Candyman
Candyman
The Candyman, a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a skeptic grad student researching the monster's myth.
Callum reviewedDecember 31, 2024
⭐⭐⭐½ (out of 5) Candyman – Say his name, and summon one of horror’s most haunting legends.
“Candyman” stands as one of the greats of psychological horror — stylish, intelligent, and anchored by the late Tony Todd in what many rightly consider his defining role. His performance gives the film an almost tragic grandeur, turning a supernatural slasher into a gothic urban myth that feels both timeless and disturbingly real.
The story blends folklore, fear, and social commentary with a deft hand, proving that horror can be thoughtful without losing its edge. It’s a film about belief, obsession, and the stories we tell to make sense of darkness — whether that darkness lives in mirrors or in people.
Rarer still, Candyman went on to spawn a sequel that was nearly as good — something almost unheard of in horror. While later entries couldn’t match the original’s atmosphere or depth, this first film remains a chilling masterpiece of mood and mythmaking.
Elegant, unsettling, and unforgettable, Candyman lingers long after the credits — just don’t say his name five times.