Trick 'r Treat, written and directed by Michael Doherty, is, in my humble opinion, necessary viewing for spooky season. It takes place on Halloween night and follows several interlocking stories exploring the tradition and rules of the holiday. Seen throughout the movie is Sam, an enigmatic trick-or-treater in an orange onesie with a burlap sack over his face.
The movie is split into four segments following a different group of characters as they celebrate Halloween in the small town of Warren Valley, Ohio. While each story has very classic horror elements, the serial killer stalking the town, the curmudgeon old man who doesn't care for trick-or-treaters, the young woman being stalked, a haunting story of ghost children, and a prank gone wrong, what sets Trick 'r Treat apart is how it lures you in with the comfort of familiarity and then surprises you each and every time. As the threads come to a close, you start to understand every nuance and throw away line is important. It's one of the best examples of nonlinear storytelling I think I've ever seen in a horror film. With nods to other classic horror anthologies like Creepshow and Tales From the Darkside, it's clever and distinct set up are what make it both special and necessary viewing this spooky season.
Trick 'r Treat is packed with excellent actors, including Dylan Baker and Anna Paquin, and despite the fact that it never had a true theatrical release, it has become a cult favorite. In fact, it's receiving the Fathom Entertainment treatment this year with a 4K restoration, and will be shown in theatres for two nights only.
Of course, since it's release, and status as a cult classic, everyone wants to know when or if there'll be a sequel. In an interview with Collider, Michael Dougherty assures that he's actively in talks with Legendary Pictures about Sam's return. While there aren't many details, he did mention that there were already multiple drafts, storyboards, and concept art in the works and that it will also have a "proper nemesis for Sam that would give Brian Cox a run for his money". While we've waited this long, I'll gladly wait longer if it means we can have Sam return to our screens.
Since it's release in 2007, Trick 'r Treat has spawned a series of comics and graphic novels, a haunted house at Halloween Horror Nights, and a legacy that's lasted over a decade. Sam is not only a Halloween icon, but a horror Icon, rivaling the likes of Jason Vorhees, Chucky, and Art the Clown. Sam is an entity that's neither good nor bad, he simply is. If you don't follow the rules of Halloween, you will be punished, but as long as you hand out candy and keep the Jack-O-Lantern's lit, you're safe. I think that's what I love most about him, in his own ways, he's chaotic justice.
For the first time ever, Trick 'r Treat will be in theaters nationwide on October 14th and 16th. You can also catch it streaming on HBO Max.