My Favorite Things: October
My Favorite Things is a monthly segment where I share my personal and current favorites in seasonal products, health & beauty, food, decor, movies, TV, and more. I hope you enjoy these personal picks!
Movies
The Power
A trainee nurse arrives for her first day at the empty East London Royal Infirmary, where she’s forced to face her own traumatic past to confront the malevolent force that’s intent on destroying everything around her.
Because of it’s claustrophobic setting of a dark hospital with dark hallways that seem to lead to nowhere, The Power is an immersive viewing experience. I will note that it does deal with some sensitive nature surrounding abuse, but the commentary showcased within the characters and storyline makes the narrative so important. I appreciated that the movie felt like it has a purpose and that it doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares. The lead actresses of the film did an amazing job!
Deadstream
A disgraced internet personality tries to win back his followers by livestreaming himself at an abandoned haunted house. When he accidentally unleashes a vengeful spirit, his comeback event becomes a fight for his life.
This film unlike the next pick below was scary and funny. It’s a horror comedy that feels over the top, yet feels real for an influencer that gets into trouble he can’t easily escape. I won’t lie, the jumpscares did get me from time to time in this one, but they do a great job of building up to the final act of this movie. Props go to Joseph Winter who plays the influencer named Shawn in this film who makes the audience want to tune into his journey. His character made me laugh so much. The special effects were done really well and I think if you enjoy found footage movies you’ll want to add this to your movie list.
Boys From County Hell
The Irish backcountry of Six Mile Hill is abruptly disturbed when some construction workers accidentally awaken a fabled vampire by disrupting his grave and fight him in order to survive the night.
I’ve been trying to seek out more comedy horror this spooky season and stumbled upon this Irish film. It reminded me a lot of Shaun of the Dead, except this one has a relentless and powerful vampire on the prowl. It’s very funny when it’s not trying to be and the comedy style/writing felt very natural with the cast’s chemistry on screen. I enjoyed seeing a rag-tag group of friends and family try to think on their feet and try to undo the chaos they’ve released on their village. It its gory at times, but not overtly scary. The action scenes had me on the edge of my seat at all times. A fun and atmospheric film watch!
Bodies Bodies Bodies
When a group of 20-somethings gets stuck at a remote mansion during a hurricane, a party game gone very, very wrong ends with a dead body on the ground and fake friends at every turn as they try to find the killer among them.
This dark comedy is more that what it first glance and now I see why reviewers say it is such a clever film. Because the horror film is laced with a lot of double meanings and social commentary it also reminded me of The Blackening (another spooky movie I recommend). Bodies doesn’t take too much time at the beginning and the audience is thrust into into a deadly game of hide and seek very fast. It’s clear their friendship is being tested throughout this whole experience, but also because the film is a satire of Gen-Z’s relationship with their cellphones and the internet. And viewers see just how the friends change when those two things became inaccessible. There are a lot of unsuspecting twists and turns in this film that I was surprised by.
Hollyblood
Determined to win the affection of the girl he loves, a shy teenager decides to dress up as a vampire, unaware that a real threat is on the prowl.
This is a great not-so-spooky Spanish teen romantic comedy film with horror elements. I loved that it is not afraid to be overtly silly and how it pokes fun at media such as Twilight. It’s a very over-the-top, but I think that’s what makes it so much fun to watch (plus I was laughing the entire movie). The film harps on a lot of tropes, but manages to create characters that will entertain you and have you invested in their stories. I would recommend this film if you’re looking for a fresh take on Vampire film genre.
Music
Where is My Husband! by Raye
This track by singer/songwriter RAYE that serves as the lead single for her currently untitled second album. I love the ode to Motown in the look and funky brass melody in this track. The lyrics are catchy and it’s a song that makes you dance.
People Watching by Tyler Lewis
Tyler Rachel Lewis is an English R&B singer and songwriter. People Watching is vibey, R&B track that gives a bit of throwback to the Y2K sound. It’s a smooth song and I love the vocal tone of Lewis that gives the song’s lyrics that emotional depth.
The Skeleton Dance by Aurelio Voltaire
It wouldn’t be an October wrap-up with out at least Halloween themed song. This is a fun and silly spooky song about a group of partying skeletons.
What are some of your favorite things from October? Share your thoughts in the comment section below
The Blackening was so great. Now I guess I’ll have to watch Bodies, Bodies, Bodies. It was in my TBW but yknow I’m putting some space between the creepiest things…maybe for New Year’s. hehe
I feel like Bodies is labeled as horror but it feels more like a thriller to me. It’s intense but I think the humor makes it feels not so heavy compared to other films.