What's happened
Recent articles highlight a resurgence in horror films, with top-rated movies like 'His House' and 'Get Out' gaining critical acclaim. New series such as HBO's 'It: Welcome to Derry' explore the origins of Pennywise, while classic franchises continue to attract audiences. The genre's diversity and innovative storytelling remain strong.
What's behind the headline?
The current horror boom reflects a broader cultural shift towards more complex and diverse storytelling within the genre. Films like 'His House' and 'Get Out' demonstrate how horror can serve as a mirror to societal issues, engaging audiences on multiple levels. The success of prequels and series, such as HBO's 'It: Welcome to Derry,' indicates a sustained interest in expanding beloved horror universes, capitalizing on nostalgia while exploring new narratives. The genre's versatility—ranging from slow-burn atmospherics to high-octane jump scares—ensures its appeal across demographics. This trend will likely continue, with studios investing heavily in both innovative horror films and series, further cementing horror's place as a dominant genre in entertainment.
What the papers say
The Scotsman highlights the critical acclaim of films like 'His House' and 'Get Out,' emphasizing the genre's resurgence and diversity. Gulf News discusses the appeal of horror movies during Halloween, noting classics like 'The Exorcist' and newer entries that rely on jump scares and supernatural themes. The Scotsman also reviews streaming platform Shudder's top-rated horror films, showcasing the genre's dedicated fanbase and the variety of subgenres that thrive today. Meanwhile, NY Post reports on HBO's 'It: Welcome to Derry,' revealing Stephen King's ongoing influence and the collaboration with filmmakers like Andy Muschietti, who maintains King's creative involvement. These sources collectively illustrate a vibrant, evolving horror landscape that appeals to both critics and audiences.
How we got here
The horror genre has experienced a significant revival in recent years, driven by both critically acclaimed films and streaming series. Films like 'Get Out' and 'The Witch' have redefined modern horror, blending social commentary with scares. The release of new series like HBO's 'It: Welcome to Derry' expands Stephen King's universe, exploring the origins of Pennywise. Meanwhile, streaming platforms like Shudder curate top-rated horror films, maintaining the genre's popularity among dedicated fans.
Go deeper
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Bill Istvan Günther Skarsgård is a Swedish actor. He is most known for playing Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the supernatural horror films It and It Chapter Two, based on Stephen King's novel of the same name.
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Stephen Edwin King is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels.
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Andrés Walter Muschietti (Spanish: [musˈkjeti]; born 26 August 1973) is an Argentine film director and screenwriter who had his breakthrough with the 2013 film Mama. He gained further recognition for directing both films in the It film series, the 2017.