Best in Show: Thanksgiving Horror (Part II of II)

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5. The Awakening
In horror, the proper atmosphere can go a long way. This is why a film like The Awakening is so incredible. Dull and hazy, this movie is chilling. The Awakening is cold. It's the type of film that features a world where every single character is unwaveringly chilly. Even the ending does little to satisfy the onslaught of breezy dread that'll make audiences want to curl into a ball. Like so many movies on this list, there are no warm inviting evenings or cold, but comfy nights.



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4. Alien Abduction: Incident in Lake County
When the original The McPherson Tape - later remade as the larger budget, Alien Abduction: Incident of Lake County - first came out, it was met with the type of fervor a real life unexplainable experience might have. People watching thought what was happening in the movie was true and although it's aged a bit, the horror remains just as terrifying. A mockumentary with plenty of steam in its engines, this movie follows a family settling in on a Thanksgiving dinner when an electric outage leads to the uncovering of a UFO. Filled with terror, the Thanksgiving dinner quickly becomes absolutely horrific chaos.





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3. The Visit

Despite the snow on the ground, there's something very Thanksgiving-esque about The Visit and its kitschy setting. Without direct mentions to any holiday seasons, viewers can easily settle in to a film that is most definitely set outside of Christmas or Chanukah. With mostly warm grandparents, foods baking in the oven and sweaters galore, The Visit has this familiar and cozy atmosphere - even if the eventual reveal is everything but. The Visit is sometimes comical, sometimes tense and in the beginning, very homey, making it the perfect movie to curl up around and watch.

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2. Kristy

Explicitly set during a college's Thanksgiving vacation, the indie slasher, Kristy, has never gotten the love it deserves. Spooky, dimly lit and incredibly ferocious, this film follows a student who decides to stay back on campus while most students go home. From empty corridors to entirely empty buildings, the film's isolation is something completely opposite of typical Thanksgivings. But, it's spot on this list is more because of the fact that it’s a great movie that is specifically set during Thanksgiving, even featuring its own very college dinner.

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1. The Witch

Want to feel like Thanksgiving is upon us?Watch The Witch. Easily one of the most iconic horror movies of the modern era, this period piece seems destined for November viewing. Inclement, grey weather, the constant threat of winter and the colonial characters are sure to immerse audiences in a world where a Thanksgiving feast is absolutely necessary but absent. The Witch is a stunning film; whether you're a fan of horror or otherwise, yet its best reserved for a time after Halloween when winter is upon us and stomachs crave turkey and corn.

Best in Show: Thanksgiving Horror (Part I of II)

Despite the horror of spending time with extended family around a table filled with food, Thanksgiving has remained a relatively untouched topic in horror. Sure, some films do touch on it and one, rather obnoxious killer turkey film (Thankskilling) is out there to enjoy (?), but pickings are slim. So what separates this list from any other fall horror list, well the films that made it on our Thanksgiving Horror countdown are movies that are either directly related to the pilgrim holiday or help set up the cold winter ahead. They're brooding, dark films lit by candles and backed by transitioning weather.

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10. Boogeyman

Boogeyman isn't a great movie, but it's one of those films that is actually set around Thanksgiving, warranting tis inclusion on this list. Unlike outwardly bad films like the aforementioned Thankskilling, there is real potential with this film. While it is otherwise wasted on cheap jump scares and quickly aging plot devices and tension, this ghoulish story does provide some sense of nostalgia for typical mid-2000s horror. Currently in a bit of a dark ages, these movies may be reflected on fondly in years to come for their cheap tricks and cracked acting.

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9. Hush 
Is Hush about Thanksgiving? Is it even about a family? No and no. But, what it is is a movie that finds a young woman, staying warm in otherwise cold weather, hunted by a man in a hat and jacket. The cold evening is obvious in this one and will chill you to the bone. Like many of the movies on this list, it's a bit of a stretch but in the world of autumnal movies, this one is definitely set later in the year. There are no warm oranges or nights in a sweater y a campfire. It's clearly not winter, but it's most definitely not before Halloween.

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8. The Village

There are plenty of reasons to have qualms with The Village. Critically panned and relatively predictable, the one thing this M. Night Shyamalan film gets right is it’s deeply fall atmosphere. The small, cut off town at the center of this movie is deeply unnerving, but also extremely communal; something those hesitant to celebrate Thanksgiving will resonate with.

