Thoughts on Horror Movies
Some people love horror movies, some don’t. I happen to belong in the group who love to indulge in horror movies. I am not crazy; I just like to test my limits on what scares me. Love me or leave me be!
There are some horror movies that have really made the deepest impressions in my mind. These are mostly Japanese and Thai movies. I’ve never really liked American horror movies because it is all about the “sudden scare”. What makes Japanese and Thai movies very scary is that it creeps up on you. The “scare” is not sudden. But rather, it occurs in places where you would assume are the safest places — bedroom, bathroom, under your blankets. Thai movies are different because it deliberately plays out the darkest realities that can actually occur in life. Korean horror movies, on the other hand, always focuses on family conflicts and tension.
But there is one American horror movie that I have watched four times, and each time, I am in shock with the narrative and the behavior of the characters. I think what makes horror movies scary is that it is relatable, and that it could occur (at least some narratives) in reality.
So allow me to introduce you to…
One word. Hereditary. Not everyone has seen this movie before but I do recommend this to everyone — but let me warn you, this movie is not for the faint hearted. I suggest you watch this with someone (perhaps a Tinder date). I’m not going to spoil you the fun. But I want to share with you what I consider as being “mind-fucked” by a movie. Here we go:
1. That scene replays in your head regardless of you want it or not. That flashing image just won’t go away, especially when you lie quietly in bed trying to “clear your mind”. The reality is that there are scenes that are just visually stuck there. The more you try to clear it out, the more you feel in panic. I’ve certainly remembered some scenes from Hereditary — and my attempts to eradicate it from my head have failed. Many times, I gave up and resorted to quickly turning over and reaching for the light.
2. When you think it can’t get any worse, it gets worse. What I mean is that when you think the character has gone through so much shit, you think that should be all that a movie can offer you. Oh no, not in Hereditary. A human being can only take so much, but seeing a character take more than she can handle is just heartbreaking. I will never remember her cry.
3. You can watch it again and again, and make new discoveries every time. I’ve watched Hereditary four times now (let me recount, first time my myself, second time with my brother, third time with a tinder date, and fourth time by myself again). I might just watch it again for the fifth time — just to see what I can get out of it.
Now, go watch it. It’s on Netflix! Get some popcorn, boba tea, whatever comforts you.
