With its rich history and magnificent landmarks, it’s easy to see why New York has remained iconic for years. But the Big Apple can also be a scary place, which is why it serves as a perfect backdrop for so many horror movies.
Watching a towering monster tearing down New York skyscrapers is enough to make anyone balk, and the city is marred with so much tragedy that it’s bound to harbour a few dark secrets. Also, serial killers are much scarier when they reside inside a bustling metropolis, and with New York’s population upwards of eight million, a killer could be hiding anywhere. More importantly, they could be anyone. And with a population that high, nobody is going to notice when a couple of randos disappear off the streets.
Likewise, New York can be perceived as a character in and of itself, since the city really affects people. Considering NY is meant to be the place where dreams come true, it’s understandable when some poor souls become cold and twisted when things don’t pan out for them.
Although New York is a beautiful place, this city that never sleeps certainly has a sinister underbelly.
Three years after Suspiria, Dario Argento released Inferno, a loose sequel that didn’t have the same impact, which is a shame since it explores similar themes to its predecessor and is packed to the gills with lip-quivering tension.
Shortly after moving to Manhattan, young poet Rose suspects an ancient witch is residing in her complex. Set up as the main character, Rose takes it upon herself to find the sorceress’ lair. But when the Rose is abruptly taken out of the picture, her brother Mark becomes the new protagonist.
Although it’s intriguing to watch Rose unearth details about the coven, it’s more unnerving for Mark, since he’s clueless about the subject matter and has no idea what he’s getting himself into. Many scenes start slow but often conclude with an eerie image or a violent death, and anyone with an intense fear of cats or rats may want to give this film a miss.
As is tradition with Argento’s work, almost every shot of Inferno is bathed in pink and red hues, giving off a dreamlike vibe that suits the surreal and otherworldly story. And while there’s plenty of grotesque imagery to be had, the looming mystery, heart-pounding atmosphere, and unconventional story structure leaves the biggest impression.
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