Michelle Scott's Blog

A frequent question on the horror sub Reddit is a request for the scariest and most disturbing movies of all time. While I have watched my share of extremely intense ones (such as Funny Games and Eden Lake), sometimes I just want a more enjoyable flick won’t scar me. If you are looking for a less intense scare, I have two great horror movies that you will be sure to enjoy.

Night Swim (2024): A Suburban Horror Movie

Night Swim (2024) tells the story of a haunted swimming pool in a suburban backyard. I had my reservations about this movie before seeing it because it sounded terribly dull. Luckily, I was wrong. This movie involves a family who moves into a new house with a swimming pool. Little by little, they discover that something is wrong with their pool, but one member of the family is dead set against moving. I like how this movie unfolds, revealing the danger in small steps until the final reveal. I also like the dynamics among the family members, especially the siblings. They are a family that stick together, but like every family, they have underlying tensions.

Night Swim didn’t receive rave reviews, and I believe that part of that is due to its milder tone. There are some solid scares, but this movie aims for a broader audience of viewers who might not like hardcore horror. I’ll admit that the premise is a bit silly, and that the plot is fairly predictable. However, I don’t mind these things when the movie itself is enjoyable. This PG-13 movie would make a great family movie night.

Wish Upon (2017): A Dark Twist on the Monkey’s Paw

My next less intense scare is Wish Upon (2017). This movie is a remake of the ‘monkey’s paw‘ scenario. The owner of a Chinese wish box gets several wishes, but the wisher soon finds out that wishes are tricky things. What I like about this movie is that it’s a teenage movie, complete with mean girls and first crushes. Although Wish Upon can be grim at times (trigger warning: self harm), it can be fun as well. The buildup of tension makes the shocking ending even stronger.

Like I said, Wish Upon is grimmer than Night Swim, but compared to other, harsher horror movies, it is quite tame. If you enjoy movies about mean, popular girls and high school, this is the movie for you.

These horror lite movies are good introductions for those new to the genre. They can be scary, but fun at the same time.

What about you? Do you prefer tamer horror movies, or do you like the stronger stuff? Let me know in the comments.

The post Horror Lite: Must-Watch Movies for a Less Intense Scare appeared first on Michelle Scott Horror Author.

For me, the setting is an important piece of any book or movie. I love being transported to another place. For example, the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s The Shining will forever be imprinted in my mind. Although my last novel, The Veil of Shadows, took place in Charlottesville, Virginia, I usually select my home state of Michigan for my books. This summer, I visited Michigan’s upper peninsula and immediately found inspiration there.

The Rugged Beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

There’s something very rugged about the UP. Travel a few miles from the Mackinac bridge, and you’ll find yourself in a beautiful landscape that is cut off from the rest of the state. Cell signals are virtually nonexistent in most areas, and towns are few and far between. This isolation among the woods or the rugged shores of Lake Superior make for a perfect setting for a horror story.

Camping and Inspiration

I love camping, and my husband and I spent a number of nights under the stars. We hiked to the impressive Tahquamanon waterfalls, nicknamed ‘root beer falls’ for their dark, cinnamon-colored water, and along the Lake Superior shoreline whose icy waters always look stormy. All the while, I was plotting my next novel whose working title is Haunted Woods. I envisioned dark spirits hiding among the pines and glilding across the surface of the water.

Culinary Delights of the UP

Another of my favorite parts of a UP vacation is the food. Handheld meat pies, pasties, are one of my favorite meals. I love the fresh perch and lake trout along with my very favorite: smoked fish. It’s also possible to get wild rice and jam made from wild blueberries and thimbleberries, large, sour versions of raspberries. Add to that the craft beers at one of the many breweries, and you’ll have a meal you won’t forget.

I hope that I can do justice to this untrammeled paradise. Although it is a beautiful place to visit, it doesn’t get the crowds that other places do. There are an impressive amount of abandoned motels and business, signs that it isn’t easy to make a living north of the bridge. This contrast between natural beauty and human struggles adds a new dimension to the setting, something I hope comes through in my next novel.

