Overview

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a 2019 American supernatural horror film directed by André Øvredal. The screenplay was written by Dan and Kevin Hageman and the project was produced in part by Guillermo del Toro. The story adapts and weaves together elements from the popular children's book series Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark originally collected by Alvin Schwartz.

Production and adaptation

The film translates short, often folklore-inspired vignettes into a single, interconnected narrative suitable for feature-length cinema. Producers and filmmakers expanded on the books' tone and visual motifs to create a coherent plot while keeping many of the original creatures and scares. Guillermo del Toro served as a producer and creative champion, helping shape the film's aesthetic and tone; his involvement is noted in promotional material and interviews (producer page).

Plot and themes

The central storyline follows a group of teenagers who uncover a haunted manuscript whose stories begin to come true. Themes include childhood fear, the power of storytelling, and the way local myths can reflect social anxieties. The film balances character-driven drama with set-piece horror sequences drawn from the source material's most memorable tales.

Cast and characters

The ensemble cast mixes young actors with established performers. Principal cast members include:

  • Zoe Colletti – one of the teen leads
  • Michael Garza – co-lead among the group of friends
  • Gabriel Rush and Austin Abrams – supporting teen roles
  • Dean Norris – a notable adult character portrayed by Dean Norris
  • Gil Bellows and Lorraine Toussaint in supporting parts; the latter is credited in publicity materials (Lorraine Toussaint)

Reception and legacy

Released by Lionsgate on August 9, 2019, the film received generally positive reviews from many critics, who praised its atmosphere, practical creature effects and its faithfulness to the unsettling spirit of the books. Aggregators and review outlets reflected favorable ratings; one well-known aggregator listed a positive score that was widely cited in coverage (Rotten Tomatoes). The movie sparked renewed interest in the original books and in adaptations of short-form horror for cinema.

Notable facts and distinctions

Unlike a direct one-to-one adaptation, the film stitches multiple short stories into a single arc, creating new connective scenes and character backstory. Its visual design leans on practical effects and stylized cinematography to evoke the eerie illustrations that made the books memorable. The project is often discussed as an example of how childhood folklore can be reframed for adult audiences while retaining its original chills.