My Top 10 Favorite Horror Films Directed By Women

Women horror film directors offer new, fresh perspectives that are unique to women alone. They explore experiences like rape, motherhood, puberty, menstruation, aging, and the constant struggle women face to simply be heard. Rarely will you see women in these films used as shallow sex objects: they are fully formed characters with intelligence, flaws, and the will to break the rules. Once again, I’m trying to include some films that aren’t as well known. Now on to my Top 10 favorite horror films directed by women!

Give Me an A

Directed by Hannah Alline, Avital Ash, Bonnie Discepolo, Loren Escandon, Valerie Finkel, Natasha Halevi, Caitlin Josephine Hargraves, Danin Jacquay, Sarah Kopkin, Franscesca Maldonado, Monica Moore Suriyage, Kelly Nygaard, Megan Rosati, Marcy C. Russell, Megan Swertlow, and Erica Mary Wright.

Synopsis

16 stories. 16 female filmmakers. A wild ride of an anthology weaves horror, sci-fi and dark comedy to explore bodily autonomy and human rights in a post Roe world. Rage, fear and raw emotion fuel this politically charged film.

I reviewed this timely film last year, and loved it. A recent dip in the dating pool taught me something a little shocking: there are a lot of men out there that don’t have a clue how a woman’s reproductive system works. And some of them are drafting reproductive legislation. This film should be seen by everyone, not just because it’s informative, but also because it’s hysterical in parts. The true horror is that this film needed to be made in the first place.

Violation

Directed by Madeline Sims-Fewer and Dusty Sims-Fewer

Synopsis

With her marriage about to implode, Miriam returns to her hometown to seek solace in the comfort of her younger sister and brother-in-law. But one evening a tiny slip in judgement leads to a catastrophic betrayal, leaving Miriam shocked, reeling, and furious. Believing her only recourse is to exact revenge Miriam takes extreme action, but the price of retribution is high, and she is not prepared for the toll it takes as she begins to emotionally and psychologically unravel.

Anchored by a sensational performance by Madeline Sims-Fewer, this brutal film is not for the squeamish. Sims-Fewer’s character represents every woman who has ever been told she “misunderstood” a very clear violation of her body. What lengths will she go to in order for the truth to be heard? Every women has a breaking point.

Nightsiren

Directed by Tereza Nvotová

Synopsis

A young woman returns to her native mountain village, searching for answers about her troubled childhood, but as she tries to uncover the truth, ancient superstitions lead the villagers to accuse her of witchcraft and murder.

The film takes place in modern times, but as far as the remote village the events unfold, it might as well be centuries earlier. The two leads are strong, intelligent, and independent women who are confident in their sexuality. As a result, they are called whores, devil worshippers, and witches. There are cultures that cling to the idea that women who refuse to bow to the will of men must be viewed with suspicion. It takes a daring woman to break with tradition – and the two leads in the gorgeously shot Nightsiren are aching to try.

Jennifer’s Body

Directed by Karyn Kusama

Synopsis

When a demon takes possession of her, high-school hottie Jennifer (Megan Fox) turns a hungry eye on guys who never stood a chance with her before. While evil Jennifer satisfies her appetite for human flesh with the school’s male population, her nerdy friend, Needy (Amanda Seyfried), learns what’s happening and vows to put an end to the carnage.

Mismarketed and panned on its release, this is a classic satire of the “femme fatale” as an actual monster. I can confirm that being a teenager is hell, so who wouldn’t have loved to have eaten a few guys in high school? This film presents a world where women hold all the power. Thankfully, Jennifer’s Body went on to find the cult status it deserved.

Hatching

Directed by Hanna Berholm

Synopsis

A young gymnast, who tries desperately to please her demanding mother, discovers a strange egg. She hides it and keeps it warm, but when it hatches, what emerges shocks them all.

This slow burn Finnish movie features an incredible practical effects monster at the end, but the real monster of the film is the perfectionist, demanding blogger mom. Her daughter, Tinja, tries to please her mom to the point where she is harming her health. She finds a massive egg in the forest and nurtures it (and the hatchling) with all the love she isn’t getting. Hatching is a cautionary tale for anyone obsessed with social media image.

Huesera: The Bone Woman

Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera

Synopsis

Valeria has long dreamed about becoming a mother. After learning that she’s pregnant, she expects to feel happy, yet something’s off.

If being a teenager is a nightmare, imagine raising one. The truth is, not every woman is cut out (or wants) to be a mother. Valeria seems excited at the idea of having a baby, but as the film goes on, cracks begin to appear in her glossy facade. Huesera: The Bone Woman is a truly fascinating look at pregnancy, parenthood, and how family and society expect a woman to behave.

Relic

Directed by Natalie Erika James

 

Synopsis

A daughter, mother and grandmother are haunted by a manifestation of dementia that consumes their family’s home.

Three generations of women struggle to come to terms with the horrors of old age and dementia in a home slowly being consumed by a creeping black mold. This is a slow burn, but it’s worth the watch, because it brilliantly explores the worst terror we will all face one day: death.

The Apology

Directed by Alison Locke

Synopsis

Twenty years after the disappearance of her daughter, a recovering alcoholic is preparing to host her family’s Christmas celebration when her estranged ex-brother-in-law arrives unannounced, bearing nostalgic gifts and a heavy secret.

This film succeeds thanks to killer performances from Linus Roache and Anna Gunn. The film builds great tension between the two while we wait anxiously to see the burdens they carry, and what kind of justice will be served.

Promising Young Woman

Directed by Emerald Fennell

Synopsis

Nothing in Cassie’s life is what it appears to be – she’s wickedly smart, tantalizingly cunning, and she’s living a secret double life. Now, an unexpected encounter is about to give Cassie a chance to right the wrongs from the past.

I watch a lot of films, including extreme horror, but this film broke me. There few things in this world worse than being betrayed by someone you trust. But the revenge Cassie seeks isn’t murder, she instead shames the would be sexual assaulters as revenge for her dead friend. This film is gorgeous, with the pink and baby blues a stark contrast to the dark subject matter.

Athlete A

Directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk

Synopsis

Follow the Indianapolis Star reporters that broke the story about USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s abuse and hear from gymnasts like Maggie Nichols.

‘Athlete A‘ of the title referred to the then anonymous gymnast who broke open the USA Gymnastics scandal. For decades the training was physically and psychologically brutal, and anyone who complained risked elimination. And then their was the sexual abuse by Larry Nassar. Parents complained, but again the victims’ suffering were sacrificed in order to protect the image of USA Gymnastics. But when the “Me Too” movement gained momentum, the young women rose up and finally received justice. This is a great doc.

Were there any films directed by women you feel belong on this list? Let me know in the comments below!