prime example of why Dario Argento is one of horror cinema's greatest filmmakers.

Favourite scene:

Daniels unfortunate demise, one of the most unsettling scenes I've ever witnessed.

So there you have it, those are my top 10 horror films of all time. If you've got a favourite horror film or a top ten yourself, let me know in the comments, and if you haven't seen any of the films on the list then it goes without saying that I highly recommend them all. Until next time!

10 Essential Episodes of 'Inside No. 9'

The best thing about anthology shows is that every episode is self-contained, meaning you don't necessarily have to watch said show in order, or even watch every episode. They're easy watches and don't carry that pressure of television show commitment that a lot of other shows do. From The Twilight Zone, to the more recent Black Mirror, anthology series' have proven to be popular for decades now, and that popularity is still growing. However, there's one recent anthology series that I feel has flown under the radar a bit and deserves a bit more recognition, that show being BBC's Inside No. 9. 

Penned by League of Gentlemen alumni Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, with at least one of them also appearing in each episode, the show takes a dark and twisted look into the lives of different people residing at locations with the address number 9. The episodes range from comedic, to mysterious, to downright terrifying, with each one containing a variety of twists and turns to constantly keep the audience on their toes. It's a clever series with every episode provoking though and raising the tension to 11, yet not a lot of people seem to watch it in comparison to similar shows like Black Mirror. So, if you're a fan of Black Mirror and are interested in similar shows then look no further, as here are my 10 essential episodes of Inside No. 9.

10. Private View

What's it about?

The most recent episode so far sees a group of strangers being invited to an art gallery for a mysterious private viewing. None of them know each other, none of them even know the artist who sent the invite, but when a mysterious killer starts to pick them of one by one, a sinister connection emerges between them all.

Why you should watch it:

Story wise, this episode plays out like a classic Agatha Christie novel, with a group of strangers being picked off one by one by an unknown assailant. Right from the get go it's clear that they were all invited to the gallery for a reason and that there is something that links them all, and as the episode develops the picture soon becomes a lot clearer. Stylistically the episode looks and feels like a Dario Argento film, from the colourful lighting to the location (Argento's first film The Bird With the Crystal Plumage was also known as The Gallery Murders), the whole episode feels giallo-esque. Even in the opening scene we watch as the killer puts on their signature pair of black leather gloves. It's a fun and stylish murder mystery with notable highlights including Fiona Shaw's scene stealing performance, Peter Kay's cameo, and Pemberton's charcter 'Kenneth Williams' provoking a plethora of Carry On jokes. 

9. Seance Time

What's it about:

A young woman named Tina arrives at the home of blind medium Madam Talbot in order to consult the spirit world. However, she soon realises she may have gotten more than she had bargained for and that ghosts may be more real than she thought.

Why you should watch it:

This was the most surprising episode for me as it is full of unexpected twists and turns. It's hard to talk about it because some of the twists are so integral to the plot, but trust me when I say this is definitely one to watch. The episode finds the perfect balance between humour and sheer terror, beginning like a traditional horror film before countering that with the shows signature sense of humour..before amping up the horror yet again. It's hard to tell what's real and what isn't real in this episode, and again I can't spoil anything, but the episode does toy with the viewers senses and takes every opportunity to catch them by surprise. The episode also contains some interesting satire and one of Pemberton's best performances on the show as Pete the skeptic. 

8. The Devil of Christmas

What's it about?

In this Christmas episode, viewers are treated to a fictional film-within-a-show called The Devil of Christmas, along with running commentary from its director Dennis Fulcher (Derek Jacobi). The film itself follows a British family who arrive in Austria for their Christmas holidays only to become the targets of a supernatural being known as the Krampus. Will they make it through the holidays?

