Chloe's Not Scared

James Wan’s Malignant took the horror world by storm. Though the film grossed significantly less than The Conjuring 3 on opening day, it quickly became a fan favorite leaving even my non-spooky friends asking if I’ve seen it yet. Malignant offers a look both into Wan’s giallo influence and psycho-thriller side with a surprising twist at the end. Wan delivers off-the-rails directorial decisions, a fun melodramatic script, and fog… lots of fog. I believe it was Rue Morgue’s review which summed it up best: “Malignant is WTF for both the right and wrong reasons.” Needless to say, these recommendations may be considered spoilers for the new film, so please read at your own risk. Malignant is currently streaming on HBO Max and in theaters.

Phenomena

Directed by Dario Argento (1985)

Stream it on Shudder, Tubi

Wan has repeatedly discussed his love of giallo in his press tour for Malignant, and I believe that Phenomena is probably the closest inspiration for Malignant. For starters, it is the weirdest Argento movie. Jennifer (Jennifer Connolly) communicates with insects to solve a murder in the Swiss Alps but here’s the kicker: the soundtrack is all 80’s metal music like Iron Maiden and Motorhead. The ending is absolutely bonkers and yes there is a chimpanzee.

Sisters

Directed by Brian DePalma (1972)

Stream it on Criterion Channel, HBO Max

Danielle (Margot Kidder) is a French Canadian actress and model living in Staten Island. When a murder leaves the residents of Danielle’s apartment complex reeling, early-career journalist Grace Collier steps up to investigate the truth. The dynamic between siblings in Malignant and the siblings Dominique and Danielle is very similar. The less you know about this one, the better.

The Empty Man

Directed by David Prior (2020)

Stream it on HBO Max

Part police procedural, part supernatural horror, The Empty Man is a genre-bending film that allows viewers to get lost in the commotion of urban legends and madness. Much like Malignant, parts of the movie work really well and some parts don’t, but it is very much worth checking it out. You may not recognize any big name stars, but it won’t disappoint. Also worth noting, it is beautifully shot, by cinematographer Anastas N. Michos. Lots of shadows and fog in this one.

The Dark Half

Directed by George A. Romero (1993)

Stream it on Amazon, Hulu with Cinemax

Based on a Stephen King novel and directed by George A. Romero, this film follows Thad Beaumont, an alcoholic author in Maine who writes under the pen name “George Stark.” When his identity becomes public knowledge, Beaumont puts “Stark” to rest… but Stark emerges from his grave. The movie reveals something interesting about Beaumont’s medical history, dealing with it in a similar way as Wan dealt with Malignant.

What movies would you recommend to someone who loved Malignant? Let me know in the comments!