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Mamma Mia, here we go again! Welcome to the Void of Celluloid and we are continuing the daily movie marathon tradition. This time, we have only two repeats from last year. Deeper cuts, recent releases–we’re pulling out all the stops. If you’re looking for a more traditional 31 Days of Horror, check out the first iteration here. Now, here at The Void of Celluloid, we think every night could be a special movie night. Therefore, each of these will have a beverage and a snack paired with them as well as a double feature to keep the party rolling.
Above is the calendar for the month. This year is going to work just like last year–3 weeks and then the final 10 days. The foundation is set, it’s now time to kick it off with days one through seven.
October 1st: X (2022)
We’re kicking off the month with a bloody good time. X is a film that came out in 2022 and marks Ti West’s triumphant return after a hiatus. Everyone delivers in this film, and it is a great homage to the classic slasher. Packed full of great performances–notably Mia Goth with her two roles. The prequel, Pearl, just released mid-September, so why not get caught up?
It’s obvious to pair this one with a Pornstar martini (a virgin one can be found here). Then, let’s take it all the way back to the 70s with these pineapple meatballs fit for a cocktail party back then. To keep up with the vintage blood, guts and gore, the double feature has to be The Texas Chain Saw Massacre–the brutality of X is up to par with this classic.
You can rent X here on Amazon Video or add it to your physical collection here. Already a fan? Check out the Redbubble design designed by yours truly and immortalize Maxine’s wise mantra.
October 2nd: The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
This 2005 horror-film-meets-court-drama is rich with atmosphere. Especially with its real-life inspiration, The Exorcism of Emily Rose can be quite a terrifying watch. Most notably, this is Scott Derrickson’s first flick–his newest also made the list. Stellar acting by everyone involved, it’s a captivating and somewhat emotional tale of possession being brought up in court for the first time in order to excuse what seems to be cruel and unusual punishment. Definitely a brain scratcher.
For this film, I pair up with a cocktail fit for a pre-Lent celebration: the Sazerac. For the non-drinkers, choose something as red as blood with this Non-Alcoholic Mardi Gras Punch. As far as food goes, I’m going to recommend something you can spread on crackers such as this Tuscan Spread so you pretend you’re taking communion every time something unholy happens on screen. To keep up with the court drama, pair this one with The Conjuring III: The Devil Made Me Do It.
You can rent The Exorcism of Emily Rose on Amazon Video or contribute to your physical collection here. Ever wanted a sticker for this film? Check out my custom design on Redbubble.
October 3rd: Would You Rather? (2012)
I did title them ‘Malicious Mondays’ for a reason. This IFC Midnight flick is grisly and gruesome if that is more your speed. Iris, played by Brittany Snow, joins a deadly dinner party in which fatal ‘Would You Rather’ style games in order to win a large sum of money. In Iris’ case, it’s to pay for her brother’s experimental treatment for his terminal disease. A few twists, a couple turns, and a shocker of an ending is guaranteed to entertain.
There is a scene in this that I cannot physically watch that has to do with an eyeball–however, snacks can distract from the brutality. Match the dinner party vibes with this Ham and Cheese Feuilleté which is something that both the refined palate and the picky eater can enjoy. Break out the ice pick and crush some ice for this cocktail appropriately named The Wild Ruffian (sub cognac for iced black tea for a virgin drink). As for the double feature, lighten it up with another twisty, turn-y film April Fools’ Day.
You can rent Would You Rather? on Amazon Video and purchase it here to support the physical media movement. Oh yeah, I made a design for this film too. Check it out on Redbubble (tw: razor blade).
October 4th: Cujo (1983)
Oh, poor Cujo. This is a terrifying and rather heartbreaking tale of a good boy who gets bitten by a bat and transmitted with rabies. This causes the dog to go on a rampage–one chock full of bloodlust. With a killer performance by Dee Wallace trying to protect her son from the man’s-best-killer, this is one of the Stephen King adaptations you shouldn’t miss. Just make sure to hug your pups super tight after viewing.
Well, it’s better to drink foamy drinks than be foaming at the mouth. You could go with the non-alcoholic Citrus Fizz or the classic Gin Fizz to get that foamy texture to a drink. As for food, treat yourself (and perhaps a few pieces to the dog) with these Garlic Butter Steak Bites. As for a second film, Stephen King stories are like a craving as in only one is not enough. Therefore, go with the chilling adaptation of Pet Sematary that came out the same year as Cujo.
