20 Horror Movies You Should Watch Totally BLIND

13. The Loved Ones

The Loved Ones
Madman Films

2009's Aussie horror romp The Loved Ones desperately deserves more eyes on it - a ferocious, blackly funny film about a high-schooler, Brent (Xavier Samuel), who gets quite the surprise after turning down a prom invitation from his classmate Lola (Robin McLeavy).

Strap in for this one because it's an absolutely wild ride, and while you might have some idea of what the film is from its poster and basic premise, filmmaker Sean Byrne sure steers things in an altogether sicker, funnier direction.

Aside from its distinctly Australian vibe - which might be a surprise in of itself for those who don't watch the trailer - the central performances from Xavier Samuel and especially Robin McLeavy are magnificent and elevate an already firecracker script into the stratosphere.

Sadly despite Byrne's sharp filmmaking chops, he's helmed only two films in the 17 years (!) since the release of The Loved Ones - 2015's The Devil's Candy, and last year's massively underappreciated Dangerous Animals.

 
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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.