As the entertainment industry surges into another thrilling season, two highly anticipated releases and one of my personal favorites are making drastic waves in the cinematic world: Smile 2, Terrifier 3, and IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE. Each promises to deliver a unique blend of suspense, horror, and mystery. These films showcase how the horror genre has evolved and converged with others. Here’s my take on what makes these titles stand out and why they’re worthy to sit first on your watchlist.

The sequel to the spine-chilling Smile delves deeper into the unsettling curse that plagues the first movie. As anticipated, the movie was full of jumpscares and left you on the edge of your seat, hoping the protagonist would survive. Yet, Smile 2 raised the stakes severely and the number of jumpscares (by quite a bit). Expanding on the past plot and rules of the curse, a new protagonist Skye Riley, a famous singer about to go on tour, becomes a host of the curse. Many people (including me) believe this movie is one of only a few sequels to surpass the horror of the first.

Art the Clown returns for his third movie and he’s more unhinged than ever. The Terrifer franchise is known for bringing extreme gore back to the horror genre and Terrifier 3 did not disappoint. It starts with protagonist Sienna from the previous film, only to be brought back to the madness. This film is not for the weak as outrageously unexpected events occur left and right. This movie also explores Art the Clown’s twisted reign of terror and stabs with an unexpected ending.

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE is a psychological horror movie produced by Greg Jardin and on Netflix. The film taps into the power to swap bodies. Following the story of a group of friends with jealousy amongst each other, the movie stands out for using cinematography to explain which character is who and revealing the character’s motives. While the slow-burn pacing may test some viewers, the payoff is a thought-provoking and chilling experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

These new releases showcase the diverse and evolving world of modern horror, offering something for every fan. Whether it’s the chills of psychological horror, the adrenaline rush after a jumpscare, or the relentless gore, each film pushes the boundaries in its own unique way.