Candyman Returns: The Horror Classic Finds a New Home on Peacock!

On February 1st, you’ll have a chance to stream one of the most famed horror movies ever made – the 1992 film “Candyman.” This chilling tale follows Helen Lyle, a student researching semiotics, who delves into local urban legends and accidentally encounters one about Candyman. A vengeful spirit with a hook for a right hand, Candyman is said to appear when his name is invoked five times in a mirror, leading to the victim’s grisly demise. As Helen initially dismisses the legend, she learns of unexplained murders at Chicago’s Cabrini–Green Homes public housing complex, which residents believe are Candyman’s work. Disregarding the warnings about summoning him, Helen unwittingly sets free a force that demands to be acknowledged once more.

In a different rendition:

“Candyman” was crafted by director Bernard Rose, based on the chilling short story “The Forbidden” penned by Clive Barker, a renowned master of horror tales. Originally, this narrative was anchored in Liverpool and served as a critique of the British social hierarchy. However, Rose moved the setting to the urban areas of Chicago, using the plotline to delve into themes of racism and class structure within American society. Virginia Madsen takes on the role of Helen Lyle, while Tony Todd portrays Daniel Robitaille, who later became a staple fear figure in ’90s horror films as Candyman.

Praising “Candyman” wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging Todd’s compelling portrayal of the title character. His enigmatic and menacing persona, deep voice, and intensity have solidified him as one of horror cinema’s most memorable slashers, standing alongside the likes of Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger, and Jason Voorhees. However, what truly distinguishes “Candyman” from his fellow cinematic killers is his depth. Unlike characters driven by bloodlust or sadism, Candyman’s character is steeped in tragedy, intertwining with the film’s broader themes about race, making him stand out – perhaps even surpassing – other horror icons.

In the late 19th century, he was an artist and a son of a slave, but after his relationship with a White woman was exposed, he was horrifically tortured and killed. His right hand was cut off, he was covered in honey, and left for bees to sting him to death. Now, Candyman is known to appear with a hook for a right hand, his coat concealing a body scarred by bee stings. It’s not surprising that many children, even those who hadn’t seen the movie, became fearful just by uttering his name five times in a mirror.

The character of Candyman has proven to be both timeless and chilling, despite having minimal screen time. As Todd explained in an interview with Empire (via FlexibleHead), “It’s peculiar that he’s only present for about ten or twelve minutes, but he’s the focus of every moment of the film. The less you see, the more impactful: his presence expands in viewers’ minds. I believe there’s a great deal of emotion and essence in the first two films. While other horror movies might have earned greater financial success, they lack the depth that Candyman possesses.

It’s important to mention the movie’s music too. Composed by Philip Glass, a prominent figure known for his significant impact on 20th-century music, the chilling score is primarily built around repetitive melodic phrases that intensify over time, creating a sense of grandeur and heavy emotional depth, much like an opera. Few horror films can match this level of intensity.

In “Candyman,” Rose makes a clever move by deviating significantly from the original source material. This departure allows her to delve into the persisting impact of past traumas, manifesting as modern-day bigotry. At first, Candyman is seen as a coping mechanism for the local Black community dealing with persistent inequality and racism. However, it’s later unveiled that he’s more than just a figment of their imagination; he embodies the unforgiven sins of the past that continue to haunt society. Some might find the film controversial, but its unique blend of gruesome horror and insightful social commentary sets it apart from typical slasher movies.

The original film Candyman was successful enough to lead to two sequels: Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995) and Candyman 3: Day of the Dead (1999). Despite Todd’s portrayal as the main character, these follow-ups were not well-received by either critics or audiences, causing the series to go dormant. However, in 2021, a spiritual sequel titled Candyman, produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Nia DaCosta, was released to positive reviews and box office success. Though discussions about another installment in the franchise have started, like its namesake character, it may resurface when we least anticipate it.

Candyman will be available to watch on Peacock on February 1st.

2025-01-27 20:48

Read More