film Archives - The Void of Celluloid

Black History Month: The Legacy of Duane Jones

on February 10, 2023February 9, 2023 By thevoidofcelluloid

In recognition of Black History Month, TVOC is going to focus on notable figures throughout horror history. Horror has not been a key place for diversity, but there is progress being made. These are the trailblazers that signified and enacted change in the genre. These figures made active progress to fight against harmful tropes and stereotypes that horror films have perpetuated. Therefore, we have to celebrate them and thank them for their work and impact.

The first one we will focus on is the man behind the first Black protagonist in a horror film: Duane Jones. Jones did more than just play Ben in Night of the Living Dead; he shaped his character the way he wanted to be. However, he never wanted to be remembered only for his first role, so let’s get into his life, career and legacy.

Life Before Night of the Living Dead

Duane Jones had quite the career before starring in Night of the Living Dead. He received his B.A. from the University of Pittsburg. He went on to be an exchange scholar in Niger and taught English at Long Island University. On top of this, he developed the English-language training programs for the Peace Corps and had a hand in developing the Harlem Preparatory School. He was the head of the English department once the school was operational.

In addition to his educational work, Jones was also heavily involved in theater and acting. He directed at the Maguire Theater at the New York State University and served as artistic director at the Richard Allen Center in New York City. He had many theater roles while in New York City. After many years and at age 31, he decided to take a knack at film auditions.

Night of the Living Dead: Ben

George A. Romero has been clear for several years; Duane Jones got the role because he was the best at the audition. There was initially no political agenda with Night of the Living Dead. It was originally written as a sci-fi movie with flesh eating aliens. The original concept of Ben was a blue collared truck driver–gruff, stern and surviving using brawn, not brains. However, after Jones nailed the audition, the image of Ben started to shift instantaneously. This started with the script.

Night of the Living Dead Cast and Crew - Duane Jones

Almost all of Ben’s lines were reworked by Duane Jones himself. With Jones’ expertise in theater and literature, Romero and co-writer John Russo gladly gave over the reins. With these reworkings comes nuance and depth to Ben’s character, all of which was completed by Jones’ acting and expression. Instead of the original rough-and-tough trucker, we got a layered, complex protagonist who was aware of his Blackness in a late 1960s setting. The way that Ben was rewritten in conjunction with the original ending Romero and Russo wrote led Night of the Living Dead to accumulate a social justice message as time went on.

Ganja and Hess: The Age of Blaxploitation

Years after his pivotal role in Night of the Living Dead, Jones went continued his work in the education and theater scene. He got his master’s in communications during the filming of Night of the Living Dead. His next starring role was in a Blaxploitation film written and directed by Bill Gunn known as Ganja and Hess. If that name sounds familiar, Spike Lee recently remade this film as Da Sweet Blood of Jesus and experimental hip hop group Clipping. developed their album “There Existed an Addiction to Blood” around the film.

Duane Jones played Dr. Hess Green, who is stabbed with an ancient dagger by his unstable assistant. Due to the stab, he is turned in to a blood craving vampire. Ganja is the assistant’s wife, who is widowed soon after the maiming. Hess is quickly infatuated with her and determined to turn her so they can be together. Both Jones and his co-star Marlene Clark knock their respective roles out of the park. The vampirism in this movie is a brilliant metaphor for addiction, it comes through in both of the tragic protagonists. In the few films Jones’ starred in, this is one of his breakout roles.

His Later Career: Losing Ground, Vampires, TO Die FOR

While Losing Ground is not a horror film, it needs mentioning when discussing Duane Jones and Black film history in general. Losing Ground was the first feature film directed by a Black woman since the 1920s and was recently selected for preservation by the Library of Congress. After Losing Ground, Jones focused primarily on theater. He worked heavily with the Black Theater Alliance to promote work around New York City. His last two films were two other vampire flicks in which he carries but weren’t truly notable: Vampires and To Die For.

Kathleen Collins's Lost Masterwork, “Losing Ground” | The New Yorker

Duane Jones died suddenly due to cardiac arrest at the age of 51–way too soon. In terms of legacy, it is undeniable that he is a trailblazer through and through. However, it took ages for another key horror film to have a Black protagonist at the helm of their movie. Duane Jones’ name lives on today. The recital hall at New York State University is named after him as well as a character in The Walking Dead. He is truly a legend.

What’s Next

That wraps up the brief overview on Duane Jones. There is something in the works to discuss Night of the Living Dead overall given the 55th anniversary is swiftly approaching, so stay tuned for that. Visual media has been on a pause as of late. However, you should go check out TVOC’s TikTok as more content will be coming shortly. There will be a week pause next week for articles. However, expect more articles following that break. 2023 is turning out to be a great year for The Void of Celluloid, so be sure to stay tuned.

Anyways, thanks for spelunking this void with me. If you’re new to the Void of Celluloid, welcome. Feel free to spelunk some other voids while you’re here and follow me on other platforms by clicking the buttons below. We post regularly and stay up to date about what’s going on in horror today, reflect on what went on yesterday, and plan for a better, horror filled tomorrow. See ya next time.

A Toast to the Creative Kill: Raise a Glass to Freaky

on February 8, 2023January 31, 2023 By thevoidofcelluloid

A shared experience for every horror fan is sitting in the theater for a new horror film that they already know how it’s going to end. Whether it be too much advertisement or the writer’s pitfalls, it can be a semi-disappointing viewing experience. The viewer doesn’t necessarily want a M. Night Shyamalan sized twist at the end to prove themselves wrong–they don’t really care if they’re right–but they would definitely appreciate some spice to keep the experience enjoyable. There is one technique that can be a saving grace for a horror film: a creative kill.

Horror will remain one of the more creative genres on the film spectrum. However, there is monotony that future creators are trying to dodge when releasing a new film out into the world. One of the genres that faces the most monotony is the slasher genre. With its never-ending sequels and reboots, it seems like all the kills of characters that you care less with each film never hit quite as hard as watching the original. Even A Nightmare on Elm Street with its dream realm lost its spark as the sequels seemed to go on and on, despite its open availability to do something new and out there.

Creative kills are a thing that horror creators do to engage its audience. It surprises them in moments rather than the whole plot. Sometimes it works better than trying to add a twist that people end up anticipating in the first place. I can save a film too. If a viewer remembers a certain death, even if they didn’t enjoy the film as a whole, that could be considered a win.

Warning: Spoilers past this point

BREAKING THE VIEWER’s TRUST

While a horror fan knows not to get too close to any characters in their favorite horror series, it happens anyways. They want the best for these characters ultimately. When it comes down to their brutal death, there is a powerful emotion that comes with it. Sometimes they don’t see it coming. Most of the time they do see it coming and convince themselves that the writers simply wouldn’t do that. This is what makes this technique the cruelest of the creative kill.

Fear Street: 1994

These attachments are usually side characters that shine just as bright as the main character. A main example in recent times is Kate in Fear Street: 1994, which is one of the most unfair and creative deaths I’ve seen in the recent years. Kate is lovable. She and her best friend Simon have some hilarious, if chaotic, moments together that just makes the audience care and love them more.

As the film arrives at the final grocery store showdown and the Skull Face Killer locks her in a chokehold, the film convinces the viewers she isn’t going to die. She had escaped death too many times to count prior in the movie, she has to get out of this. He slams her down on the table and her head slides closer and closer to that bread slicer. The film convinces the viewers once more someone will save her since this team is always looking out for each other, and her screaming her head off has to attract one of them to help her. All that hope shatters into pieces as the audience gets a close up shot of her head becoming shredded by this once ordinary, now malicious machine.

Scream 2

Another way to shock the audience is killing off what seems like a quintessential-to-the-plot character. In recent years, the fake-out death of Marty in The Cabin in the Woods is an example of this kind of kill. The one that has stuck with many horror fans however was the killing of Randy in Scream 2.

Lovable, adorkable Randy who was an easy target in the first film but delivered very necessary information on the tropes of a horror film that saved a lot of his friends’ asses. He, like us watching a horror film, knew what pleasant predictability felt like; the first Scream is chock full of pleasant predictability with its main but effective curve being there was a second killer and it was Stu. With its equally enjoyable sequel, we think we are just as self aware as Randy. Therefore, we together are not susceptible to the killer’s tricks.

All of those comforting feelings go out the window, or rather into the back of the van when Ghostface murders Randy in broad daylight with Gale and Dewey so close by. Upon each viewing, the kill is just as devastating as it is the first time. A die-hard horror fan relates the most to this character, and his death dismisses the belief that his knowledge and self awareness alone could keep him alive for another round.

The extreme: Torture porn versus arthouse

There are two genres that have the same level of brutality most of the time. They differ so heavily from each other. The genres are arthouse horror and a genre lovingly known as torture porn. Both feature disturbing images and scarring scenes, but a film that completely relies on tolerance to gore doesn’t mean it’s the most creative. The best horror movies are ones that non-horror fans can watch, in my opinion. It doesn’t mean that they won’t come out unscathed– some of the mentions on this list are disturbing–but it’s not watching people die in bloody, gruesome ways back-to-back.

