The Cannes Film Festival, known for its prestige and glamour, has also been a platform for some of the most unsettling and innovative horror films. This curated list showcases ten horror films that have not only terrified audiences but have also received recognition at Cannes. Each film brings a unique blend of suspense, psychological depth, and cinematic artistry, making them essential viewing for both horror enthusiasts and cinephiles interested in the darker side of film.
The Wicker Man (1973)
Description: A classic British horror film, it was screened at Cannes for its unique blend of folk horror and pagan rituals, making it a cult favorite.
Fact: The film was initially a commercial failure but has since gained a cult following and critical acclaim.
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The Neon Demon (2016)
Description: This film delves into the dark side of beauty and ambition in the fashion industry, with a surreal and horrifying twist. Its inclusion in Cannes highlights its artistic merit and its ability to disturb.
Fact: The film was met with both applause and walkouts at Cannes due to its graphic content. It was also nominated for the Palme d'Or.
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The Babadook (2014)
Description: This Australian psychological horror film was selected for Cannes' Critics' Week, noted for its exploration of grief and fear through a haunting children's book.
Fact: The film was shot in just 23 days and has become a modern horror classic.
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The Invitation (2015)
Description: A suspenseful horror about a dinner party that turns sinister, it was highlighted at Cannes for its slow-burn tension and psychological horror.
Fact: The film was shot in just 20 days and was well-received for its realistic portrayal of paranoia.
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The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: This film was showcased at Cannes for its unique premise of a supernatural mystery unfolding during an autopsy, blending horror with forensic science.
Fact: It was praised for its tight script and effective use of suspense.
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The House That Jack Built (2018)
Description: Directed by Lars von Trier, this film follows a serial killer's descent into madness, offering a chilling narrative that was both controversial and critically acclaimed at Cannes.
Fact: The film was initially banned from Cannes due to von Trier's previous comments but was later allowed to screen out of competition.
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The Witch (2015)
Description: This film, set in 1630s New England, was praised at Cannes for its historical accuracy and chilling portrayal of witchcraft and isolation.
Fact: It won the Directing Award at Sundance before its Cannes screening and was noted for its use of authentic language and setting.
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Under the Shadow (2016)
Description: Set during the Iran-Iraq war, this film blends supernatural horror with political commentary, earning acclaim at Cannes for its atmospheric tension.
Fact: It was selected for the Critics' Week at Cannes and won the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
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Raw (2016)
Description: This French-Belgian film about a vegetarian student who develops a taste for human flesh was a standout at Cannes for its visceral horror and feminist themes.
Fact: It won the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes and was praised for its bold storytelling.
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Antichrist (2009)
Description: Another Lars von Trier film, this one explores grief, guilt, and the supernatural, earning its place in Cannes for its intense psychological horror.
Fact: The film won the Best Actress award for Charlotte Gainsbourg and was both praised and criticized for its graphic content.
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