Candyman

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“The Candyman, a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a skeptic grad student researching the monster’s myth.”

There are quite a few things unique to Candyman but to me, it’s that this is a horror villain of our own making. I’m not only talking about the fact that the Candyman was a brutally murdered slave, which is prophetic in its own way, but you have to actually summon him to you.

Helen may have started the journey as a thesis into an urban legend but she finds herself in something that – while horrific – is a form of seduction. Something that I love is how he beckons her. He doesn’t just come to her like a regular slasher. He makes you almost ask for it, down to his invitation. “Be my victim.”

This is one of the most unique horror villains for another reason. He acknowledged that, as a legend, he held power. He had to make an appearance in order to keep his “congregation” faithful in believing in him.

Bring on the metaphores!

Society is the monster here. Racial segregation, prejudicial crimes and our own urban legends. Even the show of toxic masculinity is made here by the thug who beats up Helen.

Do we give into our horror that we create? I actually don’t have a spoiler section here because the entire movie is just so well done and shows so much… you have to watch it.

Also, remember this was before CGI so yes, those are real bees.