Hi all!
To continue my Seasonal Splendour segment, I’m sharing 5 horror movies to watch in spring, summer, autumn and winter. These spooky films will give you all the seasonal vibes. As it’s still November (in the Southern Hemisphere), I’m starting with spring. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
1.) Candyman
What is spring without bees and honey? Candyman is a no-brainer this season! I am referring to the original from 1992 but the 2021 remake works too.
Skeptical graduate student, Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen), befriends Anne-Marie McCoy (Vanessa Williams), while researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago’s Near North Side. From Anne-Marie, Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of urban legend some believe responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman’s description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear the legend may be all too real.
Even though it takes place during autumn, I still classify Candyman as a spring feature. A villain known for spouting bees from his mouth? Say no more! This horror classic manages to deliver scares and seduction combined. It almost feels like a love story. It’s also much more than a slasher. This movie provides commentary on race, class and urban decay. If you haven’t checked it out yet, do so this season.
2.) The Ruins
The Ruins may feel like a summer film but dangerous and deadly plants scream spring to me! If you’re looking for a gore-fest, this is the movie for you.
Amy (Jena Malone), Stacy, Jeff and Eric, look for fun during a sunny holiday in Mexico. However, they get much more after visiting an archaeological dig in the jungle. Carnivorous vines try to ensnare the friends in their tendrils, forcing the group to fight for survival.
Make sure you go into this one with a strong stomach. It pushes the boundaries and then some when it comes to the gore/violence. In terms of storyline, I wouldn’t expect much. The characters (especially the lead) are quite obnoxious. There is a real sense of entitlement from them, especially in regard to trespassing and cultural sensitivity. Having said all that, if you’re looking for a fun, bloody viewing experience, I recommend checking it out. The plants are formidable!
3.) The Birds
What season does one normally get swooped? Spring! Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds could not be more seasonal if it tried.
Melanie Daniels (Tippi Hedren), meets Mitch Brenner (Rod Taylor) in a San Francisco pet store; deciding to follow him home. She brings with her the gift of two love birds and they strike up a romance. One day, birds start attacking children at Mitch’s sister’s party. This leads to a huge assault on the town from the vicious feathery foes.
I watched this classic for the first time in November and absolutely loved it. The special effects may be outdated, but as somebody terrified of birds, I still found it quite impactful. Tippi Hedren is an icon. You would not know this was her debut feature film. Despite it being two hours long, I didn’t feel the runtime. I loved the slow build-up to the horror. Hitchcock left the motivation for the bird attacks wide open, in the hope that audiences would come up with their own intepretation. I have my theories. What are yours?
4.) The Wicker Man
I have written an entire post about why I love The Wicker Man so much (click here). It’s bright, floral and paganistic.
Sergeant Howie arrives on the small Scottish island of Summerisle, to investigate the report of a missing child. A conservative Christian, the policeman observes the residents’ frivolous sexual displays and strange pagan rituals. The more Sergeant Howie learns about the islanders’ strange practices, the closer he gets to tracking down the missing child.
The Wicker Man has a runtime of only 102 minutes and yet, the pacing is pure perfection. From the moment the opening credits begin, we are thrust straight into the story. As the horror builds, so does your interest. I really have to commend the way the movie was edited and put together. For a 1970’s film, there is an impressive amount of impactful horror.
5.) Pan’s Labyrinth
Last, but not least, we have Pan’s Labyrinth. A visually stunning, cinematic masterpiece, set amongst lush gardens and blooming flowers.
It’s 1944 and the Allies have invaded Nazi-held Europe. In Spain, a troop of soldiers are sent to a remote forest to flush out the rebels. They are led by Capitan Vidal, a murdering sadist. With him are his new wife, Carmen and her daughter from a previous marriage, Ofelia. Ofelia witnesses her stepfather’s sadistic brutality; drawing her into Pan’s Labyrinth, a magical world of mythical beings.
I know foreign movies can be off-putting to certain people but I strongly recommend Pan’s Labyrinth to anyone that hasn’t seen it. It’s not focused on dialogue, as much as aesthetics. The creature design is phenomenal, as is to be expected with Del Toro at the helm. I remember how I felt watching it years ago. I was so entranced by the visuals. If you want a darker, moodier film set in spring, I suggest checking it out.
Thank you so much for reading. Please share your favourite horror movies to watch in spring.
Peace & Love xoxo
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