Natasha Halevi is a filmmaker, actor, and all-around feminist badass that you should know. When Roe v. Wade was overturned on June 24th, 2022, she immediately leaped into action and reached out to other filmmakers. This resulted in the genre-agnostic anthology, Give Me An A, a film that claps back at that devastating decision. The film contains 16 short films by various filmmakers and stars many beloved actors. Outside of advocating for basic human rights and producing movies, Natasha added two more horror titles to her acting resume last year. You can catch her in The Buildout, and I’ll Be Watching.
Because I was lucky enough to meet Halevi in person during FilmQuest 2022, I knew I wanted to continue bothering her and keeping an eye on her work. This is why she was clearly on the hitlist for this column, where I ask my favorite industry people the toughest question. I tasked Natasha with the difficult job of picking five favorite horror movies. She returned with a list that makes so much sense for what I know about her, and I’m so excited to share it with you all!
Revenge (2017)
Where You Can Watch: AMC+
A woman hunts three men after they attack her and leave her for dead. I’m not surprised Natasha Halevi opens this list with a women-led tale of vengeance. More importantly, I would love to see more feminine rage on screen. I don’t think we’ll be able to be a proper society until there are at least five new releases a month where women get to terrorize men for a change. While I haven’t seen this one, I’ve heard good things, so I assume Natasha is correct in choosing this one for this conversation.
Raw (2016)
Where You Can Watch: VOD
A vegetarian studying to be a vet develops a craving for human flesh. Julia Ducournau only makes movies that leave audiences disturbed. If you don’t believe me, check out Titane. So, I love that Natasha chose her first upsetting feature film. This is also another horror movie that puts women front and center. I hoped this would be the accidental thread in this list, so I’m living my best life. More coming-of-age body horror movies that redefine the phrase “girl dinner” please! Also, suddenly rethinking what people mean when they say “he’s a whole damn snack.”
Neon Demon (2016)
Where You Can Watch: Prime Video
An aspiring model moves to LA and immediately makes enemies among her jealous peers. Elle Fanning leads this psychological horror movie with an all-star cast. I hit play a couple of years ago because I needed to see anything Jena Malone, Christina Hendricks, and Keanu Reeves were attached to. What I got was a bunch of weird shit that I was not ready for. If you haven’t seen this movie, you will never believe how it gets from where it starts to the batshit ending.
The Shining (1980)
Where You Can Watch: VOD
A family’s stay at an isolated hotel for the winter leaves the father vulnerable to sinister forces inhabiting the property. Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall go all out for this one. However, there can only be one final girl in this story, and it’s Wendy. After all, she is the one who throws her kid into the snowmobile and gets to safety. While this vastly differs from Stephen King’s novel, it has built a very large and vocal fanbase. I like to think it’s in huge part due to Shelley Duvall’s performance under difficult filming circumstances. She’s an icon, and I hope she enjoys the memification of her infamous character.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Where You Can Watch: MGM+, Paramount+, and Prime Video
A young couple trying to have a baby moves into a new building where the neighbors are overly invested in their babymaking endeavors. A tale as old as time! This movie made Mia Farrow a horror icon and is one of the most beloved movies among many horror fans. This screen adaptation of Ira Levin’s work was very much woman-centered. He also dedicated the second novel to Farrow, which is pretty awesome in my book. This movie sees Rosemary gaslit like so many genre wives before her. However, there is also something to be said about consent and bodily autonomy. After all, no one asked her if she wanted to have Satan’s baby. I’m also sure she would’ve chosen to get rid of it had she been given more information.
Natasha Halevi really gifted us with a list of horror movies with defining roles for women spanning from 1968 to 2017. I love to see it! I also would expect nothing less from this favorite. So, if you’re looking for more movies that understand this genre works better when we give women something to do, you know who to call.
Keep up with Natasha Halevi by following her on Instagram, Twitter, and her website. She wears many cool hats and is often attached to indie projects you should support. Speaking of which, check out her anthology Give Me An A, which is currently available to stream on Tubi. It will motivate you to call a senator, donate to your local abortion fund, and use that rage to do some good.
