How a Shudder Collaboration Gave a Scent to Horror Noire
In 2021, something extraordinary happened at The Smell of Fear Candle Co. I was approached by a third party to collaborate with Shudder, the premier streaming service for horror lovers worldwide, to create a custom candle in celebration of Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror.
This was a promo and merch drop but also a chance to translate a powerful exploration of Black horror cinema into atmosphere, and to contribute, in my own way, to a project that goes beyond scares to cultural reflection.
What Is Shudder?
If you’re not already familiar, Shudder is a streaming platform dedicated entirely to horror, thriller, and the weird, wild fringes of genre storytelling. It’s home to classics, new indie gems, documentaries, and curated horror content.
Shudder has become a cultural hub for horror fans who want depth, diversity, and stories that resonate on more than one level. Collaborating with them was a thrill on its own.
What Is Horror Noire?
Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror is a documentary that examines the long, often overlooked history of Black representation in horror cinema. It expands on the themes of the 2019 Shudder docuseries of the same name, digging into how race, identity, and fear intersect on screen.
It’s a retrospective as well as an affirmation and critique of how Black creators and characters have shaped horror from the silent era to today. The documentary highlights:
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The legacy of early Black horror performances
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The evolution of representation onscreen
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The social and historical contexts that influence how horror reflects society
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Voices that haven’t always been centered in horror discourse
To be invited to contribute something sensory to that conversation was an honor and a creative challenge.
Translating Horror Noire Into a Candle
When I was asked to curate a candle for Horror Noire, the challenge was clear: how do you create a scent that reflects a documentary about legacy, identity, and genre history?
So I approached it with the same mindset I bring to all of my horror-inspired work by asking:
What does the story want us to feel?
With Shudder’s input and approval every step of the way, we worked on a fragrance profile that honored the film’s emotional core:
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Notes of rich earth and aged wood, suggesting history and depth
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Warm amber and smoke, invoking theatrical shadow and cinematic noir lighting
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Spices and subtle florals, hinting at memory and humanity in the midst of darkness
The result was a scent meant to accompany reflection, conversation, and the deep lineage of the genre.
Shudder approved the scent as something that felt true to the documentary’s spirit.
A Candle That Sits With the Story
This candle wasn’t sold in stores but was was included in promotional swag bags celebrating the Horror Noire debut, given to press and creators connected with the film’s launch.
It was so meaningful & I worked hard to craft a sensory nod to stories that resonate beyond the screen.
Why This Collaboration Matters
For me, this project stands at the intersection of several things I care about deeply:
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Horror as a cultural art form, not just entertainment
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Storytelling through scent, not just surface aesthetics
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Creative partnerships that push boundaries, not rehash tropes
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And the chance to contribute to something bigger than a product
Working with Shudder and Horror Noire was a reminder that horror isn’t just about slashers or scary movies. It’s about perspective, history, voice, and the eerie power of story.
Final Thoughts
Collaborations like this do two things:
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They take a narrative and give it another dimension that deepens emotional memory.
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They remind us that horror culture is global, layered, and ever-expanding.
So if you ever think a candle is just a candle, think again.
