this post was submitted on 28 Jan 2026
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[–] serpineslair@lemmy.world 13 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I watch horror, so its usually a combination of these, in no particular order:

  • Believable plot.
  • Believable character actions.
  • Lack of common tropes/clichés.
  • Quality of filming (angles, shots etc. Not resolution/film quality).
  • Atmosphere.
  • Tension/unease, and the handling of such.
  • Quality and predictability of scares (if any).
  • Good pacing.
  • Bonus points for layers/deeper meanings.
  • Bonus points for good visual effects, e.g. CGI.
  • Double bonus points for good practical effects.
  • Triple bonus points if I'm scared.
[–] prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

Do you have some horror suggestions that fit those points?

I don't really get "scared" by horror movies with supernatural elements, but a good, realistic thriller can fuck me up good.

[–] serpineslair@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I have to admit, there aren't many, if any, that meet all criteria. Horror seems to be a genre that can be very difficult to pull off well. The sad truth is, most horrors suck. Add in the fact that people have very different levels of fear, and different fears themselves... Yeah, recipe for disaster.

One film I watched recently was more of a psychological horror that messed with my head a little. Pacing is a little on the slower side to begin with. No scares (off the top of my head). Great atmosphere. Interesting deeper meanings that will get you thinking. Plot can be confusing to some, but I think that is by design. It's called Session 9 (2001) if you are interested. Has some light supernatural themes, but is believable imo. And there are no creepy ghosts, or demons or any of that bullshit. Just tense atmosphere and strange happenings. It has a lower budget, which can show at times, if that's something that bothers you. It didn't impact the experience for me however.

If you decide to watch it, let me know how you get on!

[–] prole@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 month ago

I will add it to the list thanks!