Welcome to Horror Explorer, a curated column showcasing the month’s best movies, series, books and everything else spooky worth checking out. I’m William Earl, the editor of Variety.com and the publication’s resident horror enthusiast. Please drop me a line at wearl@variety.com if there’s something I should check out for next month’s missive.
Marquee Madness
Heart Eyes (In theaters Feb. 7 via Screen Gems) — A rom-com slasher debuting just in time for Valentine’s Day, Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding must battle the infamous Heart Eyes Killer, who only has eyes for couples. With a top-notch love story and plenty of gross-out gore, it’s a down-and-dirty, ‘80s-inspired flick that could be the perfect date night fodder. (Click here to read Variety’s review.)
The Gorge (Debuting on Feb. 14 on Apple TV+) — Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy star in this action-horror-romance from “The Black Phone” and “Sinister” director Scott Derrickson. The pair play snipers guarding the world from an unknown monstrosity living in the titular gorge between them, and even as things get increasingly dangerous, sparks fly. Will these two beautiful people be able to fall in love despite the threat of bloodthirsty beasts standing between them?
The Monkey (In theaters Feb. 21 via Neon) — “Longlegs” director Osgood Perkins returns with a wild, bloody adaptation of a Stephen King short story. Theo James, Tatiana Maslany and Elijah Wood star as people terrorized by a toy monkey, whose mere presence causes death. Dark humor is the star of the show, and this intriguing new gear fits well with Perkins’ stylish eye.
Off the Beaten Path
Bystanders (now available on VOD) — This rape revenge film from Dread Central editor-in-chief Mary Beth McAndrews tells the chilling story of a group of young women who are taken advantage of by frat boys, but fight back with the help of a mysterious (and violent) couple. It’s a shock to the system and a bold debut from McAndrews. (Read more about the film here.)
Y2K (now available on VOD) — Kyle Mooney’s comedy/sci-fi/horror blend opened soft theatrically, but it’s destined to have a long life with at-home audiences. If you missed this apocalyptic genre mashup before, now’s the time to catch up. (Click here to read Variety’s review.)
Red Rooms (now available on Shudder and VOD) — One of last year’s best horror movies was this examination of true crime culture. A mysterious young woman attends the trial of a man accused of murdering young women in dark web “red rooms,” yet her motivations for following the case become nearly as creepy as the accused man. It’s a twisty courtroom drama that will leave you covered in goosebumps. (Click here to read Variety’s review.)
Bloodcurdling Books
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (Now available via Liveright) — The rights for Feito’s new period novel have already been sold and set for an A24 film starring Margaret Qualley and Thomasin McKenzie. The plot, concerning a young governess just barely able to keep her murderous impulses at bay, sounds like a wickedly fascinating spin on the era.
Old Soul by Susan Barker (Now available via G.P. Putnam’s Sons) — A creepy story about a string of people who have died as the result of crossing paths with a mystery woman, Barker delivers spooky atmosphere in a mysterious novel that is equal parts creeping dread and gorgeous prose.
