The ‘ber’ months are in full swing, and this edition of She Watches celebrates the start of spooky season with a lineup of eerie movies, thrilling TV dramas, and must-see book-to-screen adaptations. From the psychological chills of House of Spoils to the haunting secrets in DISCLAIMER, there’s no shortage of creepy yet captivating stories to indulge in. So grab your favorite cozy blanket, settle in, and get ready for a month of spine-tingling entertainment!

Movies

Joker

Joker: Folie À Deux, directed by Todd Phillips, is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 blockbuster Joker, which became the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time. Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, now institutionalized at Arkham. Lady Gaga co-stars as Harley Quinn, a psychiatrist who falls for the Joker and becomes his partner-in-crime, making her portrayal one of the most thrilling aspects of the film. With a musical twist and a strong supporting cast, including Brendan Gleeson and Zazie Beetz, the film releases in theaters and IMAX on October 4, 2024.

The Outrun

The Outrun is a film adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s memoir about addiction, recovery, and mental health, starring Saoirse Ronan as Rona. After losing herself in London, Rona returns to her childhood home in the Orkney Islands, where she reconnects with her past and finds healing in the island’s rugged beauty. Perfect for fans of character-driven, atmospheric stories.

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Salem’s Lot

Salem’s Lot, based on Stephen King’s second novel, premieres October 3 exclusively on Max. With this story, King solidified his reputation as a master of American horror, turning familiar, idyllic settings into something truly terrifying. The film follows author Ben Mears, who returns to his hometown only to find its residents turning into vampires. Directed by Gary Dauberman, it comes from the creator of The Conjuring and a producer of It.

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House of Spoils

Ariana DeBose stars in the new Prime Video film, House of Spoils, along with Barbie Ferreira and Arian Moayed. Releasing October 3rd, this tense psychological thriller is about a chef (DeBose) who opens a remote restaurant where she battles not only self-doubt, but a vengeful spirit that is hell-bent on sabotaging her any chance it gets. The horror of it all will have you sweating, but at least your mouth will be watering.

Woman of the Hour

Woman of the Hour is a crime thriller directed by Anna Kendrick in her debut, based on serial killer Rodney Alcala’s appearance on The Dating Game in 1978. The film stars Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw, the contestant who went on a date with Alcala while he was actively killing. Premiering at TIFF on September 8, 2023, it will be released on Netflix on October 18, 2024.

Saturday Night

Releasing on October 11th, the original air date of Saturday Night Live in 1975, Saturday Night delves into the intense preparations by Lorne Michaels and his team of young comedians and writers before the show’s first broadcast. Directed by Jason Reitman and written by Reitman and Gil Kenan, the film captures the real-time chaos and humor leading up to the iconic moment that changed television and culture forever.

TV

Teacup

Teacup is an upcoming American horror series created by Ian McCulloch and inspired by Robert R. McCammon’s novel Stinger. The show merges elements of sci-fi and horror as it follows a group of neighbors trapped on a rural Georgia farm who must put aside their differences to confront a mysterious and deadly threat. Starring Yvonne Strahovski (The Handmaid’s Tale), Scott Speedman, and Rob Morgan, the first season is set to premiere on Peacock.

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Heartstopper: Season 3

Reunite with the boys who haven stolen, stopped, and warmed our hearts time and time again. In the third season of Heartstopper, based on the graphic novels by Alice Oseman, Charlie and Nick are closer than ever and ready to take their relationship to the next level. As the pair faces some of their biggest challenges yet, audiences are sure to swoon as they root for their favorite teen couple.

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Sweetpea

Sweetpea is an upcoming dark comedy drama series for Sky Atlantic, adapted by Kirstie Swain from CJ Skuse’s 2017 book and starring Ella Purnell. Premiering on October 10, airing on Starz, the series follows Rhiannon, an office worker with a seemingly quiet life who secretly harbors a deadly “kill list.” As she navigates her mundane job and social life, Rhiannon, who has a dark past linked to the nickname “Sweetpea,” is ready to get revenge on those who have wronged her.

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Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage

Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage is a new American sitcom by Chuck Lorre, Steven Molaro, and Steve Holland, debuting on CBS on October 17th. As the latest addition to The Big Bang Theory universe, this series continues the story from Young Sheldon, focusing on the early married life of Georgie Cooper (Montana Jordan) and Mandy McAllister (Emily Osment). The show explores the comedic challenges and adventures of young parenthood.

DISCLAIMER

DISCLAIMER is a seven-part psychological thriller directed by Alfonso Cuarón, starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, based on Renée Knight’s best-selling novel. The series follows journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (Blanchett) as she discovers a novel revealing her darkest secrets, forcing her to confront her past while her relationships with her family unravel. Co-produced by Apple Studios, the show features an ensemble cast and a score by Finneas O’Connell, with Blanchett also serving as an executive producer.

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