Horror movies have been a staple of the film industry for decades, entertaining and terrifying audiences with their spine-chilling plots and jump scares. While big-budget Hollywood productions often dominate the genre, independent horror films have also made a significant impact with their unique storytelling and creative approach to scares.
One of the most crucial elements of any film is its opening scene. It sets the tone for the entire movie and hooks the audience in from the very beginning. In the world of horror, a strong opening scene is essential to immediately capture the viewer’s attention and build suspense for what’s to come.
In this article, we will take a closer look at 15 of the best opening scenes in independent horror films. These films may not have had the same level of budget or resources as their mainstream counterparts, but they have proven that they can still deliver bone-chilling scares and leave a lasting impression on audiences.
1. “The Witch” (2015)
The opening scene of “The Witch” is an eerie and unsettling start to this critically acclaimed horror film. Set in 17th-century New England, the scene shows William (Ralph Ineson) being exiled from his Puritan community for religious disagreements. As he and his family travel to their new home near a dark forest, we are already on edge, knowing that something sinister awaits them.
2. “It Follows” (2014)
“It Follows” opens with a teenage girl frantically running out of her house, looking over her shoulder in fear. This intense chase sequence immediately sets the tone for the rest of the film, where a supernatural entity follows and kills anyone who has been targeted by it. The scene is tense, suspenseful, and leaves viewers on the edge of their seats.
3. “The Babadook” (2014)
The opening scene of “The Babadook” shows a mother reading a bedtime story to her son, stressing the importance of facing your fears. Little did she know that this would foreshadow the terrifying events that were about to unfold. The scene is simple yet effective, building a sense of dread and unease that lingers throughout the entire film.
4. “Hereditary” (2018)
“Hereditary” opens with a slow pan shot of a dollhouse, showing the details of each room before zooming in on one particular room where a miniature version of the family’s home is on display. This scene sets the stage for the rest of the film, which explores the twisted dynamics of a dysfunctional family and the dark secrets they hold.
5. “The House of the Devil” (2009)
“The House of the Devil” opens with a text informing us that the story is based on true events. This sets a chilling tone for the rest of the film, which follows a college student who takes up a babysitting job in a remote house only to discover that it is not what it seems. The slow build-up in this opening scene creates an atmosphere of suspense that continues to escalate throughout the film.
6. “The Invitation” (2015)
The opening scene of “The Invitation” shows us a couple driving through the city, passing by a string of violent incidents on the streets. This sets an unsettling tone for the rest of the film, which follows a group of friends reuniting for a dinner party that takes a dark turn. The scene effectively builds tension and foreshadows the horrors to come.
7. “A Quiet Place” (2018)
“A Quiet Place” opens with a family scavenging for supplies in an abandoned town while trying to remain completely silent. We soon learn that creatures with hypersensitive hearing have taken over the world, and any sound could mean instant death. This intense and nerve-wracking opening scene immediately immerses viewers in the film’s dystopian world.
8. “Get Out” (2017)
“Get Out” opens with a young black man walking through a suburban neighborhood, with an unsettling score playing in the background. This scene sets the tone for the rest of the film, which explores the horrors of racism and cultural appropriation. The tension builds as the man realizes that he is not safe in this seemingly idyllic community.
9. “Goodnight Mommy” (2014)
The opening scene of “Goodnight Mommy” shows twin brothers playing in the idyllic countryside, creating a sense of innocence and tranquility. However, this peaceful scene is quickly shattered when we see their mother, who has undergone facial surgery and is now unrecognizable to her children. This sets the stage for a disturbing and suspenseful film about identity and motherhood.
10. “The Blair Witch Project” (1999)
“The Blair Witch Project” opens with a group of college students filming a documentary about a local legend known as the Blair Witch. The found footage style and the absence of any background music create a sense of realism and tension that continues throughout the rest of the film. This opening scene effectively introduces us to the characters and their mission, setting the foundation for the terrifying events that follow.
11. “Let the Right One In” (2008)
“Let the Right One In” opens with a young boy being bullied by his classmates in a snowy playground. This scene effectively sets up the themes of isolation, bullying, and violence that are explored in the rest of the film. It also hints at the supernatural elements of the story, as the boy’s new mysterious friend helps him fight back against his tormentors.
12. “The Conjuring” (2013)
The opening scene of “The Conjuring” shows a couple moving into a new home, only to discover a hidden cellar filled with creepy objects. This sets the stage for paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren to get involved and uncover the dark history of the house. The scene is atmospheric and foreboding, immediately drawing viewers into the film’s terrifying world.
13. “The Descent” (2005)
“The Descent” opens with a group of female friends reuniting for a caving expedition. As they explore the dark and claustrophobic caves, they discover that they are not alone. This opening scene creates a feeling of isolation and dread, foreshadowing the horrors that await the characters as they descend deeper and deeper into the unknown.
14. “Midsommar” (2019)
“Midsommar” opens with a dreamlike sequence showing the strained relationship between Dani (Florence Pugh) and her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor). This scene effectively sets up the emotional turmoil that Dani is experiencing before the couple and their friends embark on a trip to a remote Swedish village, where things take a sinister turn. The opening scene’s surreal and unsettling tone carries throughout the rest of the film.
15. “The VVitch” (2015)
“The VVitch” opens with a Puritan family being exiled from their community and moving to a remote farm on the edge of a dark forest. As they start their new life, strange occurrences and witchcraft accusations plague the family, leading to a chilling climax. The opening scene sets up the film’s themes of isolation, religious paranoia, and supernatural forces at work.
In conclusion, independent horror films have proven time and again that they can deliver terrifying and unforgettable experiences with their unique storytelling and creative approach to scares. These 15 opening scenes are just a glimpse of the many spine-chilling moments that can be found in independent horror movies. So next time you’re looking for a good scare, don’t overlook these hidden gems in the genre.
