Why do people enjoy horror?
- ejorigin
- Nov 16, 2023
- 5 min read
Written by: Loo Hao Zhe (23-U2), Sophie Ho (23-E3), Tan Yi Ling (Chen Yiling) (23-A2)
Designed by: Sophie Ho (23-E3)
Horror is a genre of film, television, and literature, meant to startle, shock, frighten and repulse audiences. Such forms of media focus on eliciting a sense of mystery, suspense, and dread, by exploring themes and situations that may not only be dark and disturbing, but also transgressive. Some commonly seen antagonists are supernatural beings, monsters, serial killers, evil clowns, and dolls, while some key elements of horror include jumpscares, cliffhangers, and plot twists, to keep audiences on their toes and constantly guessing or bracing themselves for what will happen next. Being a divisive genre, horror is hated by some but loved by others. In this article, we will be delving into four possible reasons why some people are horror enthusiasts.
Firstly, some people enjoy the sense of excitement brought about by horror. Part of the magnetic allure of horror is that it elicits a rush of adrenaline, making use of human psychology to manipulate the viewers’ instincts, leading to heightened physiological and emotional states in viewers. Horror in the media manipulates our primal instincts by posing a perceived threat to people, making them feel as if they are in danger. As a remnant of our evolutionary past, humans still have a prominent fight-or-flight response that kicks in when the body is convinced that danger is imminent. This catalyses a surge of adrenaline that causes a visceral response in people that can take the form of an increased heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, shaking, and possibly sleep disturbances. Such effects are similar to what is experienced when a person is actually in danger, such as when being chased by a masked brute with a knife or dangling from the edge of a cliff. Horror brings a rollercoaster of emotions that other forms of entertainment are unable to. Viewers face conflicting decisions between watching for entertainment and stopping to ease themselves of their fear. This is where the feeling of thrill emerges from, captivating audiences in a mixture of terror and fascination as they are kept on the edge of their seats, yearning for more. The horror genre simultaneously terrifies and intrigues people, inviting us to explore the darkest corners of human imagination.
Secondly, surely everyone has experienced particularly mundane days in their life. Seemingly endless lessons, a slow day at work, and tasks simply piling up. Life does not bring much excitement and people grow used to their daily tasks, like getting stuck in a loop of the same day over and over. Horror is, hence, also a means of escapism for people who experience this. A feature of horror is its thrilling unpredictability, with twists and turns, and events out of the ordinary, that allows it to become a sanctuary for individuals seeking respite from boredom. Horror provides a compelling distraction from the mundane or stressful aspects of life, allowing audiences to shift their attention to a fictional and spine-chilling world. However, in this fictional world, while the characters may not survive, the viewer certainly will. Audiences can safely immerse themselves in life-threatening situations they probably will not encounter in real life. This is also why people frequently question: “Why would they make such an irrational decision?” It is precisely because people are escaping to the world of horror that they get to think through scenarios not experienced in their own lives, bringing a sense of novelty and excitement. Horror is a means of transcending the boundaries of reality, appealing to those who wish to escape from their own lives.
Thirdly, horror films serve as a captivating portal to explore the dark side of humanity, using a variety of narrative and thematic elements. They often present us with monstrous entities or supernatural phenomena that symbolise our collective fears, such as the unknown, uncontrollable aspects of existence, or societal issues like the anxieties surrounding technology. These films challenge our moral compass by forcing protagonists into life-or-death choices, making us confront the blurred lines between good and evil. Furthermore, psychological horror reveals the potential for madness and the fragility of the human mind, emphasising our vulnerability when subjected to intense stress and fear. Through these mechanisms, horror films provide a thought-provoking canvas for exploring the depths of human nature, our anxieties, and the ethical dilemmas we might face in extreme circumstances.
Lastly, horror films hold a unique place in our cultural landscape by serving as mirrors to our collective fears, anxieties, and societal concerns. They often reflect the prevailing cultural and social norms, becoming a barometer of what a particular society finds disturbing or unsettling at a given time. These films can encapsulate deeper fears beyond just the supernatural or the grotesque; they may delve into issues like racial discrimination, gender roles, or the consequences of unchecked technology. For example, films like "Get Out" and "Hereditary" not only terrify audiences with supernatural elements but also confront them with very real and disturbing social issues, such as racism and family dysfunction. Moreover, horror films offer a safe space for discussing and confronting these societal anxieties. By presenting them in a fictional, exaggerated context, these movies make it easier for audiences to engage in conversations about challenging and uncomfortable topics. In this way, horror films become not just a source of fear and entertainment but also a medium for social commentary, enabling us to collectively explore, critique, and sometimes even exorcise the demons lurking in our society. The appeal of horror extends beyond mere scares; it encompasses a fascination with the underlying themes, their symbolic relevance, and their potential to serve as thought-provoking commentary on the human condition and the world in which we live. As a result, horror films often transcend their genre and become essential tools for cultural analysis and self-reflection, offering a dark but enlightening journey into our societies’ deepest collective fears and societal dilemmas.
In conclusion, while horror gives audiences an adrenaline rush, it also provides them a temporary refuge and escape from reality. This may be especially appealing to sensation seekers, who feel a strong desire to pursue and experience thrill, excitement, and stimulation. Moreover, horror enables us to examine the darker side of reality and humanity, as well as societal issues, norms, and fears. As such, although some people have a fear or dislike of horror, others enjoy it very much and find pleasure and delight in consuming various forms of horror.
With that, to all the horror fans among us who enjoy the feeling of being spooked out and having shivers sent down your spine, Happy Halloween!
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