The ninth prompt for Inktober is “nest”. The movie I chose for this prompt is “Them!” (1954). I don’t remember much about this movie except for the giant ants attacking a town. I watched it when I was about 3 or 4 years old with my great grandfather. I remember going over there to stay the night and my grandpa always had some kind of old monster movie on. I think this was where my passion for horror was first instilled in me. It’s in my blood I guess.

I can remember being so confused while watching this particular movie about the giant ants. I was baffled by the size of the ants and I remember wondering, “Holy crap, is this real?!” I had no idea and at that age you don’t really know about the “It’s just a movie” adage. I was amazed that this was happening on the screen in front of me. It scared me but my fascination for this unexplained phenomenon was stronger than my fear and I wanted to watch more.

There were several other horror movies I had watched with my grandfather at a young age but I don’t remember what the were. The only other one I remember was watching Critters which scared the life out of me but again I was too fascinated to look away nor did I express any fear because I didn’t want him to turn it off.

This is probably one of my earliest memories and my first memory with my grandfather. I have always treasured those memories. Now that I’m older, I am grateful that he allowed me to experience those feelings for the first time; the joy of being scared but feeling safe in his home, the fascination of the unknown and the unexplained and the fearful curiosity to want to see more. The first time you experience certain emotions is always the strongest and you’ll never quite feel it that way again. Kind of like when you find your soulmate and you fall in love with them for the first time. Your emotions are always so powerful in the beginning because it’s the first time you’re feeling them. Emotions are like drugs, you can never truly experience that first high again. I guess it’s the same when you discover your love for horror.

What was the first horror/monster movie you remember watching? How did you feel? Leave a comment below! Check back soon for the next Inktober prompt, crabby.

Stay fascinated, free spirits!