With everything that’s going on in the world now, capturing those little moments of escapism can be more important than ever. With celebrities and brands and companies and more all taking a stand for equality, we all need to recognize that we are still human and the fight for justice is a marathon, not a race. As such, it’s of the utmost importance to find the time to take a break, to catch your breath, to clear your mind. If a movie can help you with that then go for it.
While horror may not seem like the best genre right now, what with everything going on, studies have proven that there are plenty of psychological benefits that come with being scared. So if you find catharsis in horror, here are several films coming out this month that may put that much-needed smile on your face.
1. ‘Becky’ – June 5
Subgenre: “Nazi Punks, F**k Off!”
Official Synopsis: Spunky and rebellious, Becky (Lulu Wilson) is brought to a weekend getaway at a lake house by her father Jeff (Joel McHale) in an effort to try to reconnect. The trip immediately takes a turn for the worse when a group of convicts on the run, led by the merciless Dominick (Kevin James), suddenly invade the lake house.
Why You Should Check It Out: If you feel guilty for taking the time away from being a part of the greater discussion, this might be the movie for you. After all, you’re taking a break from fighting white supremacy on the streets to watching white supremacists get wrecked by the next generation, the one that’s going to make tomorrow a better world than today.
2. ‘The Soul Collector’ – June 12
Subgenre: “Don’t Go Where You’re Not Welcome”
Official Synopsis: In an attempt to start a new life with his young, fragmented family, bankrupt William Ziel returns to the farm he inherited from his estranged father. Lazarus, the farmhand who took care of William’s father in his lonely final hours, reappears soon after William, Sarah, and adopted daughter Mary arrive. A supposed chance meeting between Mary and Lazarus develops into a bond between two kindred spirits. But Lazarus carries a dark secret: a demon child with an insatiable appetite for human souls … and now the Ziel’s newfound domesticity is placed at unfathomable risk.
Why You Should Check It Out: When was the last time you watched a movie, let alone a horror movie, out of South Africa? If you’re interested in opening yourself up to different perspectives and cultures, horror has always been ready to take you there. Unflinching in punishing those who dare venture where they aren’t welcome, this is a safe way to see what horrors South Africa has to offer.
3. ‘Scare Package’ – June 18
Subgenre: “When One Story Isn’t Enough, How About Seven?”
Official Synopsis: Scare Package is a meta horror-comedy anthology film where directors have selected a different horror sub-genre to showcase in a world where cell phones magically stop working and help is always a minute too late.
Why You Should Check It Out: Anthologies can be hit or miss but when they hit, DAMN are they a blast! Judging from what my peers and colleagues are saying, Scare Package is that laugh-meets-screams extravaganza that so many people crave these days. With so many serious horror titles having been released over the past several months, I think it’s time we had some fun with horror again.
4. ‘Two Heads Creek’ – June 23
Subgenre: “Who Says Cannibals Can’t Be Funny?”
Official Synopsis: A timid butcher and his drama-queen twin sister adventure to Australia in search of their birth mother, but the seemingly tolerant townsfolk are hiding a dark, meaty secret.
Why You Should Check It Out: This month’s release from my company, The Horror Collective, is a UK/Australian co-production that cleverly tackles themes of racism and xenophobia, all neatly tied into a wickedly entertaining comedy/horror that has been getting loads of love from the festival circuit. If you need some laughs alongside your gore, we’re proud to bring you Two Heads Creek!
5. ‘Yummy’ – June 25
Subgenre: “Become Beautiful Or Die Trying!”
Official Synopsis: A young couple travels to a shady Eastern European hospital for plastic surgery but are met with an outbreak of a virus that will transform the doctors, and patients into bloodthirsty zombies.
Why You Should Check It Out: “Facelifts, Boob Jobs and Zombies” is the tagline for this Belgian zombedy, so you definitely know what you’re getting yourself into. Overflowing with gore, giggles, and messed-up zombies, save this one for an online viewing party with all your friends because you know this is one movie that’s better watched with company!
