5 Horror Movies That Got Released Recently In 2023

The year 2023 has unleashed a new wave of horror onto the silver screen, where chilling tales and spine-tingling suspense are brought to life. In this exploration of recent horror movie releases, we delve into the eerie depths of “Saw X,” revisit the haunting world of “The Nun II,” unravel the mysteries of “Cobweb,” face the diabolical horrors of “Evil Dead Rise,” and join a star-studded cast in Disney’s “Haunted Mansion.” These films offer a diverse range of thrills and chills, each with its own unique take on the genre, promising to leave audiences both terrified and intrigued. Let’s journey into the heart of darkness and discover what these 2023 horror movies have in store for thrill-seekers and horror aficionados alike.

Saw X

In the 10th installment of the infamous Saw franchise, viewers are once again thrust into the nightmarish world of serial murderer John Kramer, played by Tobin Bell. Surprisingly, a terminal cancer diagnosis has not tempered his appetite for sadistic games and inventive torture devices. The film takes place in a time period between the first and second entries of the series, serving as a gruesome reminder that the horrors of Saw are far from over.

The plot takes an Intriguing twist as John, having exhausted conventional medical treatments, embarks on a journey to Mexico in search of a risky and exorbitantly expensive experimental cure. However, anyone familiar with the franchise’s macabre themes can probably guess that his quest for a renewed lease on life takes a decidedly dark turn.

John doesn’t return with vitality but with a rekindled passion for his gruesome “hobby.” What follows is a series of grisly events, accompanied by a haunting score that seems to mimic the sharpening of knives on violins. Unpleasant? Certainly. But that’s precisely the point of the Saw series – to plunge viewers into a world of unrelenting horror.

The Return of Jigsaw and the “Saw 1.5” Timeline On the flip side of the cinematic spectrum, “Saw X” injects new life into the horror franchise. This installment is marked by the return of Tobin Bell’s iconic Jigsaw character and is set between the events of the first two movies, earning it the intriguing moniker “Saw 1.5.” Promising Start and Global Success “Saw X” kicked off its cinematic journey with a promising start, grossing an impressive $18 million from 3,262 locations in North America during its opening weekend.

Considering its reported production cost of $13 million, this initial success bodes well. The film also managed to pull in $11.3 million internationally, resulting in a robust global total of $29.3 million. While horror films often experience short box office lifespans, “Saw X” seems to defy the norm, thanks in part to positive word-of-mouth. Critical acclaim has played a pivotal role, with an 85% Rotten Tomatoes score attesting to its quality.

“Saw X” has succeeded in revitalizing the franchise by seamlessly blending character depth with intense horror elements. It pays homage to the original “Saw,” which played a pivotal role in defining the horror genre. Critics have showered it with praise for its ability to add a fresh piece to the Jigsaw puzzle, ultimately creating a riveting and unforgettable experience for audiences.

The official synopsis for “Saw X/1.5” unveils a chilling narrative: John Kramer, the infamous Jigsaw, makes his unsettling return in what may be his most disturbing game yet. Set between the events of “Saw I” and “Saw II,” the story unfolds as John’s desperate quest for a cure for his cancer leads him to Mexico, where he discovers a sinister scam. Armed with a renewed sense of purpose, he unleashes his signature traps on the unsuspecting con artists in his own gruesome and horrifying way. Brace yourself for a cinematic experience that promises to haunt your nightmares long after the credits roll.

The nun ll

“The Nun II” returns to the dark world of demonic terror, following Sister Irene, played by Taissa Farmiga, on her quest to confront the malevolent Valak. Unfortunately, this sequel fails to live up to its predecessor’s promise, as it struggles with issues like overexposure, a dearth of creativity, and underwhelming scares.

One of the fundamental problems of “The Nun II” is its approach to the titular antagonist, Valak. In a horror film, the element of mystery is often a crucial source of fear. However, this sequel constantly exposes Valak, from hero shots to questionable CGI renditions. This overexposure detracts from the intended thrill and transforms Valak from a feared presence to a predictable one.

Director Michael Chaves appears to adhere steadfastly to well-worn horror tropes, failing to inject creativity into the film’s scares. The lack of thoughtfulness in crafting original and unsettling moments results in an overall dearth of effective fear. Instead of organically inspiring fear, “The Nun II” relies on clichéd techniques such as slow pans and loud bangs, signaling to viewers when to be scared, rather than letting fear arise naturally.

