When discussing the best horror movies of the 21st century, it’s easy for some hidden gems to slip through the cracks. While some years boast a plethora of fantastic films, others may not stand out as much. One such year is 2003, which, despite being a solid year for horror, doesn’t quite hold its own in retrospect. However, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate the great thrillers and chillers that emerged during this time.
J-Horror and Takashi Miike’s Impact
The turn of the millennium saw the rise of J-Horror and the emergence of V-cinema director Takashi Miike. After breaking onto the international scene with his gut-wrenching films Dead or Alive and Audition in 1999, Miike continued to make a name for himself with a string of unique arthouse and genre films. 2003 perfectly encapsulated these moments with One Missed Call, a film that distilled the essence of J-Horror into a single narrative. Though more commercially driven than its contemporaries like Pulse or Ju-On, Miike’s signature visual flair and unique storytelling made One Missed Call a standout in Asian horror cinema.
Iconic Crossovers and Franchise Resurgence
2003 also saw the release of Freddy vs. Jason, a crossover that pitted two of the most infamous names in slasher cinema against each other. Despite its hit-and-miss nature, the film was far better than fans of either franchise could have expected, given its tumultuous production history. With a few clever kills and a satisfying third-act showdown, Freddy vs. Jason served as a fitting coda to both franchises before their eventual reboots.
Meanwhile, Final Destination 2 garnered praise for its inventive approach to the concept of Death’s missed opportunities. While not necessarily better than its predecessor, the sequel was undeniably more interesting, exploring the unseen collateral damage from the first film. With its elaborate kills and engaging narrative, Final Destination 2 showcased the inventiveness that lies at the heart of the horror genre.
The Rise of New French Extremity with High Tension
The true standout of 2003 horror was High Tension, a cornerstone of the New French Extremity movement. This wave of French horror films saw the country’s underlying brutality erupt onto the silver screen, shocking audiences and critics alike. Described by Roger Ebert as being “filmed with a shotgun and edited in a blender,” High Tension is a psychotic home invasion film that combines elements of Stephen Spielberg’s Duel, Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Ingmar Bergman’s Persona. The film put director Alexandre Aja on Hollywood’s radar and served as a proof-of-concept for the upcoming The Hills Have Eyes remake. Ultimately, High Tension is a razor-sharp critique of French propriety and a testament to the power of horror cinema.
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