What settings have you enjoyed in a novel? Let me know in the comments.

The post Exploring the Haunted Woods of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula | Unique Setting Inspiration appeared first on Michelle Scott Horror Author.

A student of mine once wrote an essay about how video games aren’t given enough credit for their contributions to literature. I have to agree. Although I am relatively new to playing video games, it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with titles like Skyrim and Horizon Zero Dawn. The beautiful scenery and compelling stories draw me into their worlds. The epic monsters and courageous heroes and heroines let me live out adventures as if I really am a part of the game. I’ve really enjoyed playing these games.

One thing I love about TV show crossovers of video games is that I get the chance to see my favorite video games play out on the screen. On TV, I’m able to pick up on nuances of the game that I might otherwise miss (since I’m too busy battling monsters to notice!). I also enjoy seeing my favorite characters come to life. Here are a few of my favorites so far.

The Last of Us: A Gritty Survival Tale

This was the first crossover I watched, and I was hooked. I haven’t played the game yet, but the gritty background and story immediately captured me. I was deeply involved with the characters and the lone wolf and cub trope as Joel leads Ellie across a dangerous land to a place where (he hopes) she can save humanity. The show really makes me want to play the game (which has been sitting on my shelf since I purchased my PlayStation a few years ago). I am eagerly awaiting season two.

Fallout: Bringing Post-Apocalyptic Humor and Grit to TV

I recently started watching this series, and again, I am hooked. I’ve loved playing Fallout 4, and I’m glad the show has maintained both the humor and the grittiness of the game. The 50’s era soundtrack is also a highlight of both the game and the show. Watching this makes me want to play Fallout all over again. I also like the plot lines of the various characters. They do a great job of exploring the various threads of the games. I’ve only watched the first few episodes, but I can’t wait to finish the season.

The Witcher: Fantasy Adventure

In this case, I haven’t seen the show or played the game yet, but I am eager to do both. I’ve heard nothing but good things about them. I’ve also been told that Henry Cavill makes an excellent Geralt of Rivia. I enjoy fantasy settings for stories, such as Game of Thrones and Skyrim, so I think I will greatly enjoy this.

What are your thoughts? Have you played or watched any of these? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments.

What are your thoughts? Have you played or watched any of these? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments.

The post The Last of Us, Fallout, and The Witcher: Exploring Video Game TV Crossovers appeared first on Michelle Scott Horror Author.

Splitting the atom, human cloning, AI technology—these discoveries have sparked fear in many people who worry that science is crossing boundaries not meant to be crossed. The question seems to boil down to, “Are people overstepping the limits of what they’re meant to know?” Cosmic horror attempts to answer this.

H.P. Lovecraft and the Essence of Cosmic Terror

H.P. Lovecraft’s writing is the epitome of cosmic terror. His stories revolve around ancient knowledge delivered by arcane creatures. Those who dared to look into the void risked madness. All were changed forever. This is vividly portrayed in “The Shadow over Innsmouth,” where Robert Olmstead’s curiosity gets the better of him. He explores the town’s secrets, discovers their pact with ancient beings in the ocean, and becomes entangled in their horror.

Alex Garland’s Annihilation: A Modern Cosmic Horror Tale

Another example comes from one of my favorite directors, Alex Garland. Annihilation tells the story of a team of scientists who set out to explore a strange phenomenon called ‘The Shimmer.’ As biologist Lena travels with her group, they experience unexplainable, surreal occurrences that make them question reality. Driven by the need to know, Lena eventually reaches the epicenter of The Shimmer, triggering an existential crisis.