Why you should watch it:

First of all, the entire episode looks as though it was filmed back in the late 70's. The grainy visuals, the costumes and the questionable 'acting' all look as if they were torn straight out of a low tier Hammer horror film. The attention to detail is flawless here and it feels very reminiscent of Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, only much more sinister. Through running commentary from the fictional director played by Derek Jacobi, we learn that The Devil of Christmas was a rushed production, leading to a lot of the 'actors' to rush through their lines. Little details like this make the episode feel more real, more believable, which ultimately makes the final scene even more disturbing than it otherwise would have been. This has perhaps one of the most grizzly endings in the entirety of the series as we suddenly realise what exactly we have been watching all along, but I'm afraid expanding on that would be a spoiler. The corny acting and intentionally convoluted plot make this episode incredibly humourous, all before the shocking finale puts the cherry on top of this chilling Christmas pudding. A perfect piece of festive fun for the whole family.

7. Cold Comfort

What's it about?

Andy (Pemberton) arrives at his new job at a call centre that seeks to give comfort to the lonely and troubled. However, Andy soon discovers that the job carries with it a lot of emotional stress and when he receives a particularly disturbing phone call, he must fight to maintain his sanity.

Why you should watch it:

This episode sees Pemberton and Shearsmith not only writing and acting, but also directing as well. The episode is all shown through CCTV footage from the Comfort Support Line, mainly from Andy's computer, which emphasises his sense of isolation and highlights his descent in to insanity. It's a very tense episode, and the scenes in which Andy receives the mysterious phone calls are particularly eerie, we can almost feel the level of emotional stress he is under. This is the most isolated the show ever gets and the entire 30 minutes completely ooze with paranoia. Things gradually build up to the final moments of the episode where Andy discovers who is really behind the sinister phone calls, but even then things aren't quite over, as Andy's past comes back to haunt him. Its a particularly chilling ending that catches the audience completely off guard in the final seconds. We spend this entire episode rooting for poor Andy, and in the final scenes..well you'll just have to watch won't you? Let's just say you will never hear 'Shine' by Take That in the same way after this episode. 

6. La Couchette

What's it about?

As a group of passengers prepare to get a good nights sleep on their overnight train journey to France, things soon take an unexpected turn when it is revealed that one of them has died in their sleep. The passengers are then faced with a moral dilemma that brings out each individuals true colours.

Why you should watch it:

This is perhaps one of the more lighthearted episodes of the show, despite its rather morbid premise, and sees some hilarious performances from the cast members. Pemberton's flatulent Jorg and Jack Whitehall's posh boy Hugo are just some of the highlights in this devilishly funny episode. Whitehall in particular delivers some of the best one liners of the episode so perfectly and well timed, his character is so unlikeable but his performance is the stand out of the episode. The claustrophobic atmosphere inside the cabin bring the tension levels up and manage to emphasise the sheer amount of agitation felt among the passengers. However, amid all of the farce and feces there is a sinister secret hiding in plain sight, and while it may be a tiny bit predictable, the final payoff all makes up for it in one of the most comically sinister endings on the series. As the tagline states: 'In deuxiéme classe, everyone can hear you scream.'

5. The Riddle of the Sphinx

What's it about?

One stormy night, a young woman named Nina (Alexandra Roach) breaks into the office of University professor Squires (Pemberton), nicknamed 'the sphinx' for his penchant for crosswords. Nina pleads with Squires to help her learn the way of the crossword in order to impress her boyfriend, and while the duo initially seem to bond, nothing is as it seems.

Why you should watch it:

Crosswords are the main focus of this episode, not your typical crosswords however, but intricate and cryptic ones that require expert deduction skills. We begin by watching Squires explain to Nina the complex process used to deduce the cryptic crossword hints, before (I think you're beginning to see a pattern here) things take a dark turn yet again. Much like the crossword in Professor Squires' office, this is an incredibly complex episode full of many twists and turns, just when you think it's about to go left, it takes a sharp right. There are layers upon layers of revelations in this episode and it seems like every minute the plot takes another clever twist, yet it all runs so smoothly and never feels overstuffed or self-indulgent. On top of all that, every new development corresponds to an answer on Squires' crossword puzzle, almost as if the puzzle itself had predicted the sinister turn of events that took place within the episode. What begins as a seemingly lighthearted bonding experience soon takes a drastic turn in a tale full of murder, deception, and revenge.

