Top 10 Horror Films from Venice Film Festival

Description: A mother and son are haunted by a sinister presence from a children's book. Its inclusion in this list is due to its exploration of grief and mental health through horror.

Fact: The film was made on a budget of just $2 million but has since become a cult classic. The Babadook has become an internet meme, symbolizing depression and anxiety.

Description: A dinner party turns into a psychological horror as paranoia and suspicion grow among the guests. Its selection for Venice highlights its ability to create tension through social dynamics.

Fact: The film was shot in one location, a house in Los Angeles, to maintain a claustrophobic feel. The director, Karyn Kusama, used real-life experiences of grief and loss to inform the film's emotional depth.

Description: This Belgian-French film blends giallo with surrealism, offering a labyrinthine narrative that keeps viewers guessing. Its inclusion in this list is due to its unique visual style and the way it plays with the conventions of horror.

Fact: The film was shot in a single apartment, creating an intense, claustrophobic atmosphere. It also features a score by the renowned composer, Hans Zimmer.

Description: A chilling tale of a father-son team of coroners who uncover something supernatural during an autopsy. Its selection for the Venice Film Festival highlights its ability to blend horror with forensic science in a fresh way.

Fact: The film was shot in a real morgue, adding to its authenticity. Director André Øvredal was inspired by the idea of exploring the horror within the human body.

Description: Set in 1630s New England, this film delves into witchcraft and family dynamics. Its inclusion showcases its historical accuracy and the slow-building dread.

Fact: The film uses authentic 17th-century English dialogue. The goat, Black Phillip, became an internet sensation after the film's release.

Description: A mother and daughter face supernatural forces during the Iran-Iraq war. Its selection for Venice highlights its blend of political and supernatural horror.

Fact: The film was shot in Jordan, standing in for Tehran. It was also Iran's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.

Description: This film explores the occult and the lengths one might go to communicate with the dead. Its inclusion reflects its slow-burn approach to horror, focusing on psychological tension.

Fact: The film was shot in a real, isolated mansion in Wales, enhancing the eerie atmosphere. The director, Liam Gavin, had a background in special effects, which is evident in the film's meticulous detail.

Description: While not strictly a horror film, its surreal, nightmarish portrayal of the fashion industry and its descent into cannibalism makes it a standout. Its presence at Venice showcases its artistic approach to horror.

Fact: The film was shot on 35mm film to give it a distinct visual texture. It also features a score by Cliff Martinez, known for his work on "Drive."

Description: A vegetarian student discovers a taste for human flesh after a hazing ritual. Its selection for Venice reflects its bold approach to body horror and coming-of-age themes.

Fact: The film was banned in Russia for its graphic content. It also features real-life sisters, Garance Marillier and Ella Rumpf, playing sisters in the film.

Description: A South Korean film that mixes folklore with a detective story, creating a complex narrative of possession and mystery. Its inclusion reflects its genre-blending and cultural depth.

Fact: The film was a box office hit in South Korea, grossing over $50 million. It features a mix of horror, thriller, and dark comedy, making it a unique entry in horror cinema.