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7. Shelley

An IFC Midnight original, Shelley is a prenatal Danish horror movie featuring plenty of warm flickering lights and chilled woods. Set in a remote cabin, Elena is tasked with being a live in maid for a couple with sinister intentions. Easily one of the more underrate films of the last few years, Shelley is a sleepy and bone-cold movie that'll leave viewers deeply unsettled. Definitely more of a late-fall movie than a spooky Halloween flick, Shelley may not feature a feast, but it does feature enough transitional climate to make the perfect film to watch on Thanksgiving.

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6. Howl

There's something very cold and distant about this indie werewolf flick. Filled with dark scenery, Howl is a British horror film that takes place entirely on a train. The exterior shots are rainy and dense fog continuously rolls through. Add on the brooding forest surrounding the stranded and jacketed passengers and this movie's tone is undeniably chilled. But, unlike wintery films featuring characters trotting away from dangers in the snow, these victims can all run - that is, if they don't get caught first.

Review: Creep 2

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In terms of cultivating a truly disturbing horror movie, sometimes practicality is scarier than fantasy. Slasher films have utilized this aspect for years; giving their killer some supernatural powers, but ultimately grounding them in reality. Found-footage films employ similar techniques to make the movie feel realistic and scarier, and while they've been done over and over again, their effectiveness has barely dwindled. Melding slasher and found-footage, with a product that feels almost too real, is Creep and its new single, creatively named Creep 2.

Once again starring Mark Duplass (Togetherness) as the titular Aaron/Peachfuzz the Wolf, Creep 2 amps up the first's premise and expands the serial killer's mythology. When videographer Sara, played by Desiree Akhavan (Appropriate Behavior), goes searching for a new story for her Craigslist ad-based web series, "Encounters," she stumbles into the demented world of Aaron. Promising to not kill Sara, Aaron asks the fame-chaser to film him and document his sinister tendencies.


Once again, Duplass is the star of the show. But, the addition of the equally daring Sara is a welcome change of pace. Akhavan plays her part well; fully committing to the more strained, yet willing participant in Aaron's games. Her Sara is truly special in that she recognizes all Aaron could offer her, while acknowledging the toll. She's aware, but overcome by her desire to achieve and her ability to go toe-to-toe with Aaron is great viewing.


Creep 2 is undoubtedly a slasher. Leaning into the subgenre's inevitable continuity, this sequel comes across as - at the very least - as well thought out. As bitingly uncomfortable and disconcertingly comedic as the original, Creep 2 is easily one of the more impressive sequels  to be released in the horror industry, Throughout its run, anyone and everyone can expect to be completely shaken by the pauses of silence, distant stares and odd rituals of a man who is clearly unhinged.


Is Creep 2 necessary? Maybe not. But, for what it's worth, it's a hell of a ride and one you won't be quick to forget. It's a deeply unsettling character study of a fictional serial killer and the victim who may be crazier than him. It's a film that elaborates on human's blind ambition and the conflict we face when our goals converge with others opposing ideas. Creep 2 is twisting and dark, and completely worth every moment. 8 out 10.

Review: Happy Death Day

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Slashers have, quite literally, been done to death. With the 90s overflowing with near identical takes on the subgenre and movies like Scream and more recently, The Final Girls, it seems there really was nowhere else for them to go. So, they've mostly disappeared - much to the disappointment of fans everywhere. But this year's Happy Death Day could very well lead to a resurgence of simple, yet effective humanoid killer film.

Following a sorority girl who is given the unique and outlandish opportunity to uncover her own killer by living the same day over and over, Happy Death Day is the Groundhog Day of slasher films. As the film progresses and the amount of suspects dwindles, her physical being takes a toll each relived day, eventually leading her to the hospital in a weakened state. Happy Death Day stars the particularly fantastic Jessica Rothe (La La Land), as Tree Gelbman. Other supporting cast includes the lovably plain Israel Broussard (The Bling Ring) as Tree's one-night-stand-turned-confidant, Carter, Ruby Modine (Shameless), as Tree's roommate, and Rachel Matthews as the Chanel Oberlin-esque sorority queen, Danielle.


