5 spooky offerings to watch on Netflix this bank holiday weekend

It’s a long weekend! And because it’s almost that time of year, we’re recommending spooky offerings to set the mood for All Hallow’s Eve. Enjoy.  

American Psyco 

It tells the tale of Patrick Bateman, a handsome, high-flying professional played by Christian Bale, who’s either in “mergers & acquisitions” or “murders & executions” depending. The film’s dead-eyed protagonist obsesses over his fitness regime, constantly hunts for the city’s best restaurants and is utterly empty around the eyes. It’s rooted in black humour and satire but the crimes are still heinous – you’re sure he’ll get caught. Until the end. Keep going until then and decide for yourself.

Annihilation

Alex Garland’s follow-up to the critically acclaimed Ex Machina has had critics excited since the first teaser trailer landed. Taking centre stage is a formidable female ensemble led by Natalie Portman, the always underrated Jennifer Jason Leigh and Gina Rodriguez. Annihilation (based on the best selling novel of the same name) follows the women as they embark on a bizarre exhibition to a place known only as Area X, where it quickly becomes apparent that this is no ordinary mission – but something else entirely. It’s the characters gradual unravelling which sets this one apart and only adds to the powerful sense of unease throughout.

Misery

After a serious car crash, novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is rescued by former nurse Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who claims to be his biggest fan. Annie brings him to her remote cabin to recover, where her obsession takes a dark turn when she discovers Sheldon is killing off her favourite character from his novels. As Sheldon devises plans for escape, Annie grows increasingly controlling, even violent, as she forces the author to shape his writing to suit her twisted fantasies. Years later it still remains one of the best Stephen King adaptations.

The Silence of the Lambs

My introduction to the tour de force pairing that is Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins all began with Silence of the Lambs. Foster plays Clarice Starling, an FBI protege assigned to assist the hunt for a serial killer targeting women by the name of Buffalo Bill. She interviews Dr Hannibal Lecter, a former serial killer and cannibal who can provide insight into the case to help her track the killer. Their cat-and-mouse game is disturbing and thrilling and many elements remain unnervingly horrifying – almost thirty years later. Hopkins rightfully won an Oscar for his portrayal and created an almost instant infamous, albeit terrifying, icon of cinema. Hopkins’ performance has lost none of its potency.

Psyco 

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960s classic, Psycho, is an absolute must for anyone with an interest in the genre or wanting hide-under-the-covers chill before bed. From the appearance of the original scream queen Janet Leigh to that shower scene, this remains as iconic as any movie since, nearly 60 years on. Psycho is much more than just the moments that have been parodied, this nail-biting thriller is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat. Still one of the best.