Why Horror Movies Are Having a Moment
Tom Cruise’s movies with superheroes still attract a lot of people. James Cameron proved beyond any doubt that he holds the Master Key of our cinematic hearts.
Even though streaming and the pandemic have reduced ticket sales, one genre remains strong at the box office in 2023.
Horror, Inc.
Und mit “M3GAN” By slaying the competition, the new Year may keep the streak alive.
One horror movie after another was released last year. Think. “Smile,” “The Black Phone,” “Barbarian” And “Halloween Ends.” “Nope” may be Jordan Peele’s worst film, but it still hauled in $123 million.
Other horror films had a greater impact, but were much less successful.
“Terrifier 2,” A film that has no major studio love, and a tiny budget.$250,000According to Box Office Mojo (above), the film snagged $10.6million. That’s on top of the film’s successful crowdfunding campaign, which earned More than 400 percent Its initial goal.
Even financial failures can bring you top-flight chills. Think about it “X,” “Pearl” It’s thrilling! “Men.”
Why is horror mostly immune to the public’s waning interest in movie going? How can directors continue to create original stories, while Hollywood keeps specializing in remakes, reboots, and sequels?
It starts with horror’s nature. We’ve all watched a slasher film at home and shuddered over any unexpected sounds. It’s scary to watch a shocker at home, alone, and in a darkened den, no less.
That’s still a singular experience. There’s no one there to bond with, though, to feel a common sense of escalating dread.
Let’s Get Scared … Together
The opposite is true in the movie theater. You’re sitting in a sea of strangers, clutching your armrests while others are doing the same. You gasp for breath at the sound of a jump scare and 12 others do the exact same.
Perhaps more.
This is why the theatre model still holds value. It can’t be replicated at home no matter how big your “man cave” You might be. No one invites strangers into their home to watch a scary movie, but they’ll happily sit with them to do just that at the local theater.
And, when the film delivers, it’s glorious.
Anonymous Stars, Big Results
That’s not the only reason for horror’s healthy receipts. Horror films rarely rely upon this. “name” To sell their scares, actors. Yes, “M3GHAN” These are the best boasts “Get Out” alum Allison Williams, but her presence doesn’t explain the film’s box office might.
“Barbarian” Begin with two fresh faces (Georgina Camp and Bill Skarsgard), which immediately hook the audience.
“Smile” didn’t need an A-lister attached to the project. The creepy smile plastered on the marketing materials was irresistible.
Marquee actors never hurt, although when fans expect to see them shine and they’re treated like an afterthought (Jamie Lee Curtis in “Halloween Ends”Accordingly, ) box office receipts drop.
Plus, lesser-known stars can’t command the kind of salaries that balloon a film’s budget. Even better?
New faces aren’t able to bring in the cultural baggage that can entice some viewers to stay at home. A horror movie featuring Sean Penn, for example, might alienate fans exhausted by the Oscar-winner’s divisive comments.
Budgets that are smaller often translate into less studio interference, less notes from above and more faith in creators behind scenes. That doesn’t always yield superior stories, but in a pure genre like horror an auteur’s touch helps.
Getting to Know You …
Horror artists are also more connected to their fans. Horror fans love to support both genre veterans and newbies.
It’s why “Terrifier 2” creator Damien Leone’s Twitter feed brims with an appreciation for the film’s fans.
Although we now officially & shockingly 😜 got snubbed for an Oscar, I thank you all for the outpouring of love regarding Terrifier 2’s special makeup fx 🙏🏻🤡 🩸 #terrifier2 #OscarNominations2023
— Damien Leone (@damienleone) January 24, 2023
Horror conventions preserve that familiar spirit.
Horror is also known for its rebellious nature. It is often filled with social commentary, sometimes to a fault but it serves as a response to the status quo. “Terrifier 2” isn’t political, but its wall-to-wall violence and embrace of ‘80s tropes feel like a subtle middle finger to the woke mind virus.
“The Black Phone” Features a villain who stalks children. This is something that mainstream screenwriters would not dare to do.
Although the horror genre is stuffed with clichés such as Final Girls, it’s flexible enough to allow for creative deviations.
New Year, Same Results
2023 will bring new stories and old favorites.
So far, a trio of indie shockers is Over-performing at the Box Office – “Infinity Pool,” Fear” And “Skinamarink.” Two other entries – “Sick” and “There’s Something Wrong with the Children” – prove the genre’s creative streak remains strong.
The sixth “Scream” M. Night Shyamalan is almost certain that installment (March 10) will be a blockbuster. “Knock at the Cabin” Fame knows this genre better than anyone else.
Cage-assaince continues “Renfeld,” This seems to be a powerful blend of comedy and horror. And any film swiped from Stephen King’s imagination, like the upcoming shocker “The Boogeyman,” gets horror fans’ hearts thumping.
That film already has social media buzz, and it doesn’t hit theaters until June 2. The original release was for Hulu. Instead, it will be in theaters.
Smart.
A flood of remakes is expected otherwise“The Strangers,” “The Exorcist” And “Salem’s Lot”) which will sink or swim based on their creative DNA, not merely name recognition.
The one unsung force in horror’s favor? Western culture is on the verge of collapse. The trustworthiness of major institutions has declined, beginning with the mainstream media. Farcical headlines have become the norm. Court jesters lack the courage to mock them They should.
Despite our smartphones distractions, inflation is high and optimism low. The future is dim.
Is it any wonder we’re so eager to gather in the dark for a good, old-fashioned scare?
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
