It wouldn’t be Halloween without a good scare. Many people enjoy watching horror films to get into the spooky season. For many, it’s the perfect time to grab some popcorn, lower the lights, and turn on a horror movie. Horror films remain a big part of modern Halloween tradition for many.
At Middle College High School, both students and teachers have their favorite horror films and reasons they like them, often rewatching them during Halloween.
MCHS senior Stephanie Cameo explains her enjoyment for horror films.
“I love to watch horror movies, especially during midseason. With fall, it’s just right, it’s just even better that enhances the experience,” Cameo said.
When asked about her favorite horror film, she replied with “Insidious”, “It’s the only horror movie that really scares me,” Cameo said.
“Insidious” is a supernatural horror movie released in 2010. The film centers on the life of a married couple whose young child enters a coma and becomes a vessel for many demonic spirits in a soul realm. The film focuses on the psychological horror aspect, atmosphere, character emotions, and unique storyline rather than relying on gore for the audience’s entertainment.
Cameo distinguishes between different types of horror films, she explains her dislike for graphic horror films like “Terrifier” and her preference for psychological and supernatural themed movies.
She also expresses her enjoyment of paranormal film franchises like “The Conjuring” and the “Final Destination” series.
Nowadays, with the use of advanced technology, filmmakers are able to create more realistic supernatural environments and creatures that can enhance the fear and suspense of the audience.
”When it comes to older horror movies, they don’t really have a jump scare effect… modern movies tend to be more scary, especially with special effects,” Cameo said.
While many students enjoy the thrill of horror movies, teachers at MCHS also have their favorites they love to revisit.
MCHS teacher Mr. Gertsman, shared his own thoughts on horror films. He expresses his preference for both the classics and modern horror films.
Gertsman enjoys watching horror movies all year-round.
“I just like horror films. I don’t differentiate between the seasons,” Gertsman said.
When asked about his favorite horror film, Gertsman shared his appreciation for the classic 1960 horror film ”Psycho.”
The film “Psycho” directed by Alfred Hitchcock was released in 1960. “Psycho” is a psychological thriller with themes of horror and suspense. Instead of using supernatural monsters or violence to gain the audience’s attention, it uses music, atmosphere, camera angles to build fear and suspense.
It inspired a new wave of psychological horror movies and the rise of the slasher genre.
“Psycho” had a major influence on well-known horror and slasher films such as “Halloween,” ”Friday the 13th,” “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” and ”Scream”.
“It’s not a gore film, it’s a suspense film, and Hitchcock was the master of letting you fill in the horror…the horror in that film is almost all in your mind,” Gerstman said.
MCHS senior Militza Rodriguez also shares her thoughts on horror films.
“I enjoy watching horror movies anytime of the year, especially within the month of October,” Rodriguez said.
When asked about her preference for classic or modern horror films Rodriguez mentions that she enjoys watching both classic and modern horror films but does lead more toward the classics.
“I don’t mind watching both because that is what I was raised with. Though I tend to watch more classics like ‘Scream’, ‘Friday the 13th’, and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer,’” said Rodriguez.
As for her favorite horror movie, Rodriguez likes the film “Veronica.”
“This movie stands out to me because it’s about a young teenage girl who is trying to get in contact with her deceased father. Though the tables and unexpected guests arrive,” Rodriguez said.
The movie “Veronica” was directed by Paco Plaza and released in 2017. “Veronica” is a Spanish horror film, loosely based on the real-life unsolved mystery series of paranormal events in Madrid, Spain from the 1990s known as the “Vallecas Case”.
The film is filled with suspenseful jump scares and creepy chilling atmosphere which keep the audience intrigued throughout the movie.
From classic slashers to modern supernatural thrillers, horror films clearly seem to hold a special place for both teachers and students.
As Halloween approaches and the month of October comes to an end, horror films continue to bring people together. Whether it’s “Insidious,” “Psycho” or “Veronica,” each film has its own unique thrill that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats. After all, what’s Halloween without some screams and chills?
