Welcome to our curated column, "Horror Explorer," where we delve into the month's most captivating movies, series, books, and all things spooky worth your attention. I'm William Earl, the editor of Variety.com and a dedicated horror enthusiast. If there's something you think I should check out for next month's edition, please don't hesitate to reach out at wearl@variety.com.

Uncover the Chilling Secrets Lurking in the Shadows

Marquee Madness: Prepare for Nerve-Shredding Thrills

Brace yourself for a nerve-shredding, thoughtful, and beautifully shot tale of terror with "Heretic" (In theaters on Nov. 8 from A24). This film follows two Mormon missionaries, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, who knock on the wrong door, only to find themselves in a sinister encounter with the unsettling Hugh Grant. Filled with riveting discussions about faith and bold performances from the central trio, "Heretic" marks a significant departure from the previous works of writers-directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for their contributions to "A Quiet Place" and "65." Prepare to be captivated by this thought-provoking and unsettling cinematic experience.Delve into the rich history and behind-the-scenes secrets of the "Child's Play" franchise with the epic five-hour documentary "Doc of Chucky" (Streaming on Shudder on Nov. 1). Directed by one of the producers behind "Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy" and "Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th," this comprehensive exploration is sure to delight Chucky diehards with its in-depth insights and revelations.Embrace the old-school slasher vibes with "He Never Left" (In theaters on Nov. 1 from Dread), where a wanted fugitive becomes convinced that the notorious Pale Face Killer has returned after hearing strange noises from the motel room next door. Solid performances, particularly from lead actor Colin Cunningham, and a promising premise suggest that this indie horror could be the start of a thrilling new franchise.Dive into the mystery and suspense of "Cellar Door" (In theaters on Nov. 1 from Lionsgate), where a rich man, played by the esteemed Laurence Fishburne, offers a couple, portrayed by Scott Speedman and Jordana Brewster, a free mansion with one condition: they must never open the eponymous cellar door. The guessing game begins as the audience wonders what lies behind that forbidden threshold and whether the couple's curiosity will lead them to uncover the secrets within.

Off the Beaten Path: Discover Hidden Gems of Horror

Nick Frost takes on the role of a cab driver from hell in the contained yet kinetic ghost story "Black Cab" (Streaming on Shudder on Nov. 8). With sympathetic performances from Synnøve Karlsen and Luke Norris as his kidnapped couple, director Bruce Goodison skillfully doles out twists and secrets, creating a captivating and unsettling viewing experience.Fans of the found footage serial killer films "Creep" and "Creep 2" will be delighted to dive into the spinoff series "The Creep Tapes" (Streaming on Shudder on Nov. 15). This long-awaited collection of six new nightmares from Peachfuzz's VHS collection is a sweet treat for devotees, making the time since 2017's "Creep 2" well worth the wait.

Frightening Festivals: Immerse Yourself in the Cutting Edge of Horror

The Soho Horror Film Festival in London (Nov. 22-24) is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic "The Blair Witch Project" by showcasing some international debuts of ambitious found footage films. Attendees can look forward to experiencing Tim Kasher's "Who's Watching," Stuart Ortiz's "Strange Harvest: Occult Murder in the Inland Empire," and Koji Shiraishi's "House Of Sayuri," all of which promise to push the boundaries of the genre and offer a fresh perspective on the found footage format.