In the early 1990s, the horror genre didn’t have the best run. While there were a few stellar films like The Silence of the Lambs, most horror movies released in the 90s were little more than mediocre slasher schlock. However, 1992’s Candyman stands out as a unique movie that expertly mixes suspense, mystery, and intense violence, resulting in one of the most iconic horror villains of all time. After the release of a few lacklustre sequels throughout the decade, the Candyman franchise slipped into obscurity, but the original is still fondly remembered for its confident storytelling and undeniably creepy vibes.
With Candyman being resurrected this year in the form of a modern sequel; we thought there was no better time to take a look back at this influential horror flick. As we prepare for the new Candyman movie to hit the screen, let’s dive into the 1992 original and discuss what made it so special.
Looking Back on Candyman (1992)
Candyman was released in the fall season of 1992 and was directed by Bernard Rose. Loosely based on the Clive Barker story “The Forbidden”, the movie follows the story of Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen), a graduate student from the University of Illinois in Chicago who is researching urban legends for her thesis paper. Along with her friend Bernadette (Kasi Lemmons), Helen becomes entrenched in the local myth of the Candyman, a hook-handed killer who lurks in the shadows of Chicago – summoned by looking in the mirror and saying his name five times. As Helen encases herself in the lore of Candyman, her life begins to spiral out of control.
Although Candyman has some similarities to other slasher flicks of the era – namely a supernatural killer who hunts down victims in a decidedly disturbing fashion – the movie is notably unique, putting a more considerable emphasis on characters and narrative than blood and jump-scares. The story plays out at an excellent pace, drawing the audience into its grimy detective-style mystery, slowly raising the stakes as it goes. Virginia Madsen excels in the role of Helen, performing with powerful emotion and intensity. The same goes for Tony Todd as the eponymous Candyman, who steals the show in almost every scene.
With a haunting score, impressive cinematography, and an exceptionally disturbing villain, Candyman manages to overcome most of its shortcomings. While a few characters are meandering and some plot points predictable, the majority of Candyman feels fresh and inventive, refusing to stoop to campy horror tropes. That said, there is still plenty of bloody horror fun to be had, including some gruesome plot twists that are still effective decades later. While it might not have been celebrated all that much at the time, the original Candyman was a landmark in horror, proving that the genre was capable of more than just shock-factor violence.
The New Era of Candyman
Considering how much of an impact 1992’s Candyman had on the world of horror, it’s no surprise that the franchise is back to take a stab at modern audiences. The genre has come pretty far since the 90s, with modern hits like Hereditary (2018) continuing to push the envelope. Jordan Peele is one of the emerging masters of modern horror, receiving tons of critical acclaim for his imaginative and topical thrillers.
After the enormous success of his previous films Get Out (2017) and Us (2019), Peele’s spent some time penning a screenplay for a modern sequel to Candyman. With director Nia DaCosta, Peele is looking to continue the tale of Candyman with this new film, further exploring the seedy history of Chicago’s hook-man.
Based on the trailers and early plot information, Candyman (2021) will follow Anthony McCoy (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), the infant child who played a major role in the original film. Now a grown man and artist, Anthony returns to the neighbourhood of Cabrini Green, where the legend began. Interested in spreading the legend through his artwork, Anthony starts to trace the origin of Candyman. Like Helen in the original film, Anthony starts to make some unsettling discoveries, calling his sanity into question.
The modern Candyman sequel has tons of potential, with a talented young director and established creative team behind the scenes. While the premise seems to be similar to the original film, Jordan Peele is well-known for his subversive and topical takes on the formula, so we expect plenty of twists along the way. We’re also curious to see how the film balances its elements of societal commentary, as the Candyman franchise has always been steeped in the conversation of race relations, poverty, and gentrification.
Luckily, we won’t have to wait long, as the new Candyman movie will be coming out on August 27th! We’re crossing our fingers and hoping that Candyman (2021) can keep the legend alive, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
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