The Haunting Journey of YellowBrickRoad

Last weekend, I re-watched a compelling movie called YellowBrickRoad. The simple premise follows a group of explorers determined to uncover why the town of Friar, New Hampshire, walked into the woods in 1940 and disappeared. This haunting movie tracks the modern group as they attempt to follow the same trail. The further the group goes along the trail, the more the trail plays tricks on their minds. Haunting music follows them everywhere, they hike miles without getting anywhere, and the party members become disoriented and paranoid. The deeper they venture, the more they realize that there is no turning back. YellowBrickRoad is a surreal, head trip of a movie, with cinematography that mimics the anxiety-inducing trail itself. The group was never meant to travel this road, and they pay a dear price for giving in to their curiosity.

The Fascination with Cosmic Horror

Cosmic horror, or cosmic terror, will always be one of my favorite types of horror. The question of whether mankind has exceeded its limits fascinates me. I also enjoy the surrealism of these kinds of movies. I appreciate horror movies and books that give me food for thought, and these certainly fit the bill.

Have you enjoyed any of these books or movies? What are your favorite cosmic horror stories? Let me know in the comments.

The post The Terrifying Appeal of Cosmic Horror appeared first on Michelle Scott Horror Author.

I am a big fan of director Alex Garland’s movies, such as Ex Machina and Annihilation. These moody, dynamic films contain tense situations, compelling characters, and often end with a satisfying twist. When I heard about Civil War, however, I was a bit apprehensive. I didn’t want a politically-divisive movie about politics in the United States or a commentary on the state of red versus blue. That’s why I held off on viewing it for so long. When I finally decided to watch the movie, I was pleasantly surprised. While the movie does portray a civil war in the United States, it took an unexpected direction.

A Road Trip into Darkness

While watching Civil War, I felt like I was watching the dark underside of a wholesome, American road trip. Although none of the characters are related, there is a grandfather figure, parent figures, and a young woman who fills the role of daughter. All four of them are journalists, and together, they make their way from New York City to Charlottesville in order to get the next story. What they uncover is a series of brutal scenarios in which ordinary people turn against one another in the most grisly ways. It’s never clear why these people are fighting or, at times, even who they’re fighting. The characters are simply acting out against whom they perceive as an enemy.

Movie Civil War: Echoes of Heart of Darkness

Another aspect of the movie Civil War is how it parallels the story Heart of Darkness. The characters set out in a posh hotel in NYC. Leaving safety and sanity behind, they drive deeper and deeper into the ‘jungle’, the back roads of America. Danger lurks everywhere. Even stopping to buy a few gallons of gas turns into a heart-stopping moment.

Capturing Brutality: The Journalists’ Journey

Throughout the trip, each journalist is determined to capture the best story. Kristen Dunst does an amazing job as an embittered photojournalist who shows no emotion as she photographs war and destruction. Wagner Moura’s character is determined to get a quote from the President of the United States, who is under attack by the separatists. These characters document all the brutality of the war while trying to stay behind the scenes, something that proves to be impossible.

A Bond Forged in Chaos

One of the best parts of the movie is the relationship between rookie reporter Cailee Spaeny and veteran Dunst. Initially, Dunst is angry that the youngster is tagging along, but as the movie progresses, the two begin to bond. I also like how the men look out for the rookie as well. It reminded me of the relationship between Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the show The Last of Us. I’ve heard it described as a ‘lone wolf and cub‘ trope. It’s endearing, despite the harsh conditions.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch

I highly recommend the movie Civil War. It’s more of a dystopian thriller than horror, but it offers a glimpse of the horrors of war and the cruelty humans are capable of.

Have you seen the movie Civil War? Let me know what you think in the comments.

The post Unpacking the Layers: A Comprehensive Review of the Movie “Civil War” appeared first on Michelle Scott Horror Author.

I’m a list maker who likes to have a plan, especially when it comes to what I’ll be reading. Although I do appreciate flexibility, I enjoy setting goals. That’s why I’ve created a chilling reads list of four books that I want to devour this summer. There are a few new titles along with some that have been wasting away on my Kindle. So let’s get started!

