Seasonal Horror for a Frightful October (That are not Halloween)
By Léonie Gervais
Contributor
The best time of the year particularly took its time for me, but it arrived at last as we begin October with questionable weather and the warm hues we know fall so well for. I enjoy horror films all year round, yet autumn remains the time that offers the best settings for a good viewing experience. To accompany that seasonal mood, I chose some horror movies that fit one way or the other with fall, its atmosphere, aesthetics, and, of course, its Halloween festivities. Because stating the obvious would be mundane, this list will not include the Halloween franchise.
Gritty and disgusting, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), is an all-time favorite of mine. While the film takes place during the summer, the warm and dry atmosphere given to the movie will make sure to immerse you as if it were fall. Masked killers are also a staple of Halloween as I’m sure you’ve probably seen the chainsaw-wielding villain of this story somewhere in the streets while trick-or-treating. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre offers a classic sense of fright as “a group of five young friends face a nightmare of torment at the hands of a depraved Texas clan.” This said clan brings to the butchering table iconic villains, amazing kills and a layer of dirt, filth and sweat that will make you feel unclean upon finishing the movie. If given the time, I recommend watching the second entry of the franchise right after completing the first for another ride that is completely different and absurd from the original which I love.
The punching bag of horror, Justin Long, debuts his horror acting career in Jeepers Creepers (2021) as one of our two main protagonists, Darry. The synopsis? “On a desolate country highway, two homeward-bound teens are nearly run off the road by a maniac in a beat-up truck, and later spot him shoving what appears to be a body down a sewer pipe.” The theme song of the same name as the title of the movie is a staple in Halloween songs and it takes a great place in the plot of the film. The actors are amazing, and the unrealistic-looking monster puts you in the mood for the season. Although I will say that, for me, the movie was at its strongest during its first half.
For those of you who are a bit queasier on gore and blood, let me recommend a great psychological thriller that has its climax happen during Halloween — a Halloween party, even! Some will already know what I’m talking about, which is the 2001 movie, Donnie Darko. It’s set in the fall and Halloween season in a very chilling way. The movie may cause you to think a lot; you might have to search for an explanation after seeing the ending, and it’ll touch a lot of layers of yourself (also the soundtrack is amazing). I recommend going in blind for this one.
To wrap up, here are some Flash Picks: Night of the Living Dead, followed by Return of the Living Dead, Trick r’ Treat, and Killer Klowns from Outer Space.