31 Days of Nerd Horror: Day 13
Welcome to Day 13 of our 31 Days of Nerd Horror series! Today, we’re psyched to highlight Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Fright Night as directed by Thomas Lee Holland, Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, and the legend of California’s infamous nightcrawlers. Let’s jump into it!
FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley (1818)
Telling the story of a young scientist and his unorthodox scientific experiments from multiple narratives, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is one of the most well-known works in English Literature, and the first horror novel, combining romantic and gothic elements of entrapping storytelling.
This classic novel has been adapted throughout the years into over two dozen films and 50 titles. The newest rendition will be released in 2025, directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Christoph Waltz.
FRIGHT NIGHT (1985)
Instead of “keeping up with the Joneses,” try “keeping up with the Judgmental Village Mob with torches and pitchforks.” This award-winning horror film starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale, and Amanda Bearse tells the story of an obsessed teen who believes the new neighbor is a vampire, coffin and all. In terms of dealing with the undead and running out of options, our troubled teen turns to a washed-up actor who knew a thing or two about slaying vampires… from a TV script.
FATAL FRAME: MASK OF THE LUNAR ECLIPSE
Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse masterfully blends eerie atmosphere, compelling storytelling, and innovative gameplay to create a chilling survival horror experience. Set on the haunting Rougetsu Island, players unravel the mystery of Ruka Minazuki and her companions as they search for the truth behind their traumatic past. The environments, from traditional Japanese houses to a creepy sanatorium-turned-hotel, are beautifully crafted and immerse you in a world of tension and suspense. The Camera Obscura mechanic, which requires players to face terrifying ghosts head-on through photography, adds a unique and nerve-wracking element to the game. With its gripping narrative, atmospheric design, and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, Mask of the Lunar Eclipse is a standout in the Fatal Frame series and a must-play for fans of survival horror.
THE NIGHTCRAWLERS (FRESNO, CA)
The Fresno Nightcrawler is a cryptid that has been sighted primarily in (you guessed it) Fresno, California. Described as a thin, pale figure with long legs and no discernible arms, creature appears to "walk" in a strange, fluid manner. First captured on surveillance footage, the Nightcrawler is said to resemble a pair of walking pants. Despite its eerie appearance, there are no reports of the Nightcrawler being dangerous. Its mysterious nature and the oddity of its movements have sparked intrigue and numerous theories about its origin, from extraterrestrial to supernatural.
