Horror Movies Coming This October
October is right around the corner which means it’s almost time for an onslaught of new horror content to consume, with studios and distributors capitalizing on Halloween in order to deliver a series of new films and television shows to viewers who find themselves stuck at home. While ‘Halloween Kills’ and ‘The Witches’ remake have both been delayed to 2021, there is still a wide variety of content to seek out this Halloween season as you can see in the list below:
Scare Me:
Release Date: October 1
Platform: Shudder
Marking writer and director Josh Ruben’s feature-length debut, ‘Scare Me’ stars ‘You’re the Worst’’s Aya Cash and Ruben himself as Fanny and Fred, two writers who find themselves trapped in a cabin during a power outage. In order to pass the time, the two embark on a competition to see who can write a scarier story but as time passes and the stories get increasingly darker, Fanny and Fred must face some of their darkest fears and insecurities as the horrors of their stories start manifesting themselves in mysterious ways. ‘Scare Me’ debuted at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was met with mostly positive reviews, with critics calling it a “marvelous actors’ showcase”, an “intriguing look inside the mind of privilege” and “fun and inventive”. It debuts on Shudder on October 1.
12 Hour Shift:
Release Date: October 2
Platform: VOD
A fun, twisted and surprisingly nuanced tale of greed and misfortune, ’12 Hour Shift’ follows Mandy (Angela Bettis), a nurse on parole who engages in organ trafficking for a criminal organization as a side hustle in order to support herself and her family. After her cousin, who is regularly tasked with delivering organs to customers, ends up misplacing a kidney, Mandy must act fast in order to find a replacement before members of the criminal organization take matters into their own hands. Chaotic, frantic and increasingly fast-paced, ’12 Hour Shift’ plays off like a more lowkey Josh and Benny Safdie film set in a hospital. It is a fun, exhilarating watch that also attempts to apply a magnifying glass to the mistreatment and abuses of nurses by patients and higher-ups. Written and directed by ‘Dexter’ star Bea Grant, ’12 Hour Shift’ hits VOD on October 2.
The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw:
Release Date: October 2
Platform: Limited Theaters and VOD
Another addition to the folk horror subgenre, ‘The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw’ centers on a small and religious community in the throes of a plague who soon start to convince themselves that they have been cursed by a beautiful young woman, whom they suspect has been possessed. With an incredibly timely subject matter and an incredibly haunting trailer, ‘The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw’ has already been compared to Robert Eggers’ ‘The Witch’ and M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Village’ by audiences and critics, who greeted the film with almost unanimous positive reviews after its Fantasia Film Festival world premiere. The film hits limited theaters on October 2 before being released on VOD on October 6.
Death of Me:
Release Date: October 2
Platform: VOD
‘Death of Me’ centers on a couple who embark on a vacation in order to rekindle their relationship. After waking up in a trashed hotel room with no memory of the previous night, they find a strange video depicting a brutal murder, forcing them to embark on a terrifying journey in order to uncover the truth of what happened that night. Directed by ‘Saw II’ director Darren Lynn Bousman and starring Maggie Q and genre favorite Alex Essoe, ‘Death of Me’ boasts huge names and exciting talent both behind and in front of the camera, making it one of the most anticipated films on this list. It will be released on VOD on October 2.
Monsterland:
Release Date: October 2
Platform: Hulu
Based on a collection of stories from author Nathan Ballingrud, ‘Monsterland’ is the latest horror anthology series making its way onto our screens this year. Boasting a huge list of incredible talent, including Kelly Marie Tran, Nicole Beharie, Mike Colter, Adepero Oduye, Kaitlyn Dever and Jonathan Tucker, ‘Monsterland’ depicts a series of dark encounters with infamous monsters and creatures, including mermaids, fallen angels and werewolves, that drive people into making desperate decisions to ensure their survival, exploring the thin line between man and beast in the process. All episodes of ‘Monsterland’ will be released on Hulu on October 2.
Possessor Uncut:
Release Date: October 2
Platform: Theaters
Directed by Brandon Cronenberg, ‘Possessor Uncut’ centers on Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough), an agent who works for a secret organization that uses revolutionary brain-implant technology in order to possess other people’s bodies and commit assassinations through them for high-paying clients. Her latest mission, involving an aimless young man named Colin (Christopher Abbott), goes deeply awry when the line between them starts to blur, forcing her to take desperate measures in order to survive. Dark, disturbing and incredibly thrilling, ‘Possessor Uncut’ features astonishing performances from Riseborough and Abbott, as well as bloody visuals that will stay with you far after the credits roll.
