Year of fear: Top 5 horror films that stood out in 2024

As the year comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the cinematic gems that graced our screens. For die-hard fans of horror, 2024 delivered a spine-chilling selection of films that kept us on the edge of our seats. Here’s a look at our top 5 picks of the year, celebrating the best the horror genre had to offer.

Late Night with the Devil
Directed by Australian filmmakers Colin and Cameron Cairnes, 'Late Night with the Devil' presents a unique twist on the horror genre, with David Dastmalchian delivering a standout performance. This cleverly crafted found-footage film combines genuine scares with moments of wit, setting it apart from typical horror fare. Rather than merely focusing on television consumption, the film explores the complex behind-the-scenes world of its creation. The story revolves around Jack Delroy, a late-night talk show host rivalling Johnny Carson, who runs the show Night Owls. Once a comforting figure for insomniac viewers, Jack's show has suffered a significant decline in ratings following the tragic death of his wife. Desperate to reclaim his audience, Jack plans a groundbreaking Halloween special for October 31, 1977, unaware that his decision will inadvertently unleash a dark force into the homes of countless viewers.

The First Omen
The latest instalment in 'The Omen' series serves as a chilling prequel to the 1976 classic, delving into the origins of the malevolent child, Damien. Set in 1970s Rome, the film follows young American novitiate Margaret (Nell Tiger Free) as she arrives at a convent, where she quickly forms a bond with the enigmatic teenager Carlita (Nicole Sorace). As Margaret begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the convent, she soon discovers a dark and sinister force at play. The movie's meticulous attention to detail in its colour palettes successfully transports viewers back to the 1970s, immersing them in the era. Director Arkasha Stevenson masterfully blends the unsettling atmosphere of the time with the growing sense of horror, building an intense narrative that sets the stage for the origin of one of cinema’s most iconic villains.

Exhuma
'Exhuma' may initially appear to be a typical ghost story, but it distinguishes itself by exploring cultural themes that make the horror feel intensely personal. Rooted in traditional Korean beliefs surrounding death and spirits, the film’s supernatural elements take on a much deeper and more unsettling significance. The story revolves around the excavation of a grim, long-forgotten grave, which inadvertently uncovers buried secrets and sets off a chain of dreadful consequences.

What truly sets 'Exhuma' apart is its masterful approach to building tension. Rather than relying on jump scares, the film focuses on atmosphere and silence to generate a pervasive sense of unease that lingers long after the film ends. The cinematography plays a pivotal role in this, with long takes and haunting visuals that evoke a profound sense of dread. These haunting images stay in the viewer’s mind, amplifying the film’s chilling impact.

Oddity
Directed by Irish filmmaker Damian Mc Carthy, 'Oddity' dives into an unsettling narrative where isolation and terror intertwine. The story begins with Dani (Carolyn Bracken), who is adjusting to life in her newly acquired countryside home while her husband, Ted Timmis (Gwilym Lee), dedicates his time as a doctor at a nearby mental institution.

One fateful evening, Dani finds herself alone when Ted is held up at work. The night is unnervingly quiet until an urgent knock breaks the silence. At the door is Olin Boole (Tadhg Murphy), an escaped patient from the institution, visibly shaken. He warns Dani of a menacing presence that has infiltrated her home and claims he needs to draw it out before it’s too late.

What begins as a simple tale of intrusion soon spirals into a labyrinth of paranoia and dread. With every shadow and sound amplifying Dani’s fear, 'Oddity' blurs the line between the real and the supernatural.

Heretic
Heretic presents itself as an elegant horror-thriller, but its intricate facade ultimately unravels into an experience that feels more hollow than haunting. The film centres on two young Mormon missionaries who find themselves at the mercy of Reed (Hugh Grant), a sinister and enigmatic middle-aged man who traps them in his house. While the premise hints at a deadly confrontation, much of the tension lies in the uncertainty. With just three characters, a single location, and dialogue that dives deep into abstract themes like faith, belief, organised religion, and control, Heretic masterfully sustains a gripping tension that keeps viewers on edge throughout.