“The Nun II” seems to prioritize its quota of scares over narrative depth. The film plays out like a series of disconnected vignettes, with narrative coherence and dexterity relegated to a lower priority. This disjointed storytelling diminishes the overall impact of the film, making it feel more like a compilation of horror set-pieces rather than a coherent narrative.

Despite the film’s shortcomings, Taissa Farmiga shines as Sister Irene. Her portrayal of Irene showcases nuance and character development, as Irene evolves from a timid figure to one who harnesses her power. Farmiga’s performance brings much-needed energy and depth to the film, even as she faces threats and traumatic memories.

Jonas Bloquet reprises his role as Maurice, the handyman at a girls’ boarding school. While his budding romance and protective instincts inject emotion into the narrative, his character’s arc remains disappointingly flat. Bloquet delivers a commendable performance, but the script fails to provide him with a compelling narrative.

“The Nun II” struggles to deliver the chills and thrills expected from a horror sequel. Its overexposure of Valak, lack of creative scares, and narrative disjointedness undermine its potential. Taissa Farmiga’s standout performance provides a glimmer of hope, but it’s overshadowed by the film’s overall shortcomings. “The Nun II” ultimately falls short of being a successful horror film, leaving audiences with a feeling of disappointment.

Cobweb

“Cobweb” is a 2023 American horror thriller film directed by Samuel Bodin, marking his directorial debut. The screenplay, penned by Chris Thomas Devlin, gained recognition by being included in the 2018 edition of The Black List. The film features a cast including Lizzy Caplan, Woody Norman, Cleopatra Coleman, and Antony Starr.

In the movie, we follow the unsettling journey of eight-year-old Peter, who is plagued by a constant, mysterious tapping sound emanating from within the walls of his bedroom. While his parents dismiss it as a product of his imagination, Peter is certain that something sinister lurks behind the incessant noise. As his fear intensifies, he becomes increasingly convinced that his parents are harboring a terrible secret.

“Cobweb” had a limited theatrical release in the United States courtesy of Lionsgate on July 21, 2023. Following its theatrical run, the film became available on digital formats on August 11, 2023. Subsequently, it found its way to Blu-ray and DVD on September 12, 2023.

The film “Cobweb” garnered a diverse array of reviews from critics. While some lauded its atmospheric tension and suspenseful elements, others criticized its predictability and a relative scarcity of genuinely chilling moments.

Financially, “Cobweb” managed to gross a respectable $5.8 million at the worldwide box office, cementing its presence in the genre.

The film earned nominations in prestigious categories, including:

1. Saturn Award for Best Horror Film:Recognizing its contribution to the horror genre.

2. Fangoria Chainsaw Award for Best New Filmmaker: Acknowledging the talent of director Samuel Bodin as a promising newcomer.

“Cobweb” emerges as a well-crafted horror film that excels in creating a creepy atmosphere and weaving a suspenseful narrative. Nonetheless, it does not escape critique, with a predictable plot and a scarcity of spine-tingling scares being among its shortcomings. Ultimately, the viewer’s enjoyment of “Cobweb” hinges on their personal preferences in the realm of horror cinema.

Evil Dead Rise

In the world of horror franchises, “Evil Dead” stands as a remarkable exception. Over the span of more than four decades, it has managed to maintain an impressive record – there hasn’t been a bad movie bearing its name. This accomplishment can be attributed to the meticulous oversight of series creator Sam Raimi, who has been selective about who he allows to play with his beloved and blood-soaked creation. Throughout the franchise’s history, there have been just five “Evil Dead” movies, and each one has left a mark of its own. However, there’s more to this enduring success than just Sam Raimi’s involvement; it’s also about the fundamental simplicity of the franchise’s premise, with the exception of the delightfully wacky “Army of Darkness.”

The latest addition to the “Evil Dead” series, “Evil Dead Rise,” is helmed by Irish writer/director Lee Cronin, known for his 2019 debut feature “The Hole in the Ground,” which also delved into themes of sinkholes and parental anxieties. Cronin brings a gritty sensibility to the franchise, aligning more with the approach of Fede Alvarez, the director of the 2013 “Evil Dead” remake, than Sam Raimi’s live-action cartoonish style. However, Cronin shares one crucial element with Raimi – a diabolical imagination.

