As a diva of a certain age, I have decided it is time to pack away my Trick-Or-Treat Brandy Snifter. Alas, my days of going door-to-door on Halloween night shouting "Trick or Cognac!" have come to an end. For one thing, I've received a sternly-worded letter from the HOA reminding me that our neighborhood does not turn into my personal speak-easy on All Hallows Eve. For another, nothing says spooky season like being in the comfort of my own home bingeing horror films while indulging in equally chilling cocktails. This witching season, there is an entire caldron full of shows and movies featuring strong (aka: murderous) female leads. So, join me, dear readers, in a spook-a-thon for the ages! Mwahahahaha!
 |
| Let the horrors begin! |
Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story (Netflix) As we know, Lizzie Borden (allegedly) took an axe and gave her mother 40 whacks. What we did not know is how much fun and bizarre the legend could be in the hands of Ryan Murphy of American Horror Story fame. This series stars Ella Beatty, the daughter of Warren Beatty and Annette Benning, and niece of the brilliant Shirley McClain. Before we cancel her for being a nepo baby, let me reassure you that she is brilliant as the aggrieved stepdaughter who murders both parents and gives Fall River, Massachusetts a taste of infamy. In typical Ryan Murphy fashion, gore makes multiple cameos. Still, it's the story-telling that brings the true horror. This is not for the light of stomach, so I advise a touch of whisky for medicinal purposes. Might I recommend Death In the Afternoon Cocktail?
 |
| “Nothing to see here. Just working on my upper body strength.” |
Crystal Lake (Peacock) Back in 1980, we were introduced to Pam Voorhees in the movie Friday the 13th when she went on a killing spree at the summer camp in which her son, Jason, had drowned. (Spoiler alert: Not only didn't Jason die, but he lived on to spawn ten sequels for the franchise.) Crystal Lake is Pam's story leading up to that fateful night. Linda Cardellini plays her with just the right kind of sticky sweetness that makes her sinister side always a surprise. The series takes place in the 1970’s, and, for those of us who grew up in that era, everything from the clothes to the music to the attitude is spot on. Of special note is that Jason, as a little boy, is so endearing that I suspect many of us would also like to go back in time and murder those camp counselors ourselves. Of course, we cannot and would NEVER! Instead, we can satisfy our blood lust with the Cereal Killer Cocktail.
 |
| “After I slay, I always enjoy a cigarette.” |
Carrie (Prime Video) When I heard that Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass) was doing a remake of this Stephen King classic, I had no interest in it. After all, the 1976 film starring Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie was perfection. I am glad I changed my mind because this version is an instant fright-night staple. Flanagan uses modern-day horror such as school-shooting drills, conspiracy theorists, and digital bullying to update the story. Summer H. Howell plays a sweetly naive Carrie, seemingly too pretty and kind to be the stereotype of the bullied girl. But, that’s the beauty of this remake. Flanagan makes sure we understand that the true monster in King’s tale is the vicious nature of humans to torment and torture those we perceive as weaker. Despite her supernatural powers, Carrie could have gone her whole life burying her nose in books and being unreasonably polite. But, the bullies unleashed their own just rewards! In keeping with the theme, this can only be watched while drinking The Bloody Mary
 |
| "You're all dead to me!" |
Widow's Bay (Apple TV) I have never laughed so much during a horror series. Matthew Rhys, who is positively everywhere these days, stars as Tom Loftis, the mayor of Widow's Bay. His goal is to turn this isolated island off the New England Coast into a tourist attraction. Unfortunately, the island is cursed. It's also populated with a variety of amusing and/or frightening characters with Tom's assistant, Patricia, being the main one. As Tom tries to proceed with his plan to enliven the island, a series of downright scary events begin to occur. Naturally it ends with a shocking cliff hanger. The good news is that Season 2 is already in the works. The best news is the show can be enjoyed while sipping on The Widow's Peak
 |
| "Are you mad at something I said?" |
Obsession (Peacock) This film was produced after the director, Curry Barker's, Youtube short film, The Chair, attracted the eyes of a producer. It was completed in eight months on a shoe-string budget of $750,000 and has, to date, grossed $520 million worldwide. It's a take on the W.W. Jacob's short story, The Monkey's Paw. In other words, "Be careful what you wish for." Bear, who has had a crush on his co-worker, Nikki, forever, heads to a shop that caters to woo-woo clients in order to buy Nikki a crystal. While there, he finds a toy called "The One Wish Willow." You make a wish, break the willow branch, and your wish will come true! Bear is skeptical, but he opts to use it to wish that Nikki would love him more than anything in the world. Spoiler alert: The wish comes true, to dire and dramatic consequence. Everything about this film, from the acting to the mood, will keep your eyes glued to the set. The only appropriate adult beverage for this viewing is the Green Eyed Monsta!
 |
| "Bear, I love you so, so, so, so, so, so, so much!" |
No comments:
Post a Comment