The best horror movies of 2017 - Barbara Torretti

As for 2016, we compile the list of the best horror films for 2017, a year during which we came across Italian cinema premieres and international premieres thanks to the cinematic works entered in the DarkVeins Horror Fest and to the The Optical Theatre Film Festival.
Summing up, 2017 proved to be a fairly prolific year but, at the same time, poor in exemplary titles.
However, we have grouped together in this list, what we consider "the best horror films of 2017," also drawing from independent and extreme horror cinema.

Among the films that have arrived in our theaters in recent months, the following are certainly notable (in no particular order): "mother!“, “The Void - The Void“, “It“, “The Devil's Candy“, “Leatherface“, “Get Out - Escape" e "47 meters". To these we add: "The Vault" e "7 Witches" but also extreme films, certainly not for everyone: "Dis“, “Torment“, “American Guinea Pig: Sacrifice" and especially "Trauma“.

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Written and directed by Jeremy Gillespie (Inferno of the Dead, Father's Day) and Steven Kostanski ("W is for Wish" segment in ABCs of Death 2), The Void - The Void is an old-style Canadian horror film filled with stupendous special effects and evocative Carpenterian and Lovecraftian atmospheres.
Hospital-themed, The Void is also a body horror dense with melting effects and presenting the viewer with a slew of monstrous and terrifying creatures.

Surprising the first part of "It” (here our special), the new adaptation of the famous horror novel written by Stephen King in 1986. Remarkable direction by Andrés Muschietti (who has already made his mark in the past with The Mother) and extraordinary acting evidence from Bill Skarsgård (Hemlock Grove). His performance certainly does not pale in comparison to that of Tim Curry (the Pennywise of the miniseries consisting of two episodes and coming to TV in 1990).

The Devil's Candy (USA - 2017) marks the return to directing of Sean Byrne, the director of The Loved Ones (2009). Full of twists and turns, the film is an excellent blend of metal music, art, and horror. In The Devil's Candy you test the territory of the evil one, in fact the protagonist is a metal painter subjugated by evil. Remarkable ending.

Leatherface (USA - 2017) by Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury. From the directors of À l'intérieur (2007) one certainly could not expect a film devoid of violence and gore. So here they make a satisfying eighth installment of the saga Don't open that door as well as a prequel to Tobe Hooper's 1974 film of the same name. Their Leatherface in fact sheds light on the origins of "leatherface," focusing on the events that marked his adolescence and coming of age. The film catapults the viewer into the typical "family dimension imbued with madness" and that is typical of the franchise.

Unusual and terribly fascinating instead is Get Out - Escape (USA - 2017) by Jordan Peele. This is a horror film that marches on the theme of racism and alienation and expands on themes such as hypnosis and surgery. Definitely "hypnotic," it is suspenseful and distinguished by a chilling and original story.

Darren Aronofsky surprises with the immense mother! (USA - 2017), a drama genre film that borders on psychological horror. Beautifully played by great actors (Javier Bardem and Jennifer Lawrence), mother! is an excellent example of high and elegant filmmaking. The story, peppered with biblical references, provides personal insight into God, creation, Mother Nature, Adam and Eve and their sons Cain and Abel.

Dozens of horror films about the killer shark have "resurfaced" in recent years. Among the many titles, the following undoubtedly stands out 47 meters, the shark survival horror film directed by Johannes Roberts (The Other Side of the Door). Claustrophobic and asphyxiating, 47 meters is well played by Claire Holt and Mandy Moore, here playing the unfortunate and courageous protagonists.

The Vault (USA - 2017) is the supernatural horror film directed by Dan Bush and starring James Franco. The film travels the road of thriller/action blurring and culminating in horror. Adrenaline-pumping and engaging, The Vault nails the chair and offers a satisfying mix of crime and horror.

7 Witches (USA - 2017), the stylish horror film about witchcraft directed by Brady Hall and which we had the pleasure of reviewing as a preview (link to review). The film has no shortage of banquets, orgiastic rituals, and bloody human sacrifices that make 7 Witches A perfect horror title about witches.

Directed by Adrian Corona, Dis (link to review) is a leaden horror film that, as per its title, takes its cues for names and metaphors from Dante's poetics. Dis (USA - 2017) is a depiction of a horrific and magical journey in which, a demonic figure uses his victims to feed his mandrake garden. There is no shortage of unspeakable, impudent and obscene acts.

Directed by Adam Ford, Torment (link to review) is an extreme horror film that sheds light on the darker, sicker side of John Wayne Gacy (1942 - 1994). Torment (Italy - 2017) exclusively shows the sadistic actions of the psychopath bringing depravity, violence and a sadistic depiction of pain to the stage.

Sacrifice (Italy - 2017) by Poison Rouge is the fourth chapter in the saga American Guine Pig. This extreme horror (link to review) opens a gateway into the suffering world of a self-mutilator who, lost amid unhealthy thoughts and oppressive memories, spectacularizes his martyrdom. Between self-mutilation, cutting, fingernail extirpation, and skull self-transplantation, the protagonist savors his death in small, devastating touches.

From Chile comes a heinous, cruel and highly disturbing extreme horror film. It is about Trauma (movie review) directed by Lucio A. Rojas. The shocking Trauma opens the curtain to unspeakable horrors exceeding all limits. In this film, depravities, deviant loves and deleterious lifestyles sketch and start a sick story drowned in pain.