The hottest Horror Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Literature Topics

Stephen King's 'Creepiest' Short Story

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 198 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Horror Short Stories Authors Narrative
  1. "The Raft" is a short story by Stephen King that tells about four friends who go swimming and end up trapped on a raft with a dangerous creature below them.
  2. The characters have typical young adult problems like love and jealousy, making their doom even more relatable and scary.
  3. The story is not just about the creature, but it's also about the darker sides of human nature lurking beneath the surface.

Films About Flies

Animation Obsessive • 627 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Animation Horror Art Literature
  1. Flies are often seen as symbols of death and decay, especially in horror movies. Their creepy presence adds to the unsettling atmosphere.
  2. Two different animations titled 'The Fly' were made in the 1960s and 1980s in Yugoslavia and Hungary. Both films are considered horror, but they explore deeper themes beyond just the fly.
  3. The first 'The Fly' was nominated for an Oscar, while the second one won. This shows the artistic impact and recognition these films received in the animation world.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS (cont.)

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 579 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Critique Media Entertainment
  1. Rob Zombie's version of 'Halloween' presents a more human and demonic Michael Myers, giving depth to his character as he deals with abuse and violence.
  2. The portrayal of Dr. Loomis is twisted, showing him as a con man looking to profit from Michael's killings, which reflects modern culture's obsession with crime and entertainment.
  3. The film 'Lifeforce' offers a unique blend of sci-fi and horror with its storyline about energy vampires, featuring impressive special effects and an adventurous feel despite being a commercial flop.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS (cont.)

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 759 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Arts Media Entertainment
  1. Phantasm II is a sequel that captures the essence of the 1980s horror trend. It's a fun film with great action where the characters fight against a powerful evil entity.
  2. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a dark and brutal film that portrays the reality of serial murder without glamorizing it. It's a raw look at a killer's life and actions.
  3. Prince of Darkness blends horror and science fiction in a unique way. It explores deep themes while maintaining a creepy atmosphere, making it a standout John Carpenter film.

HALLOWEEN HORRORS

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 1278 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Art Media Literature
  1. The horror film 'X-TRO' explores deep themes of family and alienation against the backdrop of 1980s UK troubles. Its unique approach makes it not just a scary film, but also a reflection of society's issues.
  2. In 'FOUND', the story of a boy dealing with a serial killer brother unfolds in a disturbing, shocking way. It's not just about horror; it shows the complex family dynamics and the impact of violence.
  3. The classic 'PHANTASM' combines elements of science fiction and horror, raising questions about reality and death. Its surreal style captures the fears of childhood, resonating with anyone who grew up in the dangerous environment of the late 70s.
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HALLOWEEN HORRORS (cont.)

THREE SEVEN MAFIA • 659 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Music Nostalgia
  1. In 1988, many horror films were released, making it a great year for horror fans. Movies like 'Night of the Demons' stood out with their unique style and practical effects.
  2. 'Ghost Town' mixes western themes with horror, featuring a sheriff facing off against undead outlaws. It's an interesting take on classic cowboy stories.
  3. 'Trick or Treat' reflects the fears of the 1980s about heavy metal music and Satanism. The movie taps into that era's moral panic, making it a unique snapshot of its time.

A Steely Dan horror story

Expanding Dan • 609 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🎶 Music Rock Recording Horror
  1. A technical calamity during the making of Katy Lied album haunted Steely Dan's sound in 1975.
  2. Guitarist Denny Dias shared a spooky incident involving a mist and a remix of 'Doctor Wu'.
  3. The mixing process and mastering of the Katy Lied album was plagued by challenges and technical issues that required additional adjustments.

The Tunnel Monsters

Marlene’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Horror Folklore Creatures
  1. Tunnels and dark spaces can create scary situations, especially for people who are afraid of tight spaces. The fear of not knowing what’s in the darkness can be quite intense.
  2. Many strange and frightening creatures, like the Cabbagetown Tunnel Monster, have been reported in tunnels and underground areas. These encounters can leave people terrified and questioning what they saw.
  3. Stories of reptilian beings and other mysterious creatures found underground exist across various cultures. These tales often include descriptions of humanoid or animal-like beings that some people claim to have seen.

In Conversation With: Tyler Jones

So Here’s a Thing • 393 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
📚 Literature Horror Fiction Writing Novels Themes
  1. In writing, sometimes the trigger for ideas can be something as simple as a horse on a foggy morning that sparks the imagination.
  2. Horror fiction allows for deep exploration of themes like loss and grief, presenting them in a way that can resonate with readers on a personal level.
  3. The spare prose in writing can allow readers to bring their own emotions and interpretations to the story, creating a more engaging and participatory experience.

