Any having read this series doubtless remember the terrifying Stephen Gammell illustrations more than any particular story. The movie certainly remembers, attempting to recapture the nightmare visuals and introducing them to new audiences. As it ever was, the imagery in this film is far more memorable than the individual segments, characters or wraparound tale. To Gammell’s credit, even the more absurd images look utterly grotesque and even more horrific realistically rendered, augmented by a strong atmosphere and effectively creepy directing. While the film strongly skewers towards young audiences, there are enough genre treats for veterans to enjoy, though likely exchanging shudder for smile. One can feel a genuine love for the source behind the camera and script; this movie is fun and takes pleasure in recreating the stories behind the disturbingly memorable visuals. It is inspired to set this film in 1968, as the filmmakers broach issues of racism, bullying and politics from a historical framework, deftly mirroring and skewering contemporary issues through a temporal filter. The ending begs for franchise potential, as they simply need to keep repeating this formula through roughly 76 more adaptable scary stories.
Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark