Fantastic Fest 09 Review: Trick ‘r Treat
Fantastic Fest ’09 Review: Trick ‘r Treat (2009)
Directed By: Michael Dougherty
Cast: Dylan Baker, Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, Leslie Bibb
Review By: Kayley Viteo
Horror anthologies are an old favorite of mine as I grew up watching Creepshow practically on repeat. When I first heard about this one, it was playing locally here in Austin, Texas at Harry Knowles’ Butt-Numb-A-Thon. That was way back in 2007 and ever since then, I’ve had to wait in anticipation as everyone lucky enough to see it said nothing but amazing things.
Trick ‘r Treat is unique in that all of the stories blend together and the film runs just like a normal feature would instead of each short standing on its own. There is no overarching storyline acting as a narrator, instead each narrative leads into the next and the exact connections between the shorts are revealed towards the end of the film. The mascot of the film, Sam, is best described as a midget wearing a burlap sack who appears in each story. Featuring stories ranging from a dangerous stalker to a serial killer principal, these tales serve as a bloody reminder to never break a Halloween tradition.
One of the real strengths of Trick ‘r Treat is each individual story is genuinely entertaining and not one zaps energy from any of the others. Some are more comedic and others draw more on suspense and anticipation to give a good scare, but each stands on its own merit. Additionally, the connections revealed at the end add yet more depth to already compelling stories. I’ll even go so far as to say that the short featuring Anna Paquin – perhaps my favorite of the four – has the potential to be expanded into a feature (which is maybe not the best idea, but it is nice to think about). I enjoy when a short film is so layered and intriguing – a difficult task if you only have about twenty minutes – and each story feels like it was crafted with the same passion and intensity as a feature.
Trick ‘r Treat is a great, fun genre film that I’m almost grateful never got a theatrical release, even though I ended up having to wait two years to see it. I feel like if it had been released in regular theaters, the spirit of it would have been diluted somehow and one of the best things about the film is the fact that it brings back the spirit of Halloween in full force. Watching this, I immediately wanted to find a costume, hand out candy and carve pumpkins even if it was only September. Although hype can sometimes get out of hand, it’s nice to be able to see something after it has built up buzz slowly over time (and not in a deliberate, advertised fashion).
Gorgeously shot and wonderfully detailed, Trick ‘r Treat is a delight from start to finish that anyone can enjoy. For seasoned genre fans, it’s a great reminder of the past. For the younger crowd, it’s a simple and fun genre movie that is neither too adult nor too young. I have no doubt this film will become a favorite Halloween tradition.