Happy Death Day is first and foremost, pure entertainment. Thrilling, brashly funny and brimming with strong performances from young stars, the flaws of the film are easily overlooked. Rothe's ability to dart cold, dead stares at anyone she dislikes, Broussard's endearing nice guy and even the comic relief provided by Matthews, all make for a film that's delightfully sinister. It's horror comedy done right. There's small inflections of camp, some exciting fight scenes and a plot line that provides enough meat to stay interesting.


The single flaw in this film is in its logical. While mostly sound, some parts feel tossed in and hastily thrown together. For instance, the accrual of injuries, as suggested by internal wounds found on a life's trip to the hospital, never explain how she survived being burned alive in one evening. Additionally, the blind acceptance of the multiple chances to save herself is a huge expectation by the filmmakers, with little legitimacy. But, if other film's like the aforementioned Groundhog Day can get away with this logic, why shouldn't Happy Death Day?


Happy Death Day has a mass-appeal quality about it. Never venturing too far into the horror genre, its gimmicky base and near-perfect execution should give any viewer something to enjoy. The few plot holes are easily overcome, and Rothe deserves a lot of recognition as the film's compelling star. Happy Death Day feels fresh. Its presentation is a rare and special package that should leave audiences wanting more from the entire team. 7 out of 10.

Best in Show: Creepy Cults (Part II of II)

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5. Rosemary's Baby

While a less showy film about cults, Rosemary's Baby is a sinister take on neighborly tenants. Spooky and drawn out, this film amasses tension for an end reveal that viewers will see coming, but will still be scared by. There's simply not much to say that hasn't been said about this film and the cult at the center of it. The Castevet's are perfectly disarming, Mia Farrows' Rosemary, perfectly acted and by the film's end, you'll appreciate the masterpiece before you.

  

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4. The Wicker Man

The Wicker Man is a surprisingly jovial horror movie. Bursting with Celtic tunes, dancing townspeople and colorful costumes, the insane ending may come as a shock to those unaware of the film prior. A certifiable cult classic that also happens to be about a cult, the cheeriness exuded by characters in The Wicker Man is odd but relatively innocent feeling. However, as the plot transgresses, the dark pit at its center grows and hardens. Despite a failed remake starring Nick Cage, this story deserves a proper reboot.

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3. Last Shift

Stuck watching a derelict police station on her first day, Officer Jessica Loren's quiet, but creepy night becomes quite the downward spiral. From creepy happens to ghoulish images, the ghostly cult members that haunt the station are nothing short of heart-stopping. Easily one of the scariest indie films ever, Last Shift is a must see. It's gritty, gory and everything that a haunted house movie should be. Whether a fan of jump scares or horrifying atmosphere, Last Shift has it in spades.

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3. Children of the Corn

A classic Stephen King adaption and perhaps one of the most iconic groups of scary kids, Children of the Corn is an endeavor on the gullible group mentality of children. As they follow "He Who Walks behind the Rows," the group led by Isaac Chroner, systemically remove the adults in the town as part of a human sacrifice. Ridiculous in its premise but terrifying in its execution, Children of the Corn showcased a certain strength and perseverance of children when threatened.  

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1. The Sacrament

The Sacrament does little to hide its ending. Opening with a photographer casually discussing his sister's involvement with a commune, a group of investigative friends go searching for answers only to find disaster. Timelier than ever, the media-hating, grounded story of this religious organization feels more realistic than some documentaries. Suspicious and filled with awkward exchanges, The Sacrament will make your skin crawl, only to rip it out in the end. It's the kind of movie that'll stick with you for some time. Though it all seems rosy, this film does little to appeal to organized religion and uncovers the deeply rooted issues within congregations, especially those buried in desolate regions.

Best in Show: Creepy Cults (Part I of II)

Humans are pack animals. Despite common notions of autonomy, the vast majority of people on earth are dependent on others. Whether for social exchange, physical dependency like food or to help make ends meet, friends, family and even strangers are necessary in our day to day lives. But, when people get a little too close, a little too exclusive, problems erupt. In cults, codependency takes on a new and sinister tone; something that is very often exasperated in horror films. This week's list looks at the scariest horror movies following cults.

