Trick or Treat, Alistair Grey was made for a younger version of me experiencing Halloween. I always used to complain about how people would dress up silly or half-ass their costumes. I was a die-hard spooky kid and every year I went as something scary, caking on monster makeup and globs of fake blood that tangled my hair. I took great pride in my ability to transform into something frightening, and looked down on my peers who went towards more mainstream options. I didn’t realize until I got older that I needed to get off of my high horse and enjoy the holiday, as Halloween is best spent with friends and loved ones. 

Based on the storybook by Lindy Ryan, Trick or Treat, Alistair Grey preaches this truth as a Halloween version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” It’s perfect for young kids who love R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps and treat Halloween like a religious holiday. The illustrations by Timea Gazdag feel like a storybook from a distant childhood come to life. The tone of the piece, evoking imagery of Tim Burton classics, is brought together perfectly by Mister Sam Shearon’s haunting narration and Dan Walter’s animation. Despite the newness of this short film, it feels undeniably nostalgic of Halloween nights in childhood when the magic felt a little brighter.  

Though some of the imagery may be a little too frightening for very young children. I imagine the decision to show this adorable little short to young children is up to the parents – whether they think their child will resonate with the tale or be frightened by the animation. I know that child-me would have adored this short film. I certainly would have benefitted from hearing the Pumpkin Sentinel’s message to young Alistair Grey that Halloween is for everyone, and is as much about fun as it is about fright. 

10 out of 10 Alistair Greys