Day 9 of the 31 Days of Nerd Horror
Hey Nerd Horror fans, welcome to Day 9 of our 31 Days of Nerd Horror celebration. Today we kick off the list by heading back to 1992 with the film Army of Darkness. Next, we look at Paul Tremblay’s horror novel, A Head Full of Ghosts. Then we discuss the classic horror video game Limbo, and lastly, we make our way to a creepy Gothic mansion in Little Falls, New York to discuss the Beardslee Castle.
Army of Darkness (1992)
Army of Darkness (1992), directed by Sam Raimi, is a cult favorite in the nerd horror scene. With a wild mashup of horror, comedy, and medieval fantasy, this film is perfect for anyone who loves quirky, cross-genre fantasy horror. Starring Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams, the ultimate reluctant hero with a sharp wit who drops epic one-liners while battling an army of skeletons with his mechanical hand and trusty “boomstick.” With its sick practical effects, cool stop-motion animation, and campy vibes, Army of Darkness is a must-watch classic in nerd culture. If you never watched the Army of Darkness, make sure to add it to your watchlist this spooky season.
A HEAD FULL OF GHOSTS BY PAUL TREMBLAY (2016)
Paul Tremblay’s A Head Full of Ghosts takes readers on an intense ride through mental illness, media madness, and supernatural horror. At the story's center is the Barrett family, whose teenage daughter begins showing signs that something isn’t right. It could be schizophrenia, or maybe something even more unsettling like demonic possession. As their family’s struggles get splashed across reality TV, things get super creepy, and you’re left wondering what’s real and what’s paranormal.
With Tremblay's paranormal twist and sharp social commentary, A Head Full of Ghosts is a must-read in modern nerd horror. The book’s unreliable narrator and ambiguous ending keep you on the edge, challenging you to figure out what’s real and what’s haunting the Barrett family.
LIMBO
Ever heard of Limbo? No, not the party dance. This indie gem from Playdead is a must-play if you’re into horror with a twist. Limbo is a super simple, puzzle-based platformer that pulls you into a creepy, black-and-white world. You play as a nameless kid on a mission to find his sister and what makes Limbo so cool for us nerdy horror fans is how it blends brain-teasing puzzles. The game doesn’t spoon-feed you; instead, it lets you piece together its mysterious narrative on your own. Limbo hooks you in with its mix of mystery and dread. If you’re into psychological horror, this one’s a no-brainer!
BEARDSLEE CASTLE (LITTLE FALLS, NY)
This Gothic-style mansion, built in 1860, is said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents and workers. Visitors report seeing ghostly figures, hearing disembodied voices, and witnessing objects moving on their own. Some even claim to have seen a shadowy man standing near the stairwells. The castle’s long history and eerie atmosphere make it a popular destination for ghost hunters.
So, why does this matter for our Nerd Horror celebration? If you’re into ghost stories and the supernatural, Beardslee Castle is like stepping into a real-life horror movie or video game. The eerie vibes and rich history make it a must-visit for anyone who loves a good scare, just like the films, games, and books we’re diving into this month. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a healthy dose of adrenaline with their nerdy interests.
