Every horror-minded queer gets asked the same perennial question: ‘what’s your favourite scary movie?’ Don’t know about you, but whenever it gets asked, my mind goes blank, as if the mere words have the power of poppers to make my brain cells spin… So here, for the avoidance of any doubt, is my ever-expanding A–Z of pleasures that invite repeat encounters.
Let me know what you love @tokenhomo & check back for updates.
1313: NIGHTMARE MANSION (2011)
Given that The Complete David DeCoteau Project lingers at the heart of this blog, it would be remiss to omit one of the auteur’s seminal titles from this list. This one kickstarted the 1313 boxer-brief horror franchise and is a great place to start.
THE 5,000 FINGERS OF DR. T (d. Roy Rowland, USA / 1953)
A film of pure childhood nightmare for anyone who hated their piano lessons. Long before Freddy grabbed you in your sleep, there was Dr Terwilliker… Don’t forget to wear your Official Terwilliker Beanie as you flex those #HappyFingers.
DON’T TORTURE A DUCKLING (d. Lucio Fulci, 1972 / Italy)
Every horror geek has their favourite Fulci aka the Italian Godfather Of Gore and this is mine. It’s a genuinely disturbing murder mystery replete with perverse sexuality, witchcraft, vengeful villagers and the graphic murder of small boys. The film’s robust rural setting and hallucinatory gore FX (the ending is a jaw-dropper) set it apart from other gialli, as does its narrative focus on the historic demonisation rather than sensationalised victimisation of women.
EVOLUTION (2015)
Fairytale films that feel like nightmares are always a favourite, and Lucile Hadžihalilović’s gender-bending body horror conveys the fetid sense of something swirling up from the depths of your subconscious.