Kult-Zilla’s – Essential Dozen Movies – 2024!

1. // The Substance

The Substance really is one of those movies that has to be seen to be believed, and it’s outrageous shock-appeal has quite rightly made it the cult-hit of the year. It is considered by many to be a modern Body-Horror master-piece, and with good reason, as its completely unforgettable climax can visually perhaps draw comparisons with the likes of Brian Yuzna’s Society (1989) or Stuart Gordon’s From Beyond (1986). But The Substance is so much more than its gratuitous Body-Horror. Writer / director Coralie Fargeat (Revenge) has also created a deeply mesmerising satire of Hollywood, a dark-comedy of sorts, with a Science Fiction premise that works perfectly on so many different levels.

The Substance stars veteran A-lister Demi Moore (Ghost / Indecent Proposal) as Elizabeth Sparkle, a former Oscar winning actress who now makes a living hosting a day-time network TV aerobics show. As she turns 50, she is told by network executive Harvey – played hilariously by Dennis Quaid (Innerspace) – that her time is up and they will be replacing her with a younger model. Elizabeth’s self-worth spirals downward, and following a car accident she is provided with the means to create a younger version of herself – Sue (Margaret Qualley – Once Upon A Time … In Hollywood) – providing her the opportunity to reclaim her former glory … but at what cost? The Substance is a glorious film that everyone should see at least once, it’s clever, smart, looks stunning – and is quite unforgettable! KZ

2. // Strange Darling

The visually sumptuous Strange Darling was shot entirely on 35mm film by writer / director JT Mollner (Outlaws And Angels) and his cinematographer – who just happens to be the actor Giovanni Ribisi (Avatar / Ted). An opening voiceover sets the tone that we are watching a dramatisation of the final murders of one of America’s most notorious serial killers of recent years. And we watch as The Lady (Willa Fitzgerald – The Fall Of The House Of Usher) runs desperately through the woods, before the non-linear narrative cuts to her being hunted down in her vehicle by The Demon (Kyle Gallner – Smile). The car-chase is reminiscent of movies from yester-year, capturing the aesthetic of the 70s and 80s, where you can almost smell the petrol and the burning rubber.

Strange Darling is made up of six-chapters and an epilogue, playing the sequences out of order to confuse and disorientate the viewer, enabling the mystery of the story to play out perfectly as we piece together the events of the film like a jigsaw. The decision to present the story in this way – reminiscent in style of Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction or Kill Bill – is a clever one by the film-makers, as it also enables them to throw in a number of twists, turns and plot red-herrings. Making the whole experience that more satisfying when you complete the film, and realise exactly what has been happening between the lead characters who met as strangers engaging in a one night stand. There are violent scenes that are shocking throughout the movie, while both lead actors put in highly memorable performances which help see the clever plot-line through to fruition. KZ

3. // Nosferatu

Robert Eggers is one of the most extraordinary and visionary genre film-makers working today, who has so far created three stunning dark period-pieces – The VVitch (2015), The Lighthouse (2019) and The Northman (2022). While remaking the vintage silent German expressionist film Nosferatu: A Symphony Of Horror (1922) – now over 100 years later – has been a labour of love for Eggers. He began plotting his re-imagining ever since producing a student stage version of the classic Vampire tale, which itself is based on Bram Stoker’s 1887 novel Dracula, albeit with various details and names changed after the Stoker estate had refused permission for a straight forward adaptation of the novel. An adaptation which would of course come nearly a decade later with the 1931 Universal Pictures film, starring Bela Lugosi.

And Nosferatu (2024) – which releases this Christmas – is another aesthetically gorgeous motion-picture from Eggers, who has created a film so visually masterful and complex in its design and cinematography, that it greatly enhances the relatively simple narrative of the now classic and well versed Horror story – the quintessential Vampire tale. Eggers has also brought together a wonderful ensemble cast to bring the movie to life, with Bill Skarsgård (It) taking on the iconic role of Count Orlok (made famous by Max Schreck back in 1922) alongside Lily-Rose Depp (Silent Night) as the suffering object of his desire. Nicholas Hoult (Renfield) plays her husband, and now regular Eggers collaborator Willem Dafoe (Poor Things) stars as an unhinged Vampire hunter. KZ

4. // MaXXXine

Ti West is a film-maker who carved out a fine reputation for himself with early indie-Horror flicks such as The House of the Devil (2009) and The Innkeepers (2011). He spent a number of subsequent years mainly focusing on television work, before returning post-Covid with the highly rated X in 2022. The movie paid homage to backwater 70s Slashers such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, as a production team set about making a pornographic movie on a Texas farm owned by a mysterious elderly couple. Mia Goth (Infinity Pool) provided a standout performance as she played both adult-actress Maxine, as well as the elderly farm proprietor Pearl.

