The People Under the Stairs

Trapped inside a fortified home owned by a mysterious couple, a young boy quickly learns the true nature of the homicidal inhabitants, and secret creatures hidden deep within the walls. Directed by Wes Craven and inspired by a real news story. Then People Under the Stairs was one of the first horror films to explicitly tackle gentrification and housing inequality for Black folks. 

The villains in this story embody predatory systems in capitalism and white supremacy. It’s arguably Craven’s strongest political messaging in film; its protagonist, Fool, is one of the most resourceful horror heroes of the era and set the tone for resilience against odds. Director Jordan Peele has repeatedly cited the film as an influence for him.