Horror is a genre that has enthralled audiences for centuries. The feeling of suspense, fear and terror is an experience people keep coming back to. But what makes horror so engaging? Here we break down the 5 key elements that all good horror utilises.
Suspense
Suspense is vital for building tension in horror. It leaves the audience waiting for something to happen, anticipating what might come next. Suspense can be created in many ways, such as through the music, editing, visuals and dialogue. An eerie soundtrack full of strange noises puts viewers on edge, close-ups hint at something about to emerge, shadows create uncertainty over what could be lurking. Good horror will have suspense woven throughout to keep viewers hooked.
Mystery
Mystery is closely linked to suspense. It presents an unanswered question that maintains uncertainty over the unfolding events. In many horror stories, the nature of the threat is unclear at first. Is it supernatural or real? Where does it come from? Why is it happening? The unknown is inherently frightening, so maintaining some mystery is key. It also engages the audience’s imagination as they theorise over what exactly is going on. Effective horror reveals just enough to keep viewers guessing.
Isolation
Isolation removes any sense of safety. Cut off from others, characters in horror can’t get help or protection. This allows the threat to close in undisturbed. Isolation can be physical – characters trapped somewhere remote or in an abandoned building. But there is also emotional isolation, feeling alone and unable to trust anyone else. Isolation makes events more intense as the characters must rely purely on their own initiative and resources.
Powerlessness
Horror also often portrays characters as powerless against the threat they face. They lack the skills, knowledge or tools to defeat it. Or it is something so supernatural or evil that it cannot be overcome through ordinary means. Feeling powerless makes the threat seem amplified. Viewers put themselves in the shoes of the helpless characters, imagining how they would cope. It is scary to envision having no control in a terrifying situation. Powerlessness adds to the suspense over how the threat can possibly be survived or defeated.
Terror
The ultimate aim of any horror is to make the audience feel terror. This is an intense feeling of fear, alarm or panic. Terror lingers due to the suspense, mystery and powerlessness established. The threat feels overwhelming and inescapable. Visuals, sound and dialogue combine to create disturbing, nightmare-inducing scenes. Moments of false safety and relief punctuate states of terror. Audiences scream, shudder and sit on the edge of their seats. Terror is the culmination of effective use of all other horror elements.
Examples
Looking at examples helps illustrate how these 5 elements combine in different horror stories:
The Shining
This classic horror film makes use of isolation as the Torrance family become trapped in the deserted Overlook Hotel over winter. The suspense builds through strange paranormal events and Jack Torrance’s descent into madness. The mystery surrounds what is making Jack and Danny see these visions – is it ghosts or something more psychological? Powerlessness kicks in as it seems no outside help or escape is possible from the isolated hotel. All combining to create a sense of rising terror.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The protagonists being young and stranded after veering off the main road makes them physically and emotionally isolated. The threat emerges slowly through suspenseful scenes suggesting something is wrong in the old family home. The motive behind Leatherface’s masked killings remains a mystery. Powerlessness crowds in as the teens try various means of escape to no avail. Leading to disturbing moments of terror from the iconic villain.
Alien
Here the isolation is created by being confined in deep space on the spaceship Nostromo. The alien itself is shrouded in mystery, with only brief glimpses adding to the suspense. Its murderous capabilities make the crew utterly powerless, picked off one by one. They are unable to comprehend or stop this alien terror.
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Freddy Krueger stalking his victims in their dreams creates inescapable terror. As they sleep there is no way for them to fight back or defeat him. The mystery emerges over Freddy’s backstory and why supernatural killings are occurring on Elm Street. Even staying awake brings no peace, as eventually sleep can’t be resisted. This complete powerlessness against Freddy combines with the suspense of when and how he will strike next.
Conclusion
Utilising the 5 elements of suspense, mystery, isolation, powerlessness and terror is key to effective horror. The genre makes the audience feel the adrenaline rush of fear while in the safety of their seat. Different horror stories blend and balance these elements in their own style and combination. But the most memorable and engaging examples feature all 5 keys to scare, enthrall and linger long after the credits roll.