From a classic supernatural film to a few 2022 releases about topics such as stalking and motherhood, there are many slow burn horror movies that are just as thrilling as some of the best slashers. These films may tell their stories in a softer and less frenzied way, but these movies are just as scary and worth watching.
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Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
The classic horror film Rosemary’s Baby is a great look at paranoia as Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow) grows more and more uneasy during her pregnancy. While her husband Guy (John Cassavettes) thinks that she’s being silly, she is sure that something is horribly wrong, and that becomes even clearer when the neighbors in her New York City apartment building start acting in a creepy way.
In contrast to witty slashers or even supernatural stories with many jump scares, Rosemary’s Baby is a slow burn that pays off by the end. Rosemary is a well-developed and intriguing character who is exciting to spend time with, and the final scene is so memorable that it’s definitely worth watching some of the slower moments beforehand.
It Follows (2014)
The popular horror movie It Follows is always mentioned as a fan favorite, and there are many good reasons for that. Maika Monroe’s performance as Jay Height, a young adult who realizes that a curse is being passed around through sex, is one of them. The movie has a smart, slow pace and while the story is interesting, the movie is more about the eerie atmosphere than jump scares, big swings, or flashy moments. It’s the kind of film where not a lot happens, but the tone is so perfectly creepy that it’s hard to look away.
It Follows proves that a quiet environment and shadowy figures can be scarier than any villain in a strange mask holding a dangerous weapon. Every time Jay walks through her high school hallways or attempts to live her normal life, the fact that something mysterious is never far behind is terrifying.
Head Count (2018)
Instead of being a traditional haunted house film or even a horror movie about ghosts, Head Count is a fresh take on a story about a creepy Internet tale. A group of college-aged friends is staying in Joshua Tree for the weekend, and in the middle of partying, they begin noticing strange shadows. Written and directed by Elle Callahan, the movie has a slow pace that works really well and makes it clear that the characters, including Evan (Isaac Jay), have no clue how to approach this situation.
Head Count definitely didn’t get the kind of attention that it deserves upon its 2018 release, and the story goes in a different direction than typical slashers or supernatural movies. Unlike other stories about Internet creatures that feel corny, like the killer meme movie Grimcutty, Head Count has a genuinely scary demon who infiltrates this friend group’s calm and fun vacation vibe.
Watcher (2022)
Watcher is another strong Maika Monroe horror movie and stars the actor as Julia, an actor who moves to Budapest with her husband. While home alone and bored, she sees a neighbor from across the street staring at her and begins to feel unsafe both in her new apartment and when walking through the streets and trying to live a regular life. The movie is a masterpiece in setting up legitimately creepy moments instead of cheap jump scares, as Julia is sure that Francis (Karl Glusman), the strange man who she keeps bumping into, is after her.
Those looking for a traditional slasher won’t find that here, although the story does go in a horrifying direction in the final act. Watcher is a clever take on how people should trust their gut instincts, even when other people tell them that nothing is wrong.
Nanny (2022)
One of the best female-led Blumhouse movies, Nanny was released at the end of 2022 and didn’t get enough attention. Anna Diop starred as Aisha, a Senegalese woman living in New York City and hoping to bring her young son to America to live with her. She gets a new job looking after wealthy couple Amy (Michelle Monaghan) and Adam’s (Morgan Spector) adorable daughter Rose (Rose Decker). While Rose is a delight, the couple is not, and Aisha misses her child.
The definition of a slow burn movie that sometimes feels like more of a drama than a thriller or horror story, Nanny uses a motif of water to show Aisha’s inner thoughts and mental state. The film is more emotional than most in the genre, which is a good thing since it examines important topics like motherhood and immigration, and it’s a beautifully told story.
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