Getting Spooky: Preseason 2023

Finally, the preseason has arrived. Our lineup for September's movies is packed with 30 films that you can conveniently stream from the comfort of your preferred spot. When we introduced a preseason to the movie festival, the majority of us had access to Netflix and Prime, granting us the opportunity to enjoy a month's worth of content at no cost. Not so much anymore, so if you're open to investing a bit in a few rentals or a month's subscription, you're all set to enjoy the entire preseason.

Let's kick off with the freshest horror releases of this year. Scream 6 has made its streaming debut on Paramount+. The complete prequel series, with the exception of Scream 4, is also available for a binge-watch—an endeavor I highly recommend. Infinity Pool had its theatrical release at this year's Sundance Film Festival and is now ready for streaming on Hulu. Meanwhile, Sick stands as an exclusive Peacock original, making it unlikely to be found elsewhere. As for the newest addition on our preseason schedule, The Blackening, it necessitates either a purchase or rental. This film falls into the category of the two I haven't pre-screened for you. Described as an instant classic paying homage to The Cabin in the Woods with a Scream vibe that is reminiscent of Ready or Not and Happy Birthday to Me. We'll embark on a shared viewing experience for this one, gauging whether our opinions align.

Two of the films in our lineup showcase exceptional actors who typically venture outside the horror realm. The New Daughter features Kevin Costner and can be found on Netflix—a deliberately chosen selection scheduled on my daughter's birthday for added amusement. On the other hand, The Midnight Meat Train is a hidden gem, with Bradley Cooper delivering a performance unlike any you've seen from him. This movie alone makes a month's subscription to Paramount+ worthwhile.

Shifting focus to leading ladies, it's apparent that my admiration lies with Maika Monroe and Brea Grant, as they take the spotlight in five of this month's chosen films. Originally, there were six, but trimming the list to a neat 30 required some difficult decisions. Maika Monroe is recognized among horror fans for her role in It Follows, yet she also graces us with her presence in Significant Other, an original from Paramount+, and Watcher, available on Hulu and Shudder. Brea Grant's portrayal in the Shudder original, Lucky, is captivating, as she plays a woman left to confront her stalker when official help becomes elusive. Another noteworthy appearance is alongside the illustrious Barbara Compton in Beyond the Gates, a personal guilty pleasure during the off-season, resonating with nostalgic 1980s pop culture ambiance. 

Netflix's horror offerings have been rather lukewarm over the years, but if you haven’t jettisoned your account, there are a couple of gems included for your viewing pleasure. The Invitation and Vivarium are accessible through your subscription. Just make sure you're watching the 2022 version of The Invitation, featuring Nathalie Emmanuel from GoT—note that the title has been used multiple times. However, a word of caution regarding Vivarium: I suggested it in a horror movie group on social media and hate rained down on me. I left that group, after all, life's too short. Not every film is destined to resonate with everyone, and that's perfectly acceptable.

Project Legion is the second film in our lineup that was not pre-screened. This movie introduces us to the acting talents of retired MMA fighter Don "Cowboy" Cerrone, who portrays a man trapped within the confines of his apartment by a swarm of creatures. Released exclusively on Hulu, it's worth noting that unfavorable reviews have never been a deterrent to the spirit of the horror movie season.

HBOMax, or simply Max as it's now referred to (a naming choice that could have used some rethinking), presents an array of offerings. Among them are House at the End of the Street, starring Jennifer Lawrence, The Cabin in the Woods, a recurring favorite in the moviefest lineup, and Don't Worry Darling The latter is a film directed by and featuring Olivia Wilde, along with her then-boyfriend and former heartthrob of a boy band, Harry Styles.

Smile garnered a respectable reception upon its theatrical release last year, thanks to its innovative Snapchat filter effect. Meanwhile, The Deep House presents an original take with its underwater haunted house narrative. In line with the opening of real haunted houses, we celebrate with another moviefest regular, Haunt. All three of these films are available with your Prime subscription.

While we're generally not fans of sequels, we've made an exception for Jeepers Creepers 2, considering it a rare case where the second installment matches, if not surpasses, the original. This movie is available on Paramount+ for subscribers, and if you're not subscribed, you can catch it on Tubi for just a few ad interruptions. Speaking of Tubi, we've come across The Girl in the Photographs, a 2015 hidden gem that's recently been added to our moviefest lineup. It's exclusively available on this free streaming platform. The experience is akin to watching traditional TV with commercial breaks, offering a chance to grab a snack or take a quick break without the luxury of rewinding.

Completing our selection, we've included several films that aren't currently part of any subscription package but can be rented or purchased from common platforms like Prime and Vudu. Identity holds a special place on our list, cherished for its exceptional originality and a stellar cast. Additionally, we're big fans of the Annabelle series, and this year, we've opted for Annabelle Comes Home, carefully selecting one installment to showcase.

The genre of comedy horror often elicits mixed reactions, as many individuals prefer to avoid humor when seeking a frightful experience from horror content. If you fall into this category, you might want to pass on What We Do in the Shadows. However, I suggest a trial viewing as it presents an immensely enjoyable take on vampire lore and has even led to a prosperous series adaptation. And new to the moviefest this year are two noteworthy films: The Unborn and The Strangers. These films, though not recent releases, offer a fresh scare, particularly since an unexpected nighttime knock at the door can be truly chilling.

And with that, the preseason moviefest lineup is under way. We trust that this Halloween prelude has successfully ignited your excitement for another thrilling season of horror ahead.