Now that October is underway, horror film fanatics can well and truly rejoice. For those who revel in the morbid, Halloween offers the perfect excuse to dive into cult favourites. These movies are often more weird than wonderful, yet the allure of horror somehow continues to draw audiences back. Why you ask? Psychology suggests it can be traced back to our primal instincts. Supposedly, we have an innate need to be scared. So, horror is our answer to experience that rush of adrenaline that is increasingly rare in contemporary life, which has rid the days of being chased by some dinosaur.
One reason for the popularity of horror is its camp allure. Horror films are, after all, the peak of exaggerated entertainment. With overly dramatic acting, absurd plot twists, and extravagant special effects, horror is a walk in the camp park. And this is precisely what attracts its audience. For example, Carrie, Midsommar, and Rocky Horror Picture Show are simultaneously glamorous and repellent. Horror provides a camp medium where people are unapologetically themselves – even when who they are is a psychopathic murderer.
The cult of horror has also left a lasting impression on the cinematic landscape, gaining critical acclaim and producing legendary directors. From the likes of Kubrick and Hitchcock to newbies such as Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us) and Ari Aster (Midsommar, Hereditary), horror has yielded timeless classics. The Shining, for example, continues to be referenced across the media. The Friends episode where Rachel discovers Joey’s copy of King’s masterpiece comes specifically to mind – it’s a testament to its cultish influence that it proves to be one of the most memorable moments in one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. Maybe this shared experience of culture is exactly why horror fans keep coming back – all of us are terrified, but at least we’re terrified together.
Yet, it’s not just about thrills and chills; horror also conveys effective social commentary. It often explores our deepest societal fears: death, the supernatural, the unknown, or the unchecked power of science. Horror invites us to ponder how we might react in such terrifying situations, serving as a mirror to our own resilience, courage, and determination. Thus, the cult of horror is created and sustained in throughout this Halloween period, when we find catharsis and camaraderie amidst spine-chilling narratives, unsettling scenery, and perhaps most importantly, our deepest fears.
“horror” by wolfgangfoto is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.