Shudder's October Horror Slate Delivers Two Standout Films
The streaming service offers 'Hallowarrior' and 'The Cycle' as welcome surprises for horror enthusiasts.
Horror fans have two new reasons to celebrate October, as the streaming service Shudder has released "Hallowarrior" and "The Cycle," two well-crafted original films that have been met with positive reception. Despite Shudder's prolific output of roughly 30 original movies over the past two years, these titles stand out for their quality, particularly as they did not receive theatrical releases.
Both films premiered at festivals earlier in the year. "Hallowarrior" was featured at Tribeca over the summer, while "The Cycle" screened at the Brooklyn Horror Festival shortly before its Shudder debut. Critics suggest both are strong enough for a big-screen viewing, though they are best experienced on the streaming platform.
"Hallowarrior" Review
"Hallowarrior," directed by Ben Sottak, employs a digitally enhanced 16mm film aesthetic to depict a post-apocalyptic autumnal landscape. Milly Shapiro stars as Pumpkin, a young woman living alone after a widespread infection has decimated the population. Her only remaining connection to normalcy is her dedication to Halloween, which she observes by decorating and leaving out candy for potential survivors. Shapiro, who has cleidocranial dysostosis, delivers a compelling performance, portraying Pumpkin as both childlike in her innocence and capable in her survival.
The film blends elements of a post-apocalyptic character study with a home-invasion thriller, all while celebrating Halloween iconography. When a group of strangers arrives at her door, Pumpkin's apprehension is ultimately validated, leading to the film's suspenseful turn. Clocking in at a concise 79 minutes, "Hallowarrior" effectively builds atmosphere from its limited setting, anchored by Shapiro's empathetic portrayal.
"The Cycle" Review
"The Cycle," a longer and more deliberate film, is compared to a procedural or an episode of "The X-Files" from the era of "Seven." The narrative begins as an inexplicable murder investigation when a forensic expert, Meg Garland (Deborah Ann Woll), is called to a crime scene. The presence of an aged body, seemingly her long-missing father, adds a personal dimension to the case.
The film transitions from a serial killer procedural into a different form of horror, hinted at by its title. While the subgenre shift may not be entirely unexpected, the execution offers a fresh perspective on familiar mythology, even incorporating elements from related, yet rarely connected, folkloric traditions. The movie is praised for its practical visual effects and design work, which rival those of higher-budget productions.
October has seen other notable horror releases, including "Other Mommy" and "Clayface," but "Hallowarrior" and "The Cycle" are recommended as strong additions to seasonal viewing for those who have already seen the earlier hits of the year. Shudder offers subscription plans starting at $7.99 per month for an ad-supported tier, with an ad-free option available for $9.99 per month. Both plans include a seven-day free trial.