#12 “THE 13 Films of Halloween 2024”
I've always had this peculiar fascination with horror films, you know? The kind that burrows into your mind and stays there, silently waiting to creep up on your thoughts when you least expect it. It's been brewing inside me for quite a while, this need to unravel the mysteries that horror conceals within its shadowy depths. It's like a dark symphony, and one of my musicals ventures into this enigmatic realm.
There's something about the human psyche, an innate impulse, an unspoken yearning to embrace the macabre. I firmly believe it's a universal longing, lurking beneath our collective consciousness. The label "horror" might not always be plastered on a piece of media, but trust me, the eerie threads can be found woven into the most unexpected places.
I once had a significant other who couldn't quite appreciate the art of horror. To celebrate the approach of Halloween each year, I've made it a tradition to curate a collection of 13 spine-tingling films. It's a ritual, really, and every year, I like to give it a unique theme. I remember suggesting to her that our inaugural year together could be a cinematic journey through 13 classics, a kind of initiation into the world of horror. The list was an eclectic mix of sub-genres and cinematic eras, featuring timeless gems like "Psycho," "The Exorcist," "Jaws," "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," "Halloween," "Scream," "The Silence of the Lambs," and more. Classics, each one of them.
She made the effort, I absolutely cannot deny her that. We embarked on this journey through the dark realms of cinema. We even ventured into "Oculus," a film that balanced storytelling and style with a merciful lack of gore, tailored to her preferences. Yet, when the credits rolled, she remained utterly silent. Not a word escaped her lips, no post-movie discussion. It left her shattered, though the reasons remained locked inside her heart, a mystery I could never quite solve.
What intrigues me the most, though, is her affection for "Law and Order: SVU." It's a show with a relentless darkness, a narrative that delves deeper into the abyss of human depravity with each episode. In my humble opinion, the subject matter of SVU rivals the most sinister tales in horror. I won't deny that I've indulged in marathons with Detectives Finn, Benson, and, back in the day, Stabler. Those USA Network binges were a guilty pleasure. But the darkness within SVU can undoubtedly stir the sympathetic nervous system, triggering that primal fight or flight response—increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure.
Anywho, back to the point. This year’s theme is “Unexpectedly Great Sequels.” . Join me on this spine-tingling journey as we navigate the labyrinthine corridors of horror, together, and let the chills wash over us. Let's get spooky, shall we?
For those that would like to follow along…
1. Bride of Frankenstein - 1935
2. The Invisible Man Returns - 1940
3. Dawn of the Dead - 1978
4. Halloween 3: Season of the Witch - 1982
5. Psycho II - 1983
6. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives - 1986
7. Aliens - 1986
8. A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors - 1987
9. Evil Dead II: Dead by Dawn - 1987
10. Hellbound: Hellraiser II - 1988
11. The Exorcist III - 1990
12. Scream 4 - 2011
13. Doctor Sleep - 2019