Valentine’s Day, Please Go Away

Not interested in this time of year when couples display far too much PDA in the name of Valentine’s Day? Want something else to watch rather than the time whilst third wheeling with the happy couple? Well, let me tell you about movies and series you should be watching instead of swiping right on tinder because you’re bored. 

Let’s think of the polar opposite to romance, and that is horror. Don’t worry, I’ll include some comedy too, but trust me, if you haven’t seen these scary films and series then you are missing out!

Horror Films/series 

1. Hereditary (2018)- Prepared to be confused, scared, and grossed out, because this film is weird. With the incredible Toni Collette playing the mother of two children that look nothing alike, we see this family being manipulated by strange forces and intense grief. Having lost her mother, the matriarch of the family, Toni’s character struggles to keep her family afloat whilst disturbing secrets from her mother’s life begin to surface. Available to watch now on Netflix, feel free to go scare yourself. 
2. Us (2019)- Now this is a good one. Us is a psychological horror film that keeps you hooked until the credits roll, and that’s saying a lot coming from someone with a very short attention span. Ever wondered what it would be like to have an identical twin that wanted to kill you? Then Jordan Peele’s Us is for you. With stunning performances from Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke, the film’s plethora of talent makes me love it all the more. So, if you feel like seeing some amazing acting along with gore and well-executed jump-scares, split the cost of renting it on Amazon with your mates. 
3. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)- Inspired by Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel of the same name, this horror series is, in my opinion, the best suggestion I could give you. As you can guess, Hill House is haunted. We see through flashbacks how the Crain siblings lived in this house as young children, and how its horrors have stayed with them into adulthood. Having claimed two family members by the end of the first episode, the remaining members quarrel over whether suicide is indeed what happened to them, or if it was something far more sinister. As you can imagine, this family is massively screwed up. I know this article is against mushy feelings, but you do fall in love with the characters (just thought I’d warn you before you chased me with pitchforks). But that does not mean it isn’t scary. This series is terrifying. Currently streaming on Netflix, I dare you to watch it.  

Comedy

1. Spaced (1999)- For those of you who skipped the horror section, welcome! This comedy is the precursor to the Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy workings of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost. What an iconic trio. If you love Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz, watch this sitcom to see these geniuses as relatively young, adorable looking specimens. Based on the struggles of home ownership when living in the grotesquely overpriced city of London, watch as Simon Pegg and the as-iconic Jessica Hynes feign having a relationship to rent from a caring, alcoholic landlady. What could possibly go wrong! Now streaming on Netflix and All 4. 
2. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father (2017) – This series is so daft that I can’t help but love it. whether or not you’re a fan of Jack Whitehall, his elderly father completely steals the show with his grumpy demeanour and attachment to a doll called Winston. Yes, you read that right. Speed dating, elephant-related sport, and clown makeup – this series is as wholesome as it gets. To be honest with you, I’d be quite happy having Jack’s father as my valentine. With hopes of you having a better take away from the series than I did, you can watch its entirety on Netflix.

So there you have it, I hope you enjoy these suggestions as much as I have. In case not, and you still hate Valentine’s Day, I’d recommend Fifty Shades of Grey. Now that’s a true horror film. 

Image Credit: Amazon/Channel 4