Torture Horror

These types of films have their fanbases, and I am not invalidating their feelings towards these films. In regards to their accessibility , their grisly goriness earns them their praise rather than storyline. This does not mean that the kills in these films aren’t creative, they are overly creative. However, they lose their impact by having so many creative kills back to back. It allows a new kind of unpredictability that creates excitement for what bizarre thing will come next , which amps up fans of torture porn. This allows for some creative error, because while a lot of these films continue to have out of the box moments, the excitement with each sequel dims and dims as each sequel falls short.

An example of this last year is Spiral, the Saw reboot. While this film was sadly hindered due to movie theater closures due to COVID, there was an overall complaint about seeing things that have already been done before in the franchise. In a series full of traps that are made of the masses’ worst nightmares, it a risk to make so many movies which ultimately turn away a general crowd due to its brutality and turn away its cult following due to running out of ideas. You can see this same progression in many of Eli Roth and Rob Zombie films too, meaning that going to the extreme all the time can burn out the creative spark that make this gory flicks tick.

Arthouse Horror

Another genre of film that can be hit or miss but can teach the torture porn genre a thing or two about how frequently to use creative kills is the arthouse horror genre. The obvious recent examples are films such as Hereditary, Midsommar and The House That Jack Built. These films can exhibit as equally creative and disturbing scenes as the torture porn films, but these films use a one-and-done method. They’re films where it is okay if they’re not watched again, since they can be deeply disturbing, even for the most desensitized horror fan, but there is no hinderance in watching it again, as most of the time there is opportunity to understand and see more than one saw in the first viewing.

Comparison

While most arthouse horror have things that are odd and out of the usual, it is usually in a slow burn format rather than the fast-paced timing of torture porn movies, which allows for a break from the gore but also creates a foundation of dread to build upon during the film’s usually longer runtime. Much like the grisly films mentioned above, these films are not everybody’s cup of tea, but they are the films that are shaping the horror scene. More mainstream films follow the influence of arthouse horror, which includes the films from recent horror powerhouse Jordan Peele, who utilizes disturbing images and creative kills to his benefit in both of his films Get Out and Us–specifically the use of the giant scissors as well as the deer head stabbing.

Overall, both of these genres have changed what modern horror fans are looking for in horror films. Whether it be an out-there arthouse film or a grisly never-ending death hour, both genres hold heavy influence over the modern-day horror film, with viewers seeking out more and more creativity in the standard mainstream horror films that come out year after year.

Conclusion

It is undeniable that the use of creative kills defines what the horror genre. It also separates it from the similar thriller genre. When used correctly, an out-of-the-box kill can shake things up for a seemingly predictable movie. This can be used to the enjoyment of the general viewer and the horror fan, even if it involves some broken hearts along the way (I’m still not over Randy’s death). However, when used too often, it can alienate both the casual horror viewer as well as its cult follower. Nonetheless, it is an essential technique that is used by the best horror filmmakers out there and is a one stop shop to make a horror film memorable.

creative kill creative kill creative kill creative kill creative kill..

What Final Girl are You?

Featured By thevoidofcelluloid

Whilst juggling life, I have gone to the textbook of variety article pages–the standard quiz. Yes, this is in the theme of a Buzzfeed quiz, but hang with me. It’s all about horror: specifically final girls. I love these kinds of quizzes and they will a remain a guilty pleasure.

Ever wanted to find out what final girl you were? Well, The Void of Celluloid has you covered. Short but sweet. Find out using the quiz below and see if you get what you expect. There are ten different results ranging through the years, so try your hand if you’re like me and get the answer you truly want. The Void of Celluloid also has a whole article on these lovely ladies that you can view here if you’re itching for more: The Final Girl: How Wes Craven Saves the Day.

What’s Next?

Not much to say on this sleepy Wednesday other than praising the final girls, but coming up on Friday is TVOC’s review of M3GAN. After weeks of trying and failing, I was finally able to catch it in theaters and I have plenty of thoughts on it. Be sure to look out for that. The Void of Celluloid has new articles every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As for other platforms, I post daily on TikTok and Instagram, so be sure to check those out and follow for more content. There is no harm having more horror in your life.

The Best and Worst of Anthology Horror: A List

Featured By thevoidofcelluloid

Anthology horror has risen to one of the more popular subgenres of horror, and it is easy to see why. The idea of shortened, contained scares are appealing to both the binge watcher and the casual TV viewer. The subgenre has such beautiful roots too, since anthology horror found its home in the imagination of Rod Serling in 1959 with his groundbreaking series, The Twilight Zone. Since then, the subgenre has been tackled in many different ways. Some go the route of a feature film; some continue the episode-by-episode short story. Nevertheless, anthology continues to dazzle us.

These suggestions are sorted in order from least likely to suggest to most likely to suggest to someone. There are brief reviews with each in explaining why I put them here, but there will be no spoilers anywhere in this post. If you’re wondering if you’ve seen this before, this is a redux of the very first post on The Void of Celluloid–I just knew I could do it better this time. Now, onwards with the last place pick and up.

Tied for last Place: Holidays, THe ABCs Of death Series

Photo example of anthology horror Holidays — *Holidays,* XYZ Films (2016)

I do understand that I stated these are watchable, and while these films cause me pain, they’re not unwatchable. While there are good individual stories in these films, their entireties are not worth your time. Holidays was especially disappointing, because Kevin Smith did the Halloween short for Holidays. Now, one of my favorite directors meets my favorite holiday should have been an easy knockout for me, and I was ready to grant it a little grace, but oh boy, it was bad.

As for The ABCs of Death, I admire the concept of a collection of international short horror films, but some of the films were either too disturbing to the point I wanted to turn it off or way too ridiculous (for example, F is for Fart) that it took me out it completely. If that intrigues you however, then definitely go show these super-indie darlings some love. If not, avoid them as their redeeming qualities don’t outweigh the bad parts for casual horror fans.

AMerican Horror Story seasons 3-11

Photo example of anthology horror series American Horror Story — *American Horror Story: Coven* (2013), FX Television

I took a lukewarm stand two years ago–I’m ready to ream. American Horror Story‘s later seasons gradually got worse as they went on, despite recalling content from AHS: Murder House and more. Despite being Ryan Murphy’s claim to fame post-Glee, this series is obviously on the back burner of his overflowing project stove. While seasons 3, 4 and 5 have their redeeming moments–yes, I love Gaga–the first two seasons have separated themselves due to the downward trajectory of AHS and it started with those seasons. It will end whenever FX stops it.

Ryan Murphy has overstayed his welcome when it comes to horror television, and American Horror Story is tired and lethargic now when it was once so mystifying before. With most of the original cast moving on from the series, it is time to lay it to rest in these next few years. I’m pleading to Mr. Murphy to refocus his energy from retraumatizing victims of notorious serial killers to ending American Horror Story on a high note rather than the dumpster fire state it’s in now.

Twilight Zone: The Movie

Yeah, this film. This film suffered in production hell and was shadowed by the tragic, notorious helicopter accident that occurred on its set. That doesn’t stop it from being a decent film, but its history should be kept in mind when viewing–especially since the victims of this crash remain in the film and their deaths were completely unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. Due to unsafe conditions as well as other illegal activities at the fault of John Landis and careless others–Vic Morrow, Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen were killed while shooting a highly dangerous and unnecessary scene. There is a more detailed video here which goes into the other disgusting things that goes more into the nitty gritty details that was fascinating and heartbreaking all at once.

With a story from Steven Spielberg as well as memorable moments from Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow, it is a film that goes under the radar for many. However, with its heavy history and background makes it a hard watch. Despite it all, this film is a good film with genuine storytelling. It should never go without the context of what happened, and John Landis doesn’t deserve any praise due to it–what he did was monstrous and unforgivable, and his seemingly callous nature makes it worse.

Creepshow 2

While the first one is admired for its cheesiness, but this sequel doesn’t hold a candle to the first one. While its budget quadrupled from the first and the special effects seemingly improved, it is extremely campy and leans more on the comical side. This adds a layer of meta-ness to the feature which blurs out its flaws and leaves us with an adequate sequel and a second helping of the greatness Creepshow provided.

Stephen King and George A. Romero were still behind the wheel (quite literally in King’s case). Therefore, the writing is still on par. Probably the worst crime of this film is that it is too campy. Where there’s a will for camp, there’s a way to view and enjoy, so despite it laying it on thick, the film can be a fun time. Approach this one with a not-so-serious mindset and enjoy another journey with The Creep.

Cat’s Eye

Anthology Horror — Drew Barrymore in *Cat’s Eye* (1985), MGM

Awe, isn’t lil’ Drew Barrymore adorable? Cat’s Eye is a more accessible anthology film by Stephen King, in which the viewer follows a cat around through three chilling tales, which seems to be the magic number for King. I remember watching this when I was younger, around age 10, and remember it being rather tame. Its quality short stories from King and the groundbreaking for a flowing anthology film rather than broken up, separate stories is the reason it deserves a space on this list.

Keep in mind this is a PG rated 80s horror movie. It is not meant to be terrifying. It’s spooky instead, barely a degree above Goosebumps. Taking that into account will lower the expectations to make this film an enjoyable experience. Since it is so tame, I would consider this film a starter-horror for younger audiences or horror newbies looking for a chill up the spine.

