We are Still Here (2015)

Two of my favorite sub-genres of horror are haunted house/ghost movies, and Giallo slashers, so I was excited to see how this film would be when I heard it was a combination of two of my favorite horror sub-genres. We are Still Here is primarily a haunted house movie, but it also pays tribute to many of the common things you'd find in most Giallo (stylish artsy European slasher films that focused more on production values like cinematography, sets, costumes, music, etc. instead of acting or plot). Some of the Giallo-esque elements you'll see in the movie include 70s-ish clothing and interior decorating style, lots of gore and unique and creative deaths, and a J&B whiskey bottle (which for whatever reason is in most Giallo movies) which is used to almost comedic effect. But like some of the better Giallos the writing and acting are pretty good here, (though if you've seen a lot of supernatural horror films the plot can be a little predictable) as well as the special effects.This unique combination of Giallo slasher and haunted house makes for something that there isn't a lot of, haunted house movies that also have gore or even deaths. But the gore and deaths while being a little over the top, it's fine if you remember it's paying tribute to 70s grindhouse movies. We are Still Here feels very similar plot wise to Rosemary's Baby, The Wicker Man (1973), Giallos like Shock (1977), The Beyond (1981), and newer horror films like Darkness 

(2002), fellow retro inspired modern horror film House of the Devil (2009), and The Canal (2014), but the movie is ultimately entertaining, intense, and refreshing compared to many of the newer horror films that have been released in the last several years. The movie is also surprisingly funny at times. Acclaimed modern horror director, writer and actor, Larry Fessenden (Habit, The Last Winter, Wendigo, I Sell the Dead) stars as a secondary character. We are Still Here is one of my favorite new indie horror movies from the last couple years. The movie is certified fresh on RottenTomatoes.com with a 95% critic approval rating out of 42 ratings. This is the feature directorial debut of Ted Geoghegan and one can only hope this will be the beginning of a great and long career in horror for him. I give We are Still Here a 4.5/5 The movie is currently available to stream on Netflix and you can watch the trailer here.