4. The Harrowing

What's it about?

In order to earn herself a bit of cash, schoolgirl Katy agrees to house sit for a duo of strange siblings in their large gothic manor. While initially it seems like a piece of cake, strange things begin to happen around the house which make Katy feel somewhat unsettled. Determined to get to the bottom of the mysterious goings on, Katy makes her way to the top of the house to visit the third sibling, the ailing Andres.

Why you should watch it:

The season 1 finale is arguably the most horror-centric episode of the entire show and most definitely one of the scariest. Set in an old dark house full of gruesome paintings and old-fashioned antiques, the story gradually unfolds against this moody backdrop which creates this unnerving level of suspense. While the episode still maintains the shows signature sense of humour throughout, the final culmination is a genuinely frightening scene and even I myself felt a bit unsettled. The whole episode feels as though it could be its own standalone horror film and could definitely give the likes of Annabelle a run for their money. Shearsmith and Penny Dreadful star Helen McCrory play the siblings Hector and Tabitha respectively, two ageing goths who hide a dark secret in their attic. They are both phenomenal in these roles and maintain the perfect balance between sinister and silly in a similar manner to horror icons like Vincent Price. They appear to have a lot of fun in their roles and are by far two of the shows most memorable characters. The Harrowing certainly ended the first season with a bang and reminded us of the shows pitch black and sinister nature.

3. A Quiet Night In

What's it about?

Two clumsy burglars arrive at the home of a wealthy couple in order to steal a priceless painting. Looking to avoid being spotted the duo must remain completely silent, however they soon face a variety of other complications that continue to interrupt their hesit.

Why you should watch it:

For the second ever episode of the show this was extremely ambitious as, apart from a couple of lines at the end, it is completely silent. This approach could have gone terribly wrong and if executed badly, could have been just plain boring. However, Shearsmith and Pemberton work wonders in this episode through their exaggerated movements and expressions, making for comedic gold. The lack of dialogue is not at all a weakness but rather the episodes strongest point as it allows the actors to further showcase their talents in a different way. Along with this the timing is impeccable, with every action and motion playing out wonderfully to the accompanying soundtrack. It is a true pleasure to watch all of the actors have such fun in their roles and to tell this surprisingly riveting story without uttering any dialogue. A Quiet Night In proves that sometimes silence is golden.

2. The 12 Days of Christine

What's it about?

Beginning on New Years Eve, we are introduced to a young woman name Christine (Sheridan Smith) who has just recently begun a relationship with a man named Adam (Tom Riley). With each scene that follows, we begin to skip further and further into the future as we witness the rest of Christine's life with Adam unfold. However, when a mysterious apparition begins to appear in her apartment, and with her memory slowly getting muddled, Christine struggles to hold on to reality and must uncover what's really going on.

Why you should watch it:

Despite the fact that my girlfriend guessed the twist very early on, I still stand by my statement that this is not only one of the most clever episodes of Inside No. 9, but one of the most clever pieces of television I've ever seen. The episode is tightly edited so that each scene flows directly into the next while letting the viewers know that it has skipped ahead in time. It is well paced and the underlying air of mystery only makes it all the more intriguing. Is this some sort of ghost story? Or is it something much more complex than that? With each 'day' we are only pulled further down this rabbit hold and it's not until the final moments when our questions are finally answered. I have to admit the ending caught me completely off guard the first time I watched it, but upon the second watch I realised that it was staring me right in the face the whole time. That's the sort of thing that this show does, provide you with a completely unexpected twist despite the fact that it has been secretly feeding you answers all this time. Sheridan Smith is fantastic as Christine and bringing her gradual development to life, she is a character that we can easily get behind. It is a masterful piece of storytelling and the final revelation will leave you utterly gobsmacked the first time around.