Fear Street Series

Fear Street Trilogy Review: Dark, exhilarating, flawed but engaging tribute to the slasher genre- Cinema express — *Fear Street Trilogy* (2021), Netflix

It was exciting to see R.L. Stine’s name attached to a modern production, especially one that was promising some gory, grown-up scares. These movies are fun and have a few creative tricks of its sleeve (yes, THAT misfortune in the bakery) but overall, it is an homage to the ones that came before. It’s campy and predictable, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a fun romp for sure. It’s a surprisingly brutal installment to the seasoned anthology horror genre.

The second part is a very good horror film and homage to the slashers that came before, the first part had a Scream vibe and the third one fell flat as a The VVitch wannabe, finally picking up in its last twenty minutes. I am curious to see what else the creators plan on dishing out in the rumored future installments. Also, it is the only film on this list to have LGBTQ representation–something the horror genre struggles with–so major props to them as there are quite a few modern anthology horrors that do not have any,

The Mortuary COllection

Theis the only one tied to an exclusive subscription just for horror. This is a fun and creative–though predictable–horror film through the subscription Shudder. Shudder recently did a revamp on Creepshow, and while it is not on this list, it is a worthy revival that I cannot recommend more. The Morturary Collection has a very smooth blend of gore, scares and chuckles throughout the film, being sure to not let up until the credits roll.

It has a lot of good twists and turns and is the gorier one on the list, so if you’re into more intense horror, especially body horror, this one should be on your watchlist. It is a treat with spectacular performances from new and familiar faces alike. Euphoria fans, if you ever wanted to watch Nate Jacobs go through hell, the story with Jacob Elordi should provide the catharsis you crave.

American Horror Story Seasons 1 & 2

Finally, here is the beginning of the series. I absolutely adore these first two seasons and their re-watchability factor is extremely high. I’ve seen the first season multiple times, so much so that it has become a comfort show of mine. As far as critical acclaim goes, the second season is the best of the whole series–even with its wacky tangents. These seasons are impressive and caused a splash back in the day. They also stand strong enough to be separated from the rest of the series–when I talk about AHS being a good show, I’m talking about these two seasons.

There is also a complexity in characters in both seasons, brilliantly acted by Zachary Quinto, Jessica Lange, Lily Rabe and Evan Peters. It has its touch of cheesiness, but that can be expected from a horror series made the same creator that made Glee. Nevertheless, this was and still remains to be highly influential horror television, and it’s sad that creators have dropped the ball on its latest iterations. Sometimes it is not the best to juggle multiple projects at one time.

V/H/S

This film started the reign of Brad Miska in regard to horror anthology of the 2010s. Miska served as producer of this iconic found-footage anthology film and with the involvement of Bloody Disgusting, this film was met with wide acclaim from horror audiences. With the most notable segment of the first iteration “Amateur’s Night” being the launchpad of director David Bruckner, it is one of the more disturbing films on this list and definitely doesn’t fall into a “starter-horror” situation. Instead, this is catered to the commonly desensitized horror fan that is looking for a good scare–V/H/S 2 specifically.

V/H/S spawned several sequels which has brought forth some amazing filmmakers and has entertained us both in the past and the future with future installments. It’s a clever way to compile short films into something that is accessible, and it has remained independent which allows for independent filmmakers to helm a segment–which has led to debut feature films, like Chloe Okuno’s Watcher. Yes, she is the one that gave us the blessed Raatma.

Southbound

As I mentioned in the previous segment, the films from this team are not for the faint of heart. Southbound is more of a flowing cinematic anthology rather than the found-footage format that Miska started out with. It brings back most of the directors from the first V/H/S as they tell ghastly stories centered around a wild batch of characters. In describing the impact of this film, I have only watched once, which was about five years ago.

The visuals and stories were so impactful, that it skyrocketed to the top of my mental list when brainstorming for the topic. I am still patiently waiting for this film’s spotlight, as it is a dark but memorable watch that really shows what these seasoned filmmakers can do. Southbound is hauntingly beautiful at times and grotesque at others–which is what makes it so high on this list.

Goosebumps/Are You Afraid of the Dark?

This is legendary anthology horror that everyone and their moms can recognize. Are You Afraid of the Dark? dominated Nickelodeon. Goosebumps lurked on Fox Kids. The child-oriented scares were unavoidable, and legacies were born. While it is seemingly controversial today to have scary things on kids’ networks, it was not an uncommon sight for the 90s to the early 2000s and inducted a lot into the genre.

This is as “starter-horror” as it gets. Both Goosebumps and Are You Afraid of the Dark? established whether or not millennials liked to be scared or not. Both mild yet creepy, it is no coincidence that both have experienced reboots in one form or another to enlighten today’s younger audience. They offer nostalgia to many audiences and most people under the age of 35 can say that one of these series got them into horror.

Tales from the Crypt

A classic serving us an icon that was The Cryptkeeper. Horror fans and 90s kids alike remember Tales from the Crypt fondly. It was an anthology series based on the same comics that inspired other works such as Creepshow. Therefore, it was a quick classic that found its home on HBO for over seven years. It remains a staple for horror television and delivered spooky and cooky tales…from the crypt.

It also brought in a multitude of talent to tell different stories each week. Always hosted by the iconic puppet host The Cryptkeeper, Tales from the Crypt is a delightful trip down memory lane back to Jim Henson-style stories of the late 80s. Every episode holds up brilliantly because it never took itself too seriously and embraced the cheesefest that was its content. Therefore, I consider it a delight to watch as a horror fan, young and old.

The Haunting Series

Watch The Haunting of Hill House | Netflix Official Site — *The Haunting of Hill House* (2018), Netflix

The only horror series that I will ever advise to have tissues with you at all times is The Haunting series. Mike Flanagan–our modern horror saint–takes the chilling classic tales of The Haunting of Hill House and The Turn of the Screw and–with his careful personal touches–crafts terrifying, melancholic masterpieces. Bending through time with stories that span decades, these series are poised and will go down as some of the best horror television of all time, if they aren’t already considered that.

The Haunting series have loveable characters, terrifying ghosts and is also one of the most diverse casts in the horror scene as of late, including a beautiful Sapphic love story in The Haunting of Bly Manor. Much like Ryan Murphy and his ragtag regulars, Flanagan has his Flanafam, which always deliver the best performances in anything they do, making each of his projects a delight to watch time after time. Again, bring tissues with you, especially for Bly Manor.

Tales from the Hood

This film has been and is currently seeping with social relevance. Tales from the Hood is a storyteller-based anthology flick, which tells four stories. The first story is particularly disturbing following the recent events that occurred in 2020. Sadly, this classic seems to be swept under the rug. More people need to take note on its impacts in film–particularly the horror genre in which stereotypes and violent tropes have been in use for several years.

It speaks on generational trauma, police brutality and many more social topics by using the conventions of horror to showcase how the reality of things is much more horrifying than the fiction. Tales from the Hood recently got a sequel from its original creators in 2018 and both films were produced by Spike Lee’s film production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks. It delivers horror as well as it delivers its metaphors and commentary, therefore it deserves the higher spot on this list.

Creepshow

A-ha, the blueprint of anthology horror as a singular film makes its appearance in the top three, of course. This lovely brainchild of Stephen King and George A. Romero is a cheesy delight and remains the posterchild of anthology horror. The use of original storytelling in the height of Stephen King adaptations paid off well for the movie’s success and budget. In pair with the original stories, the film takes inspiration from the classic horror comics of the 1950s–most notably Tales from the Crypt.

While you’ll giggle at times, it remains one of those cult classics that will stand the test of time, which its sequel and its very recent reboot through Shudder proved. The visuals are impressive despite its B-movie budget and this film knows to not take itself too seriously, so it has aged like a fine wine over the years. You can’t wear your horror badge too proudly if you haven’t sat through this one.

Trick ‘r’ Treat

This film has a very special place in my heart and the fact I’ve seen a rapid increase of merchandise come Halloween time proves it has found its footing in more mainstream horror. This is one of those films that survives the phenomenon of straight-to-DVD due to its creative storytelling, format and aesthetic. Michael Dougherty is responsible for this film, with it being a precursor to his more well-known holiday horror Krampus (though that is debatable given the rising interest in this film). Trick ‘r’ Treat focuses on the urban legends of Halloween as we follow several stories that are in observance of Samhain himself–in the most adorably sadistic get up we’ve ever seen a horror figure have.

Upon my discovery of this movie in 2009, there is not a Halloween that goes by that I do not watch this movie at least once. Sure, it can be a little messy in its storytelling at times, but it is a perfect anthology that braids into each other, notes its inspirations and improves upon it. Please watch it if you haven’t, and for those that have made it tradition like me, rock on. Now let’s hope that sequel comes out soon.

The twilight Zone

If mentioned in the introduction, it needs to top this list. This is the only suitable place for this revolutionary TV show to go, as we would not have the formatting for anthology horror without it. Rod Serling was a master storyteller, providing nearly every story for the show in its 150-plus episode run. It has inspired countless others and changed the way people approached television. The Twilight Zone was not a show that you needed to watch every time to keep up, but you would kick yourself if you missed an episode.

It goes without a doubt that Rod Serling will be one of the greatest on the small screen. His craft proved brilliant by the generations that The Twilight Zone crosses, whether it be copious amounts of reboots trying to revive that original charm or a kid recognizing the theme song from Disneyland, The Twilight Zone will forever remain a classic as well as the golden standard on how to put short story to screen.