The marketing for “Evil Dead Rise” teases a gruesome scene involving a cheese grater, but the film is brimming with inventive acts of violence. From eye trauma to dismemberment, from vomit to decapitation, this movie covers a broad spectrum of gruesome bodily harm. It even boasts an excessive amount of blood, enough to rival the iconic elevator scene from “The Shining.” This unrelenting gore fest is enough to drench two of its main characters head to toe in blood during the film’s climactic 20 minutes.

“Evil Dead Rise” shifts its setting from a group of friends in a remote cabin to a family living in a dilapidated apartment building in downtown Los Angeles. When single mom Ellie, played by Alyssa Sutherland, becomes possessed by a malevolent force early in the film, the horror takes a chilling turn as she psychologically and physically torments her own children. The youngest, Kassie (Nell Fisher), is particularly vulnerable, but this doesn’t make the plight of her teenage siblings, Danny (Morgan Davies) and Bridget (Gabrielle Echols), any less harrowing. “Evil Dead Rise” doesn’t shy away from exploring violence towards children, combining it with the extreme gore that fans expect from the franchise.

However, “Evil Dead Rise” faces a challenge in the first act as it introduces deviations from the classic “cabin in the woods” formula. This section incorporates Ellie’s rocker sister, Beth (Lily Sullivan), and an earthquake that reveals a hole in the parking garage floor. Danny stumbles upon an old safety deposit box containing mysterious records that trigger the horrors that follow. These details, while necessary to establish the new setting, threaten to disrupt the elemental simplicity that “Evil Dead” is known for.

Once “Evil Dead Rise” gains momentum, it becomes an unrelenting roller coaster of horror. The film thrives on jump scares and “look behind you!” moments that punctuate the relentless bloodshed. A particular scene in the film’s middle section promises to elicit screams and cheers from audiences in theaters worldwide.

Not everything in “Evil Dead Rise” works seamlessly. A subplot involving pregnancy may come across as clumsily written, and the cold open feels random, necessitating a scene to clarify it at the movie’s conclusion. However, considering that it features a relatively unknown cast led by a relatively inexperienced director, the film achieves much, particularly in its physical performances, involving intricate rigging devices and gruesome prosthetic makeup. Once “Evil Dead Rise” overcomes its initial obstacles and delivers what the audience came for, it becomes an absolute blast of a horror movie.

Haunted Mansion

Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” has a rich history, from its original theme park ride to multiple film adaptations. In this latest installment directed by Justin Simien, the story takes a Black-led live-action twist, featuring a star-studded cast. However, despite its potential, the film falls short of expectations.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble, including Rosario Dawson, LaKeith Stanfield, Owen Wilson, Tiffany Haddish, and Danny DeVito. On paper, this lineup holds great promise, but the script struggles to fully utilize their talents.

One of the film’s major shortcomings is its humor. Despite the presence of talented writer Katie Dippold, the script’s punchlines come across as forced and flat. While Wilson and Haddish manage to salvage some moments with their comedic timing, much of the humor falls short of expectations.

“Haunted Mansion” does manage to showcase its fun-loving origins with creative visuals. The house transforms into a surreal landscape filled with endless halls, impossible ceilings, gargoyles, hidden rooms, and ghostly portraits, invoking nostalgia for the classic Gothic elements of the ride.

Throughout most of the film, there is a notable absence of tension. The playful chases and spooky sequences, while entertaining, are too brief and don’t sustain the film’s pace. True tension only emerges during the climactic faceoff in the third act.

Perhaps the film’s greatest disappointment is how little the talented cast delivers. Stanfield’s portrayal of Ben’s grief feels contrived, lacking emotional depth. The forced romance between Stanfield and Dawson adds to this sense of contrivance. Even seasoned comedic actors like Wilson, DeVito, and Haddish find their comedic efforts falling flat.

“Haunted Mansion” attempts to explore themes of grief, portraying how it makes us vulnerable and yet can connect us. While these themes offer depth, they are often overshadowed by the film’s comedic misfires and underdeveloped character arcs.

“Haunted Mansion” is constructed with the familiar elements of a Gothic tale and offers a thoughtful examination of grief. Its nostalgic spookiness appeals to family audiences, but the film’s repeated comedic missteps and the underutilization of its talented ensemble prevent it from becoming a Halloween classic. Despite its potential, this star-studded adventure fails to live up to expectations.