Summer is in full swing and there’s no end in sight around here. It’s hotter than hell in Texas and the thought of sweating outdoors is too much for me right now. The best thing I can do for my physical and mental well-being is to stay inside with the AC and queue up a good horror movie. Lately, I have been digging romantic thrillers. However, queer romance is something special amongst the hundreds of happy straight couples and horny campers, sorority sisters, and the like in the genre.
I had no idea I was such a romantic until I was caught watching Love Lies Bleeding for a second time. There’s a certain je ne sais quoi watching two women in love. Women are beautiful and strong and sometimes, a little violent. And I love a great sex scene mixed in with the vampires, werewolves, and crazed killers on the loose. Here’s a short streaming guide of queer romances that give us love and sex, along with the horror.
Good Manners As Boas Maneiras (2017)
Director: Marco Dutra and Juliana Rojas. Where you can watch: kanopy and Tubi
This dark fantasy horror stars Isabél Zuaa as Clara, a lonely nurse who is hired as a nanny for a wealthy, pregnant woman named Ana. The two begin a romantic relationship which takes a frightening turn after Ana exhibits strange behavior one night. This was a Grim-esque love story with a perfect little twist and gorgeous to watch.
Bloodthirsty (2020)
Director: Amelia Moses
Where you can watch: Tubi, hoopla, plex, Peacock, Prime Video
Riding the success of her first album, Grey, an indie singer, decides to accept an offer to work with notorious music producer, Vaughn Daniels. Along with her girlfriend Charlie, she arrives at his estate to write her sophomore album. Daniels is eccentric, mysterious, and seems to have an ulterior motive. Additionally, Grey is having dreams of being a wolf and hunting. What is she willing to do to continue her successful music career?
Attachment (2022)
Director: Gabriel Bier Gislason
Where to watch: hoopla, Shudder, amc+
Maja, a Danish actress past her prime, meets Leah, a young Jewish academic and they quickly fall deeply in love. After Leah has a frightening seizure and injury, Maja escorts her back to London to be cared for by her overbearing mother. Maja is fully committed to caring for Leah and building a future together. As Leah’s behavior becomes frightening, her mother is secretive about her care and it’s apparent that something supernatural is amiss.
Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022)
Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera
Where to watch: Shudder, amc+
Valeria is expecting her first child and she seems to have the perfect marriage and does everything she can to make her family happy. Her picturesque life begins to unravel after witnessing a terrifying event one evening and then haunted by a sinister entity. She’s pushed to the edge of sanity as she suppresses her wants and desires and shelves her career to satisfy her husband and keep up the charade of a happy life.
The Perfection (2018)
Directed by Richard Shepard
Where to watch: Netflix
How about something a little more sick and twisted? I couldn’t help myself because at the root of this story, there are two women on the cusp of a beautiful, blossoming relationship. Trigger warning for sexual assault and suicide. Charlotte returns to her mentor, Anton, years after leaving his prestigious music academy to care for her dying mother. She travels to Shanghai to meet their newest music prodigy, Elizabeth and is starstruck. After a magical evening together, they decide to travel together. This movie spirals into wild and frightening as the disturbing nature of the academy’s secret training methods are fully revealed. The Perfection is not for everyone with its heavy subject matter but I really enjoy watching women get revenge.
My Animal (2023)
Director: Jacqueline Castel
Where to watch: Rent/Buy
This one’s for the young love fans. I am a little disappointed that it’s not available to stream anywhere for free but I was happy to rent this because I didn’t get the chance to watch it in a theater. Bobbi Salvör Menuez gives an incredible performance as the bullied outcast goalie, Heather, hiding a terrible family secret. They fall hard for a beautiful figure skater named Jonny (Amandla Stenberg) but giving in to their desires has dangerous consequences for the pair. It’s dark and beautiful, and the perfect amount of wild to keep my horror-loving heart happy.
This is just a handful of titles I came across recently. I need a movie marathon of just queer romantic horror. Do you have a favorite you’d add to this list?
