While Canadian cinema is sometimes difficult to discern from productions from the USA, many cinephiles are able to point to the nuances that highlight the differences between the two. Canada has produced some of its own horror icons, with such huge names as David Cronenberg and Bob Clark, the latter credited in making the first slasher film with Black Christmas.
As a result, Canada has a rich history in the horror genre, perhaps backed by the long winters gearing creators to be inspired by the sense of isolation that can come with extreme temperatures. Out of the cold corners of the country, it can be said that one subgenre in which Canadian horror thrives is in creature features. Zombies, werewolves, and aliens (to name just a few) have all been the subject of some truly horrific experiences from The Great White North.
Pontypool (2008)
A disgraced radio host finds himself working in a small Ontario town, reporting on the mundane day to day events in the area. However, when an outbreak of zombies overruns the town, the entire event is explored through his words, broadcast out to the world.
A unique take on the zombie genre, Pontypool uses language as the source of spreading a zombie plague. Consequently, the descriptions of radio personality Grant Mazzy paints a horrific picture of chaos spilling into the small town. Eventually, the townsfolk get into the small radio station, giving the film a more traditional take on horror to perfectly balance out the early abstract approach.
The Void (2016)
After delivering a wounded man to a hospital on the verge of closing, a police officer ends up facing otherworldly horror, as a cult surrounds the building and monsters begin to appear in the walls.
Pulling influences from the likes of Lovecraft and 70's Italian horror cinema, specifically the work of Lucio Fulci, The Void takes both the abstract approach and the penchant for violence from its inspirations. While the monster designs really shine near the end of the production, the practical effects on show throughout make for a nostalgic experience of 70s and 80s horror.
Ginger Snaps (2000)
Two sisters bond in the fact that they have become outcasts in their town while attempting to navigate their teenage years. However, when one is bitten by a werewolf and starts to transform, both physically and mentally, the relationship becomes deadly.
The dark coming of age film, Ginger Snaps, from Director John Fawcett, made a bit of a splash upon its release, enough to make it a cult classic still adored, decades later. This can largely be attributed to the strong drama backing the horror elements, offering a competent exploration of two sisters undergoing different changes during their formative years.
Things (1989)
Three friends get together to drink beers and eat peanut butter and jam sandwiches at a cabin or small home. However, there fun and games are halted by the appearance of the 'things' - bug-like monsters who feed off the blood of their prey.
While films like The Room and Birdemic seem to be constant contenders for the best 'so bad it's good' movie, this Canadian film from the late 80s is the true unheralded champion among many cinephiles. Many feel that Things is a poorly shot, written and directed film that is almost impossible to follow, narrative-wise. Consequently, it is usually far from what anyone would call a 'great film,' but for the right crowd, it is one of the best cinematic experiences to come out of Canada.
The Fly (1986)
Working on technology which would allow people to teleport from one location to another, an eccentric scientist starts to undergo some horrific changes, after he learns his test run ended up splicing his genes with that of a fly.
There are few who would question the influence of David Cronenberg on horror cinema, which makes him an object of pride for Canadian fans of the macabre. His work on the adaptation of The Fly, starring Jeff Goldblum, acts as one of the most recognizable and revered films in the director's filmography. Mixing elements of body horror and sci-fi, the film disturbingly relates one man's transformation into a monster and his mental breakdown in realizing his impending doom.
Manborg (2011)
After falling at the hands of Draculon and his army of monsters, a solider finds himself resurrected years later as the warrior known as Manborg. Now in a future entirely dominated by the monstrous hoards, Manborg and a team of outlaws fight to bring down the oppressive regime.
Made on a shoestring budget and shot in a garage, Manborg shows a great degree of ingenuity to create an entire sci-fi world on the cheap utilizing a mix of special and practical effects, including claymation. In tune with the low budget aesthetic, the production takes a comedic approach, managing to create a lot of memorable dialogue and characters in the process. Overall, Manborg is a riotous time from one of Canada's best-kept secrets in the production company, Astron-6.
The Pit (1981)
After discovering a pit in the woods inhabited by bloodthirsty creatures, a strange boy begins to feed the townsfolk to the monsters. However, with the acts seemingly driven under the guidance of his stuffed animal, the true nature of the creatures becomes uncertain within the boy's delusions.
While the true nature of the monsters remains inconspicuous, the creatures found in The Pit offer up both scares and humor, as they are fed a wide array of both confused and deserved victims. Consequently, the production can veer into an unintentional dark comedy, but still retains a creepy atmosphere and solid monster design.
Splice (2009)
Genetic engineers manage to create a new creature, an amalgamation of many different beings to use in medical research. However, they become attached to their project that displays human characteristics, while fearing its ability to lash out when confronted.
A sci-fi horror piece, carrying a strong social message about how humans can contort and exploit nature for our own gains, Splice is one of the most unique horror films to come out of Canada. Backed by unsettling creature design that is both sexualized and abhorred by its creators, the film is a dark trip through the worst sentiments of humanity.
The Incubus (1981)
A series of bizarre crimes targeting women pushes a small-town doctor to investigate. Making matters more complex, a young man is taking the blame for the crimes, as his dreams and carnal desires seem to be carried out by the creature terrorizing the small town.
A slasher flick with supernatural overtones, The Incubus is equal parts uncomfortable and rough execution. However, the B-Grade Canadian horror flick works well with its limitations to create a confident horror/mystery that presents a more traditional narrative imbued with the brutality that came out of 80s horror cinema.
The Brood (1979)
After his daughter is returned to him with odd marks all over her body, a father comes to challenge the experimental techniques used by his wife's therapist. The issue becomes more complicated when monsters barring a resemblance to his daughter start murdering members of his family and others.
While The Fly is probably the best-known film from David Cronenberg, The Brood feels like the film most steeped in Canadiana, even with the memorable performance from British actor Oliver Reed. Taking place in the winter, the horror sequences are perfectly framed in the cold backdrop, which allows the creatures to hide in snowsuits. Additionally, the reveal of the source of the childlike monsters is a disturbing sequence, among the best the director has crafted.