The representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in popular culture has come a long way in recent years, with more diverse and authentic portrayals being featured in movies and TV shows. And the horror genre, known for pushing boundaries and exploring taboo topics, is no exception.
Independent horror films have often been at the forefront of pushing the LGBTQ+ narrative forward, giving a voice to marginalized communities and challenging societal norms. These films not only provide entertainment but also serve as a powerful commentary on important social issues.
Here are 15 must-watch LGBTQ+ themed independent horrors that offer a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the queer experience:
1. “Pariah” (2011)
This coming-of-age drama follows the story of Alike, a young African-American lesbian struggling with her sexuality and navigating her conservative family. Directed by Dee Rees, this film beautifully captures the complexities of identity and self-discovery.
2. “The Babadook” (2014)
This Australian psychological horror tells the story of a single mother, Amelia, and her young son Samuel, who are terrorized by a malevolent creature from a children’s book. The film has been interpreted as an allegory for the struggles of a queer woman trying to fit into a heteronormative society.
3. “Thelma” (2017)
Directed by Joachim Trier, this Norwegian supernatural thriller follows Thelma, a young woman who discovers she has telekinetic powers while falling in love with another woman. The film explores themes of religious repression and the fear of self-acceptance.
4. “Raw” (2016)
This French-Belgian horror film follows Justine, a vegetarian veterinary student who develops a taste for human flesh after being forced to eat meat during a hazing ritual. Along with its gruesome visuals, the film also explores themes of sexual awakening and queer desire.
5. “Knife+Heart” (2018)
Set in the 1970s, this French thriller follows a gay porn producer, Anne, who is receiving death threats from a mysterious killer. As she delves into the investigation, she starts to unravel deep secrets and confront her own past traumas. This visually stunning film is a homage to classic Italian giallo films.
6. “The Handmaiden” (2016)
Directed by Park Chan-wook, this South Korean erotic psychological thriller tells the story of a young pickpocket, Sook-Hee, who becomes involved in a scheme to defraud a wealthy heiress, Lady Hideko. The film features a lesbian romance and explores themes of class and societal expectations.
7. “Jennifer’s Body” (2009)
This cult classic follows the story of high school student Jennifer, who becomes possessed by a demon and starts to feed on the boys in her school. Directed by Karyn Kusama, the film has been interpreted as a metaphor for repressed lesbian desire and the consequences of toxic friendships.
8. “The Neon Demon” (2016)
This psychological horror follows aspiring model Jesse as she becomes the target of jealousy and obsession from fellow models in the industry. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, the film explores themes of beauty, power, and the objectification of women in the fashion world.
9. “The Perfection” (2019)
This Netflix original horror film follows the twisted relationship between two musical prodigies, Charlotte and Lizzie. As their rivalry turns into an intense game of manipulation and revenge, the film also touches upon themes of internalized homophobia and sexual abuse in the music industry.
10. “Boys in the Trees” (2016)
Set on Halloween night in 1997, this Australian supernatural horror follows two former best friends, Corey and Jonah, who reconnect and confront their past grievances. Along with its horror elements, the film also explores themes of sexuality and bullying in teenage friendships.
11. “Midsommar” (2019)
This folk horror film directed by Ari Aster follows a couple, Dani and Christian, who travel to Sweden to attend a pagan summer solstice festival. As the festivities take a dark turn, the film also explores themes of grief, codependency, and queer relationships.
12. “The Lighthouse” (2019)
Directed by Robert Eggers, this psychological horror-thriller follows two lighthouse keepers, Winslow and Thomas, who start to lose their sanity while isolated on a remote island. The film has been interpreted as a metaphor for the toxic power dynamics between men and the blurring of lines between friendship and desire.
13. “The Fall of the House of Usher” (2006)
Based on Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tale, this queer adaptation tells the story of twins Roderick and Madeline Usher, who are struggling with a mysterious illness and a dark family secret. The film explores themes of incest, mental illness, and the destructiveness of familial love.
14. “Bite Marks” (2011)
This horror-comedy follows two truck drivers, Joe and Carey, who pick up a hitchhiker and encounter a strange virus that turns them into vampires. Along with its campy humor, the film also features a same-sex romance and touches upon themes of masculinity and homophobia in male-dominated industries.
15. “The Perfection” (2020)
This American thriller follows two cello prodigies, Charlotte and Elizabeth, who become entangled in a twisted game of revenge. The film explores themes of toxic relationships, internalized homophobia, and the cutthroat nature of the music industry.
These 15 must-watch LGBTQ+ themed independent horrors offer a diverse range of narratives that challenge societal norms and provide a unique perspective on the queer experience. By giving a voice to marginalized communities, these films not only entertain but also shed light on important social issues and promote inclusivity in the horror genre.
