As audiences eagerly await the release of Blumhouse’s Drop, they can explore a range of captivating suspense thrillers and other projects from the film’s director, Christopher Landon. Since its debut at South by Southwest in March, Drop has garnered rave reviews for its gripping narrative that keeps viewers guessing with unexpected twists. The film stars Meghann Fahy as a single mother who finds herself in a terrifying situation when an unseen assailant uses her phone to pressure her into committing murder against her date, portrayed by Brandon Sklenar.
This story skillfully integrates a classic Hitchcockian suspense framework with a contemporary twist involving modern technology. With an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 89%, it appears that Drop successfully modernizes the thriller genre. The film is slated for a theatrical release on April 11. In the meantime, moviegoers can enjoy a selection of mystery thrillers and other films from the same creative team.
4. Freaky (2020)
Directed By Christopher Landon
One of Landon’s standout earlier works is Freaky, a brilliantly entertaining fusion of slasher horror and body-swap comedy. In this film, Kathryn Newton portrays Millie, a quiet teenager who becomes the target of the deadly serial killer known as “The Butcher,”played by Vince Vaughn. When Millie and The Butcher inadvertently switch bodies due to a cursed blade, she must navigate the horror of high school while fighting to reclaim her identity before it’s too late.
Freaky not only cleverly parodies the conventions of slasher films and body-swapping stories but also delivers a well-structured tale filled with tension and suspense. Its 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes reflects its success in captivating audiences. This film highlights Landon’s adeptness at crafting engaging narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, suggesting that Drop will similarly impress.
3. Your Monster (2024)
Directed By Caroline Lindy
Drop marks another chapter in Meghann Fahy’s ventures into the horror realm, following her notable performance in Your Monster. In this unique blend of horror and romantic comedy, Melissa Barrera plays a young actress grappling with a cancer diagnosis who discovers a monster residing in her closet. Instead of fear, she finds herself falling for him, creating an unusual romantic dynamic. Fahy portrays a rival character who complicates Barrera’s journey by vying for both her boyfriend and the lead role in a theatrical production.
The film serves as an intriguing metaphor about confronting one’s inner turmoil and anger. By personifying this conflict through a monster, it conveys the importance of expressing emotions to achieve personal liberation. This unconventional narrative approach adds depth and humor to the horror genre.
2. When A Stranger Calls (1979)
Directed By Fred Walton
The essence of Drop echoes the suspenseful premise of the classic thriller When a Stranger Calls. This iconic film begins with a babysitter watching over two children when she receives chilling phone calls from a psychopath threatening their safety. As she desperately tries to trace the source of the calls, the tension escalates.
The film’s renowned 20-minute opening sequence exemplifies masterful thriller filmmaking, establishing a mood of dread that resonates long after viewing. While the plot may lose some momentum later on, the intensity of those opening moments remains unforgettable, showcasing the power of suspense in the genre.
1. Happy Death Day (2017)
Directed By Christopher Landon
Before Freaky, Christopher Landon introduced audiences to the fresh concept of Happy Death Day. This innovative time-loop slasher stars Jessica Rothe as college student Tree Gelbman, who inexplicably relives the day of her own murder at the hands of a masked killer. Each loop brings her closer to figuring out the identity of her assailant and a way to escape her fate.
Recognized for its creative blend of genres, Happy Death Day not only reinvigorates slasher tropes but also embeds thrilling suspense into an intriguing narrative framework. Its success led to a sequel and established Landon as a leading figure in the contemporary thriller landscape. The anticipation surrounding Drop suggests it may follow in the footsteps of these groundbreaking films.