The official first day of spring 2025 has finally arrived, and with it, the weather is finally getting warmer, the flowers are in bloom, and the world looks greener every day.
What horror movie best encapsulates this changing of the seasons? None other than a film fittingly titled Spring. The 2014 horror movie also doubles as a surprisingly sincere love story between a man and a woman who transforms into a monster every spring.
Spring begins with a young man named Evan (Lou Taylor Pucci) struggling in the aftermath of his mother's death. Not long after, he loses his job, leaving him listless and unsure of what to do next. Seeking a change of pace, Evan goes on a trip to Italy, where he meets the beautiful and charming Louise (Nadia Hilker).
At first, Louise and Evan's romance is traditional and sweet, but things take a turn shortly after the pair have sex for the first time. The film slowly reveals that Louise isn't entirely human, and spring is when she embraces her transformation.
The movie being called Spring and set during the season is heavy-handed symbolism, but it works. Spring is a time for renewal and rebirth. It's marked by fertility and the start of something new, often a romance or a new chapter in one's life. In that way, it makes sense from a storytelling perspective why Louise's transformation would happen during this time of year.
But while the body horror in Spring is quite effective, the movie stands out because of the central romance. I don't want to get into spoiler territory, but it is a beautifully touching story about humanity and mortality. Spring is nature's answer to the death of winter, and that concept is heavily explored in this underrated movie by directors Justin Benson and Aaron Scott Moorhead.
The directing duo is best known for their Marvel work, having worked on shows like Moon Knight, Loki, and Daredevil: Born Again. They've also worked on other transcendent films like Synchronic and The Endless.
Spring's cast is also impressive, featuring Evil Dead remake star Pucci and The Walking Dead alum Hilker. Francesco Carnelutti and Nick Nevern also star.
If you're interested in watching Spring, then you're in luck because the movie is currently available to stream for free on Tubi.
Other horror movies perfect to watch in the springtime include: April Fool's Day, The Wicker Man, Piranha, Cabin Fever, Jeepers Creepers, The Isle, and Antichrist.