Welcome to Day 15 of Spooky Season!! Today, I’m sharing part 4 of performances in the horror genre that I feel are severely underrated. Whether the film itself flew under the radar, or the performance was overshadowed by other characters, these are some of the performances that I feel need more attention. I hope you enjoy and let me know a horror performance you believe needs more recognition! (SPOILER ALERT!!)

Deborah Foreman as Muffy St. John – April Fool’s Day

Muffy St. John was a wealthy college student who invited her friends out to her estate for an unforgettable April Fool’s Day weekend. When the friends started getting picked off one by one, the group starts to question if Muffy is the one behind it all. I have to say Deborah’s performance in this is outstanding. The way she was actually able to portray 2 different characters (but really as one) was really impressive. She started off as a confident host, to a timid mystery, to an accomplished planner. Her personality shifts were seamless and she really makes you question what is wrong with her.

John Candy as Eldona – Nothing But Trouble

While on a trip to Atlantic City, a group of friends took a wrong turn and ended up in a strange town where they were taken hostage by a corrupt judge and his crazy family. The judge’s granddaughter, Eldona is a maniacal mechanic who set her eyes on one of the hostages. I have to say that John Candy was just amazing in this role. Because his character was a mute, he successfully gave us a menacing character with just his facial expressions and body language. Honestly, when I’m watching the movie, I sometimes forget it’s John. He made me see the character, not the actor.

Roger Bart as Stuart – Hostel: Part II

Stuart was in an unhappy marriage and he had a dull life. His best friend, Todd brought him to Slovakia to join a club that paid big money to torture and kill tourists. I have to say Roger’s performance really had a hand in fooling me. He made us believe he was so scared of what his friend was forcing him to do. Then, he did a complete 180 and showed his darker side. Seeing it here really makes me wish Roger did more psychotic roles.

Najarra Townsend as Samantha Williams – Contracted

While attending her best friend’s party, Samantha Williams was drugged and raped by a man who gave her an STD that makes you rot from the inside out. Najarra’s character started out in a state of nothing going right, even before that night. Her 0-100 rage was perfectly done for a film like this: a slow and gradual descend into madness. Her breakdowns as she’s (literally) breaking down really makes you feel for her. She puts all of her emotions into this performance and I think it needs more praise!