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10. Faults

Part comedy, part deceptive thriller, this taut film follows a cultist deprogrammer and his latest case, a young woman who is buried deep in the mythology of a cult called Faults. Twisting, dark and at times, funny, Faults is a masterful blend of unsettling tension and compelling storytelling that'll leave viewers questioning their own perceived reality. Faults is a movie that feels realistic, despite later questionable flickers of the supernatural. Its end twist is also one of the greatest, if even just slightly predictable, in modern cinema.

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9. The Void

While not central to the creature-feature explosion that is The Void, the sheet-adorning cult in this film is absolutely terrifying. With no distinguishable feature separate from a triangle on their face, these poorly costumed ghost men imbued a creep factor complimented by a confrontational ferociousness. Retro, yet scarily timeless, these strange characters sought the end of the world and were willing to do anything to make it happen; they're inhuman nature and complete lack of motive only adding to the fear factor.

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8. The Conspiracy Conspiracy is a dangerous topic. Divisive and engulfing, the rabbit hole created by mostly unfounded suggestions and beliefs can lead to insanity and trouble for both the accused and accuser. Perhaps this is what makes 2012's The Conspiracy is so terrifying. A brooding and investigative Canadian found-footage film, The Conspiracy follows a pair of filmmakers seeking to uncover the truth about a mysterious organization named Taurus. Their investigation - as predicted - leads to quite the discovery that'll leave the duo changed forever. Ending on an open note and with little closure of what actually happened in their footage; The Conspiracy will leave audiences guessing.

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7. The House of the Devil In this 80s styled horror film following a caretaker who ends up in the middle of an occult ritual, the scares come bursting with fire. Demonic images, gory violence and funky music make up this indie darling. Directed by Ti West and featuring a fantastic performance by Jocelin Donahue, this movie doesn't feature the most interesting satanic cult, but it is one of the scariest. While oddly practical in their beliefs and brutish nature, each is only slightly off. That is, except for the horrifying creature-like leader with a cat face and a pension for old relics.


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6. The Invitation 

The Invitation is a  slow-burning and quite movie. Constantly bubbling like a volcano about to erupt, this movie has gained quite the following and critical acclaim. For good reason, too. The Invitation begins as an everyday, awkward dinner party but quickly unravels into something more unsettling. It's a thriller that unfolds in such a way that viewers will be engrossed in the haunting lights and faces of the dinner guests. Brimming with tension, this movie ends with quite sharp bangs and an even sharper reveal. It is deserving of every accolade it received; for its cast, crew and plot, simple but intricate.

Review: The Babysitter

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For as long as horror movies have been around, the fear of the outsider coming into a home has existed. Whether it is a step-parent, a salesmen or a babysitter, horror movies have made quite a market for suspicious guests and their terrifying actions. More recently, movies like Orphan and Emelie fought to ensure that audiences were more cautious when letting others into their homes, and the latest Netflix original, The Babysitter, attempts to do the same.

The Babysitter follows a young (?) boy and his eventful night with a babysitter he is secretly in love with. Left far too frequently by his out-of-love parents the boy has a uniquely close bond with the teenager (?). That is until he discovers that after bedtime, his guardian is actually involved in occult rituals with friends. The Babysitter stars Judah Lewis (Demolition) as Cole, the charge of Bee, played by Samara Weaving (Monster Trucks). Supporting cast includes Emily Alyn Lind (Enter the Void), young scream queen, Bella Thorne (Amityville: Awakening), Hana Mae Lee (Pitch Perfect), Robbie Amell (ARQ), and Andrew Bachelor (Meet the Blacks).


Each of the characters is awkward and poorly established. Weaving is the only bright spot in a film brimming with poorly timed jokes and bad acting. Lewis seems uncomfortably old to have a babysitter and even more so to have a bunch of Tonka trucks lying around. He's simultaneously pubescent and prepubescent in his character development. Coming across as at least a young tween, but with room décor, style sense and a lack of agency, he is childish and awkward to connect with.


A veneer of camp attempts to cover the mediocrity and low-brow, immature humor exhibited in The Babysitter. The gore is gratuitous but is neither entertaining nor sickening. Instead, it looks like a Disney Channel film gone PG-13. It's hard deciphering who this film is meant for. The filmmakers seem to have wanted a film meant for a young adult audience, but the cast never has enough of an edge, the humor is neither smart nor naturally obscene enough to warrant interest.