Books of Blood:
Release Date: October 5
Platform: Hulu
Based on Clive Barker’s iconic series of horrifying tales and urban legends, ‘Books of Blood’ tells three different stories that are loosely connected, each more morbid than the one before. The first follows a professional killer who bites off more than he can chew after embarking on a search for a mysterious book that is said to be worth millions. The second revolves around Jenna (Britt Robertson), a hypersensitive young woman who, after a horrible accident, abandons her mother and stepfather and temporarily moves into a seemingly-haunted bed and breakfast run by a sweet old couple. The third, meanwhile, tells the story of Mary (Anna Friel), a grieving psychologist who finds solace in the arms of a ghost whisperer (Rafi Gavron). ‘Books of Blood’ starts streaming on Hulu from October 5.
The Expecting:
Release Date: October 5
Platform: Quibi
‘American Psycho’ director Mary Harron’s ‘The Expecting’ centers on a down-on-her-luck waitress who finds herself suffering from disturbing effects from a pregnancy. In order to uncover the potential conspiracy surrounding it, she embarks on a dark journey that will take her to places she was never meant to find. Starring AnnaSophia Robb, Rory Culkin, Mira Sorvino, Hannah Murray and Michael Gaston, ‘The Expecting’ premieres on Quibi on October 5.
Welcome to the Blumhouse:
Release Date: October 6 (Black Box, The Lie) and October 13 (Evil Eye, Nocturne)
Platform: Prime Video
Blumhouse have partnered with Amazon to deliver eight new films under the ‘Welcome to the Blumhouse’ banner, with the first four debuting on Prime Video this October. ‘Black Box’ and ‘The Lie’ will both debut on October 6, while ‘Evil Eye’ and ‘Nocturne’ will start streaming on the 13th. ‘Black Box’ revolves around a mysterious box that allows its users to relive lost memories, while ‘The Lie’ centers on a tragic accident and the terrifying lengths two parents will go to in order to protect their daughter. ‘Evil Eye’, however, tells the story of a newly engaged young woman whose parents start to suspect her fiancé of hiding a deep and dark secret, and ‘Nocturne’ depicts a tragic tale of sibling rivalry and the lengths people will go to in order to achieve artistic perfection. Blumhouse have had a mixed bag of releases this year with some great offerings (including Leigh Whannell’s ‘The Invisible Man’) and a few misfires (‘Fantasy Island’) but the thrilling trailers and the fantastic talent (including Sarita Choudhury, Joey King and ‘Euphoria’ star Sydney Sweeney) involved make these four films worth checking out come this October.
The Cleansing Hour:
Release Date: October 8
Platform: Shudder
Starring Ryan Guzman and genre veteran Kyle Gallner (‘The Haunting in Connecticut’, ‘Jennifer’s Body’ and the upcoming ‘Scream 5’), ‘The Cleansing Hour’ revolves around two social media celebrities who fake exorcisms in order to go viral online. The two soon find themselves in over their heads when their latest “client” seems to be an actual victim of demonic possession and after a series of horrifying incidents, they realize they must attempt an actual exorcism if they want to survive the night. While ‘The Cleansing Hour’ doesn’t bring anything new to the table, it is still a haunting, thrilling addition to the exorcism subgenre that is more than worth the watch thanks to creative practical effects and a game cast who are in on the fun. It hits Shudder on October 8.
The Haunting of Bly Manor:
Release Date: October 9
Platform: Netflix
A follow-up series to 2018’s ‘The Haunting of Hill House’, ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ is a loose adaptation of Henry James’ iconic horror novella ‘The Turn of the Screw’. It revolves around Dani (Victoria Pedretti), a young woman attempting to escape her past by taking on the role of caretaker for the newly orphaned Wingrave children at the dark and mysterious Bly Manor. ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ managed to heavily impact the cultural zeitgeist when it debuted in 2018, becoming a huge topic of conversation for months after its release, and Mike Flanagan must have been feeling the pressure to make something just as good for a follow-up to the project. With most of the excellent cast returning (including Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen and Kate Siegel) and a terrific trailer that captured the same haunting and atmospheric tone of the first installment, it seems like ‘Bly Manor’ will be a worthy successor to ‘Hill House’. It starts streaming on Netflix on October 9.
Saint Maud:
Release Date: October 9
Platform: Theaters
Rose Glass’ directorial debut ‘Saint Maud’ centers on Maud (the excellent Morfydd Clark), a private carer who takes on a new client, cancer-stricken former dancer Amanda (Jennifer Ehle). As the two grow closer, the newly religious Maud becomes obsessed with “saving” Amanda’s soul and we soon discover that there are no lines she isn’t willing to cross in order to do so. Inspired by ‘The Exorcist’ and ‘Repulsion’, ‘Saint Maud’ proudly wears its influences on its sleeves while also still remaining wholly unique and original thanks to its atmospheric tone and impeccable script. Clark is phenomenal as the lonely Maud, turning in one of the best performances of the year and establishing herself as an exciting new talent in the process. ‘Saint Maud’ is out in theaters in the UK and Ireland on October 9.
