Shudder delights us with The Ghoul Log Trick ‘r Treat Sam O’Lantern
By Carla Davis
Longtime Shudder subscribers are no doubt aware of the horror streaming service’s Halloween ambiance-setting Ghoul Log. It’s baaaaaack!
The Ghoul Log, Shudder’s annual Halloween ambiance setter was created by a “fan-favorite filmmaker who knows a thing or two about the holiday.” Of course, this description had a lot of viewers thinking that the designer was John Carpenter. Which was a great guess, but as it turns out, the correct answer was Michael Dougherty, the man responsible for one of the best Halloween-themed films out there.
Dougherty wrote and directed 2007’s Trick ‘r Treat, which is an entertaining anthology film set in fictional Warren Valley, Ohio. The stories are clever and spooky, and the gorgeous sets and scenery scream HALLOWEEN at the top of their lungs.
Dougherty’s version of The Ghoul Log was inspired by Trick ‘r Treat’s iconic character Sam, a mischievous little guy who made sure everyone followed the rules of Halloween. Though Sam seemed almost cute at first, it very quickly became obvious that he was a force to be reckoned with.
Even if you have never seen Trick ‘r Treat, you will probably recognize Sam’s small figure, dressed in orange footie-pajamas and a burlap bag. He has inspired dolls, costumes and comic books, and has even been featured in Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights.
Dougherty stated that since 2020 has been such a dumpster fire, he hopes “the Sam O’Lantern brings a bit of light and magick to all those in need of some holiday spirit.”
The Ghoul Log is Shudder’s answer to the kitschy Yule Log, with a burning jack o’ lantern rather than a burning log in a fireplace. It is available to stream on demand, and will soon be a 24/7 feature on Shudder TV. The first Ghoul Log debuted in 2018, and was the perfect accompaniment for Halloween parties, pumpkin carving sessions or just when one wanted to feel the Halloween spirit.
2019 brought us Return of the Ghoul Log, created by Larry Fessenden (Depraved), and just as in 2018, the constant stream was highlighted with spooky sounds.
The Ghoul Log Trick ‘r Treat Sam O’Lantern is sure to be a hit this year and this writer is hoping Michael Dougherty’s delicious, dark film will be added to Shudder this month as well!
dark. Next. Shudder: Vincent Price and the Ghoul Log light up Halloween
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