The Babysitter a grossly dated coming-of-age film that's more cringe than spirited. Perhaps if The Babysitter had a clearer direction, better writing and a premise that didn't feel obnoxious, there'd be something redeemable. But, the fact of the matter is, this movie, its dialogue and the tossed together ensemble of zero-chemistry actors leave a bad taste. 3 out 10.

31 Days of Horror (Pt. II of II)

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October 16th - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Maybe not so much a horror film as it is whimsical, but the hefty tone of the feature-film adaption of Sweeney Todd makes for something perfect for the dark fall months. With cannibals abundant and grisly set pieces, this movie feels like a bit crazy, but is all in good fun - at least for those of us who don't have our throats slit.

October 17th - The Mothman Prophecies

Shrouded in mystery The Mothman Prophecies perfectly captures the lore surrounding the winged beast seen by many in a film perfectly suitably for October. While not the scariest, this twisting movie is an impressive and dimly lit shroud of obscurity. Sure to bolster your belief of the mythical, The Mothman Prophecies brings one of the most well-known folk tales to the mainstream.



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October 18th - Night of the Living Dead
At first glance, this black-and-white zombie film may feel dated, but upon watching, viewers will realize it transcends times. Forging the way for so many undead films that followed, Night of the Living Dead is an iconic masterpiece and required viewing for the month of October. The dread throughout, the scares sprinkled in and the unique acting all wrap up into something efficient and entertaining.

October 19th - The Conjuring

The go-to modern classic, recognizable to nearly anyone and scary to most, is The Conjuring. Deeply embedded in the fall season, The Conjuring uses hyper-stylized visuals to convey a chilling atmosphere. It is bon a fide and deserving of everyone's eyes and there is no better time to watch than right before Halloween.

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October 20th - Creep
With a sequel forthcoming, there's no better time to revisit Peachfuzz the wolf than right before Halloween. With nothing more than a cheap Halloween mask to help take on the killer's identity, this grounded slasher film is uncomfortable and insane. It never goes into outlandish territory and instead focuses on setting up a sympathetic dying man with some odd quirks. This of course unravels into something far more sinister, but oh well. That's life.

October 21st (Weekend Double Feature) - Annabelle: Creation/Ouija: Origin of Evil

In a world of abundant mediocre sequels, these shockingly good prequels make a perfect horror double feature. Released on Video-on-demand on October 20, Annabelle: Creation is one of the most impressive horror films in a year of impressive horror films. Round out the night with the surprisingly efficient Ouija: Origin of Evil and you're sure to have a great time with these retro period pieces.

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October 22nd (Weekend Double Feature) - Hell House LLC/Fear. Inc.
Sometimes when you go looking for something scary, you bite off way more than you can chew. That's essentially what happens in this pair of movies. Like The Houses October Built, both Hell House LLC and Fear. Inc. feature a group of friends who are prepared for horror, but not the real kinds they end up facing. Hell House LLC recounts an incident at a local haunted house attraction gone wrong and in Fear Inc. a man employs a scare company to come strike terror in his friends. Both are perfect for October.

October 23rd - The Fourth Kind
For all the love of ghosts, goblins and witches during the Halloween season, people often forget aliens. With big action flicks abundant and plenty of classics going around, it may be easy to overlook the underrated gem, The Fourth Kind. Easily one of the more terrifying entries in the abduction subgenre, The Fourth Kind pairs "real life footage" with some terrifying "reenactments."

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October 24th - CropseyHorror documentaries are often pretty over-the-top. With too much effort put into dramatizing the accounts of people and reenactments that'd make any viewer cringe, it can be hard to watch them. But some great ones do exist. None more so than Cropsey. Low-key and dark, this brooding documentary follows a pair of filmmakers examining, and never quite solving the stories surrounding a derelict building in New York City. It leaves quite a bit to interpretation, all to the film's benefit.

October 25th - The Nightmare on Elm Street

The Nightmare on Elm Street is the most 80s thing to come out of the 80s. From its soundtrack to its styling, this comical and scary horror movie is perfect for October. It's got everything you could ever want to get you in the mood for Halloween; oddly grotesque props, some gory death scenes and an easily recognizable killer.