What’s Next

That is my redux on anthology horror. Obviously, I can’t get all of them in here, or we’d be here forever. These are ones that I personally experienced. Therefore, I would love to hear what your favorite anthology horror film or show is out there and if you agree with the ones already mentioned. As for what’s next on TVOC, stay tuned for updates on The Last of Us, reviews of recent horror films and other fun tidbits. We’re here three times a week and every day on Instagram and TikTok.

The Void’s Top Ten Horror Films of 2022

Featured By thevoidofcelluloid

It was a fantastic year for horror this previous year. Nearly every month, something notable dropped. Sure, we had some ugly ones (I’m looking at you, Texas Chainsaw Massacre), but we also had some great ones. 2022 is going to be a year that we talk about when we look back on film history, and horror is a standout genre in that discussion. My top three picks will remain in people’s mouths for sure. Due to awards season always looking bleak for this genre, I am taking it into my own hands to give these films the praise they deserve.

Already looking forward to the new year? I also talked about my top five most anticipated horror films for 2023, which you can check out here. If you would rather a starter guide to horror and have no idea what I’m on about, I made a series just for you, which you can check out here. Nevertheless, let’s move on and discuss my top ten picks for this previous year.

10. The Black Phone

The Black Phone' review: Ethan Hawke embodies fears of Stranger Danger generation | Mashable

While I consider this one more of a thriller, The Black Phone stands out this year for the outstanding performances it provided. Not only did Ethan Hawke kill it as the diabolical Grabber, but its two lead protagonists are sure to be rising stars. Sure, this film did have its plot holes, but it is easily corrected by imaginative autofill or reading the source material, which is a quick read. A slow burn in an entertaining way–I was a fan. You can read my review for this film here, but there is definitely enough here to make my top ten.

9. Studio 666

Foo Fighters Made a Horror Film. Because Why Not? - The New York Times

Speaking of endearment behind films, Studio 666 is a beautiful, hilarious ode to the Foo Fighters and what they were and still are. Taylor Hawkins was a tragic loss this year, and it happened so quickly after the release of this celebratory film. However, it is honestly a heartwarming and heartbreaking tribute to the glorious friendships in that band. It’s still a fun watch however, with goofy scenes followed by grisly kills. I definitely don’t recommend it to the merely acquainted fans, but if you’re in on the jokes already with the Foo, then you’re in for a grand ol’ time.

8. Watcher

Watcher was a fantastic watch. This is Chloe Okuno’s debut feature film after co-directing V/H/S ’94, a fun anthology from the previous year. Her and Maika Monroe are a match made in heaven as a shocking, disturbing tale takes form over a fast hour and a half. The paranoia you will feel during this film is exemplary and will have you checking out your windows for suspicious activity–or make you too scared to even do so. This was a terrifying watch when I lived in my downtown apartment.

7. Sissy

I just recently reviewed this film right here on TVOC, so be sure to check it out if you want some more details. Sissy is the unsung hero of 2022. A smaller, indie film that was released as a Shudder exclusive made me laugh and gasp the whole way through. It’s the first horror film that accurately spoofs the influencer generation in the best way without making fun of the concept. It also is an introspective look on trauma and how severe things can get if its triggered. While that might be in a satirical way, there is still some endearment behind it all.

6. The Menu

Alright, this one definitely leans more towards the thriller-comedy, but the concept alone is horrifyingly brilliant that I had to include it on this list. No, this film isn’t about cannibalism like the trailer made it seem like it was, but rather about the horrors of the service industry–something that a lot of us can relate to. There are brilliant performances all around in this movie, the story is exciting, and it is full of twists and turns. This film is available for streaming on HBO Max as of January, so watch it as soon as you can. It is just as good on the rewatch as well. This one isn’t in my top five only because it is barely horror.

5. Bodies, Bodies, Bodies

Bodies Bodies Bodies: The Void's Top Ten

This one looked like it might have been a stinker this year, but it ended up being one of my favorites. Bodies, Bodies, Bodies is a brilliant horror comedy that has one of the best twists I’ve ever seen in a horror movie. While the first twenty minutes of this movie take a while to get going, you’ll be hooked once it kicks off. If you’re skeptical throughout, I beg you to wait for the ending. It clicks everything into place and steps it up from a fun time to a great, hilarious time. This one has stuck with me and made it pretty high on my top ten list.

4. Fresh

Who knew dating could be just as horrifying as cannibalism? This one IS about cannibalism, even though the first twenty minutes play out like a traditional romcom. Sebastian Stan and Daisy Edgar Jones deliver a performance that leaves you on the edge of your seat throughout its runtime. I feel like this one deserves a revisit as it was huge and then disappeared as the year went on. It is gross, but if you can get past it, there is a worthwhile film in there with a final act that makes it all worth it in the end, two times over.

3. Pearl / x (TIE)

This one is a tie, because one would not exist without the other. Ti West has returned in triumphant fashion with his films X and Pearl. This is the quickest trilogy ever to exist once Maxxxine drops this year. Not only is it the quickest, but it’s also dripping with quality. X and Pearl are both effective horror films that tell the most outlandish stories that provide metaphors on aging, inhibitions, sex and more. It is female rage incarnate with Mia Goth playing the starring role, and I am eating it up, not leaving a crumb.

2. Nope

Alright, some may argue this isn’t a horror film. It’s definitely a genre fusion, leaning more towards sci-fi and comedy, but has some standout horrifying moments that makes it jump up on this list for me. The Gordy situation as well as the entire Star Lasso experience are some of the more disturbing things I’ve seen in a film in a while. NOPE is a fantastic film and while Get Out is a masterpiece and one of my favorite horror films of all time, this is my favorite of Jordan Peele’s releases so far. I wrote an entire article on what the Gordy scene is even about, I loved it so much.

1. Barbarian

You had to see this coming. Barbarian is inventive and will go down as a legendary horror film. It’s hard to believe that this is Zach Cregger’s first horror film. He completely knocked it out of the park. This film has its immaculate twists and turns, making it a fun, disturbing and memorable watch. I simply laughed in disbelief the entire time due to how great this movie is. If you haven’t seen it, go watch it as soon as possible and go in completely blind. It’s truly a trip and an experience you won’t forget. I don’t even want to write about it because I don’t want to give it away, but it is possibly in my top ten of the decade.

What’s NExt

Thank you for hearing me out on these top ten films. What are your thoughts on these films? Let me know in the comments and I am happy to discuss. As for what’s next, TVOC is posting daily content on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. There will be buttons below to check out that and you can see my lovely face discussing various topics on the regular. Be sure to follow those if you’re into fun facts, history, and the occasional fan edit dedicated to the art that is horror. There usually isn’t many top ten lists, but there is top fives. New blog posts will be posted Monday, Wednesday and Friday as regularly as possible.

What’s Coming Out This Month: January Horror 2023

Featured By thevoidofcelluloid 1 Comment

This is the first January I’ve seen in a while that I am actually excited for the films that are coming out. January is a notorious month for horror fans alike as it seems like studios purge their bad horror movies in the first month of the new year. However, 2023 is starting off with some decent picks. If not, there are plenty of classics and recent favorites that are on streaming that you can check out in the meantime.

Let’s kick it off some new releases that are both releasing theatrically and streaming. These films are exclusively premiering for the first time. Let’s get into it.

New Releases

M3GAN – January 6th

M3GAN already dropped this weekend to surprisingly positive reviews. Definitely a better outlook than anticipated. It seems like there is a dose of meta comedy to this film. In the same vein as Child’s Play, the talking doll with an evil spirit has been done before. However, it seems like M3GAN is a modern take that works greatly in its favor. During this slow month for theater releases, go give it a try and don’t take it too seriously.

Skinamarink – January 13th

If you’ve been on the internet, you’ve definitely heard about this one. Skinamarink is an indie darling that recently gained praised due to the pirating of it and the internet praising it. While it is ultimately sad it was pirated, it is something to be said about the excitement and praise that has gathered around a film with a $15k budget. Skinamarink is looking to be the younger depressed brother of the OG The Evil Dead. With its official release, please support this indie darling and rent it, because it’s guaranteed an interesting, psychological watch.

There’s SOmething Wrong With THe CHildren – January 17th

Ah, the kids aren’t alright. Directed by Roxanne Benjamin–a frequent collaborator with the V/H/S group, a family trip goes sideways as some kids go missing. Upon their return, they are acting strange. Not in the traumatized way, but more in the Pet Semetary kind of way. Evil children are always scary, so having parricidal children as the focus of the film is a perfect setup for an unsettling film. This film also stars Zach Gilford, who has been one of my favorites in the past two years–both in Midnight Mass and The Midnight Club. There’s Something Wrong with the Children is set up with experienced creators, so be sure to check it out,

Kids vs. aliens – January 20th

Speaking of V/H/S, this film is a spin-off of a short from V/H/S 2. ‘Slumber Party Alien Abduction’ should ring a bell if you’ve seen V/H/S 2 and it is finally realized in a feature length film that will be available on Shudder. On top of all of this, it seems to have a Stranger Things kind of vibe that might make this film tamer than the inspiration films. Therefore, it might read more like a starter sci-fi horror film–similar to Super 8. Expect a fun, quick time with a colorful explosion.

