Looking for something a little different to watch than your average paranormal or found-footage horror movie? Paramount+ with Showtime just added a little-known 2024 comedy horror movie that definitely flew well under the radar for most folks due to low audience scores and a rather odd premise.
Another great 2024 thriller just came to Paramount+ too!
Rumours is a surreal comedic film with horror elements from directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson. The trio regularly collaborate and all of their films typically share some elements of absurdism, often making silent films and toying with viewer expectations and shaking up the genre's most conventional elements.
Rumours is no different in that regard, although it's not a silent movie it still features many of Maddin's trademarks. I would say to check it out if you're a fan of Ari Aster's film Beau is Afraid as I doubt it's a coincidence that Aster himself was an executive producer on this film!
So, why didn't Rumours gain much momentum last year? Probably because these types of surreal movies can be hard to market properly and many audiences don't like them. Beau is Afraid had the same issue. It was critically well-received, but many cinema-goers didn't vibe with it.
What is Rumours about?
It's a movie that features petrified peat bog people, a giant brain, and at least one black-and-white segment. As in, there's a lot going on here. But overall it's a political satire centering on a G7 summit where a group of world leaders have gathered in the hopes of creating a unified statement on a global crisis.
The story and characters aim to poke fun at the world's wealthiest leaders as the summit slowly comes undone. The politicians become lost in the nearby woods and face an onslaught of strange and terrifying obstacles and threats.
If the plot itself doesn't intrigue you, then maybe the cast will. Cate Blanchett stars in this film alongside other acclaimed actors like Charles Dance and Alicia Vikander. This is a great movie for those who want to watch something that might challenge them a little bit, or even leave them walking away with a lot of questions to ponder.
Rumours isn't necessarily an easy watch in that there's a straightforward plot and story, but it's a bold swing with hilarious performances and great writing. I suggest giving it a chance if you're in need of something to watch that resides outside of your usual cinematic comfort zone.
Rumours is out now on VOD and it's also streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime.