From Salon · Melanie McFarland · · 1m 40s
Halloween horror stories that haunt
Three horror films and shows explore cultural roots, social issues, and erotic mystery for Halloween.
In brief
Three horror films and shows explore cultural roots, social issues, and erotic mystery for Halloween. Three horror stories examine Haiti's history, high school trauma, and a witchy mystery for Halloween. Originally reported by Salon.
Halloween horror surge
The horror genre is bigger than ever, with 2026 domestic box office reaching nearly $1.3 billion by October.
Black Zombie documentary
Maya Annik Bedward’s film explores Haitian roots of zombies and Vodou’s role in Haiti’s revolution.
Zombie cultural impact
Hollywood’s zombie portrayal affects America’s perception of Vodou, Haitians, and immigration.
Carrie adaptation
Mike Flanagan’s 'Carrie' reimagines high school trauma with social media’s role in bullying.
Carrie’s social media
Carrie’s tormentors post her frightened sobs online, worsening her bullying.
Yaga streaming show
Crave’s 'Yaga' mixes erotic mystery with a detective’s search for a missing playboy.
Yaga’s witchy mystery
The show features a Vodou priest’s conflicted view of horror films and a sexy witch character.
Haiti’s cultural roots
Haitian zombies symbolize dispossession, a curse from enslavers binding victims to servitude.
Vodou’s revolution
Vodou played a key role in Haiti’s revolution against French colonizers.
Zombie’s cultural legacy
Modern zombies in films like 'World War Z' and 'The Walking Dead' stem from Haiti’s history.
Carrie’s mother
Carrie’s mother is an abusive religious zealot who forces her to attend public school.
Yaga’s erotic mystery
The show blends softcore scenes with a mystery involving a missing playboy and a witch.
Halloween horror stories
These stories explore cultural roots, social issues, and erotic mystery for Halloween.
The headline
Three horror stories examine Haiti's history, high school trauma, and a witchy mystery for Halloween.