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October 26th - The Blair Witch Project
If you've ever been in the woods during the fall, you can pick up on the creepy atmosphere all around you. Playing on that fear is the iconic Blair Witch Project. Whether it’s the bumps in the night or the occult objects the group of friends find in the mornings, this movie gives viewers plenty to be afraid of. Watch and then go into the woods and who knows, maybe those sounds you hear will be all the more scary to you.

October 27 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Leatherface wears a mask of sorts, so what better time to watch this disturbing film than around Halloween. It's a classic slasher with plenty of gore and, despite the hot setting of the south; this movie is best viewed in the coolness of autumn. Don't eat while Halloween candy while you watch though, you'll regret it.

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October 28th (Weekend Double Feature) - Scream/ Scream 2
Kick off Halloweekend with one of the greatest horror films of all time: Scream. Acting as a satirical revival of the inundated subgenre, this slasher franchise is one of the most permeating films in the industry. Everyone loves it and rightfully so. Start with the first and go to the equally as strong second. Without a doubt these movies have spawned the longest-running Halloween costume of all time. With plenty of mask variations available for the spookiest day of the year, your Ghostface options - just like the killers in the franchise - are endless.

October 29th (Weekend Double Feature) - Scream 3/Scream 4 

Is this entire weekend really supposed to be all about the Scream franchise? Yes, 100 percent. Sit down and watch all four in the same night, over the course of a weekend or throughout the month. It doesn't matter so long as you watch them all before the 31st. Even with the ridiculousness of Scream 3 and the glossiness of Scream 4 marring the Wes Craven creations, these movies are undeniably amazing.

October 30th - Trick 'r Treat

Getting the cult status in horror is a difficult task that has zero formula, but no movie has ever captured the heart of so many from unpredictable places like the cult classic, Trick 'r Treat. An anthology horror film connected by a cute, but admittedly disturbing masked child named Sam, Trick 'r Treat goes everywhere; from camp and gore to terrifying ghoulish scares. With the potential for a sequel constantly bubbling under the surface, the mark made by Trick 'r Treat is destined to stick for years to come.



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October 31st - Halloween
Finally reaching Halloween, there's only one movie left to see: Halloween. By namesake alone, this film is the pinnacle film of this spooky holiday. Avoiding Halloween, whether the original, sequels or eventual remakes, is sacrilegious. Halloween is a master class of slasher prestige and Michael is one of the most iconic villains in horror. There simply is no better time to watch this movie. Halloween on Halloween is like brushing your breathing, you have to do it.  

31 Days of Horror (Part I of II)

Halloween comes but once a year, but the month of October should be filled with all things spooky. No matter your plans, sitting down and watching some scary horror films will provide you with everything you need to get in the Halloween mood. This week's compiles 31 horror films (bonus weekend double-features) in honor of the most terrifying month of the year. The movies on this list will scare you, set the tone for fall and give you all the legendary iconography representative of Halloween. So without further ado, the 31 Days of Halloween Movie Masterpiece (16 to 31 tomorrow): 

 



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October 1st - The Houses October Built/The Houses October Built 2

Is it fair to have a double-feature be the first and second in a series? Yup! What better way to kick off the month than a movie with October literally in the name? The answer is there isn't. The Houses October Built will set the tone for some truly great scares even if it’s not an insanely complicated film. Perfect way to begin the month.

 

October 2nd - The Babadook

For all the annoyingness that is the child at the center of The Babadook, this film offers plenty of dark tones and creepy scenes that'll leave viewers with nightmare. It's vintage feel and practical effects will make you yearn for Halloweens past and by the film's end, everyone should be left feeling a little more unsettled.



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October 3rd - An American Werewolf in London

Horror during the Halloween season should be all doom-and-gloom. That's why including movies like An American Werewolf in London are a must. Chilly, scary and, at times, comical, this film has everything from a lycanthropic transformation to decaying bodies and is a must on any October horror list.

 

October 4th - The Witch

Perhaps more Thanksgiving than Halloween, The Witch will provide the perfect witchy feeling to Halloween. However, unlike also must see non-horror films like Hocus Pocus, nothing about this movie is sweet and succulent. It's a disturbing and chaotic rabbit hole that'll leave you clutching your babies and your animals a little closer.

