October is finally upon us, and the horror is flowing thick and fast. Beware Boiúna is slithering through movie theaters as we speak; we’re about to meet Other Mommy, and Crawlers is creeping up on my arachnophobic ass. What I’m saying is, I know you’re spoiled for choice this month. But if you’re interested in exploring the further regions of horror experience, the wide world of international horror has such sights to show you.
This month brings us Mexican zombies, Irish ghosts (in their own language!), the latest genre outing from Indonesian horror master Joko Anwar, and more! Here are five international movies and shows that I have my eye on this October, and where to find them.
-
An Taibhse / The Ghost (Ireland)
AN TAIBHSE. (Credit: Raven Banner and Firebook Entertainment) Hailed as the first-ever Irish-language horror movie, An Taibhse (The Ghost) is finally available to watch in the US following its festival run. You can stream it on Shudder as of October 1.
Set against the barren landscape of post-famine Ireland, the film follows the father-and-daughter caretakers of a remote mansion. As the pair endure a brutal winter, they find themselves spiraling into madness and must confront the horrors lurking within. John Farrelly wrote and directed An Taibhse, which was executive produced by six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan. Give the proudly Irish feature a watch!
Ghost in the Cell (Indon
Ghost in the Cell (Indonesia)
GHOST IN THE CELL. (Credit: Well Go USA) When I heard that the latest film from Joko Anwar (Satan’s Slaves, Impetigore) was playing at Fantastic Fest this year, I knew I had to see it. It did not disappoint. The movie kicked off a limited theatrical run on October 2, so catch it on the big screen if you can!
Set in a brutal Indonesian prison, Ghost in the Cell follows Dimas (Endy Arfian), a timid journalist wrongfully convicted of murdering his editor. His arrival triggers a series of bizarre killings, the bodies displayed in gruesome tableaux that look like a lost fourth season of Hannibal. Expect plenty of gore, along with a healthy dash of political commentary, slapstick comedy, and (checks notes) dance sequences. Read FANGORIA’s full review here!
Her Will Be Done (France/Poland)
HER WILL BE DONE. (Credit: Yellow Veil Pictures) The sophomore feature from French director Julia Kowalski, the folk horror-infused Her Will Be Done follows Nawojka (Maria Wróbel), a woman trapped in judgmental small-town France who longs to get off the family’s failing farm and go to veterinary school. Oh, and she’s dealing with a demonic curse inherited from her mother that keeps filling her head with crazy visions that keep coming true. At least she can find solace in bad-girl Sandra (Roxane Mesquida), the daughter of the recently deceased couple next door, whose arrival seems to awaken something in Nawojka.
I missed Her Will Be Done’s limited theatrical run in NYC last month, but it sounds sapphic, so I’m in! You can find the film on VOD platforms as of October 2.
Prefiero la Muerte / I Would Rather Die (Mexico)
I WOULD RATHER DIE. (Credit: Prime Video) The sophomore feature from French director Julia Kowalski, the folk horror-infused Her Will Be Done follows Nawojka (Maria Wróbel), a woman trapped in judgmental small-town France who longs to get off the family’s failing farm and go to veterinary school. Oh, and she’s dealing with a demonic curse inherited from her mother that keeps filling her head with crazy visions that keep coming true. At least she can find solace in bad-girl Sandra (Roxane Mesquida), the daughter of the recently deceased couple next door, whose arrival seems to awaken something in Nawojka.
I missed Her Will Be Done’s limited theatrical run in NYC last month, but it sounds sapphic, so I’m in! You can find the film on VOD platforms as of October 2.
Apocalypse Z: New World (Spain)
APOCALYPSE: Z NEW WORLD. (Credit: Prime Video) Sticking with zombies, let’s close out the month with Apocalypse Z: New World, the sequel to 2024’s Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End, coming to Prime Video on October 30.
Based on the book series by best-selling author Manel Loureiro, Apocalypse Z: New World is set in the Canary Islands, Europe’s last refuge against the spread of the rabies-like TSJ virus. A special mission sets out for the mainland in search of vital supplies, but with hordes of infected in pursuit and divided loyalties within the group, it doesn’t take long for the operation to devolve into a desperate race for survival. Lace up those running shoes—this one sounds like a pulse-pounder!
Well, those are my top international picks for October! If that’s not enough horror for ya, here are 200+ picks you can stream for free this month. Be sure to check back in November for more new horror from all around the world—and have a scary-good Halloween, won’t you? For me?
