Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019)
They’re not just stories anymore.
Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark (2019) Movie Poster
Starring: Zoe Colletti, Austin Abrams, Michael Garza, Austin Zajur & Natalie Ganzhorn
Director: André Øvredal
Written by: Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman
Released: August 9, 2019
Budget: $25 million
Box office: $104.5 million
Distributed: Lionsgate Films, Entertainment One
I must have lived under a rock because I had never heard of Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark until this film was released. Perfect for Halloween and an entry point into horror, this film is for anyone who appreciates juvenile horror adventure with an eerie and dark twist. The plot has a Goosebumps feel, making this a great sleepover film for all pre-teens and teens who still want a good night’s sleep.
Set in the 1960s in a small town where everyone pretty much knows each other, it had an IT: Chapter One quality about it. Especially when we are introduced to our set of teen characters who resemble elements of The Losers Club. The film didn’t feel very ‘60s, except for minor style choices and the racism towards Ramon, but it captured the Halloween/Fall season🎃🍂perfectly.
I loved the Gothic-styled haunted mansion where the kids went to explore. You just know by looking at it that it’s filled with nasty secrets. One of them is the urban legend of Sarah Bellows. The tragedy turned vengeful mystery surrounding her was rather interesting. The script does a great job of asking the audience to sympathise with this character even though she is causing frightening things to happen to others. So can we blame her? Not really. She’s just doing her ghostly thing and getting even on those who disturbed her.
When the stories started to manifest themselves into reality, it got spooky real fast. I was quite surprised at how much tension and atmosphere it was able to build. And so well at that. The character designs are extremely well done and are practically done with real actors portraying each creature.
The Scary Stories told were:
Harold: What a creepy design. Anytime you include an open field at night, you’re guaranteed to make it atmospheric. Especially if your eyes see something walking in the background. Tommy transforming into a scarecrow added an element of body horror and with that straw coming out of his mouth, I felt like gagging watching him choke.
The Big Toe: Eww that toe looked hella nasty🤮. I loved that they used this design from the book. It looked pretty identical to what fans know and love. I liked Auggie as a character so to know that he was pulled into the unknown and is still missing, I hope a sequel is greenlight to get him back.
The Red Spot: Another great body horror moment. Ruth’s pimple looks painful. Those with the white center always hurt like a mother...but to have a spider crawling out from it, would make anyone’s skin crawl and have them itching at the thought.
The Red Room: That woman is the creepiest thing I’ve ever seen. Her coming closer and closer from every exit, trapping Chuck and then sucking him into her…aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!
On YouTube, there is a video, from the Insider, on how each creature was created. It will make you appreciate the efforts of the special effects team. Give it a watch below.
Overall, I like this movie and how it was able to adapt a collection of short stories and fit them into one cohesive plot that stayed true to the scary, eerie elements present in the book, yet still added a fresh spin on the material. It’s pretty creepy for its PG-13 rating and can be enjoyed by a younger audience. It’s shot well and has many backdrops and set pieces that keep the action going. Never once was I bored during my watch. I enjoyed the plot and characters so much that I’d be happy if they greenlit a sequel. There are more books in the series so it would only make sense.
I give it 4 out of 5 Scary Stories.
What are your thoughts on this film? What’s your favourite story from the collection? Share your thoughts below.
