[Editorial] Should We Keep Remaking? 5 of the Best Horror Film Remakes

I have a confession to make: I used to be completely against remakes in every aspect of the word. Just thinking about a remake made my skin shiver and my stomach churn, I was convinced that remaking films was the most heinous crime of all. To some extent that still rings true for me, but only when foreign language films are remade for an audience that are too lazy and too uncultured to read subtitles like how they’re remaking 2020 Russian film Sputnik into an American language version… Now that’s just taking the piss. But there have been instances of remakes where not only have they done the original film justice, but dare I say it, the remake is actually better.

You might consider what I’m saying basically like blasphemy against particular films, but you know it’s true. Which is why I wasn’t too concerned when it was announced that Amy Holden-Jones’ 1982 film The Slumber Party Massacre is getting a remake. The slasher film has become a staple piece of cinema for women in horror - it was a shocking and violent film made in an era completely dominated by males, something that really wasn’t common back in the 80s. Even though it does feel like perhaps there is a sense of ‘capitalising’ on the film, there is also an opportunity to really bring the story into modern society and even perhaps weave in some stronger messaging that incorporates female liberation. It’s being directed by Danishka Esterhazy, who was behind the 2019 film The Banana Splits Movie with a script written by Suzanne Keilly who worked on the incredible Ash vs. Evil Dead TV series. So fortunately we still have a strong powering force of women behind this film. 

With that in mind, what better time to look at some remakes that were actually really damn good. Serving as a reminder that even when a remake ruffles our feathers, sometimes they actually exceed all expectations…

Maniac 2012

Let’s start this list with one that might be a little controversial but undeniably outstanding and that is Franck Khalfoun’s remake of the 1980 psychological slasher film of the same name, directed by William Lustig and starring Joe Spinell as the psychotic Frank. In Khalfoun’s version he cast Elijah Wood, which was an absolute powerhouse move in terms of casting and one of the driving forces of the entire film. Wood is terrifying in this role, and brings an upsetting energy that really makes this one tough to watch. What Khalfoun manages with his version is to increase the psychology and also the disturbing element, providing the audience with POV shots which make it very tough to watch. 

Evil Dead 2013

When this remake was first announced I actually felt like crying - this was one of the ones that riled me up like nothing else. But upon closer inspection, the remake of Sam Raimi’s classic 1981 film The Evil Dead, delivers something different to the audience and also gives us a strong female lead in Mia (Jane Levy) which really has to be commended. It is arguable that Fede Alvarez’s vision of the film isn’t a straight up remake as many elements are changed, but similar to the Maniac remake, it increases the horror elements and makes it feel more oppressive and frightening, plus they opted out of using plasticine effects.

Suspiria 2018

Controversial! I understand the backlash that could come from including this one on the list but there’s no denying that Luca Guadagino’s 2018 remake is a completely fascinating reimagining that disturbs and intrigues at the same time. Of course, nothing quite beats Dario Argento’s original 1977 film which was smothered in stylish imagery and stunning colours, but Guadagino delivers a stellar cast with Tilda Swinton and Dakota Johnson taking the leads. Those final scenes will forever stay imprinted in the mind of anyone that watches it. 

The Hills Have Eyes 2007

Another film that came out in 1977 was Wes Craven’s horrific The Hills Have Eyes, and although there are many merits to it, it is a film that lacks in more than a few places. Which is exactly why Alexandre Aja’s 2007 version really makes an impact and is highly disturbing. I remember watching this with some friends when it was released and finding it hilarious, but on a rewatch the trailer scene is one of the nastiest and unsettling moments, making for a very tough watch. 

The Fly 1987

When you watch David Cronenberg’s grotesque body horror, it’s almost hard to believe that this film is a remake, but it certainly is. The Fly 1987 is a retelling of the 1958 version of the same name from director Kurt Neumann, which also focuses on the human-hybrid between man and fly. Because Cronenberg is the God of body horror, he takes the gooey, squeamish elements to the extreme and really forces the viewer to challenge their stomach when watching this film. 

Bonus: The Wicker Man 2006

To an extent this one is definitely a joke, BUT something was added to this story when they replaced Sergeant Howie’s character (played by Edward Woodward) with Edward, and got the infamous Nicholas Cage to play him. The 2006 version is bad in all senses of the word, but it’s also damn fun, which kind of replicates the audacity and complete OTT of the original film. Also, watching Nic Cage scream ‘THE BEES! NOT THE BEES!’ is an absolute hoot.

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