Mauritius Halloween Movie Guide: Terrifying Behind-the-Scenes Horror Stories that are a Must-Watch
Looking to get into the Halloween mood? We’ve put together a list of must-watch horror movies – and the real-life events that reportedly haunted their sets.
Even though Halloween isn’t really a Mauritian thing, October here is getting pretty spooky – costume parties, themed events, and yes, horror movie marathons. So grab your popcorn… (and maybe keep a light on); these behind-the-scenes tales are quite unsettling!
The Conjuring: Art Imitating Life?
Unlike older classics, The Conjuring (2013) comes from recent history and is a fan favourite in Mauritius. But did you know its production carried its own share of spooky events?
The real Perron family, whose story inspired the movie, visited the set and reported feeling a dark presence. Director James Wan also recalled strange occurrences, such as his dog growling at an unseen force. Even more unnerving, cast members claimed they would wake up at exactly 3:07 a.m.—the “witching hour” featured in the film.
If you’re as hooked on The Conjuring as we are, you’ll definitely want to check out Chronological Guide to The Conjuring Universe and The Conjuring: Last Rites – The Warrens’ Final Case Ever.
The Poltergeist Curse
The Poltergeist franchise (1982–1988) is one of the most infamous examples of a “cursed” film series. Several cast members died unexpectedly during or shortly after filming, including Heather O’Rourke (who played Carol Anne) and Dominique Dunne.
Some crew members reported eerie occurrences on set, fueling speculation that the use of real human skeletons as props in the film’s chilling swimming pool scene may have unleashed dark forces.
The Omen’s Series of Accidents
When The Omen (1976) was in production, strange and terrifying events seemed to follow the crew. Lead actor Gregory Peck’s plane was struck by lightning while flying to London. Producer Mace Neufeld’s plane was also hit by lightning on a separate flight.
Even more disturbing, a plane that was chartered for aerial shots was switched last minute—and tragically crashed, killing everyone on board.
Add to this the bizarre story of a car crash near a sign that eerily read “66.6 km” from a town called Ommen, and you’ve got the makings of a real-life horror story.
The Exorcist: A Set Possessed
Another favourite in Mauritius, also regarded as one of the scariest movies ever made, The Exorcist (1973) had one of the most unsettling productions. Actor Ellen Burstyn sustained a severe back injury during a stunt, and multiple crew members reported feelings of unease and unexplained technical malfunctions.
Even more chilling, several people connected to the production passed away before the film’s release, deepening the legend that the set was truly cursed.
Tidbit: On the set of The Exorcist, some crew members reported that the mysterious fire that destroyed part of the set started in the very room where the exorcism scenes were filmed—yet oddly, the bedroom where the actors performed the most intense scenes remained completely untouched. Some fans speculate that it was almost as if “something” was protecting—or punishing—that room.
Rosemary’s Baby: A Production Full of Unsettling Coincidences
Rosemary’s Baby (1968) is a classic of psychological horror, but the making of the film was surrounded by strange events. Multiple actors fell ill at the same time, mysterious accidents occurred on set, and crew members claimed to hear unexplained noises during night shoots.
Some believe the filming location—the Bramford Apartments in New York, with its own dark history—added to the eerie atmosphere. For Mauritian fans who know and love Rosemary’s Baby, these behind-the-scenes stories make the film’s on-screen terror feel even more real.
Dare to Watch?
Why do so many horror films come with creepy behind-the-scenes stories of their own? Some say it’s the subject matter — when you spend so much time exploring darkness, maybe something starts to look back. Others think it’s all in the mind: after weeks of filming terrifying scenes, it’s only natural for imaginations to run wild.
Either way, these behind-the-scenes stories give Mauritian horror fans a whole new lens to see their favorite classics this Halloween – and maybe, just maybe, make them a little harder to watch alone.