Anthology: Death Flex, Shadow of the Executioner

Aristophanes Athenaeum • 373 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
📚 Literature Horror Short Stories Book review Authors
  1. Death Flex is a unique horror anthology inspired by the diary of Franz Schmidt, the Chief Executioner of Nuremberg in the 1500s.
  2. The stories in Death Flex are varied and unique, each offering a different perspective on the diary and keeping readers engaged.
  3. The anthology features well-crafted stories like Thirty-One Blows and The Kobolds Stare, offering a mix of historical insight and thrilling narrative.

No one left to kill me

Message from the Underworld • 275 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Review
  1. The movie 'Ichi the Killer' is known for its extreme violence, gore, and difficult-to-watch scenes.
  2. The film presents a dark existential comedy where the line between hero and villain is blurred.
  3. The director Takashi Miike creates a spectacle in 'Ichi the Killer' to make a statement about society and bring to life the extreme nature of the source material.

Revisio-News #3: The Overpriced Hellraiser 4 Workprint

Textual Variations • 231 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Film Media industry Horror Cinema
  1. The movie 'Hellraiser: Bloodline' had an interesting production history with multiple cuts and a leaked workprint version.
  2. Arrow Video is releasing a limited edition box set that includes one of the workprint versions of 'Bloodline'.
  3. Fans may want to wait for a standalone release of 'Bloodline' to get a better quality version without buying the box set.

Fear of Trees

Wild Information • 117 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Nature Literature Science Horror Time
  1. Some people have a fear of trees, which can be related to plant intelligence and time perception.
  2. Trees hold ancient time, and exploring forests can evoke eerie and beautiful feelings.
  3. Plants are believed to have intelligence, and this idea has been explored in horror, folklore, and science fiction.

Favourite Films of 1975

Sounds Good! • 39 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Music Horror Comedy Horror
  1. The post lists favorite films of 1975, highlighting impactful movies like 'Dog Day Afternoon,' 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' and 'Jaws.'
  2. The author shares personal experiences with the films, like being blown away by the lack of music in 'Dog Day Afternoon' and being scared by 'Jaws' as a child.
  3. The post also includes notable mentions like 'Shampoo,' 'Tommy,' 'The Passenger,' 'Love and Death,' and 'Shivers,' showcasing a diverse film selection for the year.

Genre Grapevine for July 30, 2023

Genre Grapevine • 58 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
📚 Literature Science fiction Fantasy Horror Short Stories Authors
  1. Twitter has undergone drastic changes under Elon Musk's leadership, impacting various user communities.
  2. Alternative social media platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky are gaining traction amid Twitter's changes.
  3. The science fiction and fantasy community is engaging in important conversations around AI, copyright, and representation in genre awards.

John Carpenter suspends natural law until the end of October

Meaningful Particulars • 65 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Film Horror Art Science Literature
  1. John Carpenter's horror movies explore the theme of the absence of reasons, creating terror by challenging beliefs about reality and identity.
  2. Horror can work on three levels: gross-out, horror, and terror, with terror being the most powerful as it creates fear in the imagination.
  3. Carpenter's films, like Lovecraft's stories, confront the idea of a horrifying, incomprehensible universe, emphasizing the terror of the unknown.

The Howl Society

Barbarian Grunge • 1 HN point • 05 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Horror Community Feedback
  1. The Howl Society is a community of horror authors that welcomes newcomers, offers feedback on stories, and produces annual horror anthologies.
  2. Members of The Howl Society come from diverse backgrounds, making discussions lively and engaging.
  3. The anthologies produced by The Howl Society are community-driven, with themes, stories, and artwork decided through crowd-sourcing and workshops.

Senritsu Kaiki File Kowasugi (2012 - 2023)

The Author Is Dumb • 0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Media Folklore Horror Japanese
  1. The series mixes found footage and ghost hunting styles, creating a unique kind of horror that often features strange Japanese folklore creatures called yokai. It's both creepy and fun to watch.
  2. As the series progresses, it develops complex themes around the characters and their relationships, making it more than just a silly ghost show. It explores deeper ideas like cleansing and personal growth.
  3. Despite some cheap-looking CGI, the series uses it to enhance the otherworldly feel of the story, which adds to its charm. The mix of goofiness and serious themes makes it a fascinating watch.

Dracula: September 7

Dracula Daily • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
📚 Literature Fiction Horror Patient Care Medicine
  1. Dr. Van Helsing emphasizes the importance of discretion when dealing with sensitive information and situations.
  2. Blood transfusion is urgently needed to save Lucy's life, highlighting the significant impact of immediate medical intervention.
  3. Arthur's deep love and willingness to sacrifice for Lucy's well-being showcase the power of selfless devotion.

Fiction: Shareholder Value

Autoscriptorium • 0 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
⚔ Fiction Science fiction Horror
  1. The story delves into a narrative of redemption for a ruthless finance type, challenging traditional villain portrayals.
  2. There is a surreal element in the story where the protagonist is fed upon by mysterious creatures extracting shareholder value.
  3. The tale is described as transcribed from the author's dream, highlighting the power of imagination and storytelling.