Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Horror Noire’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One of the biggest benefits of having horror’s popularity be at an all time high, is that long lost formulas for scary stories, the kind that audiences used to consume with joy, are being rediscovered and resurrected to keep new fans happy… such as the anthology horror story. Because back in the day, Friday and/or Saturday night television, was dedicated to short tales of terror that offered up powerful lessons and incredible scares, and of course, there were movies galore with them as well. But alas they did fade. But thanks to shows like Creepshow, people are being reminding of how wonderful anthology horror stories are that’s motivated a bevy of creative minds to resurrect this storytelling format on the small screen. 

But what’s truly magical about this resurrection, is that motion pictures featuring them are also returning to production. For creative minds now know that not only are audiences craving this kind of story, but that they can use the power of film to finally push the envelope with these types of stories and tell dynamic tales that are unfettered horror through and through, and that really is giving life to far more terrifying anthologies. But while it is wonderful to enjoy gorier and creepier anthology films, we’ve yet to really see one that is genuinely groundbreaking and game changing and thankfully, the folks at Shudder are here to change that. For Thursday will see the premiere of the new horror anthology film, Horror Noire, and well… it is definitely safe to declare this movie to be an instant and revolutionary horror classic, and here is why.

In large part, this is accomplished by way of its diverse and unique style of storytelling. Because there is no wraparound story here or hidden theme designed to bring this all together, this is simply a horror anthology movie that offers up six individual vignettes of terror. The kind that aren’t limited by time in the slightest. Because while a majority of anthology horror films try to keep things trim and tight out of the belief that the viewer wants a quick experience, this movie doesn’t subscribe to that. It believes that the audience wants a quality and complete story and that allows for in-depth mini features to play out. The kind that let the terror and the tension build and give you enough time to get to know the characters and what makes them tick before dropping the scares into your lap and that is complimented nicely… by some powerful social commentary.

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For these six stories each have depth and meaning to them, and they explore a bevy of topics that aren’t explored in horror enough. Such as say, how running from our past and not taking responsibility for our actions can transform us in negative and terrifying ways. Alongside how in this day and age, lies and misinformation and bombastic rhetoric can transform even the most intelligent of minds into a modern-day zombie, one that feeds on hate and fear. But of course, where this anthology truly shines, is by way of what it has to say commentary wise on racism in America and what it means to be an African American in the 21st Century and those powerful messages are accomplished by way of the revolutionary manner in which this film was assembled.
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For every single vignette in Horror Noire was written and directed by African American creatives and it stars black actors and that allows for powerful stories to be told. The kind that gives the viewer great pause in a good way, because what they have to say is quite meaningful and they offer stunning perspective on racism and gentrification and appropriation and there are even some powerful history lessons about the lasting impact on racism in America and that makes this particular anthology film… a genuine game-changer. Since it elevates voices and spotlights stories that need to be heard and it is simply a bonus that the most intelligent genre in storytelling was utilized to make that happen.

Which means that in the end, this is simply a brilliant horror film through and through. One that quite frankly, is as terrifying as they come. Because these stories feature shocking images and stunning storylines that take your breath away and the gore is impactful and never superfluous in the slightest and really, the true scares in this anthology come from the mirror that it holds up to the modern world, since that puts some awful things on display. The kind of stuff that should start conversations and finally bring awareness to topics that so many have tried to avoid and this writer, applauds for Shudder for giving a green light to this magnificent horror film, one that is historic and frightening and intelligent and will be fawned over for generations, thanks to its many layers and messages.

‘Horror Noire’ will be available to stream on Shudder on October 28, 2021.

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