ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | MOVIES
Article Published on: 12TH JUNE 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
Horror has always been a versatile and evolving genre, capable of reflecting societal fears and exploring the darkest corners of the human psyche. In recent years, a new wave of filmmakers has been revolutionizing horror, pushing its boundaries and redefining what it means to be truly frightening. These directors blend traditional scares with innovative storytelling techniques, social commentary, and psychological depth, creating films that resonate with contemporary audiences in profound ways. Here are three horror movies that exemplify this revolution.
1. "Get Out" (2017) - Directed by Jordan Peele
Jordan Peele’s "Get Out" is a landmark film that redefined horror by infusing it with sharp social commentary and psychological tension. Peele, previously known for his work in comedy, took a bold step into horror, creating a film that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying.
Plot Summary: The film follows Chris, a young African American man, who visits the family of his white girlfriend, Rose. Initially, he experiences uncomfortable and subtly racist behavior from her family and their friends. As the weekend progresses, Chris discovers a far more sinister secret about the family's intentions.
Revolutionary Aspects:
Social Commentary: "Get Out" uses horror to explore systemic racism and the black experience in America. The film's terror stems from real-world issues, making its horror elements more relatable and impactful.
Psychological Horror: Instead of relying on jump scares, Peele creates a pervasive sense of dread through the film’s eerie atmosphere and unsettling behavior of the characters. The concept of the "sunken place" is particularly powerful, symbolizing the feeling of powerlessness and marginalization.
Genre Blending: Peele masterfully blends horror with satire and thriller elements, creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps viewers engaged and reflective.
Impact: "Get Out" has been lauded for its originality and social relevance, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. It demonstrated that horror could be a vehicle for important societal discussions, paving the way for more films that tackle real-world issues through the lens of horror.
2. "Hereditary" (2018) - Directed by Ari Aster
Ari Aster’s "Hereditary" brought a new level of emotional depth and psychological complexity to the horror genre. The film’s meticulous storytelling and intense character-driven narrative make it a standout in modern horror cinema.
Plot Summary: The film follows the Graham family as they cope with the death of their secretive grandmother. As they uncover disturbing secrets about their ancestry, they find themselves haunted by a sinister presence that threatens to unravel their lives.
Revolutionary Aspects:
Family Drama: "Hereditary" intertwines horror with deep familial conflict and grief, making the supernatural elements feel more grounded and impactful. The film’s exploration of inherited trauma adds a new layer of psychological horror.
Atmospheric Tension: Aster excels in building a slow-burning tension throughout the film. The horror is as much about what is unseen and implied as it is about explicit scares.
Unconventional Scares: The film's horror is derived from its unsettling imagery and the emotional unraveling of its characters, rather than relying solely on traditional horror tropes.
Impact: "Hereditary" received critical acclaim for its originality and emotional depth, establishing Ari Aster as a significant new voice in horror. It showed that horror films could be artfully crafted and deeply emotional, appealing to both genre fans and broader audiences.
3. "The Babadook" (2014) - Directed by Jennifer Kent
Jennifer Kent’s "The Babadook" is a haunting exploration of grief and mental illness, wrapped in the guise of a traditional monster movie. Kent’s debut film is both a psychological thriller and a deep emotional journey.
Plot Summary: The film centers on Amelia, a single mother struggling to cope with the death of her husband while raising her troubled son, Samuel. Their lives take a dark turn when a mysterious and sinister storybook called "Mister Babadook" appears in their home, and an evil presence begins to torment them.
Revolutionary Aspects:
Psychological Depth: "The Babadook" uses its supernatural elements as metaphors for the protagonist's grief and depression. The monster represents the manifestation of Amelia’s unaddressed trauma, making the horror deeply personal and psychological.
Character-Driven Horror: The film focuses heavily on character development, making the audience emotionally invested in Amelia and Samuel’s plight. This emotional engagement amplifies the horror, as viewers care deeply about the characters' fates.
Innovative Monster Design: The Babadook itself is a unique creation, with its eerie presence and unsettling design contributing to the film’s lasting impact.
Impact: "The Babadook" was praised for its originality and emotional resonance. It highlighted the potential of horror to explore complex human emotions and mental health issues, encouraging more filmmakers to use the genre as a platform for deep, introspective storytelling.
Conclusion
New filmmakers like Jordan Peele, Ari Aster, and Jennifer Kent are revolutionizing the horror genre by blending traditional scares with innovative storytelling, psychological depth, and social commentary. "Get Out," "Hereditary," and "The Babadook" are prime examples of this new wave of horror, each offering unique and profound experiences that push the boundaries of what horror can achieve. These films not only terrify but also provoke thought and emotion, setting a new standard for the genre and influencing future filmmakers to explore the limitless potential of horror.