Exorcist 3 and two more horror movies that don’t rely on jump scares

Late September saw us put out a request for recommendations for horror movies. It’s an offshoot of our Dear Polygon series, where we answer questions and give recs to readers like you. Many of you replied to our surprise. We are pleased to announce that this is the second of many entries answering your requests. This entry will hand-pick a horror film for you. The first entry can be accessed here.

If you’d like to get in on the fun, you can still fill out our recommendation request form.

Let’s dig in.

Dear Polygon

I enjoy slow immersion and ambience. I don’t need jump scares. Gore is okay, but if it gets out of control, I’m not happy. Unless of course, I’ve got something like Re-Animator on. But that’s on the other end of the horror spectrum; in this poll’s case, I’m looking for something serious.

Jonathan

Jonathan, this is a treat! It’s one of those movies that has permanently lodged itself in my head since I saw it, and I’m delighted to share an underseen 2020s classic with you and other interested readers. —Pete Volk

She dies tomorrow (2020)

Image: Rustic Films

What’s it like?You feel dreadful, and it slowly surrounds you with a paranoia. This movie is about a woman who believes she will die tomorrow. Her conviction quickly spreads to her friends and family.

It is what kind of horror? Definitely, psychological terror. She Dies Tomorrow is particularly excellent at using empty space to depict isolation, in a twisted variant on “going viral gone wrong” stories that avoids the trappings of attempting to place such stories on the ever-changing internet.

Is it you?Amy Seimetz, who wrote and directed this movie, is an absolute star. An amazing actorYou’re Next, Colours upstream), this is her second feature film following 2012’s Sun Don’t Shine.

Who’s in it?Kate Lyn Sheil was previously a collaborator with Seimetz Sun Don’t ShineAmy, the protagonist of the film, is starred by. It is an amazing movie, with Amy being jaw-droppingly spectacular. The movie also features Chris Messina and Michelle Rodriguez.

What length is the duration? 84 minutes! However, the memories last forever.

Which places can I view? She Dies TomorrowYou can stream it on Hulu for free with your Kanopy Library Card, digital rental, purchase, on Amazon, Apple, Google Play.

Dear Polygon

I’ve always loved zombie things, but some are much better than others. But also, when I read scary stories or “creepy encounters” on Reddit or Kotaku’s scary story contentIt is much scarier to see stories that don’t have any supernatural or apparent supernatural elements. They are grounded in reality. A Kotaku horror story described a man sitting alone in their room, listening to school work while wearing headphones. Later you and the person in the story realize that someone was watching them, hoping they’d turn around, for a few hours. Another story in which someone was involved [apartment]The creeper landlord entered their home through a strange hole in the wall and hid behind them. Or a story about someone running in a park, and coming across someone in the distant weirdly staring — which later turns out to be a person who hanged themselves, etc.

So I’m looking for horror rooted in reality, but without the serial killer vibe or without the torture porn vibe. There is no supernatural. Creepy and spooky, like if a friend were to tell you on a porch in the coming twilight, something that would make you think “Yeah, that seems plausible and creepy.” I also love foreign and old films.

Bret

Bret, I am glad you flagged that you are open to international films because I think Euro and Asian filmmakers are often more on this horror-rooted-in-reality wavelength than most American directors. My twist recommendation, however, is an obscure film that I saw last year but has an American cast and Euro sensibilities. It’s all the more disturbing because of the clash. —Matt Patches

John and the Hole (211)

Image: IFC Films

What’s it like?Imagine what you would do if All You Need is HomeIt was both a scary movie and a film about the beauty of horror. It is essentially that John, a 13-year old, injects his family with drugs and then dumps them in a deep hole in the forest. He then makes risotto. NextHe does all he can to maintain the lie that his parents are…somewhere.

It is what kind of horror? John and the Hole is much more of a slow-drip horror scenario than a propulsive scare vehicle, anchored by Shotwell’s weirdo performance. The film, which is similar to Bong Joonho’s films Michael Haneke and Bong Joon-ho in style, focuses on the life of the wealthy. It also takes a look at the backwoods setting that allows the audience to be unnerved by what appears like a true act of evil. The movie is a fairly blunt examination of “affluenza,” the idea that privileged kids being afforded everything erodes the development of sensible social behavior, but it’s not preachy. John and the HoleIt’s all about gut feelings.

Is it you?Pascual sisto from Spain, an artist whose works of visual art have been displayed in museums and galleries all around the world. He decided to make a movie to shock us.

Who’s in it?John is still trying to figure out his life. Taissa farmiga, Jennifer Ehle and Michael C. Hall are his friends.

What length is the duration?Takes 98 minutes

Which places can I view? John and the Hole It is also available for streaming on Showtime via Prime Video, Hulu or Roku, as well as digital rental and purchase through Amazon, Apple, Google Play, and Google Play.

Dear Polygon

I love horror movies of all kinds — tone, format, genre mix. The most frightening movies are those that lean towards the supernatural. Usually, the more demonology and devil-like the movie is. Always love it when they surprise me with how scary they can be, and a fresh take on anything demons — possession, summoning, ill advised bargains, etcetera — that’s my favorite cup of black mass coffee.

Mike

Hey Mike, this is a great question, in part because it’s just so big that I feel like I can go with almost anything. But because you said you like a mix of genres and formats, and that you’re a sucker for demonology, I’m going with an often-overlooked classic that deserves a lot more attention than it got and to be seen as more than just another horror sequel. —Austen Goslin

The Exorcist III (90)

Shout Factory Image

What’s it like?Georgetown is under attack by several murderers who all appear to be following the same MO, although each one has their own identity. This movie has been called “Being.”The Exorcist: IIIYou might have an idea of what could be going on.

It is what kind of horror? The Exorcist IIIThe line is drawn between quiet suspense and careful investigation of serial killer films that might come after it (like Se7enOder Silence of the LambsThis is in addition to the overtly supernatural bombast most possession films trade in. This gives it a wholly unique feeling and almost makes it a bridge between the horror of the ’70s and ’80s and that of the late ’90s and ’00s.

Is it you?William Peter Blatty (the original author) directed the film The Exorcist novel. Blatty has adapted his novel to this movie, retrofitting the story of a serial killer into the Exorcist world. It’s one of two movies that Blatty directed, and both are fantastic movies that still feel offbeat and unique to this day.

Who’s in it?George C. Scott is the star of this cast.Patton, Dr. Strangelove), but also includes a wonderful collection of people you’ve probably seen before but may not recognize, like Ed Flanders (St. St.Brad Dourif, Wormtongue and voice of Chucky in Lord of the Rings) and Jason Miller (original). The Exorcist.

What length is the duration?110 minutes

Which places can I view? The Exorcist 3.It is also available for streaming on Hulu, Peacock and Shudder among other platforms.