Tusk (2014)

Terra and I watched Tusk (2014), which was a trip. Disgusting, but darkly humorous... although for me the "ick" factor was distracting haha. As Terra said, "I definitely don't regret watching it but I also can't think of anyone I would recommend it to off the top of my head." 🤣🤣 

There was also a lot of misogyny which didn't seem to drive the plot at all, it was just uncomfortable.

Featuring the Sixth Sense kid (Haley Joel Osmont), and randomly, Johnny Depp.

Definitely the weirdest Kevin Smith film (I've seen, anyway). 

Henry: A Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)

Henry: A Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) is a strange film, wherein the titular serial killer is the protagonist. I put off watching this film for a long time, because I don't like violence or gore in films. However, unlike in most slashers, you mostly don't see Henry killing his victims. Henry (Michael Rooker) goes about his daily activities, and the mutilated corpses of women surface in his wake. The murders, if not exactly incidental to his life, seem as natural as any other part of his routine. However, there were some graphic and deeply disturbing scenes in the movie. Rooker is almost TOO convincing as a cold-blooded, murderous thug. I don't know if I can really "recommend" this movie, but it was certainly effective for what it was -- a more realistic, less romanticized view of violence. It's based on a true story, too, of Henry Lee Lucas.

Bug (2006)

Nicole and I watched Bug (2006), and it was f'ing crazy!! It was not what I was expecting, that's for sure, which was a relief for me anyway, tho this was surely gnarly in its own way. Themes of paranoia, madness, conspiracy, loneliness, loss of self. A good movie but rough!

Suicide Circle aka Jisatsu sâkuru (2001)

Damn. Suicide Circle aka Jisatsu sâkuru (2001) was a brilliant but brutal watch.

 ** ❗Content warning, there was a scene at ~1:05:00 that was too horrible/disturbing for me, I had to stop watching and turn it off last night. The movie up to that point was really awesome and creative, so I came back to it today, just fast-forwarded through that scene. Truly awful subject matter and felt so real that it really disturbed me. On the balance, I still liked/respected the movie. But if you choose to watch, please be ready (I was not).❗** 

Anyway, there were some super iconic moments, I'm really shocked I had never heard of or seen this movie before. (Mark said he saw it like 15 years ago.) I have seen a great deal of American horror by now, but one of my goals for this year is to expand my knowledge of international horror. HMU if you want in on that! 🇯🇵👺👹👻

May (2002)

May (2002) was f'ing brutal. I almost never do this in movies (tho I also did for Suicide Club, tough countdown this year!), but I had to make Mark fast forward a few times. I don't want to give spoilers but just trust, there is some messed up content in this one. This was Julkita (2017) level gnarly, but sadder. 🤢😢 Trying to maintain critical distance, but honestly have no idea if this was a good movie or not, gunna have to sit with it a bit once I settle down. 😅 Though my first impression is that it was more creative than your usual mutilation fest (cf the idiotic Saw movies), more like Tim Burton's Sally ft Buffalo Bill. Viewer be warned...

The Loved Ones (2009)

The Loved Ones (2009) was viscerally disturbing. Felt like the psychological heir to House of a Thousand Corpses (2003), but need to sit with it to see if it has staying power. Do not recommend for the faint of heart... may not recommend at all, haha.

Gerald's Game (2017)

 Bad.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Jamie, Jake and I watched What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). It was definitely disturbing, but we couldn't get over the fact that Blanche is so ridiculously passive in her attempts to get away from her crazy sister. Not sure if that's a function of the times/gender roles, or if Blanche was just kind of a wimp. 🤣 Also now that damn daddy song is stuck in my head. 😅 I will say, it was interesting how the film explored sibling rivalry and female/child exploitation.

We Are What We Are (2013)

UPDATE: In the final assessment, I think this is not a good movie. It lacks depth. And in the end, mostly jump scares, and grotesque and uninventive violence.

Whoa We Are What We Are (2013) was super goddamn intense. Not too many movies leave me with heart pounding, thinking about puking. 😳 (Last one was the insane 2017 short film Julkita, which remains the most f*cked up thing I've ever seen.) Not sure yet if I think this was actually a GOOD movie tho... gonna have to let this one sit for a minute...

Dead Ringers (1988)

Dead Ringers was incredibly disturbing. Incredibly good, but wow. Incredibly disturbing. As though we weren't already scared of twins and gynecologists.

Misery (1990)

 Misery is so creepy... If I were a celebrity, I'd be so afraid if anyone told me they're my "number 1 fan"...

Miss Zombie (2013)

Mark and I watched Miss Zombie. Really dark and brutal... an ugly vision of humanity, and grotesque in ways I did not expect. Still, a pretty badass movie with lots of unexpected cinematography. Would recommend.