31 movies to watch in October: The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell

Day 16 of 31 movies for October is a cheat of sorts, because it is not a movie; instead, it’s a 6-episode Netflix Original series. But, with each episode clocking in around at under 30 minutes, you could easily binge it in one sitting.

The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell debuted in October of 2018, and it was a charming, whimsical slice of Halloween goodness. It is not at all scary, and would be suitable for kids despite some slightly naughty humor sprinkled in here and there.

Christine McConnell is an “Instagram famous” model who bakes incredible goth-inspired treats, and she became a viral sensation after decorating her parents’ home at Halloween. We’re not talking some Jack O’ Lanterns and lights here. McConnell gave the home teeth and eyes, and it looked spectacular.

Netflix partnered with The Henson Alternative, an offshoot of The Jim Henson Company to create the quirky Muppet-type characters that live with McConnell in the series. The premise is that McConnell shares her mansion with an assortment of ghosts and creatures.

There’s Vivienne (Dita Von Teese), a ghost who lives in Christine’s mirror, Rose the roadkill raccoon, who was reanimated by Christine, Rankle the mummified cat, monster Bernard, who lives in the basement, and tentacled Milly, who lives in the refrigerator. With her house already full, Christine still manages to find room for Edgar, a werewolf who shows up at her front door.

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While her oddball housemates get up to all sorts of high jinks, Christine bakes up tasty, gorgeous,  ghoulish treats, while giving us tutorials on how to make them in our own kitchens. Given that many of the baked goods are so elaborately decorated that it would take the average person a full day to make something even close to what she creates, it’s really kind of amusing.

At one point, she makes a huge, realistic haunted mansion cake that Rose manages to knock over, and just shrugs, saying, “good thing I made an extra.” Regardless of whether or not you or I would actually make the treats, it is fascinating to watch Christine’s attention to detail and techniques. I will admit that I put her cook book Deceptive Desserts on my wish list last year, and while I have not yet attempted to make any of the treats, I do love looking at the pictures.

The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell is a fun series, and impulsive, hyper Rose and cranky Rankle are a joy to watch. Take a break from blood and gore, and experience a lighter touch of Halloween / October ambiance.

The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell can be streamed on Netflix.

Will you watch The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell? Have you already watched it? Let us know what you think in the comments section.