Shudder Season

Like horror movies? Me too. Here’s how I kicked off the first week of October.

Messiah of Evil (1974) * Directed by Willard Huyck, Gloria Katz

A coastal town harbors an evil secret dying to get out. A creepy gem, beautifully filmed, that leans on atmosphere and ambiguity — two of my favorite elements in art.

A Dark Song (2016) * Directed by Liam Gavin

A grieving mother hires an occultist to help her come to terms with her child’s death. This one’s quiet and patient, but the psychological terror is palpable.

Savage Hunt of King Stakh (1979) * Directed by Valeriy Rubinchick

This Russian folk horror/gothic/period piece rambles along, but it doesn’t matter because it’s so gorgeous to watch.

Rosemary’s Baby (1968) * Directed by Roman Polanski

With Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, and the inimitable Ruth Gordon, this film is perfection. A couple moves into a storied apartment building to begin a family. But who’s the daddy?