Surprising to most, Ti West and A24 Films then announced that a prequel to X had been filmed back to back with the movie – and Pearl (2022) was released later that year. Providing the back-story to Goth’s character, set when she was a young woman in 1918. Both movies provided a wonderful period aesthetic, a trait that West excels in. And with MaXXXine we pick up the tale of the actress in the events following X, jumping forward to 1985 when she heads to Hollywood with the view of making it in serious movies – amidst a backdrop of the vicious Night Stalker serial-killings that are rocking the town. And MaXXXine thankfully rounds off an almost flawless Slasher-Horror trilogy, with West once again visually nailing the period he has set his story in. KZ

5. // Alien: Romulus

Alien: Romulus was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films of the summer, for both Horror fans as well as the wider popcorn consuming movie-goer. Director Fède Álvarez (Evil Dead) went someway to whetting our appetites as he promised a return to the tone and visual style of the first two groundbreaking Alien movies … and he did not disappoint. Álvarez purposely set his story in the timeline between Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), and was on a mission to recreate the classic feel of those two legendary films, helped by using practical F/X wherever possible to date the movie firmly in that era. While in doing so, he has created a thoroughly nostalgic trip back into that world.

The film provides a young enthusiastic cast including Cailee Spaeny (Civil War), David Jonsson (Rye Lane), Archie Renaux (Shadow and Bone) and Isabela Merced (Madame Web). While conveying a far more straightforward narrative than we had most recently seen with Ridley Scott’s Prometheus (2012) and Alien: Covenant (2017) – firmly with the view of also trying to capture the more intimate story-telling of the first two films. The movie introduces us to a group of aspiring working class space colonisers. Who embark on a mission to scavenge a derelict space station, where the inevitable soon ensues … Álvarez clearly delights in throwing everything he can think of Alien-wise into the mix, in order to satisfy fans of the series. While also managing to create a captivating and fast-paced contemporary movie experience. KZ

6. // Longlegs

A masterfully concocted marketing campaign ensured that Longlegs was on the lips of most Horror fans prior to its release back in July. The 90s set Detective-Thriller was touted as being the film to remind audiences of certain classic movies from that era, such as The Silence of the Lambs (1991), and David Fincher’s Seven (1995). And its reputation was further enhanced as being the latest film to be written and directed by Osgood Perkins (Gretal & Hansel) – son of Psycho legend Anthony Perkins – and with no other than Nicholas Cage (Leaving Las Vegas) producing and featuring as the mysterious serial killer … known simply as Longlegs.

Further to that, with genre actress Maika Monroe (It Follows / Watcher) starring in the lead role of fledgling FBI Agent Lee Harker, Longlegs certainly seemed to have all the necessary ingredients to be a bloody good time. And that it certainly is. A wonderfully eerie mystery wrapped up in a unique tone, that may not quite have been the film that viewers thought it was going to be. But a strangely odd, yet captivating movie nonetheless. And with a highly memorable and thoroughly over the top performance by Cage – who manages to crawl under your skin with his character, and stay there long after the credits finish rolling. KZ

7. // Love Lies Bleeding

Produced by A24 Films, Love Lies Bleeding is a highly memorable crime-drama directed by Rose Glass, who’s last film was the excellent and eerie psychological-Horror Saint Maud (2019). Set in 1989, Kristen Stewart (Twilight / Crimes Of The Future) stars as Lou – the manager of a muscle-gym in small-town mid-west America. She embarks on a wildly intense relationship with drifter Jackie (Katie O’Brian – Twisters), who is passing through town on her way to a body-building competition in Vegas, while also introducing her to the steroids she deals in her gym.

The film takes a fantastical look at the effects of drug use, as Jackie’s body and personality begins to change, and she becomes embroiled in the affairs of Lou’s family and her criminal father. Love Lies Bleeding has moments of sudden violence with some intriguing Body-Horror, and is one of the darkest and most surprising hits of 2024. There are graphic sex scenes, themes of domestic violence and infatuation that make this a highly memorable drama. And it comes with a fine supporting cast, including veteran actor Ed Harris (A History Of Violence / The Truman Show). KZ

8. // Dune: Part Two

When Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) directed Dune: Part One (2021) – he created an epic modern Sci-Fi saga, that masterfully retold the tale of Frank Herbert’s vintage 1965 novel. With a style and tone that suited the Dune vision perfectly, one that was vastly different from David Lynch’s 1984 interpretation – with jaw dropping visuals and stunning special F/X. The film starred Timothée Chalamet (Wonka) as Paul Artreides, heir to the House Artreides dynasty, and son to Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac – Ex Machina) – who is double crossed and murdered. This is an act which drags Paul, his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson – Doctor Sleep) and their surviving allies into war.

Part One finished on a cliff hanger, ending somewhat abruptly just as Paul and Jessica are about to regroup and plot their revenge. And now some 30-ish months later, Villeneuve finally delivered the second part of this epic space saga. Vintage actor Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter) joins the cast as Shaddam IV, Emperor of the known universe and co-plotter of the downfall of House Artreides – with the film being just as visually stunning as its predecessor. The movie is a little more action-heavy, not having to relying on setting up the complicated lore and world building that Part One needed to do. However it would appear that this is far from the concluding chapter of the cinematic Dune story, leaving a number of answered questions and open-ended plot points – which are now surely going to be wrapped up in a third chapter. KZ

9.// Heretic

Heretic provides a deep character study, and an exploration of faith and the complexities of religious belief. The film introduces us to two young Mormon door-canvassers – Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher – The Boogeyman) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East – The Fabelmans) – as the young missionaries visit the mysterious Mr Reed (played brilliantly by vintage British actor Hugh Grant) on a dark and stormy evening. Hoping to talk to him about their church, with the view of converting him and bringing him into their fold. And from the off, it is difficult to trust the older man, who invites the two young females into his home with the promise of some Blueberry pie that his wife is baking.

