Like any shark movie or extreme weather documentary, a horror anthology is something I can’t resist. Every now and then, I get in the mood for something spooky that feels like a campfire story—simple, eerie, and perfect for a dark night in. New release sequel The 100 Candles Game: The Last Possession takes that idea and runs with it, blending the anthology horror style with a haunted house setup.
The premise is intriguing (albeit overly familiar): a group of friends gathers to play a ritual called “The 100 Candles Game,” a spooky tradition where they take turns telling scary stories and extinguishing candles. As the game unfolds, the lines between fiction and reality blur, revealing something sinister lurking beneath the surface.
It’s a strong setup; I’ve watched more horror anthology movies of varying quality than I can count. As a ‘wrap-around story’ that serves as the jumping-off point for the rest of the tales of terror, it’s an ambitious and solid set up. Some of these stories hit the mark, delivering genuine chills and some creative ideas. While the tension builds nicely as the candles burn down, the characters lack the depth needed to fully invest in their fates.
It’s hard not to compare this to more polished anthology films like Trick ‘r Treat, VHS, or the wealth of Hammer Horros which masterfully weaves multiple narratives together while keeping the audience engaged.
Visually, the film nails its atmosphere. The dim lighting, flickering candles, and shadowy set design create a creepy mood that’s perfect for this kind of story. It’s clear the filmmakers wanted to evoke the feeling of being huddled around a fire, swapping ghost stories.
If you’re a fan of anthology horror, there’s still something here to enjoy. It’s not as inventive as V/H/S, nor does it have the cohesive storytelling of Creepshow, but it scratches that itch for bite-sized scares. It’s also a reminder of why anthology horror can be so effective when done right—it offers variety, creativity, and the chance to experiment with different tones and styles.
Overall, The 100 Candles Game: The Last Possession is an ambitious film with some compelling moments, it’s a little uneven in places, but that’s part of the fun with an anthology. Gory, unsettling, and jam packed with jump, The 100 Candles Games isn’t adding much that’s new to the genre, but it’s fun. Forrest Gump’s Mum might have likened life to a box of chocolates, but a box of chocolates is more like a horror anthology. There’s always an unexpected coffee one.
The 100 Candles Game: The Last Possession is out now on Digital.