Trick ‘r Treat is a 2007 horror anthology about five interconnecting stories that center around one mysterious child-like figure. Well-received and a box office success, it is often considered one of the best in the genre.
Halloween is right around the corner and this movie is the perfect movie to add to your list for the big night. There are a lot of horror movies out there but this one not only has all the components of a good horror movie, it also specifically relates to Halloween and the fear and fun that surrounds this special time of year. That being said, even if it weren’t a Halloween movie I would still really appreciate the style and the fun atmosphere that this horror movie brings to the table.
Trick ‘r Treat chronicles the exploits of several strangers as each celebrate in their own way on Halloween night. There is a high school principal (Dylan Baker) who has a dark secret, a sweet virgin (Anna Paquin) waiting for someone special for her first time, a couple trying to get through Halloween without annoying each other too much, a grumpy old man (Brian Cox) who doesn’t want anything to do with Halloween, a group of preteens who take part in an unforgivable prank and a little boy named Sam (Quinn Lord) wearing a costume consisting of orange pajamas and a burlap sack mask with buttons sewn on it for eyes who is always nearby . . . watching.
Trick ‘r Treat manages to weave all these stories together without the plot getting muddied. It also shows a great respect for Halloween and it’s traditions without taking itself too seriously. It treads a fine line in this sense and it does it really well. There’s also a great sense of underlying humour mixed in with the blatant horror; there are just as many moments where you’ll want to laugh as there are moments that you’ll be hiding behind a blanket. It really is the perfect combination of genres for watching movies on Halloween night with a couple close friends.
Without a doubt, the best character in this movie is the one that has no lines. Sam, the little pajama-wearing, burlap sack headed boy is always nearby, somehow completely adorable and terrifying at the same time. He epitomizes the spirit of Halloween, which is his purpose in the movie but it really is handled so well. He’s a guardian of Halloween traditions in a way and he’s always on the lookout for the people who aren’t following them. He really pulls all the stories together and the movie as a whole. The rest of the characters are cast incredibly well as well but you’ll find by the end that you have a serious soft spot for this exceptionally creepy little guy.
Trick ‘r Treat is full of tense atmosphere, fun moments, laughs, scares and heaps of Halloween lore. It’s definitely not one to be missed and it will probably become a Halloween tradition in your household if you give it chance. Keep your pumpkins lit and the candy flowing.