If we told you there was a film that magically fused the horror elements of "The Omen" or "Rosemary's Baby" with the sci-fi flair of "Star Wars" or "Close Encounters of Third Kind," would you believe us?
Get ready for all your nerdy Halloween dreams to come true, courtesy of Drafthouse Films and a spark of creative genius that apparently hit director Michael J. Paradise sometime before 1979. Because there is a film of such hybrid calibre -- "The Visitor" -- and it's coming to a theater near you.
The cult classic features John Huston (of "The Maltese Falcon" fame) as an intergalactic hero who journeys alongside a cosmic prophet amidst a hellscape of universal war and impending apocalypse. This film's got everything -- telekinetic 8-year-olds with pet birds, a "cosmic Christ figure," Shelley Winters, legions of child disciples. Plus, the epic piece of cinema was recently restored and will be shown uncut for the first time ever this October, in theaters around the U.S.
In honor of the Halloween release, artist Jay Shaw crafted a poster for Mondo, Alamo Drafthouse's art gallery. The eerie image (shown above) features a Tatooine-esque skyline populated by two hooded figures, one white and one black, appearing as mysterious as the plot line sounds. The gorgeous illustration reminded us that Halloween is not just a holiday of dedicated costumery, it's also a time for binge watching amazing cult fims like this.
In honor of the re-release of "The Visitor," we put together a list of 10 cult movies you've got to watch this Halloween. Behold, your holiday playlist:
1. Re-Animator: Because Halloween isn't Halloween without a little H.P. Lovecraft.
2. Night of the Living Dead: 1968-era zombies? Yes, please. (Or White Zombie if you're feeling 1932).
3. The Evil Dead: The hills are alive, Julie Andrews. With wonderful, '80s-style special effects.
4. House on Haunted Hill: Because Vincent Price is Halloween.
5. Nosferatu: In the 1920s, a vampire's skin didn't glow with the dazzle of a million diamonds.
6. The Wicker Man: No, not the Nicholas Cage one.
7. The Thing: Halloween horror, Antarctic style.
8. A Nightmare on Elm Street: Slasher movie with intolerably blood-curdling screams? Check.
9. In the Mouth of Madness: "It's all happening for real, Trent."
10. The Craft: 1990s witches. Need we say more?
BONUS: The Visitor, of course.
"The Visitor" will be playing at select theaters around the U.S. beginning on October 31, 2013. Check here for listings. "The Visitor" poster will be on sale on Mondo's website on Wednesday, October 30 at a random time. Follow @MondoNews for the announcement.