Hello again. Since my last post here in the Threads I’ve taken to watching horror movies again. After the newest Evil Dead films, I moved over to see what else is out there. Not just the latest in fright fests, but the horrors of yesteryear.

Did you know the French have put out two really good ones? For 2024, Infested on Shudder and Under Paris on Netflix. Both have the same creepy idea of rapid animal adaptation, except the former uses a species I won’t name (in case you have arachnophobia), while the latter uses a shark.

Both knew how to bring tension, and I have to say they both excel at moving the plot quickly. Now, if you aren’t into gore, best to leave them alone. The blood flows freely halfway through each.

Late Night with The Devil (also on Shudder) is an amazing film that not only captures the vibe and look of the late 1970s and talk shows (with their odd guests), but aptly merges conspiracy theory with demonic exorcism and some startling surprise effects. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.

But what I’ve really gotten into comes from the past, the giallo flicks of Mario Bava. Bava got his start in the serial killer film Blood And Black Lace from 1963. Strangely beautiful film about a stylish guy killing models, but the biggest piece is the look. Bava not only gets great cinematic shots (especially in the beginning), but he uses bright colors to make the film pop. Lovely and deadly.

And Shudder has a lot of his flick. I’ve watched a few, and recommend:

Bay Of Blood

Kill, Baby, Kill

Black Sunday

Evil Eye

A Bay Of Blood

If you’re wondering, the giallo films began as giallo (‘yellow’) books dating from the end of the 20s. Basically Italy’s pulp novels, known for their yellow background on the covers. They were a romp of pulp, crime fiction, suspense, and psychological horror, though the movies would later on add in supernatural elements. I never knew of this before Shudder, so there you have it. You can learn something from a horror streaming service.

There you have it. New treats for your eyes and screams for your tender ears. With a brief history lesson to boot. Give them a try, and let me know what you think.