Horror movies have been a staple of the film industry for decades, with a primary goal of giving audiences a frightening experience. While some horror movies rely on jump scares and gore to achieve this, others use more subtle, intelligent methods to create a sense of fear.
One such approach is the use of complex, thought-provoking storytelling. Movies like A Quiet Place and Get Out are prime examples of this style, using clever plot twists and subtext to create a sense of unease and tension. These films require attention and focus from the viewer, as they piece together the puzzle-like narrative.
A Quiet Place, directed by John Krasinski, takes place in a world where a mysterious threat has made sound a deadly luxury. The Abbott family must navigate this treacherous world in silence, with a new baby on the way. The film is a masterclass in building tension, using the family’s desperate attempts to survive as a way to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Get Out, directed by Jordan Peele, is another example of a horror movie that uses intelligence and wit to create a sense of fear. The film follows Chris, a young Black man, as he visits his white girlfriend’s family in the suburbs. As the visit progresses, Chris begins to realize that something is deeply wrong with the family and their behavior. The film is a searing critique of racism in America, using horror elements to comment on the horrors of racism.
Both A Quiet Place and Get Out are standouts in the horror genre, using complex storytelling and clever plot twists to create a sense of fear that lingers long after the credits roll. Unlike many horror movies, these films do not rely on gore or cheap jump scares to achieve their effect, instead using intelligence and wit to craft a sense of terror that is both unsettling and thought-provoking.
