Trick or tape? Get your spook on with these Halloween releases

Photo by the Author

Ghostly greetings, CASAns! 

We are well into our -ber months. Before we channel our yuletide vibes, let us first deal with the thrill of horrific gore and psychological torment. The month of October never fails to evoke the Halloween spirit, and this year promises to be very much the same. 

With the grand return of Jamie Lee Curtis and James Jude Courtney to conclude the Halloween reboot trilogy with Halloween Ends, we are set to experience a handful of splatter films. Whether you are a casual horror enthusiast seeking some gruesome carnage or a full-on Halloween fanatic in search of movies to scratch your spooky itch, the month of October is something to keep an eye on.

A strong lineup of films is pending release between now and by the end of the year. Be sure to grab some pumpkin spice lattes and caramel popcorn as we get you ready for all the eerie and enchanted. Here is the list of forthcoming titles to watch out for. 

Halloween Ends

Trailer from Universal Pictures

After 45 years, the much-awaited battle between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode finally concludes this soft-reboot trilogy of the legendary horror franchise. The film features the rekindled trauma of Laurie as she liberates herself from fear and rage. But it does not end there, as a string of violent events and terror drags Laurie to confront Michael once again after a young man is accused of killing a boy he was babysitting. In the end, and this should come as no spoiler, only one of them survives.

Showing on October 12 in cinemas nationwide. 

Barbarian

Trailer from 20th Century Studios

As a young woman lands a job interview far from home, she rents an Airbnb only to find out that it has been double booked and a strange man is already occupying the space. With a storm raging outside, she goes against her judgment and finds herself with no option but to stay for the night. Soon enough, she warms up to him and discovers that there is more to be feared than she initially thought. 

Available on September 9 in theaters. You may stream it on HBO Max. 

Hellraiser

Trailer from 20th Century Studios

A reboot of the Clive Barker franchise’s 1987 film featuring a young woman struggling with addiction who is in possession of a mysterious puzzle box responsible for her brother’s disappearance. The box pierces her skin and summons the Cenobites, a cult of sadistic supernatural beings. She then comes up with a plan to help him revitalize his body and escape the demonic underworld.

Streaming on October 07 on Hulu.

​​Mr. Harrigan's Phone

                                                                Trailer from Netflix

The film is a sweet coming-of-age story with a dark, hidden, supernatural twist. A young boy, Craig, befriends an older and reclusive billionaire Mr. Harrigan. The two form a bond over books and an iPhone. Unfortunate events unfold when Mr. Harrigan passes away; the boy finds himself able to communicate through the iPhone with people from the grave. While the film contains horror, it is labeled as something more of a cautionary tale.

Available on October 05 on Netflix.

Hocus Pocus 2

                                                      Trailer from Walt Disney Studios

A quick palate cleanser and shift to something lighter; the Sanderson sisters are back! Since the original film’s release in 1993, Hocus Pocus has grown on people's hearts, which pushed Disney to produce a sequel thirty years after the iconic movie. This fantasy comedy film is set to deliver the same Halloween spirit without getting you too jittery.

Showing on September 30 on Disney+

Wednesday Addams

Trailer from Netflix

Legendary director Tim Burton is back to sweep us on our feet as he leads the Netflix Original family fantasy show, Wednesday. The story is based on The Addams Family, a cartoon by Charles Addams with countless media adaptation projects. The protagonist, Wednesday Addams, attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart a killing spree and decode the mystery of her parents—all these while navigating her way as a student of Nevermore Academy.

Available on November 23 on Netflix

Prey for the Devil

Trailer from Lionsgate Movies

The Catholic Church reopens the idea of training priests to perform exorcisms to combat a global rise of demonic possessions. While nuns are not given the same opportunity, Sister Ann was granted an exemption due to her talent. A unique twist is given to the film as the nun battles for the soul of a young girl possessed by the same demon that took her mother’s life. The development of trauma leads Sister Ann to face the entity that tore her family apart.

Showing on October 28 on Amazon Prime Video.

Bones and All

Trailer from Rotten Tomatoes Trailers

This is a coming-of-age romantic cannibal road film adapted from the 2015 novel by Camille DeAngelis. Back on the big screen is Timothee Chalamet, together with Taylor Russell, as they embark on a story of first love and join together for a thousand-mile voyage of trap doors in search of their own humanity. The characters are met with profound openness and vulnerability and subsequently complemented by cannibalistic impulses. While the film has no jump scares, it will create a flesh-ripping, crawling sensation.

Showing on November 23 in Philippine cinemas.

Wendell and Wild

                                                                Trailer from Netflix

The film is a stop-motion animation that involves inner demons and trauma. While the film is titled Wendell & Wild, the story follows Kat Elliot, a punk rock Black girl with a lot to carry from her past. As her life has been a series of unfortunate events, she lands into legal trouble and journey towards acceptance, forgiveness, and empowerment.

Stream on October 28 on Netflix.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

                                                   Trailer from Marvel Entertainment

Briefly breaking aside from all the horror, there is good news for Marvel fans! Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is set to show this November as a sequel to the first film in 2018. The tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman, who took on the leading role of Black Panther himself, led fans to wonder how the film could continue—if it would at all. The kingdom of Wakanda suffers the passing of King T’Challa, which forces their people to fight to protect their nation as they progress without a leader.

Showing on November 9 in cinemas nationwide. 

What an epic lineup to spend your Halloween week watching these films. What are you planning to watch first? Whatever it is, may you all have a fang-tastic movie night with your loved ones. UST-CASA Chronicle is witching you a Happy Halloween!