I’m loving the discourse round Zach Cregger’s latest film, Weapons, principally as a result of I feel it is the most effective film of the yr. And in addition as a result of it launched me to a brand new time period, “Basement horror.”
It is a subgenre of horror that I had by no means heard of earlier than, and at the moment I wish to outline it, clarify it, and have a look at some examples.
Let’s dive in.
Basement Horror Definition
“Basement Horror” is a subgenre of horror that makes use of the setting of a basement to create emotions of dread, claustrophobia, and suspense.
However that is about greater than only a location; the basement itself turns into a personality and an emblem of deep-seated human fears.
Basement Horror Traits
In an effort to determine considered one of these sorts of films, there’s some particular traits to search for.
They’re the tropes of the subgenre and so they can clue you in to what must be in these tales in the event you’re writing them, and what to maintain your eyes peeled for in the event you’re watching them.
- The Captive: A personality is kidnapped and held prisoner in a basement. The horror comes from their makes an attempt to flee and the psychological torture inflicted by their captor.
- The Monster’s Lair: A creature, ghost, or monstrous human lives within the basement, and the protagonists should both keep away from it or confront it in its personal territory.
- The Forbidden House: Characters are warned, “Do not go into the basement.” Inevitably, a personality (usually a toddler) defies the warning, unleashing the horror.
- The Supply of Evil: The basement comprises an object (like a cursed e-book or artifact) or a portal that’s the origin of the story’s supernatural risk.
- The Buried Previous: The invention of one thing within the basement (e.g., previous bones, a walled-off room) uncovers a darkish secret from the house’s previous.
Basement Horror Examples
It is a lot simpler to simply have a look at motion pictures which can be within the style, simply to determine it. So at the moment, I’ve a complete listing of them for you. They’re indicative of what to anticipate from a basement horror film and I additionally assume these movies are a complete lot of enjoyable.
- Barbarian (2022): Maybe the last word fashionable instance of basement horror, the place the phobia is not only what’s within the basement, however what’s beneath the basement, making a horrifying nesting doll of secret areas.
- The Silence of the Lambs (1991): Options the terrifying pit in Buffalo Invoice’s basement the place he retains his victims. It is a prime instance of the “Captive” trope.
- Parasite (2019): Whereas a thriller, it masterfully makes use of a hidden sub-basement to represent the deep, darkish secrets and techniques of sophistication battle hidden simply beneath the floor of a rich, pristine life.
- The Evil Useless (1981): The cellar is the supply of the evil. It comprises the Naturon Demonto (The Ebook of the Useless) and is the place the primary Deadite assaults, setting the tone with its iconic, terrifying cellar door.
- Do not Breathe (2016): Your complete house is a demise entice, however the basement is the blind antagonist’s interior sanctum, the place his most horrifying secrets and techniques are stored and the place the protagonists are at their most weak.
- Psycho (1960): The climax within the fruit cellar, the place the reality about Mrs. Bates is revealed, is likely one of the most well-known scenes in cinema historical past and a foundational second for basement horror.
Summing It All Up
This style is popping off proper now as a result of numerous millennials grew up with fears of their very own basements that compounded through the years.
They have been our forbidden zones. And now we’re reaping the advantages of years of repressed trauma and seeing them out on the massive display screen.
To me, that is fairly thrilling.
Let me know what you assume within the feedback.
