Trick ‘r Treat
Directed by Michael Dougherty
Warner Bros, 2007
By Sean Kelly
Trick ‘r Treat is a Halloween-based anthology-style horror film that was originally scheduled to be released in theatres in October 2007. For whatever reason, Warner Bros. pushed the release date back. I was waiting for it to turn up again during the next two years, so I was a little disappointed to find out that the film was going direct-to-DVD on October 6th of this year. So, when it was announced that the film was going to be shown as part of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival, I jumped at my only chance to see it in a movie theatre.
After seeing the film (in a theatre full of cheering horror fans), I can say that it really was worth the wait. Trick ‘r Treat is one of the most original horror films that I have seen in quite a while. In an age when Halloween is perpetually dominated by the latest Saw sequel, it is a shame that a film like this was passed over for theatrical release. The film features everything from grisly murders to darkly humourous scenarios in a bundle of stories that call for us to respect that annual tradition known as All Hallow’s Eve.
The film features five interwoven stories that take place during a single Halloween night. They are all connected by the presence of Sam, a demonic being, who seems intent on making sure that everybody respects the traditions of Halloween.
In the opening story that makes up the pre-credit scene, a woman (Leslie Bibb) ignores her boyfriend’s suggestion to respect the traditions of Halloween. This anti-Halloween outburst receives some unwanted attention…
In the first full-length story, a group of college friends come into town for a Halloween party. One of them (played by a pre-True Blood Anna Paquin), is embarrassed that she is dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood. You know that the Big Bad Wolf cannot be far behind…
In another story, a school principal (Dylan Baker) is unusually knowledgeable on the traditions that one must follow on Halloween. He also possesses a dark secret…
The next story involves a group of kids that head to an old quarry to the visit the site where a busload of mentally disturbed children crashed. It is here where a simple prank results in dire consequences…
The final story involves an old cranky old man (Brian Cox), who remains in his house during the night. An old secret results in a visitor…
With the exception of the final story, which makes up the climax, the film goes back and forth between the different tales. Generally, the film moves chronologically through the night, returning to events in the different stories as they occur. The only stories that take place out of the chronology are the final story (which happens earlier in the night) and the opening scene (which takes place at the end of the night).
In conclusion, I have to repeat by saying that the film is very well done. Each story has a twist to it — some are totally shocking, while others are darkly humourous. It’s a shame that Trick ‘r Treat will never get a wide theatrical release, however; it has the makings of a cult classic. I’ve waited a long time to see it and I will definitely be there to buy the DVD when it is released in October.
