As his fellow American Gothic writer William Faulkner was to the strange ways and landscapes of the old American south, so was H.P. Lovecraft to the ancient forests, fields, and cities of New England. Not content on focusing on the horrors of reality, however, Lovecraft looked further, exploring what would happen should real life collide with the unthinkable by employing elements of science fiction and mysticism. Through pushing the genre out into the realm of the occult and the fantastic, he would influence generations of writers, filmmakers, and even game developers.

In recognition of his legacy, the Brattle is hosting five days of films to celebrate his 125th birthday. Some, like The Call of Cthulhu and The Whisperer in the Darkness, are direct adaptations of his works. Others, like The Thing and Hellboy, are inspired by the sort of cosmic creepiness Lovecraft was so fond of.

Click here for series and screening info!