Teen Wolf: The Movie – January 26th

Now, this is strictly on here for guilty pleasure’s sake. Teen Wolf is an iconic teen horror show that is finally getting a movie spinoff. Almost everyone will be returning for a reuniting battle against evil five years after the show’s strong ending. The only crime here is that Dylan O’Brien will not be returning, which is very sad for Stiles fans like myself. It should be a fun time and is another example of Paramount+ really delivering for 2000’s kids with these revivals.

Now on Streaming

These are films new and old that you need to check out this month to get your monthly dose of horror. These films will be added to these streaming services this month and should offer a variety of classics and newcomers to tide you over this slow month.

The Menu – HBO MAX

Everyone needs to see this film. This was one of my favorites of the year, and while it falls more into the thriller category, there are tidbits of horror. Some of the behavior of the people is horrific enough to qualify it. The Menu is funny, delightful and tense. It’s a great movie and if you have ever worked in the service industry, you will have a profound understanding and appreciation for this movie. If not, this might have you considering how you treat those in the service industry. Watch it as soon as you can.

The Devil’s Backbone – Amazon Prime

A classic film from the legendary Guillermo del Toro. The Devil’s Backbone is a haunting tale that is as visually stunning as it is beautifully written. It’s a creepy ghost story tied to a bloody historical event: The Spanish Civil War. Del Toro loves to focus on Spanish history, especially during wartime. His most acclaimed, Pan’s Labyrinth, is very much a spiritual sequel to this film as it takes place in the aftermath of the Civil War, making Guillermo del Toro the king of tragic child protagonists in Spanish wartime.

The Conjuring – Netflix

You already know this one. The Conjuring marked the fall of the PG-13 horror boom and the resurgence of R-rated horror renaissance. It’s a chilling tale full of family, creepy old houses and possessions. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson kill it as the Warrens, the legendary demonologists. It is a modern classic and is always a great one to revisit if you haven’t seen it in a while.

Zombieland – Hulu

Another classic that has recently had a very decent sequel, Zombieland took the world by storm all the way back in 2009. Horror and non-horror fans alike loved this film, and with The Walking Dead just on the horizon, it was the beginning of the zombie resurgence of the early 2010s. With brilliant comedic performances and enough blood, guts and glory to go around, you better nut up, shut up, and watch this flick again. Preferably with a side of golden Twinkies.

Arachnophobia – Paramount+

It is appropriate that I did a whole series on starter horror, and this is coming to Paramount+. Arachnophobia is one of the classic starter horror films from back in the day and remains so to this day. It’s mildly scary, but enough to startle and creep anyone out. Plus, if anyone legitimately has arachnophobia, this movie is your worst nightmare. Take heed and be sure to revisit this one if it’s been a while.

So, there are the standout films to take note of this month. January is, again, a slow month for horror. But have no fear, we have some releases coming out this year that are sure to stir up the scares. You can read about my five anticipated picks which I discussed right before the new year turned here. Let me know if I missed anything this month and I’ll be sure to add it in a pinch.

Thanks for spelunking this void with me. If you’re new to the Void of Celluloid, welcome. Feel free to spelunk some other voids while you’re here and follow me on other platforms by clicking the buttons below. We post regularly and stay up to date about what’s going on in horror today, reflect on what went on yesterday, and plan for a better, horror filled tomorrow. See ya next time.

Starter Horror: Tamer R-Rated Horror Films to Start Off

Featured By thevoidofcelluloid

First came PG horror. Next came the PG-13 films. Now, the final part focuses on the transition into R-rated horror. The horror genre is a diverse one. As we take this next step into the typical R-rated horror part of it, know that there is so much range that resides in this section. Some are only a notch above a PG-13 horror movie and others should require eye bleach. Therefore, this is the trickiest step into horror.

Because you cleared Insidious and are feeling ready for something more intense doesn’t mean you should go jumping into Terrifier. There tamer R-rated gems are the building blocks to go back to the classics and move forward with the latest releases. There will be three subgenres on display: psychological, slasher and supernatural. Note that more subgenres exist–obviously–but these are the three that are the most recognizable. Let’s get started.

You’ve gotten this far, but still not into it

These three films I’ve picked are definitely a bit more intense than the ones mentioned previously. However, in my personal opinion, these are essential watches in the grand scheme of film, not just horror film. These are significant films from legendary filmmakers that should be viewed and appreciated–even if you’re not into the horror thing after all of this.

Stephen King's Christine Remake: Plot, Cast, and Everything Else We Know — A flick about an evil car also might be a great choice for a starter film…

Another side note: these are R-rated movies. I am not recommending these films are for children. They are age restricted for a reason. That being said, the power is in the hands of the parents and whether or not their child is mentally ready for these films. I know that I watched them at a point that I was ready to see them which was definitely before seventeen, and some of these films (especially the first one) are seemingly important to watch as kids reach high school. A great rule of thumb if you can’t quite remember what happens in these movies is to check the IMDb Parents Guide, which is moderated by the people for the people. Keep that in mind, and let’s go over three movies that I think are great starting points for R-rated horror.

Everyone’s Favorite Period Piece: Carrie

Yes, I nabbed that heading from Fleabag. Carrie remains as one of the top supernatural horror films out there. Yes, there is a ripple of psychological horror in there, but due to Carrie and her seemingly omnipotent telekinetic powers, I am categorizing this as supernatural. Carrie is a Stephen King adaptation that carries a heavy message. It is tamer in its on-screen violence but does have moments of nudity and on-screen abuse that might make it a cautious watch. Albeit it is an important watch.

Carrie: five films that influenced Brian De Palma's teen-horror classic | BFI

Honestly, it’s one of the best films that discusses the horror of puberty and how femininity isn’t always pretty. It might be too relatable of a tale to a high school girl who is trying to figure it all out as well. Carrie teaches the lesson of being kind to your fellow woman which some forget in the teenage years. The film also toes the line on arthouse horror–another subgenre worth looking into if you’re one for metaphors and symbolism.

Oh, the psyche: The Shining

Speaking of Stephen King adaptations, here is another that is our proud representation of psychological horror. Yes, the source material of this book makes it very clear something supernatural is at play, but Stanley Kubrick ditched that concept. The Shining is a domestic psychological horror through and through. We watch as isolation, paranoia and previous traumas and addiction take over a family in the snowed-in Overlook Hotel. With phenomenal performances from Jack Nicholson and Shelly Duvall (fight me on this one, I dare you), it is a surreal watch.

This film is mild in violence other than the last twenty minutes of the film and other than some sexual implications and some nudity, this film is tame compared to the other two picks. However, the mental gymnastics are the rough part of this movie. It remains one of the most rewatched films in all of cinema history and has spawned countless conspiracy theories about its meaning and what is real and not real. If this is your kind of thing, I must direct you to American Psycho next if you’re ready for a harder R-rated horror flick.

The king of all Slashers: Halloween

Now you might think me wacko to consider this one a starter horror. However, it is the horror film. It’s less intense than the films it inspired as in what we see on screen. The scares are impactful without the on-screen gore. This film created the slasher genre we all know as it manufactured the tropes of said subgenre. John Carpenter is a brilliant filmmaker that specializes in the genre that everyone needs to know and respect. That is a threat.

Halloween is a brilliant film with stellar cinematography and amazing performances from Jamie Lee Curtis (her first flick) and Donald Pleasence. It also has an interesting story, which I wrote about right here on TVOC. There is nudity, there is implied sex and minor drug use–and a lot of death. It is a slasher film after all. This is the most intense of the three on here. Therefore, the enjoyment of this film will determine if one would like to continue their horror journey and their next step into the R-rated horror realm.

What’s Next?

That wraps the Starter Horror series on The Void of Celluloid. As I can’t stress it enough, horror should be respected and appreciated by all, but one does not need to indulge in it if they are not into the feeling of getting scared. Horror movies function off adrenaline rushes. Some people aren’t into that sort of thing. Others might want to take a stab at it but haven’t had the priming of becoming a horror appreciator: acknowledging that it is all fake and all in good fun. Much like roller coasters, horror induces a shock that should follow with a flabbergasted chuckle.

You can now check out TVOC’s TIkTok. Go ahead and check it out. I post daily to that thing so join the horror discussion and join me on our daily spelunking adventures. Next Monday, we’re going to be going over what is coming out this month both in theaters and streaming and discussing what’s worth seeing. January is always a rough month for horror but there are a few promising flicks if you dig through it all.

Starter Horror: Kicking it Up a Notch with PG-13 Horror

on January 4, 2023January 2, 2023 By thevoidofcelluloid 1 Comment

The transition from PG to PG-13 horror can seem like quite a leap if not done properly. There are some good PG-13 movies out there. Those ones will scare the pants off you and might cause someone to step away from the genre just as they were getting into it. Here at The Void of Celluloid, we want to level the playing field so that everyone can learn about and appreciate the genre. This is part two of our Starter Horror series, you can find part one here.

