This history of Labor Movements within the United States has been a violent struggle, to say the least. But we are continuing to make progress, with workers deciding to unionize and get their fair share.
To celebrate this accomplishment, many of us get a day off of work. And what better way to spend a Labor Day than binging some work-based horror flicks? So, let’s jump right in and see what horror looks like in a nine to five.
Mayhem
Performances by Samara Weaving (Ready or Not) and Steven Yeun (The Twilight Zone) really make this film stand out from the pack. This isn’t the first office uprising type horror film, but it is one of the best.
I think anyone who has worked in an office has wished they had a legal defense if they let management know how they really felt. Filled with no shortage of violence, insanity, and humor, this film should be on every Labor Day watch list.
My Bloody Valentine
No Labor Day viewing party could be complete without this classic working class slasher film. Coal mines may seem almost forgotten in this day and age, but My Bloody Valentine will live on in horror fan’s hearts forever.
If this looks a little dated for your taste, then check out the 2009 reboot. Some may say that it is sacrilege to mention the reboot. But come on, it has Jensen Ackles (Supernatural)in it, and I can’t say no to that man.
The Belko Experiment
This film really dives into just how expendable employees are under corporate culture. It also gives us a stark reminder about doing your homework when your company asks you to relocate to Colombia.
Performances from John Gallagher Jr. (10 Cloverfield Lane), Tony Goldwyn (The Last House on the Left), and Adria Arjona (True Detective) make this James Gunn (Slither) film really shine. If you want some ultra-violence this Labor Day, check out The Belko Experiment.
Last Shift
I could talk about this film endlessly. From its use of a single location to the amazing special effects, this indie sleeper is a must see. Sadly, the same can’t be said for its reboot Malum.
Now, police and labor movements haven’t traditionally been on the same side in labor struggles. That being said we are all on the same side when it comes to cult leaders rising from the afterlife. Or at least I hope we are.
Session 9
Session 9 is the ultimate Labor Day horror film. The film is just working class people trying to do their jobs. Anyone who has ever worked in construction knows that these job never go as planned. But I don’t think anyone expected it to go this far off the rails.
Amazing performances from David Caruso (CSI: Miami), Stephen Gevedon (War of the Worlds), and Paul Guilfoyle (Don’t Look Up) crank up the paranoia to an unreasonable level. If you want a slow burn this Labor Day, go watch Session 9.