Most of us have some connection to Alvin Schwartz’s iconic book series Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. These are the books that we would stay up at night reading under our blankets, the pages filling our minds with nightmarish images of ghouls, severed heads, and hideous monsters. To say these books are beloved is a severe understatement. The series served as a gateway to horror for many genre fans, and Schwartz was the usher. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and its sequels opened the imaginations (and quickened the pulses) of countless children, and gave many a life-long love of reading and learning.

Cody Meirick’s highly anticipated documentary Scary Stories offers viewers a fascinating peek at the life of the man behind the books, the controversies surrounding the series, and gives insight to Schwartz’s research process. While the documentary does embrace the nostalgia horror fans have for these stories, the film surprisingly focuses more on the history of the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books and the tales of folklore which inspired them.

Scary Stories is packed with eye-opening interviews with all sorts of people bearing a connection to the books, including Schwartz’s family, fans of the series, other children’s horror writers such as RL Stine, academics, people who tried to have the books banned, and librarians who fought against the conservative parents seeking censorship. Intercut with the interviews are animations reminiscent of Stephen Gammel’s chilling yet alluring illustrations, which help to capture the spirit of the film’s subject matter.

This documentary is not only a loving look at Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, but an examination of the culture surrounding the series and controversial books in general. Alvin Schwartz’s book series was, according to the film, the most banned book in the 1990s (a badge of honor to Schwartz himself). Scary Stories not only takes a stand against this sort of censorship, it takes the time to explain just how banning these and other books from reaching the eyes of children works to hurt young readers rather than protect them. Notably, the documentary does offer differing perspectives and opinions on the subject, as evidenced by a filmed meeting between Sandy Vrabel, a former PTA president who worked tirelessly to have the books banned from her child’s elementary school, and Peter Schwartz, Alvin Schwartz’s estranged son.

Scary Stories comes just in time to excite fans and remind viewers what they love about the series before André Øvredal’s feature film brings the books’ many chilling characters to the big screen. And excite them it will. Meirick’s documentary is compelling on many levels, not the least of which is that it manages to educate viewers about the oft-forgotten history behind the classic tales, as well as acknowledge the dogged research Schwartz performed at the Princeton University library in order to pay the proper respects to the stories’ cultures of origin. Beloved stories such as “Harold”, “The Red Spot”, and “The Hook” are analyzed and their sources detailed by various experts.

Scary Stories not only boasts striking animation (and yes, Gammel’s legendary illustrations are given their moment in the spotlight), but a moody score to boot. These, combined with a dark aesthetic, help Scary Stories to achieve a similar gothic tone that fans of the series know and love. Meirick seems to always keep in mind that his core audience are likely horror fans, but makes his documentary educational and accessible enough for those with no connection to the books at all. There truly is something here for everyone.

While there’s a lot to appreciate about the film, it’s important to note that there are a few editing and framing nitpicks. There are moments where shadows can be seen moving across walls during interviews, shots which are downright confusing and unnecessary, and a heavy-handed use of dissolves during the confrontation between Vrabel and Schwartz. The dissolves, in particular, are not only misplaced but highly distracting. Additionally, Scary Stories has a somewhat abrupt ending, which feels disappointing and mildly anti-climactic considering how thorough the rest of the movie is.

However, Scary Stories is not held back by its few minor flaws. In fact, it’s a must-see documentary for horror fans, fans of books, writers, and especially for readers of the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series. This adoring, enlightening, and engrossing look back at some of the most groundbreaking, frightening books in the history of children’s literature is surprisingly full of heart. It will leave viewers with warm fuzzy feelings as they recall their experiences being drawn to and repulsed by the horrific tales that Alvin Schwartz meticulously gathered, researched, and penned. Schwartz may no longer be around to witness or appreciate the legacy he left behind, but Scary Stories is a stark reminder that his works will live on forever in the hearts and minds of readers everywhere.

Scary Stories will be available on VOD May 7 with a DVD release set for July 16.