Julia Kane ‘27
Staff Writer
Whether you adore being scared or avoid it at all costs, horror movies have always been an integral part of cinema, making up approximately 10% of the film market. People are quick to assume that horror always entails scepters, zombies, or the supernatural, but the horror genre holds a deeper significance and nuance than many initially assume.
Many contemporary horror movies delve deeper into the emotion of fear than what can be achieved through jump-scares and an excessive amount of fake blood. When a director focuses on a psychological fear many people can relate to, it is often more personal and haunting than an average slasher film. These movies leave the viewer with a lasting impression, which can be thought-provoking and allow for reflection on the self and society overall. For example, director Jordan Peele is a master of the craft, continuously producing films that have the ability to scare audiences beyond the surface. Peele’s 2017 hit film “Get Out” drew from personal experiences as a Black American and what he fears most, which he states is “human beings. What people can do in conjunction with other people is exponentially worse than what they can do alone. Society is the scariest monster.” (New York Times interview with Peele) Racism in today’s world remains a prevalent fear, especially when its existence is consistently denied. Peele utilizes micro-aggressions and realistic characters to build fear in viewers, creating a truly frightening film focused on racial politics, paranoia, and guilt.
Ari Aster, director of famous films such as “Hereditary” and “Midsommar”, is another giant in the film world, known for deeper, atypical horror. Instead of having a blatant monster or antagonist like Pennywise, Michael Myers, or other horror symbols, Aster employs devices of family trauma, domestic relationships, and mental illness, which can be relatable for many viewers. By preying on familial and romantic relationships, which cause heightened emotions in people’s day-to-day lives, Aster provides a very realistic portrayal of horror that holds its viewers tightly in its grasp. These films also provide commentary on society’s ability to process grief, loss, and the risk of suppressing emotions.
Lastly, although not a film, one of my favorite shows is American Horror Story, which does an excellent job of representing societal horrors in an anthology format. American Horror Story: Cult is an incredible representation of the politics of fear, cult followings, and abusing power. Especially in the hyper-polarized current state of the US, this season takes horror in a different direction than what is expected, showing the dangers behind extremism and ideology taken too far.
As someone who has always loved things in the realm of horror, I find that all too often, moviegoers are dismissive of horror movies and their messages. They seldom win Oscars and are not given a chance by those who are easily scared. However, some of my all-time favorite films have been in the genre of horror, and not solely based on entertainment levels. They help me to discover more about myself and what scares me the most, as well as to reflect on how society handles difficult topics. Horror films are far from simple or arbitrary, and many are pieces of art with a specific goal or lesson. Before the Halloween season comes to a close, I encourage everyone to give a horror movie a try, even if they are not usually your cup of tea. Take a chance, let yourself experience fear in a controlled environment, and dive into the social criticisms and societal challenges presented in horror media that may change the way you look at the world.
Featured image courtesy of Hulu
Copy Edited by Charlotte Collins ’28
Web Edited by Zexuan Qu ’28
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