Horror Favourites – Director Airell Anthony Hayles

Airell Anthony Hayles is no stranger to the world of horror. The British filmmaker, producer, and writer has steadily carved out a space for himself in the genre, delivering a mix of thought-provoking narratives and imaginative frights. With a degree in Theatre and Film Studies from Goldsmiths College, University of London, Airell’s passion for storytelling and genre cinema has led him to work on projects as varied as Heckle, starring Steve Guttenberg and Dani Dyer, and Werewolf Santa, a darkly comedic twist on holiday folklore.

His latest project, Advent, premieres at FrightFest Halloween before its digital release on 25 November 2024. The film blends supernatural horror with contemporary themes, drawing inspiration from the sinister “Blue Whale Challenge” and placing its protagonist—a social media influencer—at the mercy of a cursed advent calendar. It’s a concept that embodies Airell’s approach to horror: merging unsettling modern realities with classic storytelling tropes.

But Advent is just one chapter in Airell’s prolific career. As a producer and writer, he’s developed an impressive slate of projects, including Werewolf Santa, Midnight Peepshow, and the upcoming Zombie Santa and Vampire Santa. His work consistently explores the intersection of fear, fantasy, and folklore, while challenging the boundaries of what horror can achieve.

A self-confessed lover of horror and fantasy cinema from an early age, Airell has a deep appreciation for the genre’s ability to provoke, entertain, and evolve. We sat down with him to discuss his top ten horror films—each one a source of inspiration and a testament to his enduring love for the macabre.

Here’s what Airell had to say about the films that haunt, thrill, and influence his work.

1. Don’t Look Now (1973)

“It has the most authentic couple I’ve ever seen portrayed on screen, and this strange mystery/ghost story hit me like a train when I first saw it. I’ve not recovered since, and nor do I wish to. The idea of remaking it? Impossible. This film is lightning in a bottle.”

2. The Wicker Man (1973)

“This is more of a spell than a movie. I remember seeing it at college and being struck by the day-lit horror and vivid colours. The ending is insane, and there’s a strangely sexy, hypnotic quality that makes it unlike anything else—which is always the goal for me as a filmmaker. See The Final Cut.”

3. The Sixth Sense (1999)

“Take away the twist ending, and this is still an amazing reflection on memories that haunt us—memories scarier than any ghost. The lady in the kitchen scene? Terrifying.”

4. Hostel (2005)

“The wild card on this list! Dismissed as shallow torture porn, it’s actually a disturbing insight into the depths people sink to for kicks. To me, nothing is scarier than a bored businessman abroad after midnight…”

5. Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)

“This film is hauntingly beautiful. The music and imagery stay with you, and it’s fundamentally about lost innocence. The dread is as heavy as the rock itself. If you watch it, find the director’s cut.”

6. The Company of Wolves (1984)

“A dark fairy tale that pits Little Red Riding Hood against the adult world, which is both thrilling and terrifying. It’s a werewolf story that plays like a dream from childhood, warped yet unforgettable.”

7. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

“This film’s ending was so powerful, I bought another ticket to see it immediately. It builds a fantasy world so real that it feels almost impossible to escape—just like the little girl in the story.”

8. Teen Wolf (1985)

“Not exactly a horror, but it’s my favourite ‘80s film. Mark Arnold, who starred in Teen Wolf, is also in Advent, and we’re now neighbours and friends. Funny enough, on my way to see Teen Wolf as a kid, I was terrified, thinking it would be a proper werewolf horror. That walk to the cinema felt like walking the plank!”

9. The Shining (1980)

“I know it’s on everyone’s list, but it’s just so incredibly effective. The film’s maze mirrors the madness within, pulling you in to the point where you feel as mad as Jack Nicholson. Those shots burn into your mind. Only see the UK cut.”

10. Ghostwatch (1992)

“This TV movie shook me to the core. Watching it alone as a kid, I felt like I was witnessing true evil for the first time. And unlike The Haunting, it’s set in an ordinary house that could easily have been mine. Ghostwatch directly inspired Advent’s setting in a typical home where extraordinary events unfold.”

As Advent prepares to bring new nightmares to audiences, it’s clear that Hayles’s work is not just a homage to the films he loves but also a fresh vision rooted in psychological horror, cultural legends, and pure dread. This collection of influences spans the surreal, the symbolic, and the shockingly real—reminding us that for Hayles, horror is not just about fear, but about creating unforgettable, immersive experiences.

Advent is available now on digital platforms.