'The Strays': 5 nerve-wracking horror-thrillers to watch on Netflix before movie drops on streamer
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: This Valentine's Day, prepare to be petrified as Netflix is all set to release original movie 'The Strays'. 'The Strays' is said to have both psychological thriller elements along with spine-chilling horror moments. The movie narrates the story of a woman, who lives a perfectly crafted life - a job in a private school, and a happy family life in the suburbs with her husband and two teenage children. But her life turns upside down when two mysterious figures begin to appear at odd moments, which leads her to question her sanity. And when she turns to her family for help, they hesitate to believe her.
Directed by Nathaniel Martello-White, 'The Strays' is led by Ashley Madekwe, who will be seen playing Neve, the primary character of the movie. The movie also stars Justin Salinger, Bukky Bakray, Maria Almeida, Samuel Paul Small, and Jorden Myrie. 'The Strays' also sees Michael Warburton as Kenneth, Caroline Martin as Jessie, Alfredo Tavares as Smart customer, Izzy Billingham as Emily, and Vanessa Bailey as Elle. Until the movie comes out, let's take a look at 5 movies on Netflix that fall under the horror and thriller genre, and have left viewers in shock.
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'Awake'
Directed by Mark Raso, this 2021 movie explores a world where no one can sleep. A sudden catastrophe, involving a solar flare, wipes out the planet's electricity grid and the entire human race's ability to sleep. With the entire sleep-deprived human race facing the grave danger of suffering hallucinations to paranoia, scientists must find a way to quickly put an end to these fatal effects and find a solution to cure the collective insomnia before it gets out of hand.
Meanwhile, an ex-soldier named Jill realises that her daughter might be the answer to this deadly problem. Her decision to choose between protecting her children or saving the entire world forms the crux of the story. The movie stars Gina Rodriguez, Ariana Greenblatt and Lucius Hoyos in lead roles.
'The Woman in the Window'
Based on the novel of the same name, 'The Woman in the Window' was released in 2021. This Julianne Moore movie is a perfect treat for thriller lovers and non-readers of the aforementioned book. The movie follows Anna Fox (played by Amy Adams), a child psychologist with agrophobia, who takes a lot of medications and is also a serious drinker. Recently separated from her husband, Anne is living alone while her daughter lives with her husband. Due to her household condition, she begins to observe her neighbours and when she witnesses Jane, a women she met, being stabbed to death, only to be revealed that she is not real. Anne's world begins to unravel and she questions her sanity. The unexpected twists and the gripping story makes this movie worth a watch. Apart from Moore, the movie also stars, Amy Adams, Gary Oldman and Anthony Mackie.
'Spiderhead'
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this 2022, psychological thriller is based on the short story 'Escape from Spiderhead'. The movie occurs in a state-of-the-art penitentiary, where several inmates are voluntering with a drug-test program, in exchange for a reduced sentence time. The aim of the drug programme is to alter moods and emotions. But things seem to go sideways when a gruesome death occurs, following which aweful and horrific revelations are discovered. This movie stars Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller and Jurnee Smollett.
'Babysitter'
Directed by McG and written by Brian Duffield, 'Babysitter' is the perfect watch to scare you witless. Released in 2017, this movie follows Cole, a 12 years old boy, and his attempts to escape a deadly circumstance. Cole is left alone with his babysitter, whom he has a crush on. Things go smoothly until his sweetheart crush is revealed to be from a demonic cult who plans to sacrifice Cole. What happens next forms the rest of the story. The movie stars Judah Lewis, Samara Weaving, Robbie Amell, Hana Mae Lee, Bella Thorne and Emily Alyn Lind.
'Bird Box'
Directed by Susanne Bier, 'Bird Box' is based on the book of the same name, released in 2018. This is a post-apocalyptic horror thriller set in a world where humans are forced to wear blindfolds or they are subjected to forceful suicide. The story focuses on how Malorie Hayes (played by Sandra Bullock) tries to reach a safe space with her child and her late acquaintance's child on a boat, with the help of some birds, while being blindfolded. The movie has several nail-biting and terrifying moments that will force you to close your eyes. The movie stars Sandra Bullock, Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Sarah Paulson and Jacki Weaver.
'The Strays' will premiere exclusively on Netflix on Wednesday, February 22.