John McDevitt, a kinky movie buff and film programmer of the Leather Archives and Museum’s Fetish Film Forum, recently shared his recommendations for kinky horror films just in time for Halloween. The forum, now in its second year, hosts monthly screenings of films that pay homage to kink and leather culture. McDevitt’s top picks include classics like Clive Barker’s Hellraiser and Tony Randel’s Hellbound: Hellraiser II, which are part of the October lineup for the Fetish Film Forum.
In addition to the films being shown at the forum, McDevitt also recommends other movies that blend fetish and horror. One of his favorites is the Japanese film Blind Beast from 1969, which explores themes of sadomasochism and Stockholm syndrome. He also suggests A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge for fans of Stranger Things, noting the film’s queer undertones and kinky dream sequences.
For those interested in lesser-known horror films, McDevitt highlights From Beyond, a spiritual sequel to Re-Animator, and Hide and Go Shriek, a slasher film with a surprising twist involving fetish gear. He also mentions Return of the Living Dead 3, which features a unique take on the zombie genre with elements of sadomasochism.
McDevitt also proposes a triple feature of Phantom of the Paradise, The Crow, and Blade, all of which feature antiheroes dressed in black leather. He explains how these films have become iconic in the horror genre and why they appeal to fans of kink and leather culture.
Lastly, McDevitt touches on the film Cruising starring Al Pacino, which explores the queer and kink underground of New York City. He discusses the film’s themes of identity and the blurred lines between investigating crime and becoming part of the culture being investigated.
Overall, McDevitt believes that the alignment of kink and leather culture with horror in films stems from a historical vilification of these communities. However, he also sees a parallel between BDSM and horror in embracing the full spectrum of human experience, from pleasure to pain. By recommending a diverse range of films that blend fetish and horror, McDevitt hopes to provide viewers with a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
