NYC’s Metrograph Honors…

By August Tales

Subterranean Lore and Urban Legends

The allure of the sewer alligator myth is simple: it’s entirely believable. Truly, the idea isn’t so outlandish. Historically, exotic animals have been smuggled into unfamiliar territories. Look at Columbia, where hippos once occupied the private zoo of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. And Puerto Rico, now home to a wealth of unexpected fauna – a puma among them – for similar reasons. Thus, the notion of alligators lurking in the bowels of New York City isn’t a hard pill to swallow.

Film: An Exposure of Society’s Underbelly

Edging into the limelight, The Metrograph movie theater in New York City can’t hide its fascination for the city’s underworld. Anticipation builds for a new series aptly dubbed “Don’t Go in the Sewers,” set to run from October 11 to October 27, with encore screenings yet to be declared.

This cinematic exploration centers on creatures, mutants, and gigantic beasts that emerge from the depths, dragging innocents into our own self-created underground apocalypse. It forces us to ponder the monstrosities our discarded waste may breed.

The Horror, the Humor, the Unforgiving Underground

The lineup for the series is impressive:

• Alligator, directed by Lewis Teague (1980)
• The Blob, directed by Chuck Russell (1988)
• The Host, directed by Bong Joon-ho (2006)
• Super Mario Bros., directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton (1993)
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, directed by Steve Barron (1990)

And the secret screening – a 35mm projection of a 1984 classic about toxic waste and its abominable offspring. Famed director Jordan Peele cites this film as a major influence on his second movie.

Local filmmakers Heather Buckley, Jenn Wexler, and Ted Geoghegan have agreed to introduce these films. Each bringing their unique viewpoints and expertise to the fore.

“Don’t Go in the Sewers”: A Halloween Haven

“Don’t Go in the Sewers” promises to be a standout among this year’s Halloween offerings.a Here, horror and grotesque humor meet. Not all the films featured fall strictly under the horror genre umbrella, but that doesn’t detract from the monster-filled exploration of humanity’s foulest invention.

Next time you dump something down the drain, you might reconsider. There’s always the slim, chilling chance that it will return, seeking revenge. A spooky thought to take with you into the Halloween season. Enjoy the show!