Quick thoughts on Halloween 2020 in Costumes

Written by Daniel – Some of you will know all too well that I’m fascinated by costumes, and every Halloween I give my thoughts on the most popular Halloween costumes (via Google Freightgeist). So here are some quick thoughts on this year’s most in demand costumes, they are as follows:

3. Harley Quinn: I’ve been curious over the results this year, in past years I have noticed that the popularity of costumes tend to run in line with popular cinema. With the success of ‘Birds of Prey’ at the start of this year (as well as the ongoing success of Animated Series ‘Harley Quinn’), this might offer an explanation to Harley Quinn’s return to being such a demanded costume (following last year’s dip at 15th most popular). I also find it interesting that Harley Quin’s ‘Suicide Squad’ outfit is the first (and main) search result. I suppose from one stance the costume is iconic, evocative of Debbie Harry’s 1970’s punk shoot. The simplicity of the costume makes it easy to mass produce. But from another stand point, it is Harley’s most overtly sexual costume (from a film which positions her in an abusive relationship), it’s just a shame, we don’t see more Birds of Prey or Animated series costumes.

2. Dinosaur: Of course, with Covid-19, a lot of media, namely cinema, has seen projects pushed back, or simply gone out of the radar from public imagination. But, streaming services haven’t left our side. As of August 2020, Netflix become the home of the Jurassic Park films, as well as introducing their own original animated series ‘Jurassic Park Camp Cretaceous’. The T-Rex costume vines/tick-tocks have seen dinosaur costumes remain relatively popular in the past. But, I think the revived visibility of Jurassic Park definitely has definitely been an influence on consumers costume purchases here.

1. Witch: Finally, in at number one is the Witch, last year we saw witches in at number 2, and I wasn’t really able to figure out why. Witches have long been popular within consumers imaginations for some years, with shows such as AHS (series 3), ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, ‘Little Witch Academia’, ‘The Worst Witch’. It is a character which appeals to all age groups, inspiring artists and creatives throughout the year. The powerful magic of the witch is tempting. During these chaotic times, I think the figure of the witch is actually quite a hopeful figure of transformation. Given the history of witches, I think their costumes and the resurgence of the characters are highly political. Witches have become detached from their dark history, and become symbols of female power, which challenge the powers of misogynist leaders. Importantly Witches don’t work alone, witches are part of a coven and use their powers together to conjure change. 2020 needs Witches!

Monster High: Frights, Camera, Action! (2014)

Written by Daniel – It’s a cheap kids film! and as far as cheap kids films go, it’s fine. In all honesty I really like the look of this film, its style is pretty cool. But as for the film’s events and certain representations, it’s pretty dated (even by 2014 standards).

The film centres around Draculaura, who has been lead to believe that she’s going to be the next Vampire queen. In reality Lord Stoker (whose been given the responsibility to find the next Vampire Queen) has chosen Draculaura to use her as a puppet leader and shape the world to how he wishes it to be. Upon discovering this, Draculaura goes on a world wide treasure hunt to try and find the rightful queen, eventually leading them all the way to Hauntlywood.

The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell

Written by Daniel – It’s Halloween! and as part of Netflix’s new spooky line-up it’s The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell, a cooking show! I think I enjoyed watching it… above all the show is confusing, but I think I liked it.

It’s a cooking show crossed with a spooky sitcom, our presenter/lead protagonist is Christine McConnell who lives in a creepy house on top of the hill just outside of town with her animated taxidermy raccoon (Rose) and her mummified Egyptian cat (Rankle). In this first episode, new to the house is the flesh eating werewolf (Edgar) and whilst Rose and Rankle are reluctant to invite a new guest into their home (and proceed to plan Edgar’s demise), Christine is eager to welcome him into their little family and proceeds to bake a cake as the centerpiece of a welcome party for him.