1. Tom & Gerri

What's it about?

Not a cat and mouse anyway. This episode focuses on teacher, Tom (Shearsmith) and budding actress Gerri (Gemma Arterton), a couple who live a happy life in their quaint apartment. However, when Gerri goes away to work on a new role, Tom befriends a local homeless man named Mig (Pemberton) with whom he bonds over their mutual love for Charles Bukowski. However, the more time Tom spends with Mig, the more careless he becomes, and gradually his idealistic life begins to deteriorate.

Why you should watch it:

I contemplated putting The 12 Days of Christine at the top spot, but then I remembered that it was this episode that really got me hooked on the show. The main focus of the episode is not the relationship between Tom and Gerri, but that between him and Mig. Initially repulsed by the homeless man, Tom soon grows fond of him after he returns his wallet and we watch as their friendship begins to develop. However, it becomes clear that Mig is a bad influence on Tom, gradually convincing him to throw his life away. It's subtle at first, with Mig merely posing suggestions to Tom, but soon his manipulative nature becomes more clear as their roles slowly begin to swap. It soon becomes clear where this episode is going, but being Inside No. 9 nothing is as it seems and the final twist will catch you completely off guard. It's an incredibly clever and well-crafted piece of television that showcases Shearsmith and Pemberton's wide range of talents. It was after this episode that I knew exactly what I was in for with Inside No. 9 and could not wait to see what the rest of the series had in store.

So if you're a fan of dark humour, deception, and sheer terror, then I highly would recommend Inside No. 9. Covering a wide variety of genres and bringing together a number of talented actors in each episodes, the show has something for everyone, and with each episode clocking in at about 30 minutes, it's an easy enough watch. So sit back, relax, and get ready for the sheer thrill ride that is Inside No. 9.

5 Criminally Underrated 80's Slashers

Ah the 80's, a decade known for its flashy clothes, catchy tunes, and big hair. However, to horror fans the 80's is probably best remembered for the sheer excess of slasher films released throughout the decade. After the success of Halloween in 1978, many studios and filmmakers sought to achieve similar success by releasing a sheer plethora of comparable horror films which became known as the slasher genre. Some succeeded, and franchises such as Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street were born, however many simply faded off into obscurity only to gain cult followings in the years to come. With so many slasher films released in the 80's it's easy to overlook a lot of them, however, amidst all of those gory deaths and debaucherous teens there are some sheer gems. The following are just 5 of these films that I personally love and that I feel stand out among some of the more generic of the 80's slasher flicks.

The New York Ripper (1982)

What's it about?

A series of grizzly deaths lead New York police Lieutenant Fred Williams (Jack Hedley) on the trail of a deranged killer who is targeting beautiful women across the city. Along with that, the killer also personally taunts the police over the phone in a bizarre Donald Duck voice. In order to catch the killer, Williams allies himself with criminal psychologist Dr. Paul Davis (Paolo Malco) before more bodies begin to pile up...

Why you should watch it:

Italian filmmaker Lucio Fulci is notorious for the use of graphic violence in his films, and The New York Ripper is no exception. In fact, this is perhaps one of Fulci's most brutal films of his career, even getting itself banned in the UK for years after its release. The violence is graphic, it's detailed, and at times it just feels so real. The infamous scene in which the eponymous ripper slices through a woman's nipple is one of the many wince-inducing moments in the film courtesy of the Italian godfather of gore himself. The effects are surprisingly impressive for the time and their realism adds to the films overall sense of terror. The film retains many characteristics of Italian giallo, from the portrayal of violence to the overall tone. On the other hand its American setting and general sleaziness make it more akin to the slasher films at the time, making it a sort of intersection between both. It's an interesting film by Fulci that sees him bring these very Italian characteristics to a very American film, something that many Euro horrors would do throughout the decade. While The New York Ripper is often dismissed by critics due to the excessive violence and sexuality throughout, it is an entertaining film regardless and a memorable one too. I mean, how many other slasher films have a killer that talks like Donald Duck? A must watch for gore hounds and Fulci fans everywhere. 

