Trailer breakdown: 'Don't Be Afraid of the Dark'

By Sarah Sluis

Most people are either horror fans, or they aren't. But there's a certain type of creepy movie that tends to draw broader audiences. Usually they go a little lighter on the blood and guts, and they also tend to offer a story that's more than just an excuse to have a serial killer on the loose. Whatever's causing the horrific things to happen is usually interesting in its own right (The Sixth Sense, Rosemary's Baby). Director Guillermo Del Toro may be known for his lavish, elaborate worlds in Pan's Labyrinth or Hellboy, but he's also into all things creepy. The prolific creator has produced a number of movies, including the wonderful not-too-scary The Orphanage. The trailer for upcoming Don't Be Afraid of the Dark was just released, and I imagine it will hit the same notes as The Orphanage.

A few reasons why Don't Be Afraid of the Dark will be more than a typical horror movie

1. FilmDistrict is handling distribution, and they're currently riding high on the success of Insidious, a low-budget scary movie that's considered the most profitable movie of the year.

2. They get the haunted house right. The atmospheric details like a creepy heater fit well into the scary house narrative, and the demonic murals shown in the trailer take it a step further. You also have to believe that people would actually move into a dilapidated mansion, and the house looks just normal enough outside to make everything believable.

3. Katie Holmes. She may have pursued some not-quite-right films recently, but her performances are always on the mark. She's incredibly naturalistic and believable as an actor.

4. Child victim. It's always the children that are most susceptible to evil influences, and this film is no exception. There's something about a child victim that makes a horror movie that much creepier.

5. Last, and perhaps most important, is the influence of Del Toro, who re-wrote the screenplay from a 1970s TV movie and is producing. He has a real eye for the creepy, but I also think he benefits from giving ultimate directing control over to someone else. It makes for a movie with superior craftmanship but an appeal that goes beyond niche horror.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark comes out on August 26, the perfect time of year to get goosebumps from the combination of movie theatre air conditioning and a scary movie.