By Tristan Young
As the days have gotten shorter and the wind has gotten worse, Boston knows winter is upon the city. As we are a week away from break, I thought I would put some of my media knowledge into article form and give you all some winter thrillers to immerse yourself with over winter break!
Let’s start off with some books!
The Shuddering (2013) By Ania Albhorn
This book surrounds a group of friends taking a last trip to their vacation house, a blanket of snow blocking them in. Unknowingly being stalked by creatures lurking in the woods, no escape and a dwindling food and water supply sends the group shuddering. With siblings, relationship rivalries and best friends being torn apart, this book leaves you locked in and on edge.
Never Lie (2022) By Freida McFadden
A couple entering their new forever home turns frigid when their realtor never shows up. Unsure of what to do, and with a set of keys and a terrifying snow storm on the way, the couple lock themselves up in the fully furnished house. With full access to everything in the house, the only thing there is to do is explore. Finding a capsule of tapes from the past owner, a secret listening to them ensues, and through this book you find out deadly secrets and a surprising twist that leaves you with your temples pulsing.
Misery (1987) By Stephen King
From the king of horror, who stalks the Emerson campus: one of his most well known novels. Misery stars a writer who just finished a book, and ends up in a crash, then saved by his biggest fan, a long winded healing process that also turns into an injured hostage situation, leaving readers shocked and surprised by the end of the book.
Now let’s talk about movies!
Misery (1990) Directed By Rob Reiner: Starring James Caan and Kathy Bates
Taking on from the book, Bates and Caan take on the two lead roles to inspire a vision of the written word, and in my opinion a great adaptation. From the perspective of Reiner, the story is brought to life in a fantastic way.
The Lodge (2019) Directed By Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala: Starring Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell and Lia McHugh
A prank gone wrong by two kids (Martell and McHugh) wanting to terrorize their dads new girlfriend (Keough), turns into an occultist nightmare. With a lack of supplies and unreliable narrations on all parts, the movie has you on edge and wondering what the dads girlfriend might do to her boyfriend’s kids.
Prisoners (2013) Directed By Dennis Villeneuve: Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Hugh Jackman A storm of a movie, involving a dad (Jackman) in a search for his kid who was taken from the front yard. Becoming close with the investigator of the crime (Gyllenhaal), there is a terrifying mind warp of a story, showing Jackman’s real talent.
Black Swan (2010) Directed By Darren Aronofsky: Starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis In a competition with herself (Portman) to be perfect at the part of a lifetime has an Oscar winning performance for her descent into madness. This movie has a deep message on dedicated artists and the mental struggles of environmental health.
Krampus (2015) Directed By Micheal Dougherty: Starring Toni Collette and Adam Scott
A Christmas Eve tradition from my family to yours, an angry child wishes hate upon Christmas, as his extended family is joining his own for the holiday. A twist on a German legend, Krampus’ wrath falls upon the house and the family members dwindle one by one.
Anatomy Of A Fall (2023) Directed By Justine Triet: Starring Sandra Hüller and Swann Arlaud (and Messi!)
A courtroom ‘Who Dunnit’ with a death in a family of three. The mother and daughter are left to pick up the mess of the father, who falls off of their house; was he pushed? This tear jerking movie has you wondering what happened and tricking you into thinking multiple things. Another Oscar nominated performance from Hüller whose emotions technicolor on screen as she plays a mother in an unhopeful incident.
Nosferatu (2024) Directed By Robert Eggers: Starring Lily Rose Depp and Bill Skarsgård
A woman wishing to be loved (Depp), brings the curse of a plague to an entire town, possessed by Nosferatu (Skarsgård). This cinematically stunning movie has a horrific story told in a beautiful way, Depp and Skarsgård having terrific chemistry even while being brought together unwillingly by a curse.
If you are in the market for thrillers to watch or read this coming break, I hope these help you create a possible list!