SEE, HEAR, AND SPEAK SOME EVIL

A Monthly Horror Media Review

words by KAILEY LEGIER

bodies and Black features, all while embracing the racist institutions and reap the benefits of the oppression and control of Black folks. NOPE is... spectacular. A straight-up science-fiction horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat, gritting your teeth, saying, “Oh my God, what? It’s a... what?” As usual, Daniel Kaluuya shines brighter than literally any star in the galaxy, with eyes that portray everything, no matter how stoic the expression.

We like horror because we like to be scared. We’re pulled in with the build-up, the suspense, the tension, and then we get the release. We cry out with the big jump scare, the big scream, or the moment the main character gets caught. Comedy is the same formula! Build up the joke, get the audience engaged, but instead of an on-screen slasher moment to release, there’s a punchline. Peele is a master writer, director, and producer, understanding perfectly the connection between comedy and horror, and flowing between them with the ease of a genius. In his position, with his influence, what else could he do but take budding young Black directors under his wing?

So, yes, we’re going to talk about the Candyman series. If you haven’t seen the 1992 original, I am begging you to watch it. It is supernatural horror at its finest. It follows a white graduate student pursuing a masters in folklore and urban legend, leading her to Cabrini-Green Homes housing project in Chicago where the legend of the Candyman is seeped into the souls of all the folks that live there. I really, really don’t want to spoil anything about this movie, but it will change your whole life, I’m serious. Candyman (2021) is a direct sequel, a supernatural slasher written by Jordan Peele and directed by Nia DaCosta, a breakout Black creative whose skill turned this sequel into a damn masterpiece. Each shot is meticulous, careful, intentional. You get sucked into this story, sighing and shaking your head at the white folks, saying, “I told you so!” This film explores urban Black folklore, the power of words, and the power of community. I’m saying it now, Nia DaCosta is someone to keep on your radar.

Black horror is beautiful and it is in full force.

If you are a young Black creative out there, unsure of whether or not you can break out into an industry like this, an industry so heavily dominated by people that don’t look like you, let these creatives be an inspiration. Dive into their work and into your own.

We see you, we hear you. We are all rooting for you.