Start Spooky Season Right: Two Horror Classics Arriving on Max This September

With the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes and a crisp breeze in the air, it’s clear that Fall is almost here. The entertainment world is also embracing the season’s spooky vibes, with streaming platforms gearing up to thrill audiences with their horror offerings. This September, Max is set to become a haven for horror enthusiasts with the addition of two iconic films: William Friedkin’s ‘The Exorcist’ and Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining’, both debuting on 1st September. These classics will complement other horror staples already available on Max, like ‘Scream’ and ‘Midsommar’, making it a prime destination for those seeking chills and thrills this fall.

In 1973, William Friedkin introduced audiences to the chilling tale of a young girl, Regan MacNeil, possessed by the devil in ‘The Exorcist’. 

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Linda Blair’s portrayal of Regan and Ellen Burstyn’s role as her mother, Chris MacNeil, was particularly noteworthy. The film, which explores themes of faith and possession as two priests try to combat Satan’s influence, was so impactful that it faced protests from religious groups and became the first horror film nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Less than a decade later, Stanley Kubrick adapted Stephen King’s ‘The Shining’ for the big screen. While the film diverges significantly from the book, it remains a cornerstone of horror cinema. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance, a writer who succumbs to madness in a secluded Colorado hotel, and Shelley Duvall’s performance as his wife, Wendy, have solidified the film’s status as a horror classic, despite not receiving Oscar nominations.

Image Courtesy: People

While ‘The Exorcist’ has seen several sequels and spin-offs over the years, the latest instalment, ‘The Exorcist: Believer’, didn’t fare well critically or commercially. However, fans are hopeful that the upcoming film, directed by Mike Flanagan, will revive the franchise’s reputation. Flanagan, known for his successful sequel ‘Doctor Sleep’ (which continued the story of ‘The Shining’), brings a strong track record to the new project, raising expectations for a return to form for ‘The Exorcist’.

–Farheen Ali