Horror movies have long been used as a means of metaphorical expression. In fact, most horrors are about a lot more than just obvious scares and gruesome ghouls. Often, the monsters depicted in quality horror films represent other aspects of society that are extremely terrifying for real-life reasons.
Here are the best horrors that utilize metaphors in compelling, unforgettable ways. Whether they showcase an evil shape-shifting entity as a thinly-veiled representation of sexually transmitted diseases (a la It Follows), or flesh-eating zombies which symbolize the crushing force of consumerism (as in Dawn of the Dead), all of these frightening films make impactful statements that stand the terrible test of time. So get ready for some scary movies that really have something to say.
10
‘Midsommar’ (2019)
Ari Aster is a true master of the metaphorical film. His deftness at expressing heavy themes with absolutely terrifying visuals has never been in doubt. This is evidenced in <em>Hereditary</em>, where the grief his protagonist, Annie Graham (Toni Collette), encounters physically consumes her. Yet in <em>Midsommar</em>, the colorful, sumptuous masterpiece, rich metaphorical devices are even more on display.
The story is centered on Dani (Florence Pugh), a girl dealing with some serious familial trauma and unprecedented guilt — on top of having to babysit a very lame boyfriend, Christian (Jack Reynor). To say their relationship is “toxic” would be a gross understatement. As they venture to a seemingly upbeat summer festival in Sweden (probably one of the least scary seeming places to vacation), Dani has to contend with her bf’s incessant immaturity and forced frivolity. The brutal pagan ritual that follows is a direct metaphor for the heart-rending process of going through a tough break-up. Indeed, splitting up with someone can feel murderous at times — but after it’s all said and done, one can emerge with flowers in their hair and an ebullient smile on their face.
9
‘It Follows’ (2014)
It doesn’t take a film scholar to decode the metaphor in It Follows, but this movie is delightfully entertaining and equally horrifying. The story is rather simple: it follows a teen, Jay Height (Maika Monroe, who emerged as one of the horror It-girls of the moment), who has an “intimate” encounter with a dude, and then is stalked by a deadly, invisible entity that is able to assume different people’s forms. It’s a great movie all around, and it conveys some grave messages about wanton promiscuity.
The obvious analogy here is that the evil force is really a pesky STD. However, David Robert Mitchell’s cleverly directed film is about a lot more than that. It dreadfully highlights the consequences of any rash (or even perfectly normal) decision. It could also be interpreted that Jay’s awful journey represents the mental change a teen goes through when they really begin to come to terms with their own mortality. This movie is a phenomenal exercise in building tension and anxiety, and ends on a very cool, cryptic note. Just remember: be safe, kids.
8
‘They Live’ (1988)
John Carpenter’s satiric film is one of the most quintessential sci-fi-horror-comedies ever. It’s about a regular guy, John Nada (notorious wrestler Roddy Piper), who chances upon a pair of sunglasses. These cool specs don’t just scream 80s fashion; they also let John see a legion of omnipotent aliens that are masquerading as humans in high-up positions in society and government.
This movie features some of the most iconic evil figures in horror (those skull-faces just sear right into the brain), as well as some of the best one-liners in 80s cinema (if you’re not familiar with the “bubblegum” line, do yourself a favor and Google it). The caustic metaphor here is that the people in power in America are heartless entities, devoid of empathy. They Live is a blatant attack on “trickle down” economics, and unchecked capitalism as a whole. As it were, the “1%” were inhuman monsters even in the 80s.
7
‘The Monster’ (2016)
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Here you can find the original article. The photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors, they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.[nospin]
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