Candy Corn

Candy Corn is a chilling horror film released in 2019 that is delicately dipped in the rustic essence of 1970s grunge aesthetics and focuses on the theme of Halloween. Helmed by first-time Director Josh Hasty, the film boasts a notable lineup of stars including Courtney Gains, Pancho Moler, P. J. Soles among others.

The movie captures the essence of a vintage horror story, brilliantly weaving a tale around the unsuspecting, small, rural town named Grove Hill in Ohio where the tranquility is continuously shattered by a rambunctious group of town bullies, led by Mike and Steve (Cody Saintgnue and Madison Russ). The focus is primarily on the annual tradition of the town, where in the eve of Halloween they get together for some misfit fun. This year, their target is Jacob Atkins (Nate Chaney), a socially withdrawn outcast and their former childhood friend. The story takes a turn when the disgruntled bullies go a step too far, culminating in an untimely death.

However, the terror sets in when a mystical carnival barker, played by Pancho Moler, resurrects the dead. Moler with his spellbinding performance takes the audience on a hair-raising journey of terror and gore. He plays the chilling character of Dr. Death, who runs a side show in the town-gathering every year and possesses some cryptic powers. His intriguing character naturally draws parallels to the Charon myth, the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the river Styx.

Courtney Gains, known for his iconic roles from "Children of the Corn" and "The ‘Burbs", delivers a riveting performance as Sheriff Bradford, tasked with maintaining the peace amidst the unraveling chaos, while battling his personal demons. P.J. Soles graces the screen as Marcy Taylor, the town's busybody. Her performance builds on the gripping ambiance, adding another layer to the deepening mystery of Candy Corn.

In true horror genre fashion, the resurrected Jacob Atkins returns to town to exact revenge on his tormentors, creating a havoc of bloodshed and fear. What sets this movie apart from typical slashers is its deep dive into the psychological aspects of its characters.

Each character to some extent, represents a classic stereotype found in traditional horror stories. The town bullies- the epitomical tormentors, the ostracized social outcast, the enigmatic carnival proprietor and the enforcer of the town's law, each gives a fresh aspect to Candy Corn without being clichéd. Hence, the film gradually becomes not just a story of a terrorizing revenge spree, but a close examination of the society within this close-knit, small town setting.

With his debut film, Hasty has tried to approach the horror film genre with a unique outlook. He seamlessly combines elements of slasher films with an underlying layer of social commentary, with an occasional touch of supernatural themes. The film offers a scenic view of the 1970's rural Americana, juxtaposing it with a backdrop of terror and frenzy, beautifully preserved within the distinct cinematography of Ryan Lewis. The old-school FX makeup by Justin Mabry adds to the whole set, giving the characters a very raw feel and a high tension element of the fear factor.

Candy Corn has its fair share of gory scenes manifested with a sense of gruesome reality. However, it tactfully merges these with an atmosphere of suspense, creating an ambiance of creeping dread rather than relying solely on jump scares or explicit violence. Its soundtrack, also composed by Hasty himself, cleverly incorporates synthesized music to intensify the haunting aura surrounding the events of the film.

In a nutshell, Candy Corn is a nostalgic trip to the past for horror fanatics, beautifully combining the themes of small-town tropes, classic characters and revenge narratives entombed within the environment of Halloween. It boasts some impressive performance, notably Moler’s, enigmatic storytelling and a visually captivating depiction of a terror-stricken town, making the film a must-see for illusion loving audiences. Packed with suspense and mystery, chilling performances and remarkable cinematography, Candy Corn pays an authentic homage to the often kitsch late 70’s and early 80’s horror genre and is a worthy addition to any horror aficionado's film collection.