The beginning of Heretic very much gives you the sense that a spider has sweet talked two flies into his web, and the movie begins as a slow-burning character piece as Mr Reed talks to his visitors – quickly beginning to turn the tables on their scripted religious pitch by asking them a serious of uncomfortable questions. He first takes lead of the conversation by questioning them about polygamy within their Morman culture, and from here he dives deeper as he challenges their faith and understanding of their religion – establishing a far higher theoretical intellect. Grant showcases his talent as an actor throughout, delivering an incredibly creepy performance through the flow and tone of his conversation. While Heretic perfectly encapsulates suspense and a feeling of looming dread, as it hurtles towards its surprising climax. KZ

10. // Abigail

Abigail is the latest movie from Radio Silence Productions, the team behind Ready Or Not (2019) and the recent two reboot / sequels in the Scream franchise. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the film unashamedly pays homage to a number of classic Vampire-flicks from the 80s and 90s, most notably taking inspiration from the likes of Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys (1987) and the Quentin Tarantino written and Robert Rodriguez directed From Dusk Till Dawn (1995). Abigail very much aims to provide the tone and feel of these beloved vampire movies from the last 30-40 years, while providing a thoroughly tongue-in-cheek sense of humour to accompany the gory kill sequences.

The movie begins as somewhat of a crime caper, in which an ensemble gang including Frank (Dan Stevens – Godzilla x Kong), Joey (Melissa Barrera – Scream VI), Sammy (Kathryn Newton – Freaky) and Peter (Kevin Durand – The Strain) kidnap Abigail (Alisha Weir – Matilda) – the daughter of a local crime boss. They are tasked with keeping watch over Abigail in a deserted country home, while their employer arranges the payment of her ransom. But all is not as it seems, as it transpires Abigail is indeed a vampire, and the whole escapade has been a set up in order to provide her with food to play with. All hell soon breaks loose as she begins to feed, and the gang become trapped in the house as a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues. KZ

11. // Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

In 2015 Australian director George Miller (The Witches Of Eastwick) returned to the franchise in which he made his name – with the release of Mad Max: Fury Road. The film was the fourth instalment in his post-apocalyptic adventure series, and his first in 30 years since Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome released in 1985. It would also mark the first time a new actor – Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises) – would take on the title role made famous by Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon), while also introducing a new hero in Furiosa – played by Charlize Theron (Prometheus). Miller always had plans to film Furiosa’s origin story, and nearly ten years later he was finally able to deliver his movie.

Although titled as a Mad Max Saga, Furiosa does not feature the titular anti-hero, and due to a prolonged period of development hell, Charlize Theron took the decision not to return to the role she made famous almost a decade before. Instead, actress Anya Taylor-Joy (The VVitch) steps into the adult version of the character, as we discover her history as a child kidnapped into slavery by the tyrannical warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth – Thor). The story charts Furiosa’s tragic tale of survival, escape and eventual revenge, in a typically bizarre and action packed bloody movie. Full of impressive practical F/X and mesmerising stunt work. KZ

12. // ‘Salem’s Lot

‘Salem’s Lot was the second novel that Horror Master Stephen King published way back in 1975, nestled between his debut Carrie (1974) and The Shining (1977). One hell of a trilogy that would kick-start the career of the most successful genre-writer of the last fifty years. King’s career taking off was catapulted by the success of the first movie adaptation of his works – Carrie (1975) directed by Brian De Palma (Scarface) – while The Shining would be adapted by Stanley Kubrick into the highly successful 1980 film starring Jack Nicholson (Batman). In between these two films, ‘Salem’s Lot would provide the source material for a two-part Tv mini-series directed by Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), which was a wonderfully creepy take on the Vampire story … now considered a classic of the genre.

A fine but largely forgettable update of the mini-series starring Rob Lowe (St. Elmo’s Fire) and Donald Sutherland (Don’t Look Now) was directed by Mikael Salomon (Band Of Brothers) in 2004, and then back in 2019 it was announced that a theatrical remake would be delivered by Gary Dauberman (Annabelle Comes Home) – who had already worked on the screen-play of another King adaptation (It – 2017). Filming was undertaken in 2021 – but the release of the movie was delayed, with its premier eventually dropping at Beyond Fest (Sep 24), with the film then heading straight to HBO Max in America – and with a limited theatrical run in the UK just prior to Halloween. And seemingly against all odds, it is a pretty damn-good update which nicely captures the eerie 70s aesthetic of Tobe Hooper’s adaptation. While re-telling the story with a revised final act, which offers something new for those familiar with the original. KZ

Words by Mark Bates

Kult-Zilla’s – 20 Essential Movies of 2023