By sheer coincidence, four of this year’s most poignant and effective horror stories are thematically connected by their exploration of familial mental illness and inherited trauma — the concept of traumatic experiences so deeply affecting that they are passed down from parents to children, whether by nature or nurture (or, in some cases, both). This idea is the driving force behind every terrifying moment in Hereditary, The Haunting of Hill House, Sharp Objects, and Halloween, all of which also happen to have another curious thing in common: Miniature houses.
Halloween season is officially upon us, and as usual, the most wonderful time of the year (don’t @ me) brings with it a veritable variety pack of tricks and treats. Treats: Scary movies, fun makeup, awkward parties, so much candy! Tricks: Terrible costumes, ranging from “Sexy Handmaid’s Tale” (no really, someone tried to make that happen) to this abomination inspired by horror movie classic Child’s Play, courtesy of Target.