The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones

This book is the final chapter of the Indian Lake Trilogy, and I can’t wait to dive in. These books are mostly slasher novels, set around a young woman named Jade and her small, lake town. With these books, you never know who the real enemy is. Jones is a fantastic writer, and I’ve heard him called a literary horror writer due to his in-depth portrayal of Jade. Some descriptions are shocking and meant only for true slasher fans, but the stories are so compelling and twisted that I’m sure I’ll be reading them more than once. If you haven’t tried this series, I highly recommend it.

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

Ever since reading The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, I’ve been a huge Grady Hendrix fan. I often wonder how books that are so dark and dramatic can also be so funny, but somehow Hendrix makes it work. I like to go into books without knowing much about them, so I don’t have an idea of what this one is about. However, having read the author before, I’m sure that I’m in for a thrill. This book definitely belongs on my list of chilling reads.

More Chilling Reads – Hell House by Richard Matheson

I can’t believe that I’ve never read a book by Matheson before, since he has written so much. I am Legend is one of my favorite movies, yet the book sits unopened on my Kindle. That’s why when I saw Hell House at my library, I knew I had to read it. I’m a sucker for haunted house novels set against the backdrop of creepy locations. Add to that a cast of unusual characters, and I know I’m in for a hauntingly good time.

The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling

This author is entirely new to me, but when I saw her book pop up on one of my emails, I knew that I had to read it. I’m not sure if it’s technically horror, but it has been described as ‘haunting’ and a ‘thriller’. As an added bonus, it’s also science fiction, and as you know, I’m a huge sci-fi horror fan. The cover is so compelling, too! I love discovering new authors, and I can’t wait to try this one.

So what does your summer reading list look like? Have you read any of these chilling reads? Let me know in the comments.

The post Chilling Reads: Four Must-Have Books for Your Summer Horror List appeared first on Michelle Scott Horror Author.

As an avid reader of horror, I’ve always been drawn to classics like Dracula and “The Pit and the Pendulum.” However, H. P. Lovecraft remained a peripheral figure in my literary landscape until recently. References to names like Cthulhu and films like “Color Out of Space” intrigued me, gradually kindling my curiosity about this enigmatic author. Eventually, I took the plunge and invested in the complete collection of Lovecraft’s stories.

Known for pioneering “cosmic horror,” Lovecraft’s tales weave a tapestry of eerie realms inhabited by unfathomable entities, madness, and forbidden knowledge. It’s a genre that straddles the borderlands of science fiction and horror, plunging readers into a realm where gods exist beyond human comprehension and time itself holds secrets.

Upon immersing myself in Lovecraft’s collected works, I found myself captivated like never before. His narratives, steeped in dreary atmospheres and narrated by half-mad protagonists, evoked a profound sense of existential dread. It was a revelation to discover such haunting fiction that had eluded me for so long.

A Deeper Look into H. P. Lovecraft

However, as I delved deeper into Lovecraft’s biography, troubling aspects of the author’s character came to light. Lovecraft held abhorrently racist beliefs, viewing whites as superior and propagating fears of racial mixing. Even stories I initially cherished, such as “The Shadow over Innsmouth,” revealed unsettling racial undertones upon closer inspection. Lovecraft’s crude depictions of mixed-race individuals mirrored his own prejudiced views, forcing me to confront the uncomfortable reality behind his tales.

A Cautious Defense of Lovecraft

Despite this revelation, I found myself grappling with a complex dilemma. While I couldn’t excuse Lovecraft’s racism, I also couldn’t deny the allure of his storytelling. Much like other problematic works in literature, such as “Tom Sawyer,” Lovecraft’s stories present a dichotomy of admiration and condemnation. Rather than sanitize his narratives or turn a blind eye to his bigotry, I believe it’s crucial to acknowledge the uncomfortable truths while still appreciating the literary merit of his work.

In confronting Lovecraft’s legacy, I’ve come to recognize the importance of nuanced engagement with literature. We can enjoy his stories while unequivocally condemning his racism, understanding that acknowledging the flaws of the past is essential for progress in the future.

