Shock therapy: why scary movies keep evolving – and making money

Hollywood's focus on franchises has inadvertently made horror films a space for innovative filmmaking. This shift has led to a new generation of auteur filmmakers emerging within the genre. The text highlights the frequent release of horror films, including reboots, sequels, prequels, and variations on classic tropes. Horror utilizes metaphor and imagery to explore complex themes that mainstream cinema often avoids. These films grapple with difficult topics such as death, the human condition, and societal anxieties. Unlike risk-averse mainstream productions, horror films are unafraid to address contemporary issues. Examples include migration, mental health, toxic masculinity, and technological advancements. The horror genre offers a platform for discussing current events and challenging conventional norms. Themes like cults, gender identity, conspiracy theories, and pandemics are all explored. Bereavement, a recurring motif, is examined through various horror narratives. This makes horror a relevant genre.