Epic Home Haunts

Epic Home Haunts, directed by Josh Quillin in 2018, is a fascinating documentary that takes viewers into a world of incredible creativity and spine-chilling horror. The film stars Justin Bechtold, Jon Cooke, and Jeana Docter, three masters of home haunts who create intricate, professional-quality horror experiences out of their own homes for the Halloween season.

The film gives a behind-the-scenes look at these fascinating do-it-yourself haunted attractions. These aren't your simple pumpkin and witch decoration setups for Halloween night but full-scale, immersive haunts that engage the senses and challenge one’s courage. Showcasing the craftsmanship, passion, and dedication of these haunt creators is what sets Epic Home Haunts apart from a typical horror or Halloween-themed documentary.

In the film, Justin Bechtold, Jon Cooke, and Jeana Docter each represent different facets of the home haunting community. Their unique styles and approaches offer an in-depth perspective on the lengths people will go to celebrate their favorite holiday and create memorable, spine-chilling experiences for the people in their community. Bechtold, Cooke, and Docter are ordinary individuals with a passion for the macabre and a knack for designing intricate attractions that wouldn't look out of place at a professional Halloween event.

Justin Bechtold shows that home haunting is not just a hobby, but an art form of its own, with the power to captivate and thrill. Jon Cooke demonstrates the role of technology and innovation in creating terrifyingly realistic environments, while Jeana Docter delves into the psychology of fear and how to wield it effectively in a home haunt setup.

One of the distinctive features of Epic Home Haunts is its focus on the year-long preparation and sheer labor that goes into the creation of these elaborate Halloween displays. The artisans featured in the movie dedicate enormous amounts of time, money, and energy into their pet projects, which they open to the public, often free of charge, for just a few nights each year.

The documentary also delves into the personal stories of these people who become industry-level designers, makeup artists, actors, and special effects wizards. The spotlight is not only on their craft and hauntingly beautiful creations but also on their dedication, their motivations, and their love for Halloween. The viewers get to see much more than just the props and scares; they get an intimate look at the people behind these Hellish masterpieces.

To further create a well-rounded depiction of these home haunts, the documentary does not limit itself to just the creators’ viewpoints. In fact, it smartly incorporates the perspectives of the many visitors who flood into these homegrown horror shows every Halloween. It provides a balanced overview, presenting how these haunts influence the community around them, generating feelings of excitement, fun, and of course, a bit of good-hearted terror.

While Epic Home Haunts is a must-watch film for Halloween enthusiasts and horror fans, it's also a testament to the power of creativity, passion, and the spirit of community. Whether you're a fan of horror or not, you might find yourself marveling at the intricate craftsmanship and dedication shown by these home haunters. Their commitment does not only embody their love for the eerie and spooky but also the joy they derive from seeing their neighbors come together, scream together, and ultimately, laugh together during the Halloween season.

Both an engaging and thoughtful thrill ride, Epic Home Haunts is an unexpectedly heartwarming celebration of Halloween. It's a window into a strange and unique subculture that celebrates a deep-rooted love for all things frightful and festive. Truly, the movie offers viewers an immersive experience into the world of home haunts that will leave them awestruck and maybe even inspired to create a little home haunt of their own. Regardless, after watching the movie, the next time Halloween comes around, you may find yourself viewing the illuminated pumpkins and eerie apparitions on your neighbor's lawn with new appreciation and respect.