Headliners Share Their Favorite Scary Movies Ahead of Escape Halloween
Escape Halloween, North America’s largest Halloween festival, is just around the corner and headliners are getting in the spooky spirit by sharing their favorite scary movies. From the bone-chilling “Midsommar” to the nostalgic “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” these artists have diverse tastes when it comes to horror films. Whether you prefer psychological thrillers like “Saw” or supernatural scares like “The Grudge,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Halloween season. So grab your popcorn and get ready for some frightful viewing recommendations from the talented artists on the Escape lineup.
Kaivon
Movie: Midsommar
Kaivon, one of the headliners at Escape Halloween, has a favorite scary movie that stands out from the rest—Midsommar. In Kaivon’s opinion, this movie is on another level, evoking deep and mysterious feelings that are unparalleled by any other film.
Midsommar, directed by Ari Aster, is a psychological horror film that follows a group of friends who travel to Sweden to attend a midsummer festival. However, as the festivities begin, they discover that the seemingly innocent traditions of the community hide a dark and twisted reality.
Kaivon’s admiration for Midsommar stems from the unique emotions it evokes. The film delves into the depths of human psychology, exploring themes of grief, trauma, and the complexities of relationships. It takes horror to a whole new level by relying on atmospheric tension and psychological unease rather than jump scares and gore.
For Kaivon, Midsommar stands out as a masterpiece in the horror genre, surpassing any other scary movie they’ve ever seen. Its ability to deeply touch the viewer and leave a lasting impact makes it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
TOBEHONEST
Movie: The Hills Have Eyes
TOBEHONEST, another headliner at Escape Halloween, has a personal connection to their favorite scary movie—The Hills Have Eyes. Growing up in the desert and going on camping trips with their family, TOBEHONEST found the setting of the film reminiscent of their own experiences.
The Hills Have Eyes, directed by Alexandre Aja, tells the story of a family who becomes stranded in the New Mexico desert and is attacked by a group of cannibalistic mutants. The desolate and isolated landscape of the desert mirrors the eerie and dangerous atmosphere of the film.
What resonates with TOBEHONEST is the juxtaposition of the peacefulness they associate with their childhood camping trips and the horrifying events that unfold in the movie. The abandoned towns and the captivating villains with their intricate makeup add another layer to the film’s appeal.
While The Hills Have Eyes may be a frightening and intense watch, TOBEHONEST appreciates the artistry behind it. The movie not only taps into their personal experiences but also showcases the talent of the filmmakers and the impact that a well-crafted horror film can have.
Codeko
Movie: Saw
Codeko’s favorite scary movie is one that had a significant impact on them during their teenage years—Saw. At the age of 12, Codeko and their friends watched a YouTube compilation of Saw traps, which initially scared them but also sparked their curiosity. They decided to prove that they were not afraid and ended up watching Saw 2 together.
Saw, directed by James Wan, is a psychological horror film that revolves around a serial killer known as Jigsaw. Jigsaw, known for his twisted and elaborate traps, tests his victims’ will to live and challenges their moral choices.
Despite the initial fright and the nightmares that followed, Codeko has developed a peculiar nostalgia for Saw. They find enjoyment in the film, appreciating its unique and macabre storytelling. The experience of watching Saw with their friends holds a special place in their memory, attributing it to their fascination with horror.
As Codeko mentions, watching Saw as an adult is a reminder of that peculiar mix of fear and excitement they felt as a teenager. It’s a testament to the impact that horror movies can have on an individual and how they can become a source of both fear and enjoyment throughout one’s life.
Rossy
Movie: It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
While most headliners at Escape Halloween have a taste for truly terrifying movies, Rossy prefers something a bit lighter—It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. As someone who is easily jumpy when it comes to horror movies, Rossy finds solace in this classic animated film.
It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, directed by Bill Melendez, is a family-friendly Halloween special that follows the Peanuts gang as they celebrate Halloween. The film focuses on Linus’ unwavering belief in the Great Pumpkin and his attempt to convince his friends of its existence.