 



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October 5th - Friday the 13th                                    

A summer-set classic, but also one that sparked years and years of Halloween costumes, Friday the 13th is a necessary classic. While the slasher at the core of this franchise first ends up not being Jason at all, Friday the 13th is the movie you have to see if you've ever gone out in a hockey mask to collect candy.

 

October 6th - Evil Dead

Players’ choice on this one. Both the 1981 original and the 2013 remake are worthwhile endeavors to get you in the mood for October. Each features plenty of twisting branches, grotesque kills and a curse that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy.



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October 7th (Weekend Double Feature) - The Orphanage and The Awakening

This night is reserved for a pair of films set in secluded schools and orphanages. For one, orphans make for some scary horror content and sure The Orphanage is more summerset, but it's a spooky Spanish horror film featuring hollow hallways and a masked child that make for an adventure not for the faint of heart. Tack on The Awakening and you have two very accomplished horror films to round out your night.

 

October 8th (Weekend Double Feature) - Insidious/Insidious: Chapter 3 

Insidious is sure to go down as a modern day classic and its absence on any list of Halloween films is a gross oversight. With all the ghoulish figures, jump scares and terrifying haunted house scenes a person could ask for, it is by-and-large one of the scariest movies to come out of the modern film era. For the second movie of the night, skip the shaky sequel and go straight for the underrated gem, Insidious: Chapter 3; a film that has tense, spooky atmosphere and enough jump scares to make your heart stop.

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October 9th - Noroi: The Curse

Often dubbed as one of the scariest horror films ever created, the found-footage Japanese hit, Noroi: The Curse takes the creep factor to the max. More investigative than straight-up horror, Noroi pulls no punches and instead features a number of deaths; disturbing characters and a climax that is, well, scary.

 

October 10th - The Taking of Deborah Logan

The obsession with this movie is borderline obsessive. If there is a list or a category or anything in regards to horror, chances are The Taking of Deborah Logan deserves to be on it. Seemingly coming from nowhere and continuously overlooked, this film is an absolutely terrifying found-footage endeavor. Taking place in cooler months, it'll definitely get you ready for Halloween, all through an old woman more likely to give you hard candy rather than chocolate.

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October 11th - The Last Exorcism

While you'd think naming yourself the last of something would make you, well, last, The Last Exorcism spawned a pretty mediocre sequel and did little to stop the subgenre from moving forward. However, perhaps the quality of The Last Exorcism should have warranted it to be the final nail in the exorcism industry. It’s a terrifying found-footage film taking place in a Podunk town with very questionable religious motives - perfect for the Halloween season.

 

October 12th - Behind the Mask: The Rise and Fall of Leslie Vernon

An indie darling and cult gem, Behind the Mask: The Rise and Fall of Leslie Vernon is the type of cheeky slasher film that'll leave you laughing uncomfortably. It’s a divisive little horror film filled with heart and is sure to put you in the Halloween mood as it satirically rips into the subgenre and brutally attacks our protagonists.

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October 13th - Poltergeist

Without even acknowledging the pointless remake of this horror classic, it must be noted that Poltergeist is an October must. What can be said for this ghoulish flick that hasn't already been talked about? Sure, its graphics may have dated terribly and its acting isn't as strong as some of today's standards, but between the clown toy scene and the bodies in the ditch, Poltergeist is worth your time.

 

October 14th (Weekend Double Feature) - Sinister/Lake Mungo

Mystery swirls around these two films' plots and both have terrifying results. In each, we find characters attempting to unspool a murder, or in the case of Sinister, a series of murders. Is something supernatural going on or is there another, more realistic story? Well, as anyone who knows anything about Sinister can attest to, Bagul certainly isn't human. Lake Mungo on the other hand? That one you'll have to watch to find out. With a much smaller release, this slow-burning horror film is quite the bone chiller.



(imdb.com)

October 15^th (Weekend Double Feature) - The House of the Devil/The Innkeepers

Ti West is quite the horror icon. With both The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers, he's proven himself to be an adept director that can balance absolutely terrifying moments with more lighthearted comedy. The two films that work best together are his retro-flavored movies, The House of the Devil and The Innkeepers. Each are perfectly shot masterpieces that deserve even more credit than they're given and both are some of the scarier choices for a fall night in.