Horror movies have been a staple of the film industry since the early days of cinema. From the classic monsters of the 1930s to the slasher films of the 1980s, horror has always found a way to captivate and terrify audiences. In recent years, there has been a rise in indie horror movies that push the boundaries of traditional horror and explore new, often unsettling, sound designs. These eerie sound designs add an extra layer of terror to already spine-chilling narratives. Here are 15 of the most haunting and memorable sound designs in indie horror movies.
1. “Hereditary” (2018)
The opening scene of “Hereditary” sets the tone for the rest of the film with its disturbing sound design. As we see a miniature house being constructed, the sounds of sawing and hammering are distorted and amplified, creating an unsettling dissonance. This clever use of sound foreshadows the disjointed and disturbing events that follow.
2. “It Follows” (2014)
The synth-heavy score of “It Follows” perfectly captures the 80s-inspired aesthetic of the film. But it’s not just the music that adds to the eerie atmosphere. The use of everyday sounds, like a ticking clock or a creaking door, is amplified and distorted to create an unsettling sense of unease.
3. “The Witch” (2015)
“The Witch” is a slow-burning horror film that uses sound to build tension and create a sense of isolation. In one particularly eerie scene, we hear a baby crying but cannot see where it’s coming from. The cries grow louder and more agonizing, adding to the already unsettling tone of the film.
4. “The Babadook” (2014)
The titular character in “The Babadook” is known for its spine-tingling rasp that sends shivers down the audience’s spine. The use of this sound throughout the film, along with other unsettling noises like the creaking of the door and eerie whispers, creates a constant feeling of dread and terror.
5. “The Blair Witch Project” (1999)
“The Blair Witch Project” revolutionized the found footage genre and its sound design played a significant role in its success. The sound of the characters’ screams and panicked breathing, mixed with the sounds of the forest at night, creates an immersive and terrifying experience for the viewer.
6. “The Invitation” (2015)
“The Invitation” is a slow-burning psychological horror that uses sound to unsettle its audience. In one scene, as the characters sit down for dinner, we hear a fly buzzing in the background. The sound slowly grows louder and more persistent, adding to the tension and creating a disturbing atmosphere.
7. “The Witch Who Came from the Sea” (1976)
This cult classic uses a mix of eerie sounds and music to create a haunting atmosphere. The main character hears voices whispering to her, and these whispers are amplified and distorted, adding to the film’s surreal and unsettling tone.
8. “Mandy” (2018)
“Mandy” is an acid-soaked revenge film that uses a combination of psychedelic visuals and eerie sound design to create an otherworldly experience. The distorted and almost hypnotic sounds add to the film’s dreamlike quality and make the violent scenes even more jarring.
9. “A Quiet Place” (2018)
In “A Quiet Place,” sound is used as a tool for survival in a world overrun by deadly creatures that hunt by sound. The lack of traditional dialogue in the film makes every creak and rustle all the more terrifying, as it could be the characters’ undoing.
10. “Under the Skin” (2013)
This sci-fi horror film uses its sound design to create an otherworldly and unsettling atmosphere. The use of distorted voices and eerie music adds to the sense of unease as we follow an alien seductress on her hunt for human prey.
11. “Annihilation” (2018)
“Annihilation” is a visually stunning and eerie film that uses sound to add an extra layer of terror. The use of distorted and unsettling noises, including the sound of a woman’s voice screaming in reverse, contributes to the film’s overall sense of surrealism and dread.
12. “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” (2015)
In this slow-burning horror, the sound design is used sparingly but effectively. In one particularly chilling scene, we hear a phone ringing in the background, but there is no phone in sight. This subtle use of sound adds to the film’s unsettling and mysterious nature.
13. “It Comes at Night” (2017)
“It Comes at Night” is a post-apocalyptic horror that uses sound to create a constant feeling of unease. The eerie sounds of the forest at night, along with the creaking of the old house, add to the tension and isolation felt by the characters.
14. “The Lighthouse” (2019)
“The Lighthouse” is a visually stunning and deeply unsettling film that uses sound as a key element in its storytelling. The sounds of the stormy sea and the eerie horn of the lighthouse create a sense of claustrophobia and madness as we witness two men slowly unraveling in isolation.
15. “The Neon Demon” (2016)
“The Neon Demon” is a visually stunning and eerie film that uses sound in unexpected ways. In one scene, we see a character vomiting up an eyeball while we hear the sound of her choking on it. This use of sound adds to the film’s surreal and disturbing nature.
In conclusion, indie horror movies have pushed the boundaries of traditional horror with their use of eerie sound designs. These films have shown that sound can be just as effective as visuals in creating a sense of terror and unease. From distorted and amplified everyday sounds to haunting scores, these films have elevated the horror genre to new levels of terror and creativity. So next time you watch an indie horror movie, pay close attention to the sound design, as it may be the key to unlocking its unsettling and eerie nature.
