As Black History Month is ending, there is still time to celebrate by checking out more black directors. The horror genre has spanned for many years and unfortunately, black people were not depicted very well early on. A documentary titled Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror talks about how black people were treated as caricatures. They were exploited and sidelined. These days there are more black voices telling the stories they want to the way they want to. Black characters are embraced more in horror and are given much more to do. Here are 5 great horror films from black directors.
1. His House (DIR- Remi Weekes)
His House is about a refugee couple who make a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, but then they struggle to adjust to their new life in an English town that has an evil lurking beneath the surface.
In his debut, director Remi Weekes delivers a terrifying thought-provoking story filled with scares, guilt, grief, and dealing with racism. The performances from our two leads are top-notch as they try their best to keep their house stable despite all the nearby ghosts. They both keep a huge secret that once revealed, gives a deeper appreciation for the movie and the message it sends.
Def by Temptation (DIR – James Bond III)
Joel is a quiet North Carolina student who starts questioning his faith. He travels to New York to visit his old friend K and go bar hopping. They meet a gorgeous seductress who turns out to be a demon who lures black men to their deaths. When she sets her eyes on Joel, his friend does what he can to save him.
Director James Bond III directs and stars in this movie. It is a shame that this was the only film he did because it is a fun, atmospheric, good time of a movie. It is a film that has been overlooked but should be given the chance. It has a great cast which includes Bill Nunn and Samuel L. Jackson. The soundtrack is great, the visuals are easy on the eyes and the dialogue is sharp.
Demon Knight (DIR- Ernest Dickerson)
A man named Frank holds a key that can ward off evil spirits. A demon known as The Collector has been chasing Frank for years because he wants the key to start the apocalypse. Frank ends up at a boarding house where he and the quirky guests have to fight together against an army of demons.
Demon Knight is purely awesome. Billy Zane steals the film as the cocky fun loving demon after our main characters but the cast as a whole is pretty great. Over-the-top gore and a great blend of horror and humor make this one of the most fun horror movies of the 90s. Ernest Dickerson was the cinematographer on Def by Temptation before directing this one. It is simply a campy demonic good time.
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (DIR – Bomani Story)
Vicaria is a genius living in the hood. She has seen so much death that she becomes obsessed with it. When her brother gets gunned down due to gang activity, she decides she is going to find a way to cure death and bring her brother back. She succeeds, but the person who comes back might not be who he seems.
Director Bomani Story brings us one of the best horror films of 2023. A modern take on Frankenstein shows us that the core messages are still strong today. Treat someone like a monster and they will act like one. It is heartbreaking how we perceive ourselves sometimes solely based on our environment. The scares are shot well throughout and there is a strong family dynamic. This one wasn’t seen enough but hopefully will get more love in the future.
Tales from the Hood ( DIR- Rusty Cundieff)
A creepy mortician, Mr. Simms (Clarence Williams III), attempts to scare teenage drug dealer Stack (Joe Torry) and his friends straight by telling them four horrifying stories.
Tales from the Hood is one of the best anthology horror films ever made. Director Cundieff manages to mix scares with real issues that African Americans face. The cast is fantastic and the movie does a good job with its tone and satire. Another one that is not to be missed.
