Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark - A Movie Review

What is this book? Do you know who it’s writing a horror story about now?

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark released to theaters in 2019. Based on the scary stories told by Alvin Schwartz, the film bases around a group of teenagers who trespass into a haunted house on Halloween night. Upon taking a book of sinister stories, members of the group start to disappear one by one.

I remember reading Alvin Schwartz’s series of scary stories when I was a kid. The images and stories haunted me. Upon hearing that there was going to be a movie, I was intrigued. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark effectively follows a series of stories mastering a terrifying atmosphere.

Zoe Margaret Colletti, Michael Garza, Austin Zajur, and Gabriel Rush did an outstanding job of selling their characters. We can all relate to that last Halloween we want to go trick-or-treating before we are considered too old for it. The friendship between the quartet is one of the driving forces. Knowing one another’s dark fears, they look out for each other.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark focuses more on the scary elements than characters. There were some moments where they didn’t portray genuine reactions to situations. But still, they did a good job of conveying horror. Each stood out, especially Zajur with his comedic timing. I was most impressed with Colletti. I hope to see her in more films.

Other credits to include are Austin Abrams, Dean Norris, Gil Bellows, Natalie Ganzhorn, Lorraine Toussaint, Kathleen Pollard, and Deborah Pollitt. I cannot forget to mention Mark Steger, Javier Botet, and Troy James for their sinister portrayals as the monsters.

I made the mistake of underestimating the film. This is a scary film. My favorite aspect of this film was the book that writes its own stories. Some of the scares showcased a frightening scarecrow, spiders, and the best and scariest sequence across the entire film was the pale lady. Who wouldn’t be terrified of a horrifying creature walking towards you and getting closer in every direction you turn?

Our fears are what the scares are all about. Growing up is a notable theme. As we grow, we keep to ourselves. Another theme Scary Stories did a nice job of delivering to audiences was authenticating our dark fears.

Practical effects were used to its highest extremes. Little CGI was used. I am a fan of films that use practical effects because it makes the film realistic. The makeup is out of this world incredible. Fairly, the horrors of Scary Stories is what keeps audiences watching. A real contortionist was hired for one specific character.

Andre Ovredal captured a genuinely creepy story that had a real moral to it. He could have worked better with the characters, but I could tell that he was focused on the special effects for the film. He achieved a gothic, frightening, and startling film to the screen.

The story is not as original. It takes elements from other horror films of the genre. One storyline heavily reminded me of the premise of ParaNorman. Most viewers are upset that Scary Stories didn’t bring the actual tales to life, instead deciding to create its own fabrication. Arguably, I liked that because it was trying to incorporate something different.

I wish I saw Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark when it was out in theaters. It is a film that I would watch over and over for the genuinely frightening special effects and monsters. I recommend that you find it and watch it for your Halloween night.