Favorites: Movies Released in 2021

6. Malignant

Malignant is an action packed, freaky film that feels like a combination of the best of the late 90's/early 00's Dark Castle films mixed with a more mainstream Giallo. Those are two of my favorite things, so of course I loved this one! James Wan can really do no wrong film-wise, and this is such a fun movie - a carnival thrill ride for the screen.

5. Candyman

I love the original Candyman, so this one had a lot to live up to. After watching it, I still prefer the first one, or at least find it scarier, but the reboot is still a treasure. Incredibly timely, this one takes on topics of racism, gentrification, and police violence in a compelling manner.

4. Slumber Party Massacre (remake)

While the original had a quietly subversive feminist streak, the remake brings its feminism to the forefront. Our heroines break down in a backwoods town while on their way to a girls' weekend. There's more than meets the eye to this town, however. But there's also more than meets the eye to these girls.

3. Silent Night

Silent Night is a drama about a group of friends celebrating their last Christmas on earth as the apocalypse looms over them. Featuring stellar performances from a cast that includes Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Lucy Punch, and Jojo Rabbit’s Roman Griffin Davis, Silent Night is both beautiful and hard breaking.

2. Fear Street Part One: 1994 & Fear Street Part 2: 1978

These two movies were more wonderful than I could have ever hoped for them to be. Taking inspiration from R. L. Stine's Fear Street book series without actually being directly based on individual books, the Fear Street movies feel like the best kind of throwbacks to classic horror. The 90's storyline in particular was full of nostalgia for me, but the 1978 timeline was probably even better and absolutely ripped my heart out.

1. Werewolves Within

I would absolutely move to this town with all its quirky characters; I'll risk the werewolves and murderers. I didn't know what to expect going into Werewolves Within, but I was absolutely blown away. It's charming, hilarious, and all about the benefits and empowerment that come with being a good neighbor (just like Mr. Rogers said).