This year proved that horror is at its best when it is uncompromising. Whether through the lens of a camera or the eyes of a monster, these films found new ways to make us afraid of the dark.
The Quiet Dread: OddityProving that you don't need a massive budget to create nightmare fuel, this Irish supernatural thriller centers on a blind medium and a terrifying wooden mannequin. Its mastery of "the jump scare" is unparalleled, using silence and timing to create genuine jolts that feel earned rather than cheap. The best horror of the year. Volume 9
The Midnight Favorite: Late Night with the DevilThis clever "found footage" experiment captures the grainy, desperate energy of 1970s variety television. David Dastmalchian is brilliant as a talk show host willing to sell his soul for ratings. The slow-burn build-up leads to a practical-effects finale that is as messy as it is terrifying. This year proved that horror is at its