Inside Horror Movie Review: A Comprehensive Look at the Genre's Subgenres, Tropes, and Impact

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Subgenres of Horror Movies
• Common Tropes in Horror Movies
• The Psychology of Horror: Why We Love to Be Scared
• The Impact of Horror Movies on Society
• Conclusion

Introduction

Horror movies are one of the most popular genres in cinema, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. They appeal to our primal fears and offer a unique form of escapism and adrenaline rush. This comprehensive review explores the different subgenres of horror movies, common tropes, psychological aspects, and societal impact.

Subgenres of Horror Movies

The horror genre encompasses a wide range of subgenres, each with its own distinct characteristics:

1. Slasher

Slasher movies feature a masked or unmasked killer who stalks and brutally murders victims with sharp objects. Examples: "Halloween," "Friday the 13th," "Scream."

2. Supernatural

Supernatural horror movies involve paranormal entities, such as ghosts, demons, and witches. Examples: "The Exorcist," "The Conjuring," "Insidious."

3. Psychological

Psychological horror movies focus on creating tension and fear through themes of insanity, mental illness, and manipulation. Examples: "Psycho," "The Shining," "Hereditary."

4. Monster/Creature

Monster/creature horror movies feature monstrous creatures or animals that terrorize humans. Examples: "Godzilla," "Jaws," "Alien."

5. Torture Porn

Torture porn movies depict extreme violence and gore, focusing primarily on the physical pain and suffering of victims. Examples: "Saw," "Hostel," "The Human Centipede."

6. Found Footage

Found footage horror movies present the events as if they were real, captured on found camera footage or recordings. Examples: "The Blair Witch Project," "Paranormal Activity," "Cloverfield."

7. Zombie

Zombie horror movies feature the undead, flesh-eating creatures known as zombies. Examples: "Night of the Living Dead," "Dawn of the Dead," "World War Z."

Common Tropes in Horror Movies

Horror movies often rely on certain tropes or storytelling elements to evoke fear and suspense:

• Jump scares: Sudden and unexpected noises, visual cues, or movements that startle the viewer.
• Dark and isolated settings: The atmosphere of darkness, isolation, and claustrophobia amplifies the sense of fear.
• Innocent victims: The characters who become victims are often portrayed as vulnerable or innocent, making their deaths more tragic.
• The final girl/boy: A trope in which a lone female (or male) character survives the onslaught of the killer or monster, representing resilience and hope.
• Red herring: False clues or characters that intentionally mislead the audience and create uncertainty.
• Dream sequences: Nightmares, hallucinations, or dreamlike sequences blur the line between reality and illusion, adding to the psychological tension.
• The monster in the dark: The fear of the unknown is often exploited by suggesting that there is something lurking in the darkness, just out of sight.

The Psychology of Horror: Why We Love to Be Scared

Horror movies provide an outlet for our primal fears and anxieties, allowing us to experience these emotions in a controlled and safe environment. According to research published by the American Psychological Association, horror movies can:

• Release endorphins: The rush of adrenaline and fear triggers the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.
• Reduce cortisol levels: Watching horror movies can temporarily lower cortisol levels, the "stress hormone."
• Facilitate bonding: Sharing the experience of watching a horror movie with others can foster a sense of camaraderie and social bonding.
• Provide catharsis: Horror movies can offer a cathartic experience by allowing us to confront and release pent-up emotions.

The Impact of Horror Movies on Society

Horror movies have a significant cultural and social impact:

1. Reflection of Society's Fears

Horror movies often reflect the anxieties and fears of society at the time they are made. For example, slasher movies of the 1980s mirrored the heightened sense of paranoia and violence in the United States.

2. Influence on Filmmaking

Horror movies have influenced other genres of filmmaking, such as thrillers, crime dramas, and even science fiction. They have also introduced innovative filmmaking techniques, such as the use of jump scares and handheld camerawork.

3. Entertainment Value

Horror movies provide a unique form of escapism and entertainment. They offer a chance to experience fear and adrenaline without putting ourselves in real danger.

4. Censorship and Criticism

Horror movies have been the subject of controversy and censorship due to their often graphic and disturbing content. Some critics argue that they promote violence and desensitize viewers to real-world suffering.

Conclusion

Horror movies continue to fascinate and horrify audiences around the world. Their diverse subgenres, common tropes, psychological effects, and societal impact make them a captivating and enduring part of popular culture. Whether we enjoy them for their adrenaline rush, cathartic release, or simply as a form of entertainment, horror movies have proven to be an essential part of the cinematic landscape.

Tables

Table 1: Top 5 Highest-Grossing Horror Movie Franchises

Table 2: Common Horror Movie Tropes

Table 3: Psychological Benefits of Watching Horror Movies

Table 4: Potential Criticisms of Horror Movies