by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
We all have that feeling. You know the one: you finish watching a movie and something about it hits you in just the right spot. Whether it was the theme, the story, or even the characters, there was a quality about it that almost makes you want to turn around and go back a second, third, or even fourth time!
Bar the reality of living in the movie theater for the rest of your days, you turn to the rest of pop culture and start to look for other avenues where you can find that same feeling.
Well I’m here to make this plight easier for all. Each month, I take a piece of pop culture that was prevalent in the social consciousness — whether it is a movie, TV show, or something else — and then recommend other forms of media for those who want to stay in that world a little bit longer.
Welcome to your One Stop Pop, internet!
Okay, so first of all, I understand that Smile technically came out in November. However, I have decided this month that I shall be taking some creative license due to the fact that a release date on the second last day of the month should be a bit flexible, as well as the fact that this movie blew up in October in particular — so I’ve decided it counts!
Now, to talk about the film itself. Following the footsteps of previous metaphorical horror films such as It Follows and Midsommar, Smile spellbound a new generation of film lovers, with many touting it as the scariest film ever made. Whether that’s true or not remains to be seen. However, it’s certainly one worth looking into deeper to see what all the noise is about!
Interested? You know where to look…
Book: Horrid by Katrina Leno
An important element that has certainly captured the viewers of Smile is how its most sinister parts are almost based in reality — you know, beyond the obvious creepy smiling illness thing.
It’s the metaphor behind the horror that really holds the attention that the obvious scares capture. This is also present in the book recommendation for this month, Horrid.
Set in New England territory, Jane North-Robinson finds herself shifted from sunny California to a new town and the dreary, dilapidated childhood house of her mother. All they want is a fresh start, but behind the manor’s doors lurks a history that leaves them feeling more alone… and even more tormented.
As autumn arrives, Jane settles into her new home, steadily beginning to make new friends, but also facing bullying from the resident “bad seed.” Jane then discovers that the “storage room” her mom has kept locked isn’t for storage at all — it’s a little girl’s bedroom, left untouched for years and not quite as empty of inhabitants as it appears…. Is it grief? Mental illness? Or something more… horrid?
I don’t know about you, but when I first read about this book, the description sent quite a few tingles down the spine, and I’m pleased to say that the actual novel continues to deliver that sensation as well.
Leno’s writing is beautiful and introspective, and has managed to tackle fairly heavy topics with grace. Her lyrical prose manages to give insight into the troubled mind of a girl on the edge, but with such delicately handled exploration that it keeps you hooked until the final line.
If this sounds like something you’d like to sink your teeth into, check it out at your local library or favorite bookseller.
TV Show: Kevin Can F… Himself
Yes, you’re correct. This show has no horror elements within it, which seems like a glaring miscalculation. I understand. However, there is a method to this madness, I promise.
Having said that, and speaking of metaphor, this show is a recommendation for those who love when your fiction becomes a direct commentary on your reality.
Kevin can F…Himself takes a look into the secret life of a sitcom wife… and that’s all I’m going to tell you. It stars Annie Murphy of Schitt’s Creek fame and has some very funny moments. However, I would say that this show falls more into the realm of dark comedy than sitcom, so go in with that particular lens on.
It’s a show about going against the grain and not doing what is expected, and it of course acts as a metaphorical exploration into gender roles, pop culture representation, and the depths of humanity’s “goodness.”
Also, it only has two seasons, so it’s a perfect choice for the cheeky weekend binge.
It’s available for streaming on Prime Video, so go ahead and check it out!
Podcast: Scare You To Sleep
I mean, the name gives you as much insight as you really need here, but I’d be happy to explore further for you folks wanting a little more.
If what you wanted to seek out after Smile was the terrifying horror that traumatizes, and might have you watching from behind your hands, then this is the podcast for you. Hosted by Shelby Scott, Scare You To Sleep initially started as a way of hosting her own horror stories, but it soon expanded to include stories from many different authors.
Each episode has a distinctive voice, focusing on a particular character study. Having said that, there are definitely plenty of overt blood-and-guts stories as well. Told in a relatively low-key tone, you’ll be shocked by how brutal and entertaining this listening experience is.
For that extra level, may I recommend the Guided Nightmares, which are episodes made using guided meditation techniques to help reach a level of relaxation unlike any other while starring in your own horror story.
Find it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts now for a decent and deeply worrying scare.
Video Game: The Evil Within
Maybe that isn’t interactive enough for your tastes. Perhaps you’d like to delve deeper into the horror and really let it overwhelm every facet of your being. Well then look no further than a series of games created by the man behind Resident Evil and Dino Crisis: The Evil Within.
A survival horror game, it sets you up as Sebastian Castellanos, a detective who’s been tasked with investigating the scene of a gruesome mass murder. After seeing the slaughter of fellow officers by a gruesome and powerful force, Sebastian is ambushed and knocked unconscious. When he awakens, he finds himself in a deranged world where hideous creatures wander among the dead.
Facing unimaginable terror, and fighting for survival, you must begin a frightening journey to unravel what’s behind this evil force.
Also known as Psychobreak in Japan, this game will have you questioning who you are and where the boundaries between morality, ethics, and human nature lie. All while also delivering an action-packed thrill ride that might also have you going to bed with the lights on.
Think this might be a game for you? Find it on Playstation, Xbox or PC
Well, that was a spooky month if I do say so myself. Full of body horror, sensationalist scares, and metaphorical mumbo jumbo — apologies, I got away from myself for a moment.
Next month, I’ll return with what is hopefully a more upbeat series of recommendations, but that’s really up to what November relays to us. Until then, thank you for visiting SiftPop’s One Stop Pop, and we hope to see you again soon!
You can follow Alice-Ginevra Micheli on Instagram and Letterboxd