Have you explored H. P. Lovecraft’s work? How do you reconcile his literary contributions with his problematic beliefs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post Exploring the Shadows: The Problematic Legacy of H. P. Lovecraft appeared first on Michelle Scott Horror Author.

I was a teenager when Stephen King’s The Stand was released. At that time, I liked to read long books that I could sink my teeth in. Books like Jean Auel’s Clan of the Cave Bear and Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds. The fact that The Stand was horror made it all the more alluring. I devoured that book, on the edge of my seat the entire time. Years later, when the book was re-released as ‘The Complete & Uncut Edition’, I ignored it. After all, I’d already read it and didn’t know if I wanted to slog through an additional 400 pages. But last year, I decided to give it a go. I’m glad I did. Not only was it a great way to become reacquainted with a book I’d loved back in high school, but it also developed a few characters that I hadn’t understood quite as well before.

Not Everything about the Re-release was Good

To be clear, I did enjoy the newer version very much, but one thing that kept annoying me was the fact that the dates were changed. It’s a minor nitpick, I know, but I was ready to delve back into the year 1980 (the original setting of The Stand) and not 1990 (the re-release’s setting). I felt jolted out of the story every time this happened. Some of the cultural references in the book also seemed off. Again, I was expecting to read a book that had taken place ten years before. Again, this is minor, but my expectations kept me from fully enjoying it.

Stephen King’s The Stand Re-release was also very, very Long

I started reading it in the summer and found that I couldn’t put the book down. Since I was reading on my Kindle (to save my wrists from the heavy, physical copy), I wasn’t always sure how far along in the book I was. But after a month of solid reading, I was only halfway through. So I took a break and went back to it in December. This helped refresh my mind. I finished the book a month later. Splitting it in half this way aided my enjoyment and helped me not get bogged down with all of the details.

Overall, I’m Glad I Read It

The biggest change between Stephen King’s The Stand and the re-release was the backstories of the characters, especially the Trashcan Man. Trashcan Man was one of the most heartbreaking timelines in the story. In the re-released novel, there is a section in which Trash Can Man travels through the mountains with a villainous companion who sexually assaults him with a firearm. This was one of the worst, most tragic events in the entire book. It’s a scene I will never be able to erase from my memory. I always thought of the Trashcan Man as a tragic figure (despite his destructive actions), but this scene really underscored that idea.

I also liked all of the details surrounding the other characters. Yes, there were times when I felt devoured by the descriptions, but at the same time, those details pulled me into the story and kept me there. I knew what I was getting into when I started the book, so I was prepared.

If you haven’t read Stephen King’s The Stand, I recommend that you do. Even if you choose the original version, you’ll be reading a horror literary masterpiece. It’s one of those amazing books that you should roll up your sleeves and get to work on.

Have you read The Complete & Uncut Edition of The Stand? Let me know in the comments.

The post Stephen King’s The Stand: Original Novel vs. Re-release – Which Version Reigns Supreme? appeared first on Michelle Scott Horror Author.

Last week, I delved into why Alien holds a special place as my go-to comfort movie. This time, I embarked on a journey to revisit each of the first four films in the franchise, paying close attention to the directors behind each movie in the Alien franchise. What I discovered was a newfound appreciation for the unique visions each director brought to the table. Here’s my take on each film through the lens of its director’s style.

Alien – Ridley Scott’s Atmospheric Sci-Fi Thriller

Ridley Scott’s masterful direction in the original Alien film has always mesmerized me. However, this time around, I was struck by how Scott’s atmospheric approach heightened the sense of isolation and claustrophobia onboard the spaceship. The sparing use of music and the soothing yet ominous voice of ‘Mother’ amplified the tension, making the film feel hauntingly real. Alien remains, in my eyes, an understated masterpiece of sci-fi horror.

