By Gabriel Gonzales and Arnold Santiago Jr.
2022 is here! So what better way to greet the new year than with new thrills and new scares? If you’re tired of the usual horror classics then check out these hidden gems from around the world that are guaranteed to make you scream while you stream. Expand your horror arsenal with SEA Wave’s High Five international horror movies on Netflix.
Aterrados (Argentina)
Still from Aura Films
Are poltergeists haunting an old house your cup of horror tea? If you’re a fan of stories involving paranormal activity then this first recommendation is for you. Aterrados is an Argentinian film about a neighborhood that is filled with misfortune and death. Paranormal experts are called to investigate the area, and what they discover may cause you to double-check your closets before you go to sleep. It’s a classic supernatural story about a quaint location with expertly executed scares, deaths and effects.
W lesie dziś nie zaśnie nikt (Poland)
Still from Netflix
Teenagers, murderous psychopaths, endless thrills and gore are some familiar tropes of a slasher film. W lesie dziś nie zaśnie nikt (Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight on Netflix) has all of these in spades. The film follows a group of teenagers in a summer camp who stumble upon a frightening discovery. The film is filled with surprises and turns of events that keep the audience on its feet, so it’s difficult to describe it too much without giving the whole story away. Needless to say, if you want an adrenaline-filled slasher to keep you up all night, then W lesie dziś nie zaśnie nikt is the perfect movie for you.
Under the Shadow (Iran)
Still from Netflix
Not your usual creature feature, Under the Shadow is a psychological horror film about one of the most horrific events anyone can experience – war. Following the protagonist Shideh as she faces different obstacles of being a mom during a war, the movie focuses on her psychological state as she begins to feel that she and her daughter are being followed. Under the Shadow takes the common parent-child dynamic in horror films and give it a fresh spin by depicting the horrors of experiencing war through the allegory of paranormal activities.
The Call (South Korea)
Still from Netflix
By now, we’re all familiar with modern Korean horror thriller classics like Parasite and Train to Busan, but a recent release has flown under the international radar while being one of the most unique takes on the genre. The Call follows protagonist Kim Seo-yeoun who somehow becomes connected to a serial killer 20 years in the past through a phone call. With a fresh premise and the unpredictable ramifications of past actions factoring into the plot, this film is an entertaining take at the thriller genre with bloody sequences, chilling chases and amazing performances by all the cast members.
Les Affamés (Canada)
Still from Netflix
Of course, a horror movie list is not complete without zombies. Les Affamés (Ravenous on Netflix) brings the right balance of horror, gore, humor and social commentary as the movie follows its protagonist, a sci-fi nerd, in post-zombie outbreak Quebec. This zombie movie’s brand of dark comedy coupled with its reflection of the modern-day fear of “culture wars” makes it distinct from its contemporaries. If you are a zombie fanatic, then this film is an absolute must-see.
Despite this being our third year under quarantine, there are still lots of ways to enjoy the new year with a thrill. All of these horror films are just one click away on Netflix so be sure to check them out and share your thoughts with us in the comments section!