With the step to the greater beyond comes a jump in time as well. PG-13 didn’t exist until Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which released in the mid-eighties. Funnily enough, the aforementioned Gremlins kind of led the charge on that one due to some traumatized kiddos. Have no fear though, there are some gems in the genre that are perfect for ramping up to the classics that we’ll discuss in the final part of the series. You can check out my commentary about PG-13 horror here.

Things to take note of: The big step

PG horror bans a lot of things so the transition may seem a little intense. PG-13 horror contains blood and more violence than eyes may be used to–hence the discretionary warning that comes with the genre. Therefore, please be advised that while you might want to make the horror loving buddy out of your eight-year-old kid, some of this content is too intense for them. Let your kid be a kid for a while longer–then you can expose them to the darkness and make them into cool young adults once they come of age.

The Sixth Sense: PG-13 Horror — The Sixth Sense is also a great pick for a PG-13 horror film.

As for the adult audience coming to this for guidance, PG-13 horror films are ripe for the taking when it comes to scary movie nights with friends or Halloween parties. Don’t go in alone if you think it might be too intense for you. Have a scream and a laugh with a buddy and note that these movies are meant to scare you. Don’t be embarrassed if one of them riles you up a bit too much. You’ll learn what subgenres you like and don’t like on this journey.

Horror COmedy anyone? Tremors

This is a prime example to introduce people to the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Tremors is one of those movies that many consider to be a comfort film. It’s funny, ridiculous and has an impressive monster that everyone should be familiar with: the Graboid. It is definitely funnier than it is scary, but there is quite a bit of blood, guts and carnage that edges this into this category. On top of some on screen kills that are pretty brutal, this film is a perfect mix of comedy and horror that will test the waters gently if one is ready for more intense films.

This film spawned several sequels, but we can ignore that if we don’t desire campiness–all of them don’t live up to this one. Therefore, this is a perfect film to show the potential of franchises and see how one feels about the cheesiness the genre can provide. Not all horror sequels are equal, though–we can get into that another time. This film has the constant intensity of a typical horror movie with bits of comic relief thrown in. A perfect soiree for a newcomer after they’ve taken their baby steps.

An Introduction to Atmospheric Horror: The Others

There are two paths a horror movie can take: short term scare or long term. The long-term scare is what usually garners horror films critical acclaim. Enter another modern classic, The Others starring Nicole Kidman. Atmospheric horror plays primarily in the suspense genre, much like the classic Hitchcock movies. When atmospheric horror is mild, it is the most accessible form of horror movies and deserves appreciation even from non-horror fans.

The Others is simply a ghost story with killer twists and turns. It has its mild scares, but its atmosphere it creates and the pit of dread it plants in its viewers are what makes it a horror movie. Much like movies such as The Haunting (1960) or The Sixth Sense, the story is rich around the scares. If you prefer the slow build up to a major twist rather than the traditional horror movie rollercoaster, then make atmospheric horror movies your go to. Trust me, though, there are strictly atmospheric horror that are not for the faint of heart, so make sure you tread lightly and prepare yourself.

Insidious: The top Tier PG-13 Horror Movie

As I’ve stated before in previous articles, Insidious is the pinnacle of PG-13 horror. It will scare the daylights out of you. With little to no blood but effective jump scares, James Wan knocks it out of the park. This film sparked the PG-13 horror craze of the early 2010s. The ghosts in here are nightmarish. Also, there is something incredibly atmospheric about the Further. This purgatory-like dimension adds something to the film that makes it stand out amongst other films of its kind.

Insidious (2010) directed by James Wan • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd

Insidious remains one of the more intense starter horror movies, but it is a sure sign that someone is ready for the next step if they genuinely enjoyed it and found the scares exciting rather than traumatizing. This film has sequels–the third one is a really solid prequel–and will have a new installment out this year, so if one wants to stay in the tamer category, go on with the franchise and support the new one in theaters when it comes out. Nothing beats a good theater experience, especially for a horror movie.

What’s next?

That wraps up my three picks for starter PG-13 horror movies. As I can’t stress it enough, horror should be respected and appreciated by all, but one does not need to indulge in it if they are not into the feeling of getting scared. Horror movies function off adrenaline rushes. Some people aren’t into that sort of thing. Others might want to take a stab at it but haven’t had the priming of becoming a horror appreciator: acknowledging that it is all fake and all in good fun. Much like roller coasters, horror induces a shock that should follow with a flabbergasted chuckle.

The final part will focus on three classics that are good for starters–not necessarily going to throw them in the deep end with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. That will be the final part of this series. I hope this is a good guide to those who are curious or to parents who aren’t sure how to introduce their kids. Nobody wants nightmares.

31 Days of Horror: The Final Countdown

Featured By thevoidofcelluloid

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. I am an Amazon Affiliate and will receive earnings on any purchases made through those links. I appreciate your support and hope you enjoy the article on the 31 Days of Horror.

We’re back this week with the next seven movies in this year’s 31 Days of Horror. This is the third iteration of the 31 Days of Horror; you can find the one chock full of classics here. As for this year, we have classics, newbies and deeper cuts peppered in here and there. You can check out the first week here, the second week here and the third week here if you see a movie you missed on the calendar below.

Now let’s finish this thing with the final ten days of October–eh hem, I mean horror.

October 22nd: Alice Sweet Alice (1976)

Whether you have seen this film or not, one can agree that this film has one of the creepiest masks of all time. Alice Sweet Alice is an underrated gem that tackles head on Catholic thought and the effect of sin–not to mention it’s a great slasher film as well. On the day of her first communion, sweet Karen is strangled to death and a string of murders break out with her jealous sister Alice as a suspect. From then on, a strange timeline of events occurs. Inspired by Don’t Look Now and Hitchcock, Alice Sweet Alice has plenty of twists and turns throughout its runtime while being surreal to the eye at the same time.

For food, I did a lot of digging as to what is served at a first communion and such. Turns out, ham is one of the top things, so let’s make it ultra-tasty with these Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders that keep things handheld and also incorporated the bread aspect of communion. Next comes the wine, and while you can sip on a nice glass of red wine during this film, jazz things up a bit with this red wine cocktail the 1870 Sour. If you still want some grape juice but the non-boozy kind, craft up this Grape Lime Rickey Mocktail. For a double feature for this film, why not try some more Argento with Deep Red?

Add Alice Sweet Alice to your physical collection or you can rent it on Amazon Video. Check out this creepy baby doll sticker here on Redbubble.

October 23rd: The VVitch (2015)

Robert Eggers on The Witch - Projected Figures

Before The Lighthouse, Robert Eggers created one of the most iconic horror films from the 21st century. The VVitch is a beautiful film as much as it is a suspenseful one. Arthouse horror meets a colonial period piece, in which the eldest sister in a Puritan family is blamed for the youngest sibling’s disappearance. Hysteria breaks out amongst the family, and it leads to dire consequences as their greatest fears manifest once spoken. This one is a slow burn, but the ending rewards us with a great payoff. You also will never fear a goat more.

This film caused me to deep dive into colonial times and try to find recipes. While majority were either basic or disgusting, I dug out a few that will help us live deliciously. First off, party like a revolutionary with this Philadelphia Fish House Punch. If this doesn’t tickle your taste buds, try out something new and follow this Mom’s Homemade Apple Cider to make some cider for this film and beyond. I went for something sweet and crowd pleasing with these Colonial American Molasses Cookies–because who can resist cookies?

You can rent The Witch on Amazon Video or have it as an arthouse gem on your shelf by purchasing it here. You can also check out the design I made around this film on Redbubble.

October 24th: A Classic Horror Story (2021)

Watch A Classic Horror Story | Netflix Official Site

If you would’ve told me a decade ago that Netflix would release its own Giallo-style film, I wouldn’t have believed you. However, they gave us A Classic Horror Story in 2021. A fusion of genres and a wicked good time, A Classic Horror Story is a must watch if you’re in the mood for something more brutal. Strangers getting stranded in the woods as they fight for survival–a very basic premise that we’ve seen time and time again. However, we’re in Southern Italy this time. There’s not much more I can say, it is full of tropes and homages that it will feel familiar and new at the same time. The perfect kind of watch for spooky season.

I got way too into the Italy setting for this film which has led to some of the tastiest pairs yet. For our snacks, we had to get some variety up in here. Therefore, follow this Crostini 8 Ways recipe and have a display of colors. Pair it with a refreshing Limoncello Lemon Drop or if you want to relax the zero-proof way, try out this Italian Strawberry Basil Shrub–shrubs are the best. As for a double feature, go ahead and check out Haunt to see tropes subverted in a different way. It’s gonna be a spooky night!

Check out A Classic Horror Story on Netflix. You can check out my very simple-but-cool design on Redbubble.

October 25th: Train to Busan (2016)

Ready to watch one of the best zombie flicks of all time? Train to Busan is a harrowing, intense and beautiful experience that took the world by storm eight years ago. South Korea has been attacked by a viral outbreak and have established a Safe Zone in Busan. When passengers try to take a bullet train to this safe zone, an outbreak occurs on the train itself, leaving them trapped in a dire situation. This film will grab onto you and not let go during its runtime–probably cause a few tears to shed as well.