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

What's it about?

When he was just a boy, Billy Chapman (Robert Brian Wilson) witnessed his mother and father being murdered by a maniac in a Santa Clause outfit. On top of that, Billy was then sent to an orphanage where the mother superior (Lilayn Chauvin) subjected him to years of psychological abuse, teaching him all about 'sin'. However, things begin to look up for Billy upon reaching adulthood... that is until Christmas comes. When Billy is forced to dress as Santa for the toy shop in which he works, all that childhood trauma catches up on him, leading him on a murderous yuletide rampage.

Why you should watch it:

It's not often that the killer is the main character of their slasher film, most of the time they prowl in the shadows awaiting their next kill for most of the film. However in Silent Night, Deadly Night, the killer is the main character and we spend a significant amount of time watching him develop. We witness all of the childhood trauma, all of the emotional abuse, and we watch as Billy tries to fight it all off in order to keep himself sane. He is a sympathetic character, to a certain extent, while he does carry out a number of brutal murders, the fact that we see his development beforehand almost makes us feel sorry for him. He was never necessarily a 'bad person', just a boy who was pushed too far over the edge. The juxtaposition between the festive merriment of Christmas and Billy's murderous rampage make this film particularly disturbing, and it contains some truly grizzly Christmas kills. My personal favourite is when Billy impales unsuspecting teenager Denise (played by scream queen Linnea Quigley) on the antlers of a stuffed deer head on the wall, if that's not creativity I don't know what is. Silent Night, Deadly Night is a different sort of slasher film as it allows us to sympathise with the killer himself, something a lot of films at that time tended to avoid.

Slaughter High (1986)

What's it about?

Marty Rantzen (Simon Scuddamore) was a nerdy, but harmless high school student who fell victim to a botched prank by his peers that left him horribly disfigured. Years later, those same peers are invited to a high school reunion where they can catch up with each other over a few beers and some food. However, upon arriving at the reunion things begin to take a sinister turn as the former students are picked off one by one by a killer in a jester mask. The sins of the past begin to catch up on each individual as Mart Rantzen exacts his vengeance upon them at last.

Why you should watch it:

A lot of people think that Slaughter High is just your generic, trashy slasher film with nothing that we haven't seen before. Well I'm here to tell you it is more than just that, in fact, it's one of the most fun and inventive slasher films of the latter half of the 80's. While it does have its fair share of flaws such as several plot holes, bad American accents (it was a predominantly British production), and that AWFUL excuse for a 'twist' ending, Slaughter High has some incredibly creative kills, a fantastic soundtrack, and at times is genuinely intense. Some of the most memorable deaths include a poisoned beer can that causes a man to tear out his innards, spinning tractor blades, and a particularly grizzly acid bath. The killer really doesn't hold back when it comes to his murders and the film has a lot of fun coming up with these creative, and often ironic, death scenes. Simon Scuddamore is extremely entertaining in his scenes as Marty, which makes his subsequent suicide after the production had finished even more upsetting. While its unnecessary twist ending and usual slasher tropes do bring Slaughter High down a bit, it is still a fun and memorable sleazefest that's better than your average slasher. It knows what it is and it's not afraid to be a bit silly at times, sometimes this works very well for slasher films and Slaughter High is one example. Plus, the soundtrack is unreal, I found myself humming the main theme constantly upon viewing it for the first time.

The Burning (1981)

What's it about?

Another film about a killer who goes on a killing spree after becoming disfigured in a prank gone wrong, only this time instead of Marty Rantzen, It's a former camp caretaker named Cropsy who embraces their homicidal tendencies. After his face was horribly disfigured in a crude prank years ago, Cropsy makes his way to the nearby Camp Stonewater. Armed with his trusty pair of sheers, Cropsy begins to pick off the campers one by one, taking a particular interest in camp counselor Todd (Brian Matthews) who shares a past with the killer.

