Pumpkinhead: A Forgotten Halloween Classic
THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS
Binge-watching spooky movies has become a time honored tradition when the month of October rolls around. Over the years thanks to cable television, a few movies have become Halloween staples. But one 80s creature-feature has been left in the dust. Pumpkinhead is a 1988 film directed by Stan Winston — well known at the time for his special effects work on films such as Aliens and The Terminator. The film centers on the danger the desire for vengeance brings when we allow it into our hearts.
I recently discovered this horror gem while I was in search of some Halloween ambiance. The name rang a bell, it was available on streaming, so I turned it on and was surprised at how heartfelt it was. The film introduces viewers to a father, son, and their dog. They live an isolated country life, but it is evident in the way they interact that the father has built a warm and loving home for his son. They enjoy tender moments such as the father tenderly washing the hands of his son, and story time at the breakfast table after the son gives his father a necklace that he made, to which the father says it is very special and that he’ll wear it every day.
This peaceful life is interrupted, however, when out-of-town teens kill the child in a motorcycle accident. The father cares not for how it happened. All he knows is that his son is dead. The warmth we once saw in the father's eyes is gone. His only mission now is to seek revenge. He does so by requesting the help of a witch who lives deep in the woods and knows how to summon a vengeance demon known as Pumpkinhead. What ensues thereafter is a masterful display of practical effects work. The Pumpkinhead creature feels real and threatening. It stalks its prey with an intelligence not usually seen in monster flicks. It enjoys killing — evident in its maniacal laugh. Every time the creature is on screen it is preceded by the sounds of bugs, gushing wind, and swirling leaves. Atmospheric lights illuminate the monster as it drools —as if it is salivating at the thought of its next kill. Those who worked on the film clearly enjoyed and took pride in their work. The level of detail presented in the special effects on the creature alone make this small budget film feel like a labor of love.
By the end of the film the father learns just how destructive vengeance can be and pays the ultimate price for it. And it is his character arc that makes this film stand out for me. Pumpkinhead is different because the creature is not the main focus. The people are. From the start of the film we are shown why we should care about this father and son through their simple, loving interactions. Because director Stan Winston chose to take the time to develop his characters it turns what ordinarily would have been a fun horror film into a tragedy. My heart breaks for this family and I wish that the father had heeded the warnings of the country folk and the witch. They knew what would become of him if he went down this dark path, but he was blinded by grief.
Pumpkinhead deserves more recognition. Everyone who worked on this film gave it their all and it is clear and present onscreen. It radiates the warmth and cozy atmosphere of autumn as you fall in love with the little family and oozes the cold, dark horror of a creature-feature you might see at a drive-in. If you are need of a new horror classic to add into your rotation this Halloween, Pumpkinhead is the film for you.
Let me know what your favorite Halloween classics are in the comments below!