Fright Night: All You Will Need for a Horror-filled October

October is often heralded with the arrival of fall. The world around us embraces more vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow and the summertime air develops a more raw and invigorating appeal. Many people associate October with the embrace of cozy sweaters, frequent chai intervals, and foggy cold mornings, as the natural world starts to de-accelerate, preparing for the long-awaited slumber of winter. However, beneath the gorgeous veneer of autumn's splendour; there lies something darker, something uncanny that penetrates the mood.

What had once been a holiday in the Global West, centered on spooky costumes, sweets and pumpkin carvings is now a multimillion-dollar industry that takes pride in petrifying the old and young around the world. The versatility of this genre is unmistakable, as the demand for thrilling and blood curdling content hits the roof the weeks leading up to October 31st. I will be divulging into some of these sources of horror that will make you scared witless.

Screams on Screens

I am sure you have spent many tantalizing hours watching the Conjuring or The Final Destination franchise, so I will present something new and unique to fuel your nightmares.

Hollywood has provided many delectable works of fiction, such as The Haunting of Hill House, Locke and Key, Midnight Mass being worthy series to binge on late at night. If you are more of a movie enthusiast, then some of these psychotically exhilarating movies might be your best bet. A Quiet Place, Bird Box and The Pope’s Exorcist have recently graced the cinemas with reverting reviews from its wide audience. Even the foreign box-office has not failed to provide a terror filled atmosphere for cozy fall nights. Korean industry have always guaranteed a satisfying dose of dystopian sci-fi in its movie; for instances, #Alive and Train to Busan with its zombie-esque obsession. However, if you seek some comfort in jinns and ghouls; you might relish the bone chilling cinematics of Bulbul and Kaali Khuhi from across the border.

Tales from the Shadow

A good book can make the world around you fade away. What if it makes you feel a haunting presence within the dark crevices of your mind?

From ancient folklores, to the gothic genre of the modern age, the horror genre reveals the darker facets of the human psyche. Some classic works such as Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and Bram Stoker's "Dracula” have not only terrified but also captivated its readers for centuries. In our contemporary times, the gruelling works of Stephan King have tempted many sinners to dedicate themselves to the craft. Some of his most prominent works include, IT, The Shinning, Salem’s Lot and The Dark Tower Multiverse. Confronting the darkest aspects of humanity, novels such as The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins are a testament of the monster within.

Paranormal Picks

For the individuals who want to peek behind the curtains and explore the origins of the paranormal and the unnerving; your best bet is to indulge in the realm of paranormal investigation and true crime documentaries. You can have your pick of some of the most nerve-racking footage of paranormal activity on YouTube channels, such as Sam and Colby and Buzzfeed Unsolved.

True Crime Podcasts have had sensational success around the world, as they reveal the intricacies of criminal minds and humanize those affected by tragedies. I would personally recommend True Crime Daily and MissMangoButt for a healthy dose of mental satisfaction of seeing criminals behind bars.

The horror genre is here to stay and eager to engulf us in realms of dread, thrill, and dark wonder. The never-ending display of macabre in every medium of entertainment has entranced the world into the fascination with the unknown. Terror no longer occupies the shadows, but the eerie glow of our screens and the crevices of our favourite books.