Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.
Let's begin!
MIDSOMMAR
This horror film follows a couple who travel to Sweden to visit a friend's rural hometown during a rare midsummer festival. What begins as an idyllic summer retreat soon takes a disturbing turn.
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| When I found out Popeyes ran out of their chicken sandwich. |
This film was written and directed by Ari Aster who also wrote and directed last year's critically acclaimed Hereditary. While not as scary, this film definitely still stands out thanks to great acting and a layered story. Where Hereditary was all about loss and grief, Midsommar is all about relationships. Aster takes this theme to an unnerving place but it is a journey worth taking. I highly recommend this film. I will have to keep my eye out for more from this writer/director.
US
This film centers on a family of four as they arrive at their summer home in Santa Cruz. However, the family is soon attacked by four strangers who shortly reveal themselves to be the family's dopplegangers.
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| "I said I don't want your scout cookies!" |
Written and directed by Jordan Peele (Get Out), this film starts out as a simple home invasion but quickly becomes much more. Peele introduces a new kind of monster with its own mythology and meaning behind it. The acting is also top notch with Lupita Nyong'o (Black Panther, 12 Years a Slave) starring. This is definitely a must-watch for horror fans.
OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL
The prequel to the 2014 horror movie Ouija, this film is centered on a family that runs a seance business. The widowed mother decides to bring in a Ouija board as a new prop but she soon regrets that mistake. Things take a turn for the worse when the youngest daughter builds an especially close bond with the board.
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| I know... I'm shocked a Ouija movie ended up good too. |
Directed by Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, The Haunting of Hill House), whose praises I have sung on previous blog entries, this prequel is way better than the original movie. The youngest daughter shows she has acting chops and this film is genuinely creepy throughout. I admittedly got chills a few times. Maybe don't watch it if you plan on going to sleep soon after but this is another must-see for horror fans.
BRIGHTBURN
This horror movie follows familiar comic book style tropes, focusing on a young alien boy adopted by a couple in a small town. As the boy nears puberty, a power begins to manifest within him as well as a darkness. Can anyone stop a super boy gone wrong?
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| You're pretty much done if you see this little guy. |
Directed by David Yarovesky (The Hive), this film does not quite live up to the premise. More could have been done on the horror side of things but this is an interesting take on the Superman set up, and one fans of both horror and comics may enjoy. Give this one a look.
PET SEMATARY
A remake of the 1989 classic, and based on a Stephen King novel, this film follows a family that just moved into a small rural town in Maine from the big city. The family soon discovers a mysterious burial ground where the dead come back to life but sometimes... dead is better.
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| "Sometimes the original is better." |
Directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer (Starry Eyes), I was disappointed with how flat this movie came off at times. The film definitely has its good points though and there are some creepy moments. The story also takes a different direction than the original. If you are curious, it may be worth a watch. However, I cannot help but feel that would be time better spent just watching the original movie or reading the book.
SWAMP THING
I often plug TV series on here and this is a really cool one for comic book and horror fans. The 10-episode first season follows CDC researcher Abby Arcane as she investigates a bizarre and deadly swamp-borne virus in her childhood home of Marais, Louisiana. Abby develops a bond with scientist Alec Holland but tragedy strikes. Alec seemingly dies but is soon transformed into the Swamp Thing.
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| Swamp Thing himself is simultaneously both scary and badass. |
Based on the comic book of the same name, and executive produced by James Wan (Insidious, The Conjuring, Aquaman), this series thankfully leans heavy into its horror roots with gory special effects. This gives the show something to make it stand out. In addition, the characters are likable and the story is intriguing. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled before the first season even finished due to cost issues. Hopefully someone can pick it up but the first season is worth watching if you like comic books and horror. The series is currently available only on the DC Universe app.
That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!
