Lauren Sellman, Arts & Entertainment Editor
Cuckoo promotional banner. Photo//IMP Awards
There are various great scary movies out just in time for Halloween. Whether you are into hardcore horrors or lighthearted comedies, there is something for everyone this season.
Horror
The Substance
Released on September 20th, this body horror is making waves in the scary movie industry as a revolutionary role in the main character, Demi Moore’s career. This twisted film comments on traditional beauty standards and societal fears of old age. It is an eye-opening and gory take on the extreme measures people will take to be accepted and admired in society.
Speak No Evil
Starring James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis, Speak No Evil centers around a rural family getaway gone wrong. Released on September 13th, this psychological horror is a remake of the original Danish-Dutch film from 2022 with the same name and premise. Both the remake and the original have similar ratings on all platforms, but the recent adaptation is said to be a satisfying new perspective on the classic concept. The slow build-up leading to a terrible turn of events will keep audiences on the edge of their seat.
Cuckoo
Released in August, this horror-thriller starring Hunter Schafer is perfectly creepy and entertaining. The film follows a teenage girl forced to move to a remote resort with her unsupportive family. As she uncovers secrets about the resort and her family, the main character comes to terms with what is important to her. Directed by Tilman Singer, the film invites audiences to interpret its winding metaphors, leaving them screaming at the screen for two tense hours.
Mystery/Thriller
I Saw the TV Glow
This A24 Production, released on May 17th, pushes the boundaries of modern horror through an introspective lens. It follows a teenager struggling to find his purpose in life as he becomes entangled in a TV show that distorts reality. The unsettling lights, music, and imagery blur the line between reality and fiction. Addressing themes of mental health and gender identity, I Saw the TV Glow frequently compares the harsh realities of life to the unknown of what could have been. This movie is available to stream on Max and Prime Video.
Blink Twice
Released on August 23, Blink Twice is a psychological thriller written and directed by Zoë Kravitz. Starring Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum, the film follows a cocktail waitress who is spontaneously invited to vacation on a private island with a famous tech CEO. While it seems like a dream come true, a series of odd occurrences lead up to a jaw-dropping plot twist. This film is available to watch on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Not Too Scary
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
This highly-anticipated sequel to the 1988 classic, Beetlejuice, is living up to expectations. Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Jenna Ortega, this story successfully combines the charm and wit of the original film with a refreshing take on the characters as their older selves. The film introduces similar conflicts as the original within the Afterlife, yet introduces new characters and complex themes, such as Beetlejuice’s ex-wife, that keep it interesting for all ages. This movie is now available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Comments