Although horror movies and horror based media can be harmful to developing children and sensitive audiences, horror is a fun and effective way to give the appropriate audience an enjoyable adrenaline rush. In the case of modern horror, they allow viewers to consider what message about societal issues the director is trying to send through arguably the most assertive and eye-catching form of media — scary movies.
Modern horror movies often have realistic characters that viewers tend to relate to or root for as the movie progresses. Even if the events in the movie are impossible, it’s interesting to think about how these characters will get out of a dire situation, who they can and can’t trust, and — when it comes to slasher films — who is behind the killer’s mask. This is why humans are drawn to horror films. Horror gives the body a rush of adrenaline to watch a narrow escape or even just the gory images that are terrifying yet intriguing. People want to be scared and then relieved by the safety of the protagonists. Of course, horror movies are not for everyone, but people who enjoy this excitement-to-relief pattern choose to experience this.
Tropes are common throughout horror movies, especially older ones: young women being slaughtered, the “final girl,” the nerd, the strong heroic man and many others that have used racial or gender-based stereotypes. As society is becoming more aware of these tropes, directors make choices to either use these tropes to send a message or do away with them entirely.
Though it is argued that viewers can become desensitized to scary images, horror movies now can do the opposite. Creators of these movies have become increasingly creative and diverse with their kills and gore. This diversity gives a new kind of horror to shock the audience and in some ways, depending on how and why a character is killed, may create some sort of symbolism or metaphor. Horror movies now are often no longer used to only show senseless gore and death, but instead artistic liberty and symbolism.
The biggest argument presented against the commercialization of horror is the effect it can have on young developing brains, but there is an easy way to avoid harming the minds of children: do not allow them to indulge in such media. Streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and YouTube give parents the option to block any inappropriate content, and there is a restriction setting on iPhones and iPads. Modern technology allows parents to closely monitor what content their children are consuming; shield them from it until their minds are ready to indulge in the gory, mysterious and macabre genre.
The horror genre not only throws out scares and gore, but can also allows viewers to become more analytical of what they’re watching; they can recognize the art in the gore and story lines that horror directors bring to viewers. Horror is not just made to scare people; it’s also made to inspire, entertain and unite.