Halloween season is well and truly upon us and fortunately, despite difficult circumstances, HOME have managed to get together an excellent programme of films for their annual FilmFear season. In collaboration with Film4, the venues is bringing us a collection of horror films that all, in one way or another, speak to the troubled and tumultuous times we’re living through. We’ve rounded up the top 5 films to catch this Halloween, from cult classics to contemporary gems. After more spooky film fun? Read our October film round up…
Nia DaCosta’s Candyman remake should have been in cinemas this month, but to make up for its delay, HOME are screening the 1992 classic original instead. This urban legend brought to life brings back the past of the Chicago housing project he haunts, while also providing a horrifying vision of the future. This is a must-see on the big screen for fans of classic horror — just make sure you don’t say his name five times in the mirror…
One of the most tragically disregarded films of the noughties, but now firmly entrenched as a cult classic, Karyn Kusama’s Jennifer’s Body stars Megan Fox as a succubus who preys on young men, alongside Amanda Seyfried as her best friend who is troubled by this change. With a soundtrack that will take you right back to 2009, featuring the likes of Florence + the Machine, Panic! at the Disco and Dashboard Confessional, this super-fun feminist horror is the perfect way to spend Halloween this year.
The Stuff is a black comedy and monster movie all rolled into one, as director Larry Cohen takes a biting look at the fast food industry and the marketing that goes in to what we eat. Tasty, healthy and fun new dessert — The Stuff — rapidly becomes a nationwide craze, eclipsing ice cream as everyone’s favourite dessert. But, of course, a sweet and delicious calorie-free dessert is definitely too good to be true, especially in a horror film — there’s a dark truth about The Stuff that the ice cream industry has to uncover…
Attack the Block was released in 2011 and features some pretty famous faces before they hit the big time, including John Boyega and Jodie Whittaker. Aliens have invaded a South London housing estate, and a gang of teenage boys are out to stop them over the course of just one night — this film makes heroes of those who tend to be marginalised or vilified both in fiction and in real life. This screening is followed by a Q&A with director Joe Cornish, so if you’re a fan of contemporary horror, you really don’t want to miss this one.
- Words:
- Amy Callaghan
- Published on:
- Sun 25 Oct 2020
This creature feature from Parasite director Bong Joon-ho brings in an aquatic creature from the deep who, in the tradition of sci-fi and horror, stands in for wider social issues while providing plenty of scares up front. Like Parasite, The Host uses its narrative to speak to wider issues in Korean society, while still bringing top-quality horror led by an excellent cast (including frequent Bong collaborator and Parasite star Song Kang-ho).