Your Halloween binge sorted: From found footage to nightmare children’s TV and slow-burn creature features

As Halloween approaches, horror enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a variety of frightful offerings. This year, three distinct films stand out among the flood of releases: V/H/S/Mixtape, Buddy, and The Cycle.

V/H/S/Mixtape, the latest installment in the found-footage franchise, disappoints with its sluggish pace and lackluster scares. Despite featuring talent like Flying Lotus, GWAR, and RZA, the film fails to deliver excitement or genuine terror. However, RZA's segment, Death Tone, offers a brief moment of stylized energy. For devoted fans of the series, this segment may provide some satisfaction, but the overall experience remains underwhelming.

Buddy, on the other hand, proves to be a refreshing deviation from the norm. Presented as a saccharine children's TV show from the 90s, the film cleverly hides a sinister twist behind the sunny facade. Director Casper Kelly masterfully combines elements of classic slasher tropes with creepypasta-inspired backrooms lore, resulting in a terrifying and innovative narrative.

The film is packed with practical gore effects and keeps viewers engaged with its inventive twists. Buddy stands out as an outstanding Halloween choice, delivering a thrilling and original cinematic experience.

Finally, The Cycle enchants viewers with its patient storytelling and impressive technical execution. Directed by Jordan Downey, the film begins as a gritty police procedural investigation of a string of murders in a rural township. As the story unfolds, it reveals a more complex and terrifying secret hidden behind the seemingly mundane plot.

Downey's skillful framing of atmospheric landscapes, combined with stellar creature design and tight sound engineering, create an immersive and haunting experience. The Cycle serves as a perfect, slow-burn fright for Halloween, leaving viewers both impressed and unsettled.