Dipping a toe into the alternative ‘90s, we are reminded of some cult classic films that changed the landscape of moody stories. The visual art of a scene plays out in vivid or bleak color schemes, intricate set design, character and narrative arcs that are chilling yet sympathetic, and, of course, the actors that bring the story to life. The end of the 20th century produced some stylized films that, today, encourage us to sit under blankets with a seasonal candle burning and enjoy the nostalgia of these ominous stories.
To dip a toe into the creepy vibes of Fall, we have some book recommendations that have comparative aspects to some of our favorite dark films of the ‘90s and early 2000s. Touching narratives of a past that’s fluffed in fiction, but filled with heart. If you like this movie, you should read this book.
If you like Donnie Darko (2001) for its unsettling mystery surrounding time travel, then you should check out…
Universal Harvester by John Darnielle
Peculiar and introspective, a small town is turned upside down when a video store clerk discovers unexpected footage in customers’ returned VHS tapes. The dark nature of the footage warps time, and Darnielle’s writing plunges us into a story that keeps us wondering.
If you like Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) for its magical realism and non-Western setting, then you should check out…
Vita Nostra by Maryna and Serhiy Dyachenko
Unlike Del Toro’s Spanish film, Vita Nostra is translated from Russian. The dark fantasy novel is the first in a series, where Sasha is influenced by a peculiar mentor to enroll in an institute of “special technologies” and brutal lessons. Blending moral philosophy and speculative fiction, we are invited on a refreshing and beautiful journey about humanity.
If you like The Craft (1996) in all its witchy prowess and spiteful girl groups, then you should check out…
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
In the spirit of witches, curses, and family bonds, this prequel to Practical Magic follows two sisters and one brother as they find out their magical family has been cursed; whoever they fall in love with will die. This book is not dark in nature or as spiteful as The Craft, but the witchcraft and connections give the essence of Fall, the supernatural, and the curiosity of adolescence.
However, if you are looking for some teen vengeance that isn’t quite witches, but close, we have…
The Merciless by Danielle Vega
Cruel intentions are questioned when Sofia Flores befriends a group of popular girls at her new school. They’re perfect in every good-girl sense, until they have classmate Brooklyn tied up in their basement at a sleepover, claiming she’s possessed and in need of saving. As a terrifying whirlwind of events unfolds through the night, we see how unexpected evil lies in wait.
Trigger Warning: This section contains mentions of self-harm and drug addiction. Please read with care.
If you like Flatliners (1990) for the exploration of death and the in between, then you should check out…
Negative Space by B.R. Yeager
A devastating suicide epidemic overtakes a small town in New Hampshire, and a group of teens cope by using and abusing a bizarre hallucinogenic called WHORL. This book is often described as bleak and “a black hole” of a story, with graphic depictions of self-harm and active addiction. Be warned that going into this novel is most similar to Flatliners in the concept of teenagers playing with death.
If you like Ginger Snaps (2000) for the werewolf familial bonds and coming-of-age through dramatic change, then you should check out…
Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones
An outcast boy lives in the shadows with his aunt and uncle, where they are constantly on the run. As Mongrels, or mixed bloods, they have no choice but to live a life of escape. That is, until the boy grows up and begins to wonder if he can assimilate with humans. Trying to understand his family and the world around him, this is a heartfelt and grizzly coming-of-age story.
If you like Trainspotting (1996) but have already read Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh, we have another disturbing Scottish novel featuring a main character with an addiction worse than any drug…
The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks
Frank is the unconventional 16-year-old at the center of this story; he lives with his father outside a remote Scottish village, his mother left them years ago, and he uses acts of sadistic violence to vent his frustrations at the world. But when news of his brother Eric’s escape from the hospital reaches Frank, he is forced to confront a past and some truths that will change him.
We hope you enjoyed some of our chilling recommendations for Fall.
Looking for some pop culture recommendations? We have more here.
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