20 Horror Movies From The 21st Century That Didn't Actually Suck

16. Dead Man's Shoes (2004)

Shane Meadows' film is not only one of the best horror films made since 2000 but one of the best films made since the turn of the millennium. It concerns returning solider Richard as he finds himself back in his childhood town of Matlock in Derbyshire.

Although his reasons for coming back are not altogether clear initially, it soon becomes apparent that his mentally disabled brother has been subjected to horrific bullying and abuse by a group of local drug dealers. Richard is back for vengeance on the gang and, dressed wearing his combat jacket a terrifying Ukrainian gas mask, he heads into town.

The film is gritty depiction of a small Peak District mill town that has lost its industry and crime has spread but the beauty of it is, just like Alien before it, the film relies on slasher movie trappings. These can be seen as Richard takes down the gang one at a time before zoning in on the group's leader, an excellent performance from ex-boxer Gary Stretch. At the centre of the film though is Paddy Considine's Richard. He is the beating heart of the film as he comes to the realisation that 'God will forgive them... and I can't live with that'.

The beauty of the performance is that Richard's sadness is expressed purely through his eyes and it's only at the end that the true reason for that sadness is explained. This is an upsetting, violent film that tells of vengeance, family and the true horror that befalls the weaker members of society. It also, perfectly, shows what happens when there is a bigger bully. This is a film which if you haven't seen, you should watch immediately...and if you have, watch it again.