Why you should watch it:

Ok so it's not exactly an obscure film, The Burning is quite acclaimed among 80's slashers, but due to the sheer amount of similar films of that decade such as Sleepaway Camp and the Friday the 13th franchise, I feel as though many have forgotten about this film. One of the strongest aspects of The Burning is its characters. A lot of slashers treat their characters as mere disposable victims which can take away the steaks at times. However, many of the characters in The Burning are actually quite likeable which makes us root for them from start to finish. We care about some of the characters, we want them to survive. This is in part due to some of the cast members who would later go on to have relatively successful careers. Brian Backer went on to appear in the iconic Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Seinfeld alum Jason Alexander features heavily throughout, and Holly Hunter even has a very minor role too. Along with its likeable characters, The Burning also boasts one of the most gruesome scenes in slasher film history, the infamous raft massacre. I won't spoil it, but honestly I would say it's definitely in my top ten horror film death scenes due to the sheer shock value, and brilliant score by prog rock legend Rick Wakeman. The Burning is a well written, well made, and well acted film that would go on to influence countless similar films in the years that would follow. Oh, and did I mention that it was the film that launched the careers of the Weinstein brothers? That's right, those Weinstein brothers. Forget about Jason, Cropsy is the true king of summer camp killers.

Curtains (1983)

What's it about?

In order to get into the role for a new film called Audra, veteran actress Samantha Sherwood (Samantha Eggar) checks herself in to a mental institution. However, when she discovers that the films director Johnathan Stryker (John Vernon) has decided to recast the character of Audra, Samantha leaves the asylum and makes her way to his isolated mansion where he has gathered six actresses to audition for the part. Upon her arrival, a mysterious killer in a hag mask begins to target the young actresses in order to eliminate the competition. This ultimately leads the actresses into a fight for more than just a mere role, but for their lives as well.

Why you should watch it:

I'm going to go right out and say that since watching Curtains for the first time earlier this year it has easily become one of my all time favourite slasher films, this is due to the simple reason that 34 years after its release it still holds up brilliantly. The atmosphere is still incredibly unsettling and the film contains some of the most suspenseful death scenes in slasher history. From the scene in the prop house to the iconic ice skating scene, Curtains makes sure that every death scene is as impactful as the last. On top of that, the killers hag mask itself is quite creepy to look at and adds an extra layer of eeriness to the film. Along with all of this, Curtains is not afraid to mess with its audiences head and throw a few curve balls here and there. My personal favourite moment from the film is Amanda's (Deborah Burgess) death scene that fools the audience not only once, but twice. It's a clever little sequence that sets the tone for the film nicely. Take my word for it when I say that Curtains is scary, it holds up a lot better than many 80's slasher films do. The film has some excellent performances too from both Eggar and Vernon, along with Black Christmas star Lynne Griffin as comedienne Patti O'Connor who brings her own sense of genuine charm to the role. It's hard to believe that Curtains had such a troubled production, with major re-shoots, re-casting, and re-writes, along with the original director clashing with the producer and subsequently leaving the film, it's a wonder it was ever made at all. But Curtains overcomes its troubled background and still holds up as one of the most thrilling slashers of the 80's. This one is definitely a must see for horror fans everywhere. 

That is just a mere snipped of the countless slasher films of the 1980's. I could go on for ages naming more obscure and underrated 80's horrors, god only knows there's enough of them, but I think 5 is enough to suffice for now. Take a look at those films if you're interested, or if you have any recommendations for similar films let me know in the comments, I'm always looking out for new horror films to watch. Until next time!

