31 Days of Nerd Horror: Day 8
What’s up Nerd Horror fans, welcome to Day 8 of our 31 Days of Nerd Horror celebration. Today we start the list with the iconic 1985 Re-animator, leading us into our book of the day, John Langan’s The Fisherman. Next, we’ll going to discuss The Outlast Trials latest release, and finally, we’ll take a look at the infamous legend of Bigfoot.
Re-animator (1985)
If you’re on the hunt for a horror movie that’s both hilarious and horrifying, look no further than Re-Animator, directed by Stuart Gordon. This film is a nerd horror cult classic mashup of comedy and horror. Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s novella Herbert West–Reanimator, the film follows the totally wacky mad scientist Herbert West, played by Jeffrey Combs. West’s got a serum he claims can bring people back from the dead, but let’s just say it doesn’t always go as planned. Re-Animator taps into the same love for the eerie and unconventional that makes nerd horror so captivating. If you’re into the strange and spooky, this film is another gem to add to your list during our 31 Days of Nerd Horror celebration.
THE FISHERMAN BY JOHN LANGAN (2017)
John Langan’s The Fisherman (2017) is a masterful blend of cosmic horror, folk legend, and psychological exploration, earning its place in the nerd horror canon. The book follows two grieving widowers on a fishing trip to the river, and their super dark history follows them. Readers are taken on a ride that includes the dark emotions of grief and loss with a mix of spooky legends tied to the river's secrets.
The fisherman taps into all your Nerd Horror needs with that eerie folklore and slow burn Lovecraftian terror. Langan’s novel stands out with its blend of folklore, supernatural elements, and personal tragedy, making it a perfect addition to our lineup of nerdy horror gems. If you’re all about well-crafted, spooky tales that challenge the mind, The Fisherman is a must-read.
The Outlast Trials
The Outlast Trials is the latest entry in The Outlast video game series. While set during the Cold War, it throws you into a brutal world of psychology and survival horror that’ll keep you on edge. Unlike previous versions this one has multiplayer so you and your friends can scream together as you tackle the creepy mind control experiments by the shady Murkoff Corporation together. Nerd Horror fans will love the game’s smart approach to fear as it mixes heart-pounding chases with themes of corporate dystopia and human experiments. Plus, the disturbing visuals, killer sound design, and detailed lore make it a must-play for anyone who loves getting lost in immersive horror stories.
What makes The Outlast Trials a standout in nerd horror? It combines survival mechanics with psychological horror and rich storytelling. Throughout the game you have to explore documents, environments, and character interactions to fully understand the twisted world of Murkoff. With its blend of cooperative gameplay and atmospheric dread, The Outlast Trials is perfect for horror nerds who love challenging gameplay.
SASQUATCH (USA)
Bigfoot, or Sasquatch, is one of the most famous cryptids in American folklore. Described as a large, hairy, bipedal creature, Bigfoot has been spotted in forests across the country, especially in the Pacific Northwest and the Adirondack/Catskill mountains of NY. Despite countless sightings, photos, and footprints, no conclusive evidence has ever been found.
Sasquatch is the OG nerd horror monster as the mystery surrounding Bigfoot fuels the imagination and that love for the unknown and the eerie, serving up spine-chilling stories that keep you up at night. Just like diving into navigating the psychological terror of The Outlast Trials, hunting for Bigfoot merges real-world exploration with the thrill of the paranormal. The enduring mystery and endless debates add that extra layer of intrigue that true nerd horror fans crave. Whether you’re into cryptids or just love a good scare, Sasquatch is an essential and iconic part of our 31 Days of Nerd Horror celebration, blending folklore with the existential dread that makes horror so compelling.