Film writer, producer, and programmer Kier-La Janisse has carved a niche for herself in the realm of horror with her acclaimed nonfiction works, including the insightful House of Psychotic Women and the systematic Warped & Faded: Weird Wednesday and the Birth of the American Genre Film Archive. This year, she makes her narrative film debut with The Occupant of the Room, part of the annual series she launched called The Haunted Season. This exciting series brings chilling short films to Shudder each Christmas.
In an engaging conversation with io9 last year, Janisse discussed the inspiration behind this unique holiday series. The inaugural film, To Fire You Come at Last, directed by Sean Hogan, follows a tense narrative of men transporting a coffin, but it strays from traditional Christmas elements. Janisse clarified that The Haunted Season aims to evoke the spirit of spooky storytelling rather than the typical holiday cheer.
This exploration of ghostly tales is deeply rooted in early 20th-century literature, drawing from the works of M.R. James and his contemporaries. The tradition of sharing eerie narratives around a fire was popularized even further during the Victorian era, particularly with Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, famous for its festive specters.
According to Janisse, The Haunted Season is a modern homage to historical ghost story traditions, akin to the long-standing British series, A Ghost Story for Christmas. The annual format allows for fresh narratives to emerge, creating a captivating ritual of storytelling.
The series continues to evolve, with Janisse hinting at period-specific films set no later than the 1960s. Her directorial entry, The Occupant of the Room, premiered on Shudder on December 1, taking viewers through an atmospheric adaptation of Algernon Blackwood’s 1909 story, now set in the early 1930s. The film, clocking in at 30 minutes, masterfully blends live-action and animation, crafting a mood that shifts from unease to profound despair, enhanced by a compelling score from experimental artist the Nausea.
In the chilling setup, we meet a troubled traveler (played by Don McKellar) seeking refuge at a remote mountain inn during a snowstorm. His reservation has mysteriously vanished, leaving him at the mercy of a fully booked establishment. Just as he’s about to leave, the inn’s proprietress extends a strange invitation: a room that was previously occupied by a guest who vanished while hiking. Though creepy, the offer is too tempting to refuse, especially as Christmas looms and all other accommodations are fully booked.
With this unnerving premise, we witness the traveler examining the room—its contents, remnants of the previous guest, including a haunting strand of hair in the washbasin. Thus begins a night filled with mounting dread, showcasing Janisse’s deep understanding of atmospheric tension inspired by classic BBC ghost stories.
The traveler’s predicament escalates as he grapples with his eerie surroundings, his thoughts plagued by the discomfort of encroaching on someone else’s space. An “infection of melancholy” envelops him, perfectly encapsulated in a haunting animated sequence that mirrors his frightful perception.
If you’re searching for festive merriment, The Haunted Season might not be the right choice. But if you’re after spine-tingling chills, don’t miss The Occupant of the Room alongside To Fire You Come at Last and the classic BBC episodes that set the benchmark for this genre.
Can I watch The Haunted Season on Shudder? Yes, you can find both The Occupant of the Room and To Fire You Come at Last streaming on Shudder.
What makes The Haunted Season different from other holiday series? Unlike typical holiday offerings, this series prioritizes ghostly narratives over festive cheer, inspired by classic ghost tales.
Who is Kier-La Janisse? She is a renowned film writer and producer, recognized for her impactful contributions to the horror genre through both literary and cinematic mediums.
What is the significance of ghost stories during Christmas? Historically, ghost stories have been shared during the winter months, particularly Christmas, drawing audiences into chilling narratives.
What inspired the films in The Haunted Season? The series takes inspiration from early 20th-century ghost stories and aims to revive the storytelling tradition found in classic tales from authors like M.R. James.
For those eager to delve deeper into horror and its tales, continue exploring the wonders of cinema. Discover more at Moyens I/O.