From Italy to South Korea, we have a complete change of culinary scene. For the drink, I found this Makgeolli Old Fashioned which can add a nice bitterness to the semi-sweet rice wine. If we are looking for something a bit sweeter and fall-like on the booze area, look for Kuk Soon Dang’s Babamba (Chestnut) or Jolly Pong makgeollis in your local Asian grocery store. Pick up Milkis Drinks while you’re there or order them off Amazon–they’re a great non-alcoholic choice for viewing. As for the snack, I was recently introduced to Korean Cheesy Corn and it is simple but game changing. Try it out immediately. For the double feature, I have to recommend another stellar South Korean horror, The Wailing–just make sure that you hydrate properly as I’ve sent you on a pathway of tears and sadness.

You can rent Train to Busan on Amazon Video or have it proudly on display on your shelf by buying it physically here. I designed a spoiler free design on Redbubble.

October 26th: Werewolves Within (2021)

Werewolves Within' Review: Small-Town Chaos - The New York Times

Usually, I am not one for video game adaptations, but this one truly is a treat. This film was one of my favorite releases during the pandemic and is worth a regular spot in your Halloween rotation. A newly hired forest ranger and postal worker get snowed in with the residents of a small town who are being terrorized and attacked by a vicious beast–a presumed werewolf to be specific. It’s a romp with a touch of whodunit that is simply irresistible. It also might have you side eyeing your neighbors if you happen to live in a town with a similar vibe as this one.

This film does take place in a snow-covered winter horror land, so it’s not just you that’s feeling cold. Warm up with these tasty hot drinks. While I am not the hugest hot toddy fan, this Fire Cider Toddy sounded oh-so-intriguing. If we’re not fancying that, opt out for a Hot Buttered Pineapple Mocktail which can easily be made boozy with a touch of rum. As for food, it seems like every small town has a bar that has surprisingly good food. Therefore, let’s class the pub fare with these Gooey Manchego Cheese Fritters. I want these at every bar ever.

You can rent Werewolves Within on Amazon Video or share it with your friends with a Blu-Ray they may never return by purchasing it here. I did a fun little design for this one which you can check out on Redbubble.

October 27th: The Black Phone (2022)

The Black Phone' Review: The Dead Have Your Number - The New York Times

I’m sure this has been on your radar this year. This was a killer psychological horror-thriller that brought us spooky season three months early. Ethan Hawke kills it (and others) in this film, solidifying that him and Scott Derrickson equals gold. The Black Phone is a slow, vintage feeling burn that has outstanding performances with a brief look into a psyche of a serial killer. You can read my in-depth post over this movie here if you want more details, but I think it’s best to go into this film not knowing what to expect.

We’re in the seventies, baby. They year is 1978, and disco has taken the world by storm. Therefore, we have to celebrate the birth of the Harvey Wallbanger, a blend of OJ and Galliano to make a creamsicle goodie. If you’re wanting even more of a throwback, you can opt out of the alcohol and make an American classic: an Orange Julius. On top of everything, everything ‘Hawaii’ (more Hawaiian pizza rather than actual Hawaii) was popular during this time. So, go retro with your snack choice with this Hawaiian Cheese Bread. The double feature for this one is another Derrickson/Hawke collab, Sinister.

You can rent The Black Phone on Amazon Video or shelve it next to your other horror films using this link. I think this design made itself.

October 28th: The Lost Boys (1987)

The Lost Boys' Coming Back to the Big Screen With New Movie Starring 'Quiet Place' and 'It' Actors! - Bloody Disgusting

SAY HELLO TO THE NIGHT. LOST IN THE SHAAAADOWS. This incredible movie and its soundtrack turn 35 this year. This definitely is my favorite vampire flick and is a must watch–Kiefer Sutherland, Jami Gertz and Jason Patric are snacks in this film. A single mom moves to Santa Carla, California with her two sons. The town happens to be the murder capital of the world with plenty of people missing or dead. The reason? All the damn vampires. It’s a fun time with a sexy shirtless sax man. Who could ask for more?

The Lost Boys reminds of two things: Chinese food and California. What’s the fusion of those two things? Obviously, the Cheesecake Factory classic, Avocado Egg Rolls. They’re big enough to not think you’re eating worms or maggots. Pair that with an on-theme cocktail appropriately named The Bloody Vampire. You don’t need to bite into a bald man’s head to get that kind of blood. If you prefer no spice in your blood, cut the alcohol and indulge in the Vampire’s Kiss Mocktail. The double feature for this one is so cool, Brewster. Indulge in the original Fright Night to add to the 80s flair or go for the remake for a fun modern twist.

You can rent The Lost Boys on Amazon Video or buy it on Amazon so you can look at the sexy vampires any time you want to. Have your own carton of maggots with this design on Redbubble.

October 29th: Trick ‘r’ Treat

In Praise of Trick 'r Treat, the Ultimate "Halloween Night" Movie - Paste

This. This film is the ideal Halloween movie and I stand by that. An anthology horror tale meets a comic book tone laced with camp and comedy. All the tales intertwine with each other and blossoms into this fun twist on Halloween traditions. Not to mention, it introduces one of the most adorable horror villains, Sam. All you gotta do is follow the rules to avoid his bloody wrath. Simple enough, but a colorful cast of characters seem to make things a little difficult for Sam to catch up. I could watch this film over and over during October, so therefore it is an annual tradition of mine.

As far as snacks and drinks go, we have to let the Halloween flag fly. I found a spooky cocktail complete with theatrics known as The Witch’s Heart. Purple, spooky and bubbling with delight. If we are craving the sweeter style of life, I also found this lovely Pumpkin Milkshake. Since this film is a grab-bag of spooky delight, snack on this Sweet and Salty Halloween Snack Mix. As far as fun films suited for spooky season go, my double feature for this film is a guilty pleasure for many, and that is the 2001 film Thirteen Ghosts. The ending of this film is very bleh, but Matthew Lillard is a yes in my book.

Rent Trick ‘r’ Treat on Amazon Video or get it physically following the link here. I watched it as a bought Blockbuster exclusive back in the day–the true straight-to-DVD experience. Check out the design I made on Redbubble and always remember to check your candy.

October 30th: Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

There are times that sequels are miles better than the original. This is one of those times. If you haven’t seen Ouija: Origin of Evil based on the first film, I don’t blame you. Ouija is a very bad movie. However, this film is one of the best PG-13 horrors out there. Leave it to Mike Flanagan to make a great film from the ashes of a failed one. A 1960s period piece meets a possession film sponsored by Hasbro themselves. That’s the most generic I can describe it, but it truly is a spooky treat you should indulge in.

If we’re going back to the 60’s, we’re doing it right. A very popular cocktail got its rise to fame during this decade, and that is the decedent Sidecar. You can obtain a non-alcoholic version by following this Virgin Sidecar recipe. Cheeseballs also rose to fame too, but the grandpappy of cheeseballs will add the spice that will meet what this film brings. That is the classic Pimento Cheese Spread, which is versatile and makes great leftovers. I praise Flanagan at any chance I can get, so the double feature has to be Hush, which is a great, smart slasher film.

Rent Ouija: Origin of Evil on Amazon Video or buy it physically using this link. If you want to mess around with one yourself (you could never convince me to), you can get your own here but be very careful and look into it beforehand. I did another peekaboo design for this one, look closely.

October 31st: Halloween

Halloween' 1978: The Times Finally Reviews a Horror Classic - The New York Times

You had to see this coming, whether or not you paid attention to the calendar. John Carpenter’s Halloween is a tried and true masterpiece that has served influence for hundreds of horror films, so it is always a good call to re-watch it come Halloween time. What’s not a better time than actual Halloween night? It’s the tale of Michael Myers that feels even fresher than before with its new sequel that came out only a week ago, so the time is better than ever to revisit the original!

The obvious double feature is a quadruple feature with the 2018 Halloween, Halloween Kills and Halloween Ends following up the classic (although you can skip the last one if you’d like). This is a night to go all out, but sometimes you want a quieter night in, so let’s pair this up with some Michael Myers Jell-O Shots to add to some booze to your snacks. A mocktail for the night is the Cereal Killer (minus the Cognac) or plus the Cognac if we want another cocktail for the night. To up the comfort and the tasty treats, snack on some adorable Ghost Pizza Bagels. Be sure to toast to Michael all dressed up in his ghost costume.

I went surprisingly cute with this design and recreated him all dressed up. You can rent Halloween on Amazon Video or have it at the ready every Halloween by owning it physically.

Conclusion

So that wraps up this October! Everyone, have a safe and spooky Halloween and watch as many horror movies as you can! I’m going to be taking the holiday weekend off but expect me to be back the Friday after Halloween. Scroll on back up if you want to see about other films that you might have missed or jump back to Week One if you want to see what’s going on with last year’s 31 Days of Horror. It was a great time, thank you for your support and keep things spooky, spelunkers.

31 Days of Horror ’22: Diving into Week Three

Featured By thevoidofcelluloid

We’re back this week with the next seven movies in this year’s 31 Days of Horror. This is the third iteration of the 31 Days of Horror; you can find the one chock full of classics here. As for this year, we have classics, newbies and deeper cuts peppered in here and there. You can check out the first week here and the second week here if you see a movie you missed on the calendar below.

There will be one more post after this one: The Final Ten Days. Now that that’s established, let’s go ahead with days 15-21.

