Why Carved could be Hulu’s next cult Halloween favorite
By Ed Malaker
As Halloween gets closer, many of us are trying to pack in all of the horror movies we can to enjoy the spooky season. While there are many wonderful gotos like the original Halloween and, of course, the Charlie Brown Special, new films get released every year, and this year, Hulu has a special treat for us with the film Carved.
Carved is a horror comedy directed by Justin Harding that follows a group of survivors trapped in a historical reenactment village who must face off against a vengeful pumpkin.
Plot overview
The central plot of Carved revolves around Kira, a teenage playwright who is struggling with a recent breakup and dealing with her younger brother Trevor. She and a group of survivors find themselves trapped in a historical village on Halloween night, being chased by a vengeful pumpkin.
The film intertwines personal drama with horror elements. The sentient pumpkin is not just a mindless monster but rather a manifestation of deeper fears, making the film more than a simple Halloween movie. It explores the importance of teamwork in the face of both literal and metaphorical monsters.
Cast and characters
Carved has a long list of accomplished actors, including Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Prom Pact) as Kira and Corey Fogelmanis (Ma) as Cody. The supporting cast includes familiar faces like DJ Qualls, Chris Elliott, and Matty Cardarople, each of whom brings something unique to the dark comedy.
At its core, the film explores survival in the face of overwhelming emotional and physical odds. Kira’s struggles mirror the battle against the supernatural pumpkin and symbolize the fears and uncertainties we all face. The film becomes a metaphor for facing your fears and growing through adversity.
Production details
Carved started as a short film that debuted during Hulu’s Halloween Film Fest. Its success in that event led to the development of a full feature, with director Justin Harding returning to expand on the original concept. The production uses practical effects over CGI where possible, with Allan Cooke leading the special effects team that created the monstrous pumpkin that terrorizes the town.
The team completed filming for Caved in 2024, and it arrived on Hulu on October 21 as part of the Huluween event and is positioned to become a new Halloween favorite for audiences. The blend of old-school special effects with a fresh and innovative storyline offers something for both horror traditionalists and newcomers.
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