Watch The American Scream

The American Scream is a 2012 documentary film that explores the growing trend of amateur haunted houses in America, focusing on three families in Massachusetts who decorate their homes to terrifying effect each Halloween. Directed by Michael Stephenson, the film provides a fascinating look at the passion and dedication that these ordinary people put into their annual homemade haunts, providing a window into the lives and traditions of American families and communities.

The film introduces us to the Bariteau family, who have been creating their own haunted house in their front yard for years. We see how they start planning for the next year's Halloween soon after the previous year's haunt ends, discussing with their neighbors and friends how they can make the experience even scarier. Victor, the patriarch of the family, is obsessed with creating new and spookier monsters and props, spending all his free time on his labor of love. His wife Tina is equally passionate and creative, using her skills as an artist and seamstress to craft costumes and decorations. Their teenage daughter Gwen is following in their footsteps, hoping to continue the family tradition when she grows up.

The other families featured in the film have their own unique spin on the haunted house concept. The Brodeur family's "house" is actually a mobile trailer they park in their driveway each year, and they specialize in jump scares and live performances. The Souza family transforms their garage into a haunted maze, complete with a chainsaw-wielding actor who chases visitors. All three families share a sense of excitement, camaraderie, and competition over who can make the scariest and most popular haunted house, even though they're not professionals and don't charge admission.

Throughout the film, we see how the families' dedication to their homemade haunts affects their daily lives, relationships, and finances. They spend thousands of dollars and countless hours each year in pursuit of their Halloween dreams, often to the detriment of their health, work, and family time. They face skepticism and even hostility from some of their neighbors and local authorities, who see their passion as a nuisances or a threat to public safety. And they struggle to balance their perfectionism with the knowledge that their haunts are only temporary and fleeting, lasting for only a few days each year before they must be dismantled.

Despite these challenges, the families remain resolute and joyful in their love for Halloween and their need to scare and delight others. The film captures the thrill of walking through their haunted houses, with the dim lighting, eerie music, and elaborately designed rooms creating a palpable sense of dread and fun. It also reveals the artistic and emotional rewards that come from creating something from scratch, pushing one's own limits, and bringing people together.

Overall, The American Scream is a charming, insightful, and entertaining portrait of a uniquely American tradition. It celebrates the creativity, ingenuity, and passion of ordinary people who choose to express themselves through the spooky and macabre, and who refuse to let commercialism and cynicism dampen their Halloween spirit. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves horror movies, Halloween, or the human spirit.

The American Scream is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.