You can rent Cujo on Amazon Video and if you’re looking to add to your Stephen King Blu-Ray collection, you can find that here. This Redbubble design can be ordered as a pet bandana, so if you and your pet want to share your sympathies to the Saint Bernard, be my guest.
OCtober 5th: Ready or not (2019)
This film has been one of my favorites in the recent years. I am a sucker for a horror-comedy and this film knocks it out of the park. Jarring, atmospheric and comedy pairing beautifully with violence, it’s a must watch and guaranteed to get at least one laugh out of you. Therefore, it has rightfully earned its place this year on the calendar. Excellent performances all around, however Samara Weaving delivers as our scream queen with one of the most bloodcurdling screams I’ve ever heard.
You can’t toast to the groom and bride without a little champagne. Try out the Champagne Cocktail for a tastier twist to the bubbly beverage or sub in this virgin Pink Champagne Mocktail for a pop of color (and honestly, more flavor). Lean more into the wedding style of this movie with these Bacon Wrapped Scallops or lean more into the game night flair with these Soft Pretzel Bites. As for double features, play another round with You’re Next–because we love to see strong women kicking ass.
You can rent Ready or Not on Amazon Video or add it to your Blu-Ray collection here. Looking for a minimalistic ode to this film? Check out my design.
October 6th: Carrie (1976)
As Fleabag would say, my favorite period piece. Carrie is the second King adaptation to make this week, but he has so many stories that a repeat is bound to happen. Carrie White is one of horror’s most tragic figures and even when she’s the cause of death and destruction, you can’t help but feel deeply for her. On another hand, her mother is one of the evilest villains put to screen. With brilliant performances from Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie, this one is a classic through and through.
Want to pretend someone spiked the punch at your prom but in the safety in your own home? Try out this Rum Punch. If you would rather have good, clean fun, you can try out this fruit punch instead. In regard to food, get a bit of the pig with the heat with these Mini Jalapeno Popper Turnovers, a finger food fit for a high school prom. As for the double feature, go from a victim going insane to the insane victimizing herself with another King tale: Misery.
You can rent Carrie on Amazon Video or if it wasn’t the establisher to your King DVD collection, make it right by purchasing it here. Appreciate a good Fleabag reference tied in with a Carrie design? Check it out here.
October 7th: House of Wax (1953)
Ending the week with a classic–or Paris Hilton if you prefer the remake. Despite preferences, anyone could benefit from a good dose of Vincent Price. He is a horror legend, and House of Wax showcases him as well as one helluva story. Still having its creepy moments to this day, House of Wax is a legendary watch both in first and repeat viewings. This film was one of the pioneers as well for 3D technology in film and marketed heavily on the fact that it was in 3D. All physical formats of this film remain to have a 3D option to this day.
The 1950s was the introduction of the legendary tiki-style cocktails we are familiar with today. Much like original things being ruined by reiterations (the 2005 House of Wax isn’t terrible, just cringe), that’s what happened to the glorious Mai Tai. Therefore, go drink yourself a real one and learn some history on the way. If you want something non-alcoholic, opt for the virgin version. Make something glazy to emulate the wax with this lovely, perfect-for-fall spiced carrot cake, because we need a sweet treat from time to time. The spices will pair nice with those tiki cocktails. Of course, the double feature is House on Haunted Hill, as we always need more Vincent Price in our lives (the Rifftrax is great on this one too).
You can rent House of Wax on Amazon Video or own it (and its 3D forms) here. I made a trippy little design to go with this one as well, casual fan or fanatic.
Coming Up Next…
So, there’s the first 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 Halloween celebrations. For those that like to go hard and celebrate every day like me, go for it–I have given you the tools. Coming up next is Week 2, Week 3, and The Final Ten Days which will be linked respectively once published.
Thanks for checking us out here on The Void of Celluloid. If you’re a returning spelunker, welcome back. If you’re new, welcome. We post regularly and jump into the many voids that the horror genre presents and break down what is special and unique about the genre. You can find custom horror designs here at TVOC’s Redbubble shop and the rest of the socials are linked on the buttons down below. Follow us if you too believe that horror should be more respected than it is and are a horror fanatic anyways.