I have noticed a lot of surreal, satirical , fantastic, horror films lately and am wondering if this is a trend. It seems like producers are creating more horror films that don't take themselves too seriously, with movies like Companion, Monkey, Heart Eyes, and the upcoming Death of a Unicorn. This is really the type of film that I like to write and I'm wondering if these absurd, fantastic stories are the future of horror.
Screenwriting : Humor and Horror by Lynda Mason
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I've noticed that too, Lynda Mason. I'm not sure if these stories are the future of Horror or not. If it ends up being the future of Horror, things could change quickly like they do a lot in the industry, and we'll see a wave of other kinds of stories. And it's fun writing absurd Horror Comedy stories. Besides Horror Action, it's my favorite genre mix to write.
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Movies like "Chucky," the original "It," "Scream," and "Hatchet" all had a vibe of not taking themselves too seriously, so I wouldn't say this is a new trend. I saw "Heart Eyes" in theaters, and while I enjoyed it to some degree, I think the lack of seriousness is more noticeable in horror movies nowadays. This is primarily because the plots are often paper-thin, filled with random jokes, and tend to be predictable. In my opinion, the only aspect that makes "Heart Eyes" different from most horror films is its romantic comedy angle. Beyond that, it feels like a mix of "Scream" and "Valentine's Day"—essentially, diet horror.
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Heart Eyes is produced by the producers of Scream so I can see how it kind of mirrors Scream in that way.
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I like it. I love seeing creatives setting new trends, new ways of mixing genres, trying new things. The stranger the combination, the more I think it works
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It seems that most of the horror comedies are mostly shock and gore since it would be hard to build up the feeling of dread when you're laughing.
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Hi Lynda Mason! Producer here. This type of horror has been around for a while and will definitely continue to thrive! Studios are always asking: "What makes a movie feel theatrical?" The films you mentioned share a lot in common: a strong, unique concept that stands out in the marketplace, and a low budget (which equals lower risk!). The comedic elements add to the fun, making it a great popcorn movie experience that’s great for the theater. So, if you have a horror comedy high concept idea, definitely go for it!
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Horror is great for its versatility. While there are some horrors out there that don’t take themselves too seriously, there are still plenty that are more traditional horrors that are gaining traction too. Nosferatu bringing back gothic horror has been interesting.
I don't care for all the horror films, the blood and guts. I wish the industry would put out more films that move us on an emotional level, teach us something about the power of the human spirit, and leave a lasting impact on us, good or bad. Films based on true stories are the best!
"HELL AT 30 BELOW". A compelling, romantic drama, during the 60s-70s, based on a true story in the town of Duluth, Minnesota. A town notorious for its cold winters. www.angelfire.com/film2/kinsman .
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Combining horror/fear generating story arcs with humor works quite well as a setup to shock or surprise twist. It has the effect of disarming the viewer. What happens after you laugh? Be scared.