Lessons in fear: The role of horror films in social discourse

As Halloween approaches, our minds turn to the iconic films that define the season. From cult classics like "Scream" to modern hits like A24's "Talk to Me," the horror genre takes center stage this time of year, setting the mood for all things scary.

But beyond jump scares and gore, horror films have much to teach about the world around us.

Laura Patterson, a teaching professor in the Department of Sociology, explores this connection in her course Gender, Race, and Chainsaws, which examines the social dynamics of horror films. In addition to her academic work, Patterson recently wrote and produced an indie horror short, "Silent Generation," which won the Special Jury Prize at HorrorFest International 2024.

CU Boulder Today sat down with Patterson to discuss why horror films captivate audiences and what we can learn from watching them.

Why do people like horror films?

Many academics have studied this subject and offer varying explanations. As a sociologist, I'd say it's because horror films are morality tales-they're stories of good and evil that teach us about what kind of people we should be. They also reflect society's shifting views on morality.

Horror films prompt critical questions: How are villains and victims portrayed? Who survives, and who doesn't? Who can save themselves, and who needs rescuing? By analyzing these tropes, stereotypes and hierarchies, horror films can shed light on pressing social issues and spark conversations about the societal changes people want to see.

They also provide a unique way for audiences to engage with these topics. It's one thing to hear politicians discuss social issues, but it's another to watch a film and then have a conversation with friends about the themes it explores.

Topics like gender, race and sexuality can be tough to bring up in everyday conversations, but watching a film can depersonalize these issues and make them easier to talk about without being confrontational.

What are some social issues you've seen addressed in horror films?

There are so many! Gender and sexuality have been central themes since the genre's early days. Through examining the evolving roles of women in these films, horror can actually offer a unique space to explore feminist theories and redefine traditional gender roles.

Beyond that, horror films have tackled issues like capitalism, as seen in films like "Parasite," and immigration, which was a focal point in the latest installment of "The Purge" series. Racism has also been powerfully explored in films like "Get Out."

Horror allows us to address these societal concerns in a way that's very palatable and encourages meaningful dialogue.

How has horror become increasingly accepted as a more 'legitimate' art form?

I often cite "Get Out" as a big reason for this shift. It was the first horror film to win an Oscar since "Silence of the Lambs" in 1992, and its success highlighted a demand for horror movies that challenge societal biases and offer opportunities for commentary.

By appealing so strongly to both critics and viewers, "Get Out" helped pave the way for more thought-provoking plot lines within the genre and demonstrated to the industry there's a huge audience for horror films that go beyond traditional scares.

How have production companies like A24 impacted the horror film industry?

I think it's fantastic the way A24 is providing a platform for films that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Unlike some well-established studios that tend to recycle familiar horror tropes, A24 offers fresh storylines and explores deeper, more complex themes. This approach has not only elevated the genre but also made horror films more accessible to a wider audience.

How have horror films changed since the golden age of 'slasher films'?

While the classic tropes of slasher films are still alive and well, what has changed is the audience's awareness of these themes, which has led to more thoughtful social commentary on horror movies.

Traditional slasher films often centered on white suburban life, but modern films reflect a broader spectrum of experiences and identities, making them more relevant to today's world.

There's also more intellectual and emotional depth to contemporary horror films. Rather than focusing solely on a masked killer, many films now explore more complex issues and deeper senses of loss.

Finally, the increase in demand for horror has led to wider production and distribution of these films. All of these shifts have resulted in a genre that's not only more inclusive and accessible but also more thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

What is your new horror short about?

To me, the best horror films tackle real-world issues. When done really well, horror can walk us through incredibly painful circumstances, elicit empathy and help us realize how much we should care about the plight of somebody else, especially someone in a situation that we're not directly experiencing.

So this short, titled "Silent Generation," focuses on aging, the loneliness and isolation that comes from being an elderly person living alone, and how that can turn dark.

Read more about "Silent Generation" here.

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