We recommend our top five picks to watch after you’ve seen Netflix’s art-centric horror story.
There is no other way to describe Velvet Buzzsaw than peculiar. This horror satire has been getting decent reviews since its release at Sundance Film Festival, scoring a high Rotten Tomatoes score and a rave review from our very own Keith Noakes. However, it has been getting mixed reactions from audiences since it hit Netflix this weekend making it one of those love it or hate it films.
For this week’s list of movie recommendations, I’ve looked at the films that influenced Dan Gilroy’s take on the art world and the films that feel most similar to it in tone, genre or setting. These films aren’t cinematic masterpieces by any means, but they certainly quench the craving that Velvet Buzzsaw might leave you with after two hours of intense mystery and horror.
NIGHTCRAWLER (2014)
This film might not be as art focused or have the same death toll, but it easily tops this list. Dan Gilroy, Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo all originally worked together on this film so it instantly has the same vibe surrounding it. Add the similar satirical look at a profession in Los Angeles and these films begin to look like an anthology series based on the state of that city. If you enjoyed Velvet Buzzsaw’s story, characters, tone, themes or atmosphere then you might like Nightcrawler.
FINAL DESTINATION (2000)
When the death toll starts to rise in Velvet Buzzsaw, this is the film that immediately comes to mind. Being considered the arthouse Final Destination film by critics, it is no wonder that they are drawing comparisons. The demise of character after character in graphic ways delivers the same tone of this franchise. While the stories are not similar, residing in much different worlds, the horror elements alone make Final Destination the last stop for a similar death-filled thriller. If you enjoyed Velvet Buzzsaw’s horror elements, themes and tone then you might like Final Destination.
NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (2016)
Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals was a criminally underrated film when it was released. The deeply layered parallel stories were intricately woven over top of an art dealer’s life as she struggles both professionally and personally. The duality of the characters in this film brings a shallowness to their personalities while still feeling like terrible people. The art setting alone gives a similar vibe. While you come for the art you stay for the characters and intense story. If you enjoyed Velvet Buzzsaw’s story, characters, tone, themes or atmosphere then you might like Nocturnal Animals.
THE PLAYER (1992)
This is the only film that writer-director Dan Gilroy cited as an influence for his story and for good reason. From the beginning, the films draw comparisons with the opening shot of Velvet Buzzsaw calling back to the busy world of The Player. They both deal with a large ensemble of interconnected characters who inevitably are thrust into a murderous plot. However, while both are satires in nature, The Player seems to explore its themes a little better. If you enjoyed Velvet Buzzsaw’s story, themes and atmosphere then you might like The Player.
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (1984)
Another horror film that obviously draws comparisons to Velvet Buzzsaw’s murder themes is that of A Nightmare on Elm Street. The original character killing-spree movie, this classic horror seemed to be an influence of Gilroy’s. They both use similar supernatural horror elements bringing the same tone to these two films. If you enjoyed Velvet Buzzsaw’s horror elements, themes and tone then you might like A Nightmare on Elm Street.
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