In an ever growing landscape of sub-par horror movies it's hard to have hope. However, one director dedicates his time and great talent crafting and executing not only what can be described as great horror movies but great films as well. With films such as You're Next and The Guest, Adam Wingard is turning the modern perception of the modern horror film on its ear. The current climate of the horror genre leans more into the realm of “quick profit†films. Studios quickly discovered that by under producing films in the vein of low budget in found footage style. They produce films for about the one million dollars and then shoot for the five to ten million dollar box office opening. This is not a bad business model at all. However, we the film fans, ultimately suffer. All this being said there is hope. Over the last three years we've seen an uprising in dynamic, intriguing, and overall great horror movies. Films such as: The Babbadook, It Follows, Lights Out, The Conjuring Series, and Don’t Breathe have captured our imaginations again. I purposefully left Adam Wingard's pivotal films, You’re Next and The Guest, because I am about break down the brilliance of these wonderful films.
You’re Next (2011)
The Davisons, an upper-class family, are extremely wealthy -- but also estranged. In an attempt to mend their broken family ties, Aubrey (Barbara Crampton) and Paul (Rob Moran) Davison decide to celebrate their wedding anniversary by inviting their four children and their children's significant others to their weekend estate. The celebration gets off to a rocky start, but when crossbow-wielding assailants in animal masks suddenly attack, the Davisons must pull together or die. (Source: Google)
In the horror genre I believe that the most frightening sub-genre is the home invasion film. There is very little disconnect with the audience. This is an event that is all too real. It is not a supernatural event. It is not some witch attacking you. It is your fellow man. This idea is very unsettling. The idea that evil is not some distant thing but right next door. That can be absolutely terrifying. The sense of violation strikes us all in our modern world. I’m not trying to frighten you, or maybe I am. Adam Wingard’s take on the sub-genre takes that fear and turns the fear away from the audience and gives us a fair amount of power back. With You’re Next you get a story that I like to describe as “Home Alone for adultsâ€. This idea, granted, sounds silly. However in practice it works. When men in animal masks start picking members of a wealthy family off they quickly realize it is not going to be as easy as they think. Enter our heroine, Erin (Sharni Vinson). A woman with a secret or two of her own. As events unfold we begin to see that she is an absolute force to be reckoned with. Now, I don’t want to spoil anymore than I might have already. You’ll have to see it for yourself. Its well worth the watch!
The Guest (2014)
A soldier introduces himself to the Peterson family, claiming to be a friend of their son who died in action. After the young man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence. (Source: IMBD)
How much do you trust a stranger? What if this stranger says he knows someone in your family? These seem like easy questions to answer. The Guest plays on that very premise. Adam Wingard puts his personal twist on it. We meet David (Dan Stevens), an ex-soldier who is recently discharged. From the start, with the use of a beautiful score (an homage to eighties culture), we get the feeling that our David is not quite who he claims to be. He shows up to the house of the family of a friend he had in the service, who had recently died in combat. The family welcomes him but not all of the members of the Davisons are convinced he is on the up and up. It seems, through a series of events, that David is genuinely trying to help. Things quickly start slipping sideways. Suspicious deaths and occurrences quickly make it become apparent that something is terribly wrong. With another amazing twist, this movie is a must see! I can’t refer this movie enough! Stop reading and go watch it! Go ahead, I’ll be here when you get back.
Dawn of a New Type of Horror
Now I know that my titular line begs a heavy question. Can one man impact the film industry that much? Well, I would argue, yes he can. The idea of making quality horror movies can be as important as the great films themselves. Any artist who consistently and continually raises the bar can absolutely change they way their field operates. I believe Adam Wingard is actively doing this. Putting out great content does not go unnoticed. He's not alone at all. There has been a mini-renaissance of great horror films. Directors such as: James Wan, Jennifer Kent, Fede Alvarez, and David F. Sandberg are all championing the next generation of great horror movies. Is this movement sustainable? Only time will tell. Our mission as lovers of great cinema have one job, go support these great films! That's it, Super simple concept. The more studios see the fans support great content, the more great content we will get!
One Bright Future
The horizon looks great for our hero! Adam Wingard has a few great projects in the pipeline. First of which has already aired and is fantastic.
Outcast
Robert Kirkman (known for a little program you might of heard of) The Walking Dead, has launched his second property; Outcast. The story of a young man who has been possessed by demons his entire life. Adam Wingard directed the pilot episode and certainly put his stamp on it. This creepy and supernatural drama definitely will please horror fans as well as anyone who enjoys intriguing story telling.
Blair Witch
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One of the most influential films in the horror genre is undoubtedly The Blair Witch Project. Most viewers at the time didn't even know they were watching a film! I was young, but I remember not knowing what it was. Unfortunately it led to the rise of a slew of bad found-footage copy cats. So that being said, who would you trust to take a big property and breathe new life into it? The answer to that is of course, Adam Wingard. This film comes out in early September and already has buzz around it. I can't wait to see what he does with the found footage sub-genre!
Death Note
Popular Japanese anime Death Note is getting an American treatment. The premise being that a boy finds a book, The Death Note, and can kill anybody he so chooses simply by writing their name in said book. It's a pretty bonkers premise, which I think lends itself pretty well to Wingard's sensibilities. This project is set for a 2017 release date.
In Summation
Adam Wingard utilizes great story telling with twist and turns that would make M. Night Shyamalan blush. He consistently keeps the audience captivated and intrigued. Finding a balance of both action and suspense he relies on riveting character development and genuine fear instead of using jump scares as a crutch. Adam Wingard is a true film maker without question and is a jewel in the Horror genre. We can only sit and wait to see what the future holds for him and how he helps mold the horror genre. In the mean time we can enjoy the quality films he's directed. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!!!