When spooky season is upon us, it’s easy to view the night with fear and worry, never quite knowing what lurks beyond. The absence of the sun reminds us of the absence of good and we can’t help but wonder what strange things are conjured in the moonlight. Vampires unable to travel in the morning own the night as they stalk their prey and the moon arouses the wild werewolves as they howl.
But what if we cherished this autumn by looking at the night with wonder instead of dread? What if we considered it a thrilling adventure that opens the door to a realm of fantasy and creativity? This isn’t too crazy of a concept to contemplate. I ache most during the night, envisioning everything I hope to accomplish in my life— essays and films I want to write, places I want to travel, and books I want to read.
You may think the night is a time to unwind and relax, and it certainly can be; unless you’re a Pisces moon, in which case your mind races with artistry.
The night has often been associated with the frenzy of the poet, someone known to form shapes out of the unknown through emotion. Many writers prefer to work at night, once the routine of the day has mellowed out. It makes sense that inspiration can strike at night. When we fall asleep, our dreams are manifestations of our imagination and our unconscious minds find clever ways of crafting realities both known and unknown to us.
The view of the vast landscape of stars can often provoke thoughts of our existence, placing our lives into perspective amongst a greater universe. It’s only natural to realize how little time we have and grow desperate for every tomorrow we hope to earn.
October has become the Goddess Month of the Night. The sun that used to stay out till 9 p.m. slowly drifts away earlier, full moons are more enchanting, and, of course, we’re all counting down to All Hallows’ Eve.
But, Halloween doesn’t just have to be about fear and screams. There is magic to be found in the darkness! So, here are some movies to connect with this romanticized notion of nighttime and to help you tap into the mysterious mysticism of the fall season without making you want to huddle in terror.
- Coraline
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I remember being too freaked out to finish Coraline as a kid. The button eyes were an image I couldn’t unsee and animation has a clever way of crafting creepy. Now, as a 21-year-old, it’s fun to connect with my inner child by letting it scare me in all the best ways! The stop-motion animation beautifully captures the wonder and suspense young kids can often feel at the same time. Sure, something can look a bit odd, but that’s what draws us in! At night, Coraline is able to travel into a parallel world and though everything is not as it seems, the experience teaches her about the power of bravery, imagination, and radical acceptance of the life you have.
- PAN’S LABYRINTH
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Though another film centering on a young girl, Pan’s Labyrinth is a dramatic film about war and authority. Ofelia, only 11 years old, is enchanted by a fairy and is led to a fawn who tells her she is the princess of the Underworld, though she must prove it first. While the film does feature grave stakes and consequences, it truly cares about a child’s curiosity and strength to become a hero. Not everything fantastical is kind, but there is a journey of growth and sacrifice to learn. The cinematography is stunning, heavily illustrating how the night can lead to protection and awe.
- The rocky horror picture show
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A more adult film, this 70s musical is a Halloween camp classic. With incredible costumes and an eerie cast of zany characters, The Rocky Horror Picture Show encourages the lowering of inhibitions and the sexuality that nighttime exudes. “Give yourself over to absolute pleasure” sings the cross-dressing icon Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who has since been played by Laverne Cox, reimagining the character as a trans woman. The entire film takes place over the course of one rainy night and it’s a wildly fun ride that’s cult following encourages interactive live performances. For anyone who has ever felt like a freak, this is the comfort movie for you.
- TV Show bonus: Over the Garden Wall
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Binge-watching the 10-episode show has become an October tradition for my partner and me. Two brothers are lost in the forest trying to find their way back home, encountering pumpkin people and talking birds. Though there is something lurking in the shadows, there is much to discover and love about the odyssey Wirt and Greg undergo. The miniseries has a warm color palette that is perfect to watch snuggled up in bed with some candles burning.
I hope this Halloween you are able to sit back and enjoy the gloomy scenery alongside some fall entertainment!