As the leaves begin to turn and a chill creeps into the air, horror fans are gearing up for an exciting season of frights at the cinema. Fall 2024 promises a diverse array of terrifying tales, from highly anticipated sequels to intriguing original concepts. Leading the pack is “Smile 2,” the follow-up to 2022’s surprise hit “Smile,” set for release on October 18, 2024.

I’m excited for “Smile 2”

“Smile 2” shifts focus to pop star Skye Riley, played by Naomi Scott (known for her roles in “Aladdin” and “Charlie’s Angels”). The story follows Riley as she begins experiencing disturbing events just as she’s about to embark on a world tour. Forced to confront her dark past, Riley struggles to regain control of her life as the sinister force behind the cursed smile threatens to consume her.

Let’s Smile:

• Director Parker Finn returns to helm the sequel
• Rosemarie DeWitt and Kyle Gallner reprise their roles from the first movie
• Promises to expand on the mythology while delivering more spine-chilling moments

What made the first “Smile” so effective was its ability to create tension through the simple act of smiling, turning a normally friendly expression into something deeply unnerving. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the sequel will build on this concept, potentially introducing new visual motifs to keep audiences on edge.

The shift to a celebrity protagonist also opens up new storytelling possibilities, potentially exploring themes of:

• Fame
• Public perception
• The pressure of maintaining a perfect image in the face of unimaginable horror

More Horror Releases

While “Smile 2” may be our big horror release pick this fall, it’s far from the only one. Here’s a deeper look at some other titles to watch for:

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (September 6)

• Tim Burton’s long-awaited sequel brings back Michael Keaton as the ghost with the most
• Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara reprise their roles from the 1988 classic
• Newcomer Jenna Ortega joins the cast, fresh off her success in Burton’s “Wednesday” series
• Promises to blend Burton’s signature gothic whimsy with modern special effects

“Speak No Evil” (September 13)

• Blumhouse production, remake of the critically acclaimed 2022 Danish film
• Stars James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis
• Follows a family whose peaceful vacation with friends turns into a twisted nightmare
• Original praised for its slow-burn tension and shocking finale

“The Substance” (September 20)

• Stars Demi Moore in a body horror film about a miracle cure for aging gone wrong
• Directed by Coralie Fargeat, known for the intense revenge thriller “Revenge”
• Looks to blend social commentary on beauty standards with visceral horror
• Generated significant buzz after its premiere at Cannes

“V/H/S/Beyond” (October 4)

• Latest entry in the found-footage anthology series
• Theme: “horror sequels in space,” promising a mix of sci-fi and terror
• Six different directors contributing segments, including Kate Siegel making her directorial debut
• Known for its hit-or-miss nature, but usually features at least one or two standout segments

“Terrifier 3” (October 11)

• Continuation of the cult slasher franchise
• David Howard Thornton returns as the sadistic Art the Clown
• Set on Christmas Eve, adding a twisted holiday angle
• Known for practical effects and uncompromising brutality

“Bambi: The Reckoning” (October 31)

• Reimagines Bambi as a vengeful mutant deer stalking humans in the forest
• Part of the trend of turning beloved characters into horror villains
• Early stills and teasers suggest a genuinely creepy creature design

Emerging Trends and What to Watch For

This fall’s horror lineup reflects several ongoing trends in the genre:

1. Nostalgia-driven sequels: With “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and “Smile 2,” studios are banking on familiar properties to draw audiences.
2. Remakes of international hits: “Speak No Evil” follows in the footsteps of successful adaptations like “The Ring” and “Let Me In.”
3. Body horror renaissance: Films like “The Substance” suggest a renewed interest in visceral, transformative horror.
4. Subverting familiar characters: “Bambi: The Reckoning” continues the trend of reimagining innocent characters as monsters.
5. Holiday horror: “Terrifier 3” joins a long tradition of setting scares against a festive backdrop.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see which of these films resonate most with audiences and critics. Key questions include:

• Will “Smile 2” live up to the surprise success of its predecessor?
• Can “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” recapture the magic of the original after such a long hiatus?
• Will any of the original concepts break through to become the next big horror franchise?

It’s a good lineup

With a mix of anticipated sequels and intriguing original concepts, fall 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting season for horror cinema. “Smile 2” leads the charge, aiming to recreate the spine-chilling success of its predecessor while expanding its twisted universe.

Whether you prefer:

• Psychological thrills
• Gory slashers
• Supernatural frights
• Darkly comedic horror

This fall’s lineup promises to deliver scares aplenty. So grab your popcorn, steel your nerves, and get ready for a season of cinematic terror that offers something for every type of horror fan as the nights grow longer and the shadows deepen.