Sexy Vampires, Sea Hags, and ZomRomComs: Only Lovers Left Alive/Widow's Bay/Shaun of the Dead

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In Halloween season, I like my frights and scares with a cozy dose of relationship drama and romance, plus a bit of breathing space for pondering, or a belly laugh. These movies and shows are full of atmosphere and creepy vibes, sometimes humor and often a bit of sexiness and romance, for that perfect scary blend.

CW: plenty of cussing and described gore

(Thanks to www.FesliyanStudios.com for the spooky intro/outro music)

https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com

There is nothing better than a Universal horror movie. The studio dominated the genre for decades, and their movies went on to influence every horror movie director and creator after. Their brand of Gothic horror became the perfect Depression-era escapism, and their wildly popular movies dominated the genre from the 1920s-1950s.

It was one of my first episodes, but I have never forgotten Jesse Buckley's performance in The Woman in White, the BBC miniseries based on the 19th century Wilkie Collins novel. It's true psychological horror, especially because it explores gender and class inequities and the scary position women often found themselves in when they decided to marry in that era. The creepy stately pile where the action takes place, and persistent fog just adds to the atmosphere of dread.

I think I said "my monster" when talking about this movie, which is hilarious–it's Your Monster and the most delightful mashup of wit, romance and gentle scares. I covered it last year.

Complete with O negative popsicles, vintage cars and wooden bullets, it's the only vampire movie you'll need this season.

Tilda Swinton and Henry Rollins on Only Lovers Left Alive.

Yes every town – and island – does have its demons, but the ones inhabiting Widow's Bay are neon colorful and super extra.

Some of the residents are super extra as well – Patricia is one of my very favorites (it's amazing Kate O'Flynn and Matthew Rhys are British actors, but you would never know it from their excellent accents in the show).

Well, it's not the end of the world – or is it Shaun?!

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