The Halloween Masterpiece That Started It All
Before Sam became one of the most recognizable modern horror characters, Michael Dougherty had already been obsessed with Halloween for years.
His fascination with the holiday eventually produced Season's Greetings, a 1996 animated short that introduced the character who would become Sam. Years later, that concept evolved into Trick 'r Treat, Dougherty's feature-film directorial debut.
The result was something special.
Very special.
Trick 'r Treat isn't merely a horror movie that happens to take place on October 31. It is a Halloween movie from beginning to end. The costumes, pumpkins, candy, decorations, traditions and folklore aren't just background decoration. They're the entire foundation of the story.
Dougherty wrote and directed the movie, while also serving as an executive producer.
And boy, did he understand the assignment.
The movie weaves several interconnected stories together over one Halloween night, bringing together serial killers, werewolves, ghosts, undead children and a mysterious little creature named Sam.
Sam, naturally, steals the show.
