June's Quick and Dirty Movie Review
Censor, Deadstream, Nanny, Perfect Blue, Stopmotion, The Blackcoat's Daughter, The First Omen, The Lodge, The Ritual, Violation, Slaxx, So Vam, Unwelcome
Top 10 movies for June. All of them are worth a watch! There is something for everyone here.
What will you watch? What do you want to know about each movie?
For reviews for all the movies watched in June and more, check out my Letterboxd.
Censor
Where to Watch: Hulu
Trigger Warnings: Sexual assault, misogyny, mental health, trauma, grief
non-spoiler synopsis: A film censor’s reality becomes blurred when she watches a horror film and believes one of the actresses is her sister, who went missing when they were children.
Themes: grief, trauma, childhood trauma, mental health, family dynamics
Review: 😱😱😱😱
This movie is a trip; it blurs the films she watches with dreams and reality. It highlights trauma and grief related to having a missing loved one and the lengths we go to resolve our pain.
Deadstream
Where to Watch: AMC+
Trigger Warnings: jump scares, gross looking ghosts
non-spoiler synopsis: A not-so-l likable video streamer tries to redeem himself by live-streaming his visit to a haunted house.
Themes: relationships and career (especially exploiting others for personal gain)
Review: 😱😱😱 and a half
This is a fun watch. It’s entertaining. It’s goofy.
Nanny
Where to Watch: Prime
Trigger Warnings: death, drowning, hallucinations, bad dreams, sexually inappropriate behavior
non-spoiler synopsis: A Senegalese immigrant moves to New York and nannies to make enough money to bring her son to the US.
Themes: immigration, grief, trauma, parenting, interpersonal relationships
Review: 😱😱😱
This was a beautiful film full of African folklore, which added to the depth of the protagonist's struggles dealing with being an immigrant, lack of payment by employers, and grief and guilt of being away from her son.
Perfect Blue
Where to Watch: AMC+
Trigger Warnings: mental health, sexual assault, stalking
non-spoiler synopsis: Mima leaves her popstar career in a girl group to pursue acting.
Themes: mental health, interpersonal relationships, career pressures
Review: 😱😱😱😱
The film skillfully explores complex themes of reality and sanity, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. One of its standout features is the vivid personification of the inner critic, highlighting the harsh ways we often speak to ourselves. This portrayal is deeply relatable for many, resonating on multiple levels. Additionally, the movie demonstrates how those we trust can shape and distort our perception of reality, leaving us to question what is truly real.
Stopmotion
Where to Watch: AMC+
Trigger Warnings: mental health, grief, some body horror
non-spoiler synopsis: A stop motion artist struggles to find her voice and purpose after her domineering mother’s illness.
Themes: identity, mental health, grief, interpersonal dynamics
Review: 😱😱😱 and half
What a striking film. It is creative and different, and using stop-motion art brings a whole new aspect to the film. At its core, it explores identity, mental health, and grief.
The Blackcoat’s Daughter
Where to Watch: Max
Trigger Warnings: religious trauma, isolation
non-spoiler synopsis: It’s holiday break, and two students are left at school when their families fail to pick them up, leaving them to deal with an unknown entity.
Themes: mental health
Review: 😱😱😱 and half
Is it a well-done horror movie? Absolutely. Was it perfect? No. But it offered an entertaining take on possession. Did I want more? Yes, but adding more would have detracted from the experience. Some things are best left unsaid and unseen.
The First Omen
Where to Watch: Hulu
Trigger Warnings: self-harm, sexual assault, religious themes, restraint, physical and verbal abuse
non-spoiler synopsis: Margaret, a nun, goes to Rome to work at an orphanage and take her vows when she meets Carlita, a strange young girl.
Themes: what we do for our beliefs and how far we will go, power and control
Review: 😱😱😱 and half
This movie was intense at times, which kept you engaged. It has some predictable moments and surprises, which I appreciate in a horror movie. I also appreciated the back story of The Omen. It's definitely worth watching.
The Lodge
Where to Watch:
Trigger Warnings: brainwashing, cult, violence, animal death, mental health, gaslighting
non-spoiler synopsis: Soon-to-be stepmom stays at a secluded lodge with her soon-to-be stepson and daughter. The children learn about stepmom’s past being raised in cult.
Themes: mental health, trauma, family dynamics
Review: 😱😱😱
This movie reminded me of the saying, “F*ck around and find out.” The movie explores themes of childhood trauma. I don’t want to spoil anything, so give it a watch.
The Ritual
Where to Watch: Netflix
Trigger Warnings: violence
Non-spoiler synopsis: A group of grieving friends travels the wilderness to honor their friend, but the trip does not go exactly as planned.
Themes: grief, power of beliefs
Review:😱😱😱
I am a folk horror fan, and this film did not disappoint. The movie delves into themes of grief and trauma.
Violation
Where to Watch: AMC+
Trigger Warnings: bloody, sexual assault, revenge
non-spoiler synopsis: On a weekend getaway, Miram’s brother-in-law violates her trust, spiraling Miram’s mental health.
Themes: mental health (especially after a sexual assault), family dynamics and interpersonal relationships
Review:😱😱😱
This movie has stuck with me since I watched it two weeks ago. It’s methodical, beautiful, uncomfortable, and as a woman relatable.
Honorable mentions:
Slaxx 😱😱😱 Who doesn’t want a movie about possessed pants killing people and bringing awareness to capitalism and the lies companies tell to make a buck?
So Vam 😱😱😱 Three scream faces just for the fact that a 17-year-old trans person wrote, directed, and produced a teenage film about vampires cleaning up the scum of the earth.
Unwelcome 😱😱😱 Another three screams just because I love folk horror, and the creatures still make me smile to this day. This one is funny and, at times, feels like a rom-com rather than a horror movie.
Coming soon:
Horror Movie Mental Health First Aid Kit
Man Vs. Bear
Disclaimer: The resources and information provided in this article are intended to offer support, guidance, and information to individuals seeking to enhance their mental well-being. However, it is essential to recognize that the information provided is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice. While the materials included may offer valuable strategies and insights, they are not tailored to individual circumstances, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. Mental health is a complex and deeply personal matter, and seeking the guidance of a qualified mental health professional is highly recommended for personalized assessment and treatment. By accessing and using the resources provided in this article, you acknowledge and understand that they are not a substitute for professional mental health services. The creators of this article are not liable for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Remember, prioritizing your mental health and seeking professional help when needed are essential steps in your journey toward well-being.