'War For The Planet Of The Apes' Review

Perhaps 'War' was a bit of a misleading title for Matt Reeves' third installment in the Planet of the Apes prequel trilogy. In cinema, the word 'war' usually conjures up images of epic battles and intense action sequences, and rightly so, as these are what most war films entail. However War for the Planet of the Apes is a much more subtle film than the title may suggest, but by no means is this a bad thing. Instead of going for a full on action flick, the film opts for a more subversive, emotionally driven film that exposes the true horrors of war away from the battlefield. This time around, we see ape leader Caesar (Andy Serkis) set out through the unforgiving wilderness in search of a ruthless human colonel (Woody Harrelson) who threatens his kind for good.

Like the previous two films in the series, War once again deals with themes such as morality, humanity, and the fight for survival. Both the apes and the humans are fighting for control of their planet, with both being willing to do anything it takes to come out on top. The humans are particularly ruthless under the leadership of The Colonel, a cold-hearted, Kurtz-like figure who pushes Caesar to his absolute limits. This is a different Caesar to the one we have seen in the previous two films, while he once yearned for peace with humanity, in War we see him gradually lose his faith. Aside from the literal conflict happening in the film, the real conflict is the internal one faced by Caesar. He faces a huge moral dilemma this time around, living in fear of becoming too much like his former adversary Koba (Toby Kebbel). The films events are a true endurance test for Caesar, both physically and mentally. It's a powerful arc for Caesar and watching him develop throughout War is an incredibly captivating experience. These themes of morality and internal conflict act as the films emotional foundations.

Of course, Caesar would not be complete without Andy Serkis, and the action gives a fantastic performance yet again through the use of motion capture. This is a much more layered version of the character in comparison to the previous films, who is tasked with protecting his kind while dealing with his own inner demons. We have seen before how brilliantly Serkis brings the character to life through his movements, but here he gets to explore much deeper elements of Caesar that play out excellently onscreen. He is matched by the cold and unrelenting Colonel played by Woody Harrelson, a character who also seeks to protect his own kind through incredibly violent means. The Colonel is a truly menacing character and a formidable foe for Caesar, yet there is a certain motivation to his menace that adds a certain layer of complexity to his character. Harrelson's character may be stern, but it is clear that he is having great fun bringing him to life. Other highlights include a new ape played by Steve Zahn, who acts as a lighthearted comic relief in this otherwise bleak film. As well as that, young actress Amiah Miller displays a fine amount of talent as the young mute girl in the film, who acts as an easter egg of sorts for fans of the original Planet of the Apes film.

The visuals in War are second to none, with the dark, snow-capped landscapes being brought to life brilliantly by director Matt Reeves and cinematographer Michael Seresin. This is a cold and unforgiving world both literally and figuratively. The apes are brought to life with equal precision and attention to detail, the use of CGI and motion capture is absolutely fantastic. Every wrinkle, every hair is so precise and detailed, making these primates feel so realistic and human. This is incredibly effective, not just for the films general look and production value, but also for emotional value as well. Throughout the film there are many instances of apes being beaten and killed, and the fact that they look and feel so human makes these moments incredibly effective and at times, borderline disturbing. Reeves doesn't hold back when displaying the brutality shown towards these apes, further emphasising how horrific this eponymous war really is. The visuals do a marvelous job at setting the films dark tone and general atmosphere while also providing for an aesthetically pleasing cinematic experience. Also, I must give a special mention to the beautiful score by Michael Giacchino that adds an extra layer of emotional depth to this already powerful film, it was one of my favourite aspects of the film.

If War for the Planet of the Apes is to be the final installment of this rebooted franchise then it is by far a fitting finale. While it is full of excellent special effects and has its fare share of action sequences, this is more than just your average summer blockbuster. It is backed up by its profound layer of emotional depth and its many powerful themes including war, loss, and morality. It is a smart and subversive film at its core that opts to pull at ones heart strings instead of just attempting to thrill. War for the Planet of the Apes may not be as heavy on the action as the title suggests, but this definitely works in the films favour and makes for a much more thought-provoking film. I dare say it's one of my favourite films of the year so far. If you never believed that you could feel such pain and sorrow for fictional, CGI apes, this film may change your mind.