October 2020 has the BIGGEST watchlist so far and it’s time to share some of my favorites so far. I will only list maybe 5 plus 2-3 honorable mentions because we can’t do a list without some honorable mentions!
Just as a background note, since the beginning of 2020, I have been watching or seen at least 5-6 films a month, October went up to maybe 14 films and series combined. That’s a pretty big jump which is why I’m limiting the number to be easier.
Let’s get started!
Shaun of the Dead (2004) – Minus some of the camera movement or effects which is really Wright’s signature in his film, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. This was my first time watching this and falling in love with the character progression, its comedy, and how it handled the humor. Shaun is so oblivious to anything and everything and once he wakes up, the movie keeps on going. Enjoyed Shaun of the Dead, I’ll give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The Babadook (2014) – This movie was wild. This movie made me very tense and uncomfortable at times, which is what a psychological horror/thriller film should do. I appreciate the darker tone and occasional black comedy thrown in. The fact that we watch a mother and her son basically go through hell and there were moments where I was annoyed with BOTH mom and son, too. The acting was on par, it gave me hints of Hereditary before Hereditary was a thing. It’s emotionally based, you do care for these characters even if they get on your nerves but that’s what good writing does. I give The Babadook a 4 out of 5. Be warned, something happens to a dog.
The Cabin in the Woods (2010/11) – Another film watch that I haven’t seen in it’s full entirety. I’ve seen bits and pieces of this film and I enjoyed what I saw. I liked the characters, they were likeable, great comedy, the plot is simple but takes a play on horror cliches and turns them into something completely different. I’d give The Cabin in the Woods a 4 out of 5, definitely check it out if you have not. I also love ALL of the creatures and monsters and killers that give homages to past horror films. This film gives off major homage vibes but stays in a completely different lane to being very unique.
Never Hike in the Snow (2020) – This is available on youtube so no excuse with this one! A sequel to “Never Hike Alone”, a fanmade and fandriven short film set in the Friday the 13th universe but in its own separate universe. Seeing Jason in the snow (missed opportunity) with the cinematography, the kills, the bright red blood in that white snow and some featured Friday the 13th alumni makes this (and Never Hike Alone) a well worth watch for ANY horror fan or fan driven film(s) fans! I’d give it a 4 out of 5.
A Creepshow Animated Special (2020) – Available only on Shudder, this special was quite fun. It was a full animated special, 2 stories (one with Kiefer Sutherland and Joey King voicing the main in the second) and full of that quirky Creepshow, EC comics flair. I don’t know which one I liked more, particularly did enjoy the first story which was about a man trying to survive on an island alone and what lengths and how far is he willing to go to survive. Each time I looked up, it was just “can it get any worse?” and it does! The second story is about a family who finds themselves taking an off path to see a circus but it’s not just ANY circus. It’s quite creepy and sad. The former story was more disturbing. This gets a 3.75 out of 5. I kinda wanted more from the second tale.
Honorable Mentions that are worth checking out!
Dragula Resurrection (available on Shudder)
The Evil (available on Shudder)
Diabolique (Les Diaboliques) (available on streaming)
These are just a little handful of films or series that I thoroughly enjoyed in October. Let’s hope that November and December have some great films! What did you watch in October that is worth sharing? Leave them in the comments below!
Shots of Horror 