The Wolf of Snow Hollow:
Release Date: October 9
Platform: Theaters and VOD
‘The Wolf of Snow Hollow’ takes place in a small community rocked by brutal murders that occur after every full moon. Single father and police officer Marshall takes it upon himself to investigate these incidents, unwittingly putting himself and his family in peril. Writer and director Jim Cummings has proven himself to be an exciting new name in the industry with 2018’s critically acclaimed ‘Thunder Road’ and the trailer for ‘Snow Hollow’ shows him bringing the same comedic tone and unique sensibilities to the horror genre, putting a fresh spin on the werewolf movie in the process. ‘The Wolf of Snow Hollow’ will be released in limited theaters and on VOD on October 9.
The Mortuary Collection:
Release Date: October 15
Platform: Shudder
Another horror anthology movie, ‘The Mortuary Collection’ centers on an eccentric mortician that recounts several of the darkest stories he has encountered throughout his long career but things soon take a turn for the worst when he notices that strange things are occurring around him. Starring Clancy Brown, Jacob Elordi, Sarah Hay and Caitlin Custer, ‘The Mortuary Collection’ was well-received when it debuted at this year’s Fantasia Film Festival. It debuts on Shudder on October 15.
Bad Hair:
Release Date: October 23
Platform: Hulu
Justin Simien’s ‘Bad Hair’ boasts an all-star cast that includes Elle Lorraine, Kelly Rowland, Vanessa Williams, Jay Pharoah, Lena Waithe, Blair Underwood and Laverne Cox. Set in 1989, ‘Bad Hair’ follows an ambitious young woman who gets a weave in order to succeed in the image-obsessed world of music television. However, her flourishing career may come at a great cost when she realizes that her new hair may have a mind of its own. ‘Bad Hair’ received mixed reviews upon its debut at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, although it’s teaser trailer promises an incredibly fun and thrilling experience for viewers. It debuts on Hulu on October 23.
The Empty Man:
Release Date: October 23
Platform: Theaters
Based on Cullen Bunn and Vanesa R. Del Rey’s graphic novel of the same name, ‘The Empty Man’ follows an ex-police officer suffering from PTSD after witnessing the deaths of his wife and son who finds himself caught up amidst a secretive organization attempting to summon a sinister supernatural entity. Originally filmed in 2017, ‘The Empty Man’ stars James Badge Dale, Joel Courtney, Aaron Poole and Owen Teague. It will debut in theaters on October 23.
Synchronic:
Release Date: October 23
Platform: Theaters
The lives of two paramedics (Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan) in New Orleans are ripped apart after a series of horrific deaths are caused by a new designer drug that leaves its users with very dangerous side effects. Written and directed by genre favorites Aaron Benson and Justin Moorhead, ‘Synchronic’ is an inventive sci-fi thriller featuring career-best performances from Mackie and Dornan. It will be released in theaters on October 23.
The Craft:
Release Date: October 27
Platform: Prime Video
Originally met with mixed reviews and lukewarm audience reception in 1996, ‘The Craft’ has since built a strong cult following with a steady online presence. While plot details are sparse, this fresh remake of Andrew Fleming’s original from director Zoe Lister-Jones features an impressive cast (including Cailee Spaeny, Gideon Adlon, Lovie Simone, Zoey Luna, David Duchovny and Michelle Monaghan) and boasts a producer credit from Jason Blum. It is reportedly hitting Prime Video on October 27.
Come Play:
Release Date: October 30
Platform: Theaters
The latest in a recent wave of technology-based horror films, ‘Come Play’ tells the story of Larry, a monster that manifests itself through smart phones and mobile devices, and after a chance encounter, starts targeting a young boy and his family. A feature film version of director Jacob Chase’s well-received 2017 short film ‘Larry’, ‘Come Play’ stars Azhy Robertson, Gillian Jacobs and John Gallagher Jr. and will hit theaters on October 30.
His House:
Release Date: October 30
Platform: Netflix
Directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Remi Weekes, ‘His House’ revolves around a refugee couple that makes a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan to the UK. After a promising start, they soon find themselves struggling to adjust to their new life in an English town that has an evil lurking beneath the surface. Starring Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, Matt Smith and genre-staple Javier Botet, ‘His House’ received rave reviews when it debuted at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, with critics calling it “persuasively terrifying”, “harrowing” and “truly haunting”. It debuts on Netflix on October 30.