10 Most Terrifying Horror Movies Released In 2023 So Far
4. In My Mother's Skin
Combining historical wartime settings with dark fantasy is often a recipe for nightmare fuel; just ask Guillermo del Toro. As such, In My Mother's Skin is highly effective as it hits you with the one-two combination of horrendous war crimes and freaky monsters.
The film is set in the Philippines during World War II and focuses on a wealthy family terrorised by a collection of Japanese soldiers. This desperate situation becomes worse after the daughter seeks the aid of a fairy, not knowing her true intentions to devour their flesh.
Now, you'll want to avoid this film with a two-foot barge pole if you're the squeamish type. It's not for the fainthearted, as the flick is a no-holds-barred gorefest with some unbelievably disgusting imagery. If the reveal of a flesh-eating fairy didn't make that clear, then what will?
The film's pacing also plays into the terror, as it takes its time to meticulously set up shots before launching into the scares. This causes it to be utterly gripping, and you'll never feel safe when watching it.
It's a terrifying combination of folklore and war, and while many might compare it to Pan's Labyrinth, it really stands on its own two feet.