I was recently given the opportunity to check out a new, independent Halloween short film called Pumpkin Guts: Devil’s Night.
I first became aware of this film through the Instagram page, and to say I absolutely knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I’d love it, would be an understatement. I can always tell when a piece of media is truly going to radiate Halloween, in the way that will transport me through whatever month we’re currently in (in this case, probably the most disgusting July on record) and into Halloween night itself.
When I was offered early access to this short film, I could not have been more honored. Even though I’ve built up somewhat of a following within the Halloween community, it still amazes me every day that people finally truly see and feel what I’m trying to create; that my love of Halloween finally means something and brings some joy and comfort to others like myself, and that anyone, especially a filmmaker, would trust me to understand and speak on their vision. I could not be more grateful when opportunities like this come around.
Pumpkin Guts is just under fifteen minutes long, but it manages to pack a powerful punch, and a whole lot of Halloween feeling and nostalgia, into its runtime. I’m still amazed at how complete the story felt…I dare say even more so than some feature-length films I’ve seen lately!
Pumpkin Guts introduces us to a character called Charlie Gein-Gacy (love that name!) who was probably every trick-or-treater’s childhood fear at one point: the man who tampers with candy, particularly by shoving razor blades inside of it. Surely every Halloween lover has heard of him, right? Charlie brings the urban legend to life as he gleefully prepares for another night of mischief, murder, and mayhem, until a mysterious, dirty, bloody scarecrow-like figure appears at his doorstep. The young woman refuses to leave, forcing a missing poster for a girl called Jacqueline Graves into his hands before finally, seemingly disappearing. Charlie starts to wonder, has he finally been caught?
The answer is more terrifying than you can imagine!
I won’t spoil the entire plot, as I really want people to see this! But I will say, Pumpkin Guts is truly the perfect blend of a brutal horror/slasher film, and a nostalgic Halloween feeling. Watching this film, I somehow managed to feel the same way I feel when watching my favorite horrors, while also feeling the nostalgic pangs of my childhood Halloween nights. The combination of the decor aesthetic (Everything in Charlie’s house I either already own or would purchase!) and the classic “razor blade in the candy” urban legend, really made me feel like a kid again…but a kid grown up enough to appreciate some amazing horror and imagery!
If you love Halloween nostalgia and can handle some gore, this is definitely a short film you will not want to miss! I know it made me feel super happy, and extra spooky, and this disgusting, feels-like-100-degrees July afternoon! This is truly a film by lovers of Halloween, for lovers of Halloween.
You can view the trailer here if you’re not logged into Instagram!
Stay spooky, my friends. And make sure you follow @pumpkingutsmovie on Instagram for more information!
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