September Recs (creepy movie edition) + "Writing on the Dark Side" workshop!
Happy Full Moon in Aries! I’ve seen a lot of great creepy, disturbing offerings this month, so I thought I’d focus on them as we formally approach Spooky Season.
Before we get to that, I wanted to share a special announcement: Donna Freitas (whose book CONSENT: A MEMOIR OF UNWANTED ATTENTION I wrote about in my August recs) and I will be co-leading a workshop called “Writing on the Dark Side” on Wednesday, October 18th. Donna and I both share an interest in the dark, shadowy side of life, and we’re excited to lead attendees into the depths of their unconscious. We have several exercises planned to help people draw out juicy villains and treacherous landscapes for their writing. The workshop will stream for 30 days, so you can attend live or watch later. Hope to see you there!
Now, on to the recs…
Talk to Me. I watched this for a second time this month, and noticed a lot of details I missed during the first time. This is the scariest and maybe the best horror movie I’ve seen this year. I went in knowing nothing about the plot, and was blown away by the concept, so I think that’s the best way to watch it! Just note that you may want to check trigger warnings—this movie has intense themes and some moments of violence. (RENT ON VARIOUS PLATFORMS)
Bad Things. Written and directed by a queer woman, Stewart Thorndike, this movie is a queer, modern-day retelling of The Shining. The main character Ruthie has inherited her grandmother’s abandoned hotel, so she and her friends decide to spend a few days there. Of course, Bad Things ensure. While it’s not jump-scare scary, the tense and creepy atmosphere pervades every scene, and I appreciated the explorations of how women in different kinds of relationships (romantic, mother/daughter) can do “bad things” to each other. (SHUDDER)
Significant Other. Maika Monroe (Watcher, It Follows) and Jake Lacy (White Lotus), who are always enjoyable to watch, play a couple on a camping trek through the Pacific Northwest. A cross between Honeymoon and Annihilation, the movie uses a disturbing sci-fi premise to explore our connections to those we think we know the most. Thanks to Leah Konen for recommending! (RENT ON VARIOUS PLATFORMS)
The Other Black Girl. As someone who worked in publishing for ten years (first science, then educational), I really appreciated Zakiya Dalila Harris’s Twilight Zone-ish take on that world with her debut THE OTHER BLACK GIRL. Zakiya helped develop the show along with Rashida Jones, and the result is a hair-raising and often laugh out loud funny show. Publishing assistant Nella is excited when Hazel is hired, the only other Black woman in the office. But soon, Nella starts to questions Hazel’s intentions, especially when someone starts leaving Nella threatening notes warning her to leave her job. (HULU)
Torn Hearts. Written by Rachel Koller Kraft (author of STONE COLD FOX) and directed by Brea Grant, this film focuses on two female friends who are also in a country music band. They decide to show up at the estate of their favorite country music star, a woman who’s been living as a recluse ever since her sister and bandmate died by suicide. When the star offers them the chance to record with her, they’re thrilled—until they start to realize the price they’re expected to pay. Katey Sagal is especially fun as the Roza-like ringleader who clearly enjoys playing with her younger guests. (PRIME)
Inside. This psychological thriller is different than I expected—instead of an action movie, it’s more a disturbing meditation on survival and time. Willem Defoe plays an art thief who gets trapped inside his absent mark’s penthouse. When Defoe tries to deactivate the security system, it breaks, shutting off the water and causing the heat to rise. It’s a simple concept, but watching Defoe go through many different psychological stages as he attempts to find a way out is fascinating. (PRIME)
BONUS: “Teddy Perkins,” S2E6, Atlanta. Okay, this is random, but I recently rewatched this standalone Atlanta episode, and it was just as good as I remembered—a perfectly executed horror movie in just 35 minutes. Darius (played by LaKeith Stanfield, who is always fun to watch) arrives at a mansion to pick up a free piano he saw advertised online. The owner, Teddy Perkins, claims to be a famous musician’s brother, but as his strangeness increases, we wonder what’s the truth—and if Darius will make it out alive. It’s a meditation on racism, internalized hatred, fame, and childhood trauma—again, incredible that it all fits into a half hour. (HULU)
So those are my top picks this month! Do you have any creepy movies or shows to share? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
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