Aliens – James Cameron’s Action Sequel in the Alien Franchise

James Cameron, known for his flair for action-packed blockbusters, brought his signature style to the sequel, Aliens. As a fan of Cameron’s previous works, I appreciated the adrenaline-fueled excitement and over-the-top firepower that defined this installment. The climax, where Ripley confronts the alien with her robotic exoskeleton, epitomizes Cameron’s knack for epic battle scenes. It’s a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Alien 3 – David Fincher’s Film Noir

Alien 3 takes a departure from the action-packed tone of its predecessor, embracing a darker, more atmospheric vibe reminiscent of film noir. Directed by David Fincher, known for his gritty and atmospheric films, Alien 3 immerses viewers in a maximum-security prison filled with sinister characters and Fincher-esque details, such as shadowy alleys, chain link fences, and concrete. The setting and story exude a gritty realism that sets it apart from the rest of the franchise.

Alien Resurrection – Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Surreal Space Pirates in the Alien Franchise

Despite receiving mixed reviews, Alien Resurrection remains a personal favorite of mine, largely due to the surreal and whimsical touch of director Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Known for his offbeat and visually stunning films such as Delicatessen and City of the Lost Children, Jeunet infuses the movie with surreal scenes and unsettling imagery, particularly in Ripley’s discovery of her clones. It’s a testament to Jeunet’s unique style and his ability to create thought-provoking cinema.

In conclusion, revisiting the Alien franchise through the lens of its directors has deepened my appreciation for each film’s unique qualities. From Ridley Scott’s atmospheric horror to James Cameron’s adrenaline-fueled action, David Fincher’s gritty realism to Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s surreal whimsy, each director has left an indelible mark on the series. Which of these films resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post Behind the Lens: Exploring the Visionaries Behind the Alien Franchise appeared first on Michelle Scott Horror Author.

One of my favorite elements in any horror story is the setting. The way an author or filmmaker crafts the backdrop can transform a simple tale into a truly chilling experience. From Stephen King’s Maine to Jennifer McMahon’s New England, some locations just lend themselves to horror. As a Michigan native, I enjoy exploring a variety of horror settings in my own books, drawing inspiration from familiar places and those I’ve come to love.

Demons in Detroit: Grit and Darkness

One of my favorite horror settings is Detroit, MI. Having lived there for many decades, I appreciate the city’s gritty character, which provides a perfect backdrop for dark tales. The shadowy alleys and abandoned buildings evoke a sense of urban decay, ideal for horror stories. In my book The Book of Lost Souls, demon hunters Kia and Lev navigate the city’s seedy backstreets, facing off against demonic priests. Despite Detroit’s reputation, I know it’s a vibrant city with plenty of beautiful places to visit, like the lively Eastern Market. But when I think of Detroit as a horror setting, it’s the sinister mystery of its forgotten corners that captivates me.

Ghosts in Charlottesville: The Charm of the South

In my latest horror book, The Veil of Shadows, I explore a completely different horror setting: Charlottesville, VA. This Southern city, nestled in a picturesque mountainous region, struck me as the perfect location for a horror story. Its charming historical architecture and steep, winding roads create an atmosphere that balances beauty with a sense of foreboding. When I first visited Charlottesville, the hilly terrain was a challenge for a flatlander like me, and I used that experience in the book. The fictional Bookman Manor, with its antique charm, embodies the eerie elegance I felt during my visits.

Old Gods on the Shores of Lake Michigan

My current work-in-progress takes place along the shores of Lake Michigan, another of my favorite horror settings. The late fall atmosphere, with its empty beaches and icy winds, provides an ideal backdrop for a haunting story. This new book, set against the haunting beauty of the Great Lakes, explores the return of ancient gods who have lain dormant for centuries. I find that Lake Michigan’s vast, seemingly endless horizon lends itself to tales of cosmic horror and mystery, where the unknown feels just out of sight beyond the waves.

Do you have a favorite setting for horror books or films? Whether it’s a shadowy forest, an abandoned asylum, or a bustling city with hidden secrets, I’d love to hear about it! Let me know in the comments which horror settings get your imagination running wild.

The Veil of Shadows is available on Kindle. Get your copy today!

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