Carrie by Stephen King
A classic Stephen King novel, Carrie reflects the epitome of the Halloween spirit with its supernatural theme, chilling atmosphere and the increasing anxiety of what events are about to unfold.
Set in Chamberlain, Maine in 1974, Carrie White is a 16 year-old who has an unusual ability that will forever change her life: kinetic powers. Trapped in an exceedingly religious family and bullied at school, Carrie suffers from poor mental health as a “weird girl”. When one of the school’s most popular guys, Tommy Rose, invites her to prom in an apparent act of kindness, Carrie allows herself to be truly happy for once in her life. Nevertheless, that single school event will lead to a disturbing and unforgettable nightmare for all of her classmates surrounded by blood and revenge.
This book, despite having a creative and captivating plot, is underestimated among other Stephen King novels. Carrie is one of the novels that gained world-wide fame during the height of horror films and novels in the 70s and 80s. The classic “outsider” of society character trope allows the audience to resonate with Carrie and make the story more unsettling as the true conflict of the novel arises, changing her from an innocent and hurt young girl to a dangerous and disturbed one.
Overall, this classic novel highlights the fall themes of horror, mystery and thriller which is perfectly suited for the in-home Halloween horror movie marathons that truly create an unsettling and anxious atmosphere at night.
Feels Like Home by Norah Jones
As autumn wraps her chilly arms around us all, Norah Jones’ Feels Like Home is the perfect album to warm us back up. Released in 2004, even just one listen to this cozy album evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for nippy fall days of childhood years past. Nominated for Best Vocal Pop Album at the 2005 VMAs, Feels Like Home is a true reflection of the music scene of the time: snug and beautifully melodic. The opening track, Sunrise, is one of Jones’ most popular songs, and for good reason. Sunrise immediately sets the tone for the rest of the album and draws us all in for more. The coffee house vibe of the song makes for perfect fall listening, reminiscent of an early morning spent with a mug of hot coffee in your hand.
Every single song on this album, while consisting of distinctly different themes, brings listeners back to one main feeling: the comfort of love. Hinting at a bluesier theme, Jones is able to mix so many different genres to create a masterpiece. This album is among my favorites to play in the background as I finish up a homework assignment on a slow Sunday night as the guitar and smooth vocals are a perfect motivator.
Whether it’s playing softly in the background as you put an apple pie in the oven or cranked up for all to hear at your weekly neighborhood get-together, Feels Like Home is perfect to set just the right mood for autumn.
Practical Magic (1998)
Lavender, sage and a chilly breeze: these are the sensations evoked by 1998’s Practical Magic. A certified cult classic, this film is everything you could ever want in an autumn movie. Mixing comforting vibes with suspense, Practical Magic wraps around you as it tells an enchanting tale of sisterhood, magic and love.
The two main characters, Sally and Gillian Owens, are sisters who share a strong bond with each other as they grow up in a quirky world where they’re constantly mocked for the magical powers that run in their blood. Their family is cursed so that any man who falls in love with an Owens woman is doomed to die. However, as Sally and Gillian grow up, they find themselves falling in love despite the curse and ultimately suffering the consequences.
This movie is truly magical in every sense, set in a beautifully eerie house in a quaint town on the coast. Many of the scenes in the film are representative of pure joy, evoking a strong sense of warmth inside. The enchanting visuals and mystical soundtrack make for an ideal autumn watch, but there are darker undertones as the film discusses loss and breaking generational cycles. The relationships portrayed are so very realistic that you get sucked in and feel like an Owens sister yourself.
During a rainy thunderstorm, this is the ideal movie to put on the TV when you want to lose yourself in a wonderful world of magic. Practical Magic has a beautiful charm that’s hard to shake and has a way of sticking with you long after it’s over.
The Vampire Diaries
Elena, along with her friends Bonnie and Caroline, encounter the supernatural as they befriend the Salvator brothers, 169 and 162-year-old vampires. The show covers years of love and loss, as the group becomes more intertwined in the lifestyles of the supernatural. The girls become supernatural themselves, after being turned into vampires and Bonnie unlocks her family secrets about witches. The show covers various plot lines and there is always an upcoming twist to be expected in all its eight seasons.
Season one starts off the show by introducing the main characters and general plot, engaging the reader with its fall feeling. The show really picks up in season two as new characters and their doppelgangers are presented along with novel elements of the supernatural, which was intriguing and helped move the plot. As season three begins, the show introduces a dramatic new plot, as Klaus, the original vampire, appears. The plot twist adds a riveting element as it moves forward. Elena completes her transformation as a vampire in season four, which is followed throughout the rest of the season, by a drama filled plot. After Elena’s change, season five deals with a mix of living and dead, as well as communication with the “other side.” Damon focuses on saving Stefan and Caroline from a life with “no humanity” in season six, which helps give the audience a new look at the context of vampires in many flashbacks.
In the penultimate season, the show covers how the group continues without Elena’s presence. This absence makes the show a little less interesting and leaves the viewer with questions. Finally, in season eight, the show wraps up and significant sacrifices are made from each character, though similar to season seven, the show lacks a certain interest without Elena. Still, the Vampire Diaries is the perfect fall show, as it starts in a cute autumn town, and covers spooky supernatural creatures, reminiscent of Halloween. This show is great for a year round watch, but especially amusing for a fall watch. Overall, this show is definitely something for everyone’s fall watch list, as there is always a great turn of events to keep the audience entertained.