For Rossy, Halloween can be enjoyable without having to be immersed in sheer terror. They appreciate the lightheartedness and nostalgia that comes with watching It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. There’s comfort in the simplicity of the film’s scares, which are more comedic than genuinely frightening.
Sometimes, a gentle reminder of childhood and a bit of laughter is all that’s needed to get into the Halloween spirit. Rossy’s preference for this classic film shows that there’s room for every type of scare during this spooky season.
Yetep
Movie: The Grudge
For Yetep, one of the headliners at Escape Halloween, their favorite scary movie left a lasting impact on their childhood—The Grudge. This psychological horror film, directed by Takashi Shimizu, traumatized Yetep to the point where they avoided watching scary movies for a while.
The Grudge tells the chilling tale of a curse that manifests as a vengeful ghost, targeting anyone who enters a certain house. Yetep vividly recalls the scene where a girl’s hair is grabbed mid-shower, leaving them afraid to take showers themselves. The haunting imagery of The Grudge even made its way into their sleep paralysis experiences, making it a truly terrifying memory.
While The Grudge may have caused fear and discomfort, it also showcases the power of horror movies to create a lasting impact on audiences. Yetep’s experience with the film is a testament to the effectiveness of its scares and the lingering effect they can have on one’s psyche.
The Grudge holds a special place in Yetep’s memories, forever associated with the fear and unease it instilled in them. It serves as a reminder of the immense power that horror movies can have in shaping our emotions and experiences.
Mariana BO
Movie: IT
Mariana BO, a headliner at Escape Halloween, confesses that horror movies are not their go-to genre. However, there is one movie that they find particularly terrifying—IT. The fear of clowns combined with the unnerving storyline of this film makes it a truly unsettling experience for Mariana BO.
IT, directed by Andy Muschietti, is based on Stephen King’s novel and follows the story of a group of kids who are terrorized by an evil entity taking the form of a clown named Pennywise. The film explores themes of fear, friendship, and the power of facing one’s deepest nightmares.
Mariana BO’s fear of clowns intensifies their unease while watching IT. The film taps into their childhood fears, making it a truly hair-raising experience. The fact that the film has the ability to evoke such a strong reaction from them shows its effectiveness in scaring even those who are not typically fans of horror.
While Mariana BO may have a hard time watching horror movies, the terrifying impact of IT has etched it into their memory. It serves as a reminder of the power that horror movies hold to evoke genuine fear and unease, even in those who are reluctant to indulge in the genre.
Hekler
Movie: Scream
Hekler, one of the headliners at Escape Halloween, has a favorite scary movie that they enjoy watching throughout the year—Scream. This slasher film franchise holds a special place in their heart, as it has become a tradition for Hekler and their girlfriend to watch the Scream movies together.
Scream, directed by Wes Craven, is a meta-horror film that follows a masked killer known as Ghostface, who terrorizes the residents of the small town of Woodsboro. The film’s self-awareness and subversion of horror movie conventions make it a unique and thrilling viewing experience.
For Hekler, Scream goes beyond the typical slasher film. They appreciate the hidden messages and the unique cinematography in the films, which have influenced their own approach to making music. The ability of the Scream movies to keep them on the edge of their seats every time they watch them speaks to their quality and enduring appeal.
The tradition of watching the Scream movies with their girlfriend not only adds to the enjoyment of the films but also strengthens their connection as a couple. As Hekler mentions, the movies become a shared experience that they can look forward to together.
In conclusion, the headliners at Escape Halloween each have their own favorite scary movie that holds a special place in their hearts. From the deep and mysterious feelings evoked by Midsommar to the childhood traumas caused by The Grudge, these films showcase the power of horror to leave a lasting impact on viewers. Whether it’s fans of intense scares, lighthearted classics, or psychological thrillers, there’s a scary movie for everyone to enjoy this Halloween season.
