This week I’ll be catching up on quite a few horror-themed movies we’ve watched recently.

Starting with a double feature night for us, where we threw it way back to the 1980s.

First up, 1982’s The Thing. Considered John Carpenter’s masterclass in horror and suspense, this movie delivers one of the most unsettling and paranoia-fueled narratives ever seen. Set in a remote Antarctic research station, a group of scientists encounter a shape-shifting alien that can perfectly imitate any life form. The film’s practical effects, especially the grotesque creature transformations, are legendary, making it a must-watch for fans of body horror. Carpenter builds tension with a sense of claustrophobia and mistrust, where no one knows who might be the creature in disguise. The Thing is an essential for any horror fan, combining psychological dread with unforgettable practical effects. Plus, I never pass up a Kurt Russell flick.

Then, we went right into From Beyond. This 1986 movie is based on an H.P. Lovecraft story. From Beyond takes viewers on a mind-bending journey into alternate dimensions, merging horror and science fiction. Directed by Stuart Gordon, this cult classic follows a group of scientists who discover a machine that stimulates the pineal gland, opening up a dimension inhabited by terrifying creatures. The film revels in its bizarre and grotesque visuals, with monstrous transformations and nightmarish body horror. Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton deliver standout performances in a film that is both disturbing and weirdly mesmerizing. From Beyond is a perfect blend of surreal horror and cosmic madness, leaving an indelible impression with its unique Lovecraftian terror. I remember being obsessed with it in my mid-teen years, along with it’s sister movie Reanimator, also staring Combs and Crampton.

I give both these films four solid bats (stars).