A Micro-rant from The Void

For those that are going to stay away from some of these films because of tiny little words you have to read, please try and push yourself to do so. There will be subtitled movies in this week as well as next week, and if you aren’t open to subtitles, you’re going to miss out on a lot of good horror. As Bong Joon Ho said, “Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” Alright, micro rant over, let’s get to the goodies.

October 15th: The Slumber party massacre (1982)

The Slumber Party Massacre': Slashing the Patriarchy - Bloody Disgusting

We’re cheesin’ it up with a cult classic: The Slumber Party Massacre. A film in which was written as a parody but then shot as if it was a slasher. Therefore, it is hilarious and has quite a bit of meta humor before the time meta-horror was popular. There isn’t much to say for plot as the title gives it away immediately but be prepared for a hilariously cheesy and somewhat bad movie that is fun, nonetheless. A charming example of communication is crucial in the filmmaking business.

How about a slumber party where no one gets murdered? First off, the food of a sleepover is definitely pizza. Therefore, try out these dunkable Pizza Bites that keeps that lovely greasy goodness all folded into the dough for a relatively mess free snack. You gotta add a little sin to the party, so try out this sweet Malibu Sunset–doesn’t even taste like booze which is every young drinker’s dream. If you’re not into the drinking thing, that’s alright too–I found this Virgin Sunset for you. To keep up with classic 80s slashers, the double feature has to be Prom Night to double down on the fun and comfort cheesy slasher films can bring.

You can rent The Slumber Party Massacre on Amazon Video or flaunt that you’re cultured in the genre by adding it to your collection here. Check out the custom sticker I made for this romp of a film on Redbubble.

October 16th: THe Omen (1976)

The Ace Black Movie Blog: Movie Review: The Omen (1976)

Alright, fun and games are over. When it comes to classic horror films, The Omen ranks up there. A very dreadful story that doubles as birth control, this had to make the list this year. Evil children are always creepy, but the Devil in an actual child? Absolutely terrifying. The more stressful element is for the parents–how do you handle this situation? The Omen deals with that stress throughout its runtime and it is a very worthwhile watch. It might have you side eyeing your little ones, however.

We’re dealing in terms of heaven and hell here, folks. Protect yourself by drinking this Sainte Trinite cocktail which has to be just as effective as holy water. You can make an ode to Mother Mary herself if you prefer the alcohol-less route with this Virgin Mary Mocktail. We can’t have it all pure up in here however, as we want to convince Damien we’re on his good side. Make a dish in his honor with these ‘Devil’ Deviled Eggs–a deviled egg recipe with a twist. The double feature has to do with evil children as well, but she wasn’t born evil. Go visit Regan with The Exorcist.

Rent The Omen on Amazon Video and if it isn’t in your physical collection already, you can get that here. You guessed it, I did make a design for this one too.

October 17th: Raw (2016)

Raw (2016) is a Radical Coming of Age Horror Film That Gives Women Power Over Their Desires – Flip Screen

This one is a doozy. Raw is one of the best horror films I’ve seen in recent years, and it is also one of the most disgusting. A vegetarian freshman is hazed to eat raw meat upon her arrival at university. After ingesting, she develops an animalistic craving for flesh–both animal and human. Quite an interesting take on a coming-of-age film. This is Julia Ducournau’s debut feature-length film, who recently released the bonkers Titane in 2021. However, it seems like she’s been in the game for years as she never fails once in this movie to intrigue and terrify.

This is a French film, so it’s time to indulge in some French food. I decided to go vegetarian as meat might not be appetizing during this film’s run. Therefore, check out this savory Triple-Threat Onion Galette and snack on it if you’re not queasy. This is also a college film, and you might need to remember your college years in order to forget Justine’s. Get a big group and plan a sleepover, then make the iconic college party drink Hop, Skip and Go Naked–which contains a lot of booze. If it’s just you and a buddy, however, indulge in this Blood Orange Lemonade which you can keep as is or add booze to take off the edge. Cannibalism is a rough topic, but fascinating, nonetheless. A double feature to stay on topic but lighten it up is the cult classic Parents.

You can check Raw out on Amazon Video or add some surreal culture to your shelf by adding it to your physical collection here. You can check out my slick typography design for this film here on Redbubble.

October 18th: Shutter (2004)

Fatal Frame: Chilling Thai Horror Film 'Shutter' Turns 15 - Bloody Disgusting

At the turn of the century, there was quite a boom of Asian horror. We got Ringu and Ju-On: The Grudge from Japan, but what about the other countries? Out comes Shutter from Thailand. A ghost story that has to do with cameras is sure enough to give you the creeps. Shutter follows Jane and her boyfriend, Tun after Jane hits someone with her car and murders her. Noticing that there are figures appearing in the background of her boyfriend’s photographs, she fears it is the vengeful spirit of the young girl she hit. This one is twisty turn-y and is a must watch for any horror fan.

Thai horror needs to be accompanied with some Thai food. Make these easy Chicken Satay skewers to snack on–they make great leftovers as they are delicious cold. Try something new with this refreshing Sabai Sabai Cocktail. If you’re not into the alcohol side of things, Thailand has quite an array of mocktails including this Ko Tao Mocktail. Continue down the path of Thai horror and check out another spooky tale, The Unseeable.

Rent Shutter on Vudu as it is unavailable on Amazon at the moment. This design for this film brings more to the eye, make sure to look closely on Redbubble.

October 19th: Nope (2022)

Film review: Jordan Peele's 'Nope' provides unsettling social commentary with strong execution - Daily Bruin

If you’re a regular, you know that I loved this film. I understand it is one of the more polarizing films of the year, but NOPE toes the line between disturbing and hilarious during its entire runtime. A pair of siblings take over their family business after their father dies in a freak accident. Upon the opening of a theme park near their property, they see something Not Of Planet Earth lurking in the hills. The thing that makes this film disturbing is best kept secret until after watching, but you can read all about that scene here.

Upon viewing, I HAD to know what a Cactus ICEE tasted like. Well, this Prickly Pear Frozen Margarita will have to do instead, especially since the original probably didn’t have booze. I sure as hell wouldn’t give Jupe a liquor license. If booze doesn’t suit your fancy, try out this Prickly Pear and Coconut Water Smoothie. The theme park gave me discount Knott’s Berry Farm vibes, so I had to go with a Dupe of Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry BBQ Meatballs since no one does crazy theming better than Knott’s. For this film, I wanted to pair it with another creature feature. Therefore, be sure to check out The Host from the genius Bong Joon Ho.

You can now watch Nope on Amazon Video or complete your Jordan Peele collection by adorning it on your shelf which you can purchase here. This is the film that caused me to start these designs, so check out the OG Gordy’s Home design on Redbubble.

October 20th: Suspiria (1977)

Ah, Argento. Suspiria remains as one of the prettiest horror films out there. The colors, the geometric patterns and the groundbreaking cinematography in this film continues to influence the world around it and even inspire a remake in 2019 (which is also quite good). An elite ballet school has a violent, brutal secret lurking in every room, and we follow Suzy as she unravels the knots and discovers the truth–and it has to do with some freaky witchcraft. It’s a slower burn, but has some of the most brutal and iconic death scenes of all time.

Class it up with this Ballerina Wine Cocktail that is an easy sipper to nurse throughout the movie. If you’re not into an herbal wine drink, try this Pumpkin Witch’s Brew to become one with the coven. It does take place in Germany as well, so eat something that a ballerina probably wouldn’t eat with this German Beer Cheese Spread–versatile with multiple types of carbs. The double feature is another mystery-horror with its twists and turns and that is Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho, so have fun with these girls really going crazy.

Watch Suspiria on Tubi (the only platform to have Suspiria?) or have it on your shelf alongside your other Giallo films by purchasing the physical version here. I did a rather classy, painting-style design for this one, so be sure to check it out on Redbubble.

October 21st: His House (2020)

This was a surprise from Netflix after an overall lull in their original movies. His House is filled with terror and rich with metaphor. A couple who has escaped from South Sudan takes refuge in a quaint English town. Haunted by the death of their daughter, they struggle to adjust and take different methods of coping. However, their house seems to be haunted, and the thing haunting it is something truly evil. This is an intense, surreal ride, so try to pay attention during the times you’re able to keep your eyes on the screen.

For this film, we are blending an English drink with a South Sudanese treat. When I think of English cocktails, I immediately think of a Pimm’s Cup–a perfect tasty blend of herbs, spices and booze. Believe it or not, I found a Virgin Pimm’s as well that emulates that complexity in flavors as well. You can usually find Pimm’s rather easily in the US at specialty liquor stores. As for food, we’re going sweet with this delicious Sudanese Kahk–a recipe that might contribute to your Christmas baking as well. Shape them with these spooky cookie cutters. I chose another Netflix original turned modern horror essential with The Ritual.

You can watch His House on Netflix–a platform that sadly doesn’t have any physical copies readily available. You can check out my original design here on Redbubble.

Coming Up Next

So, there’s the third week of the 31 Days of Horror here on The Void of Celluloid. Hopefully this spawned some ideas on what to make for any upcoming movie nights this spooky season. For those that like to go hard and celebrate every day like me, go for it–I have given you the tools. We had Week 1 and Week 2, coming up next are The Final Ten Days which will be linked respectively once published.