In a time post-video rental stores (well, mostly), a straight-to-video release isn’t the kiss of death it once was. With internet tools such as social media and crowdfunding sites, releasing a film strictly online can be a fiscally responsible way for rookie filmmakers and seasoned veterans to strut their stuff. With the help of every-evolving streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and more importantly for our genre, Shudder, skipping a traditional theatrical release makes more sense than ever.
Make no mistake: we admit that there are some duds out there as there would be with any medium. However we’ve taken the time to round up some of our favorite straight-to-VOD releases for you to kick back and enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
[customfont1]American Mary[/customfont1]
It’s no surprise this rape/revenge movie largely focused on extreme body modification didn’t get picked up for a widespread theatrical release. Even for those with the toughest of stomachs, some scenes are sure to make you squeamish. The Soska sisters, the twins who directed and acted in the film, have no problems going for the extreme, as evidenced in their previous film Dead Hooker in a Trunk and their segment in the ABCs of Death 2 entitled “T is for Torture Porn.” [Maggie Iken]
[customfont1]The Autopsy of Jane Doe[/customfont1]
The Autopsy of Jane Doe is a truly unique film that combines well drawn characters the audience actually cares about with an incredibly tense atmosphere and an unpredictable villain. Everything about this film is well crafted from the amazing cast to the song and music choices. I hope it eventually gains enough of a following to show in theaters because this terrified me in my living room with the lights on and it would be so much more effective in a dark theater. [Elizabeth Talbot]
[customfont1]The Babysitter[/customfont1]
Samara Weaving is the babysitter of your dreams/nightmares in this Netflix original. This lighthearted popcorn flick may not have taken off at the box office, but for accessibility alone, this one absolutely warrants a watch. If you’re looking for some dumb fun in a genre that’s been pretty bogged down by dark, heavy subject matter lately, The Babysitter is literally a click away. [Felicia Schembari]
[customfont1]Circle[/customfont1]
Not to be confused with The Circle (starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks), Circle is an unassuming sci-fi drama that has found its home on Netflix for quite a while. Some of the acting leaves a bit to be desired, but the film effectively navigates its small budget with minimal set design that is relevant to the plot. [Maggie Iken]
[customfont1]A Dark Song[/customfont1]
A Dark Song is a brooding Irish fantasy/horror film that follows a woman’s quest to commune with a deceased loved one. Sophia (Catherine Walker) and Joseph’s (Steve Oram) relationship throughout the movie help build a tense, morose atmosphere that lasts until the film’s final act. [Abbie Stutzer]
[customfont1]Hell House LLC[/customfont1]
Hell House LLC is, perhaps, one of the better found footage films to come out in the past five years. The sleeper hit follows a group of haunted house creators as they unveil their new haunt, in a new location. Unfortunately, the location’s atmosphere isn’t just creepy… it could be haunted. The happenings that follow are understated, a bit scary, and totally memorable. [Abbie Stutzer]
[customfont1]The Houses October Built[/customfont1]
Straight to VOD films with Halloween vibes are great for seasonal group watches. The Houses October Built is a shining example of a film you wouldn’t necessarily see in theaters, but is absolutely perfect to throw on during some Halloween festivities. There’s no better film to convince your friends that the “extreme” haunted house fad may not be such a thrill after all. [Felicia Schembari]
[customfont1]Lake Bodom[/customfont1]
Although Lake Bodom isn’t the best camping/slasher film available to horror fans, it’s a fun romp, and should be enjoyed on a hot summer day, in your home, with the AC blasting. The film follows a group of campers whose fun weekend is hijacked by one of their friends. However, the trip soon takes a bloody turn that no one is prepared for. [Abbie Stutzer]
[customfont1]Noroi: The Curse[/customfont1]
Noroi: The Curse is a bit of a complicated story, comprised of documentary style and found footage. It starts with a paranormal expert going missing during an investigation and brings in a variety of different characters into its complex web. The plot rejects typical tropes of the time and remains singular in the way it builds its story and reveals its secrets. It has the tension, eeriness, and tone of The Wailing with the form of Lake Mungo. It’s never been released at all in the US except streaming on Shudder. If you’ve never heard of this film, don’t look up anything and experience it for yourself. [Elizabeth Talbot]
[customfont1]Prevenge[/customfont1]
Are theatrical audiences ready for the darkest of dark comedies? Maybe not, which is why this prenatal horror came to life as a Shudder original. It made some of the writers’ Best of 2017 lists and rightfully so; the way director/star Alice Lowe champions the equal mixture of blood and laughs is refreshing in a time of Wan-re jump scares and outrageous gore fests. [Maggie Iken]
[customfont1]We Go On[/customfont1]
This Shudder exclusive asks, “what if someone could prove there’s life after death?” And, more importantly, “do we really want to know if there’s life after death?” The first act of this modern day ghost story is peppered with humor and dread; a mix that proves to be a satisfying story anchor for the film’s somewhat rocky yet satisfying ending. [Abbie Stutzer]
[customfont1]Starry Eyes[/customfont1]
Starry Eyes tells a familiar Faustian story in an unnerving, raw way. Sarah desperately wants to be a successful actress and faces failure at every turn, working at a restaurant she hates and being surrounded by people more willing to tear her down. This is a particularly topical film today as it portrays an outdated system where actresses are expected to offer their bodies in exchange for parts and fame. The literal and figurative effects of selling your soul are captured in a way I’ve never seen. [Elizabeth Talbot]
[customfont1]The Taking of Deborah Logan[/customfont1]
Apparently this found footage film had a rough beginning with its production company, according to an article on birth.movies.death. After receiving less than stellar reviews from test audiences, it received a DVD and VOD release, including its longstanding placement amongst Netflix’s horror assortment. It developed quite a bit of a following, which can largely be attributed to that one scene (if you’ve seen it, you know) where Logan channels her inner snake. [Maggie Iken]