10 Awesome Horror Films That Didn't Rely On CGI

5. The Invitation

Karyn Kusama's horror-drama starts off innocent enough, with a young couple mysteriously invited to the male's ex's party.

He's naturally reluctant, but grows even more uneasy when a few strangers show up and it becomes gradually clear that his former love is involved in a cult with some Heaven's Gate-like beliefs.

There's simply no CGI here because the film isn't one built on monsters, maggots and mangy mutts but rather character and a heavy-helping of unease.

Another slow-build, part of the tension comes from the idea that the lead's paranoia is unjustified – that is, until the unforgiving climactic dinner sequence.