For the Love of Horror
The Controversial and Oft-Maligned Genre Has More to Offer than Cheap Scares
The horror genre has been largely regarded as lacking in artistic merit
and appealing to the lowest common denominator. Classic films like The
Exorcist and Rosemary's Baby were seen as outliers in a sea of gory
schlock. But the tide of public opinion is beginning to turn on horror
films.
The Babadook. Get Out. Hereditary.
The VVitch. The Lighthouse. Midsommar.
While some critics have argued these films are forming a new subgenre
dubbed "elevated horror", fans argue that these films are indicative of
the genre, not anomalies. Masterful storytelling elements,
cinematography and direction that rival arthouse darlings, and a
sobering ability to hold a mirror up to society have been conventions of
the genre from the beginning.
But the sudden shift of mainstream critics to praise of these films is
having a trickle down effect - horror films that don't fit the "elevated
horror" pedigree are also being given more of a fair shake. What lies
ahead for the horror genre now that these films boast the best
opportunities for original storytelling not based on existing IP in a
world of adaptations, remakes and reboots?
Coded by Danne Boyd