Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is a 2019 horror film directed by Andrรฉ รvredal, based on the classic children’s book series of the same name written by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell. The film is a dark and atmospheric adaptation that brings several of the book’s iconic and terrifying tales to life, combining anthology-style horror with a cohesive narrative.
Set in 1968, the movie follows a group of teenagers in the small town of Mill Valley, Pennsylvania. On Halloween night, the friends discover an abandoned mansion belonging to the mysterious Bellows family. Inside, they find a book of scary stories written by Sarah Bellows, a reclusive and misunderstood member of the family. The group soon realizes that the stories in the book have a sinister connection to their lives, as new tales begin to write themselves, targeting them one by one.
The story centers on Stella Nicholls (Zoe Colletti), a socially awkward horror enthusiast, and her friends Auggie (Gabriel Rush) and Chuck (Austin Zajur). After a run-in with the local bully Tommy (Austin Abrams), the trio befriends a drifter named Ramรณn Morales (Michael Garza). Together, they venture into the Bellows mansion and find Sarah Bellowsโ book of stories.
As the group tries to stop the deadly cycle, they uncover the tragic story of Sarah Bellows. Accused of poisoning children in Mill Valley, Sarah was ostracized and tortured by her family. Her ghost seeks justice through the stories in her book.
In the climax, Stella confronts Sarah’s ghost, promising to reveal the truth about her innocence to the world. This act calms Sarah’s vengeful spirit, ending the horrorsโfor now. The film concludes with Stella, Ramรณn, and Ruth surviving, though Auggie and Chuck remain missing, leaving the door open for a sequel.