The spooky season is upon us. And one of the best ways to get into the autumn spirit (apart from reading a gothic novel, of course) is by popping on something dark and creepy on the big screen. But where to begin? We’ve taken the guesswork out for you below. So fill the kettle, pop the popcorn, and cosy up to these 10 spine tingling gothic films and shows.
1. The Confessions of Frannie Langton (2022)
Based on Sara Collin’s brilliant gothic romance novel, The Confessions of Frannie Langton is a must-watch. Set in 19th century London, Frannie Langton is on trial for murder. Though she can’t remember the events of the horrible night, it seems unthinkable to Frannie that she could kill the woman she so dearly loved. In her prison cell, she begins to piece together events that led to the tragic mystery. We follow Frannie's journey from a Jamaican plantation all the way to the Mayfair mansion of the celebrated scientist George Benham and his beautiful wife, Madame Marguerite Benham (whom she allegedly murdered). A heart-breaking story-- you'll want to watch this gothic thriller with tissues in hand.
2. A Haunting in Venice (2023)
A disenchanted Poirot (played by Kenneth Brennan) has retired from sleuthing. But he’s soon drawn back into that world when he reluctantly attends a séance in a haunted palazzo. The invited guest of honour--- a spiritual medium, makes contact with the spirit of a young woman who killed herself a year ago in the crumbling mansion. Except the spirit claims it wasn’t a suicide, that she was murdered. Mayhem follows as dead bodies begin to pop up. Poirot must decide if he believes in ghosts or if there is a murderer among them. What makes this film feel particularly gothic is its beautiful setting–a dark, stormy night. A decaying palazzo in Venice that is thought to be haunted with the spirits of children. Incredibly atmospheric.
3. The Gallows Pole (2023)
Based on Benjamin Myers’s brilliant book by the same title, the mini series made for the BBC is a must-watch. It’s inspired by the true story of an 18th century West Yorkshire gang–‘the Cragg Vale Coiners’ who embark on a dangerous enterprise of forging coins. At the head of the gang is David Hartley–a man who is as charismatic as he is violent. He is also prone to self-delusion and sees images of strange mythical creatures. Beautifully shot with naturalistic imagery, this show is perfect for History buffs who love a gothic twist.
4. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1931)
This film adaptation of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is dark and weird in the best way. We follow the ambitious scientist Dr Jekyll who is determined to separate his good, ‘civilised’ side with what he believes to be his animalistic alter ego, ‘Hyde’ who craves salacious things. He succeeds in his mission and Hyde soon runs wild across the dark atmospheric streets of Victorian London. The sense of the uncanny is rife in this film (thanks to some excellent tricks with the camera) which makes it so marvellously creepy.
5. The Essex Serpent (2022)
Another show based on a novel, Sarah Perry’s The Essex Serpent stars Hollywood heavyweights Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston. A child disappears on the marshes in the tiny coastal perish of Aldwinter. The legend of the ‘Essex Serpent’ re-emerges as the village folks believe the mythical creature is responsible for this latest disappearance. News of the serpent travels to London where it piques the interest of widowed naturalist, Cora Seaborne. She sets off with her son to Aldwinter to investigate. There, she strikes up an intimate friendship with the pastor (played by Tom Hiddleston) and more strange, dark events begin to unfold. From the foggy marshes to the dark streets and parlour rooms of Victorian London–the show is beautifully shot and incredibly atmospheric.
6. The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
Netflix has created a mini series based on the works of Edgar Allen Poe (yay!). Set to release on October 12th, the story follows two siblings who do everything they can to secure their fortune — and future. But their family dynasty begins to fall apart when their heirs mysteriously die, one after the next. It’s a modern adaptation of Poe's work-- one we look forward to devouring.
7. Frankenstein (1931)
This film adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novella is arguably the most iconic. From the mad scientist (Colin Clive) and his hunchback assistant, to the larger than life monster (Boris Karloff) with bolts in his neck– the film’s images and gothic tropes are ones that have stayed with us through the decades. The scenes are darkly atmospheric–a good one to watch on Halloween.
8. Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s film is a great example of a modern American Gothic. An interracial couple–Rose Armitage who is white, and Chris Washington who is Black-- take a weekend trip to meet Rose’s family in upstate New York. The Armitages present themselves as progressive liberals. But it doesn’t take long for Chris to uncover their racist values as their microaggressions increasingly escalate. This film represents what the gothic genre does best: it cleverly questions the status quo. The Armitages and the white privilege lens through which they see the world is challenged. Digging deeper beyond the surface of their passing comments, we are confronted with a violent, racist ideology.
9. Wednesday (2022)
Wednesday is perhaps our favourite Addams. We follow her journey after she has been kicked out of school and is forced to enrol at a creepy boarding school which her mother attended as a girl. But this isn’t an ordinary school–other ‘weirdos’ like herself are her classmates. Her roommate is slowly turning into a werewolf. Mysterious murderers begin to pop up in the surrounding forest and suspicion falls on the new girl. Wednesday is determined to get to the bottom of the killings and soon finds herself in mortal danger. We love Wednesday’s self-confidence, her style and strength. The old boarding school gives us Hogwarts vibes and the village where the show is set is quaint and creepy in equal measures.
10. Beetlejuice (1988)
We could not end this list without a Tim Burton film and this is one of our all-time favourites for autumn. Everything about Beetlejuice screams gothic and weird– from the old creaky house that's haunted, to the stylishly dark wardrobe of Lydia (Winona Ryder) and her mother (Catherine O’Hara). The music, the settings– Beetlejuice himself, you’ll feel like you’re having a strange out of body experience.
...Happy watching!
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