October 17, 2026

Can one abhor actual violence and adore fictional horror? Absolutely, I say with confidence—I’m uncomfortable when I view conflict as mild as middle school soccer, but can’t get enough of cinematic brutality, especially when done well. I’ve typically hidden that predilection while in polite company, so consider today my official coming out party, as I just wrote about 13 of the scariest films you should be streaming this Halloween season. Obviously, I chose that number to keep things extra creepy, but when you read you’ll find even more tucked inside. Come get scared with me!

Also scary: being consumed by a whale, as happens in current theatrical release Whalefall. But how does going down a whale’s gullet work (at least, in this film)? Thank goodness we have Vanity Fair features editor Hillary Busis to figure all that out.

Now that Hillary’s cleared that mystery up, a couple more to explore. What’s the hardest joke comedian Kate Berlant ever had to write? Where did Queen Elizabeth II’s famous Jardine Star Brooch come from? Why did new movie Wildwood take 16 years to make? And who will new CNN owner David Ellison name to the venerable news org’s board? Keep scrolling for answers, informed speculation, and a whole lot of fun.

EVE BATEY

EDITOR