Why is 2025 Horror Divisive? My Thoughts: Expectation, Scare, Evolution, and Multi-Genre Films

 By: Myriam Akbar

From the very beginning of the year, I noticed that audience opinions on horror releases were incredibly divisive. From Presence, to Wolf Man, to The Woman in the Yard. This has continued throughout the year with Him and Shelby Oaks. I want to preface this essay by saying that we’re all entitled to like and dislike films for whatever reason we have. However, I will be examining why I think it is that some are simply labeled “trash” and others held with a little more care. 

From the outside looking in, it appears to me that a mix of excitement and expectation leads to disappointment. I often hear criticism followed by, “It’s just not what I thought it would be about.” I believe that trailers play a significant role in assumption. I have seen people dislike a film entirely because the plot was different from what they had in their mind—forming this opinion without critical thought and analysis. I think with this, it’s important for people to remember that cinema is art. The artists—the filmmakers created their project with their personal vision in mind, so it’s not always going to fit what is preconceived. Accepting and respecting an artist’s work for what it is, can make way for a more balanced viewing experience.

Because fear is a critical component of horror as a definition (along with shock and disgust), whether a film is “scary” or not is often a topic of discussion. Which brings about the question: do horror films need to be scary? Let’s start with the obvious, when it comes to on screen media—this is subjective, uniquely experienced by each individual. Fear is an emotion that is felt when one believes danger is near. In other words, it involves the anxieties associated with impending harm. This as an element of horror, means that films in the genre explore dread and injury in the human condition. A good script will demonstrate a believable situation where characters find themselves in danger, are a danger to themselves, or to others. Within this, various themes are incorporated to reveal all that scares us. I believe horror films are a method of introspection and discussion, rather than a tool only to make us sleep with the lights on. I have even started to categorize scary films as almost separate from horror films—ones that rely on jump scares, horrifying visual imagery, and chilling sound. For example: two of the scariest films I’ve ever seen are Last Shift, as well as its remake, Malum. Both of these use the devices above to create fear within the characters and for the audience, more than exploring thematic concerns about the human condition. Sub-genre and proximity to reality plays a role as well, in this case being supernatural. Yes they’re horror films but to me have the intention of scaring viewers. With all of this being said, I don’t believe horror films necessarily need to be scary and as the genre expands, this will become more apparent. 

One of my favorite novels titled Scream Writing by Zack Long, thoroughly discusses the history and definition of horror, as well as teaches aspiring writers how to bring terror alive on the screen. Long explores the rise of the genre in cinema and its cycles, censorship, sub-genre, and the evolution of horror. He lists early examples (pre-1960s); such as: German expressionism, Gothic and the monster, exploitation and gore, giallo, and occult. Horror has developed and transformed over the years, as it has spread throughout continents. Culture, history, socialization, and technological advancements all impact the themes and concepts explored in these films. As of recently for example, we’ve seen an uprising in AI related concerns demonstrated on screen. Some other examples are the demand for inclusivity or the highlighting of mental illness to spread awareness. I have found that some people treat horror as monolithic, not allowing it to take on serious and relevant topics in the way that other genres do. This limitation results in confusion, disappointment, neglect of media literacy, and dismissal of critical analysis. While sometimes I’m in the mood to watch a film like Halloween, entertained by a masked man chasing a babysitter with a knife. Other times I want to feel deeply, by watching a film like His House — one that demonstrates the pain and isolation of escaping war. Within a house there might be grief and memories of trauma, haunting a family who is struggling to heal. Alongside a monster might be their true self, living in fear of the transformation taking place inside them. Behind the brave face of a final girl might be exhausted hyper-vigilance, stemming from a stressful upbringing. Horror is the vehicle in which a writer sits, unleashing stories from the heart as they push hard on the pedal. 

The three reasons for divisiveness in horror that I discussed above are expectation, scare, and evolution of the genre. The fourth is one that’s associated with all of them: multi-genre horror films. One of my favorites from this year is Companion, a sci-fi horror film with some comedy. Although I would say that most people enjoyed it, many said that it wasn't what they expected and wasn’t scary enough to be considered a horror film. I don’t view it as just that and don’t think it was intended to be. The trailer played a role in expectation and depending on which one you watched (I typically skip them altogether), the plot-twist was spoiled. I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly impressed, feeling that the various genres were well-balanced. Multi-genre horror films have existed for quite some time. For example the popular franchise, A Nightmare on Elm Street. It mixes supernatural horror with slasher and fantasy. As the genre evolves, I see filmmakers using this method more often and creating more divisive discussions. Some people love traditional horror films that fall heavy into scaring the viewer. While I’m a fan of all of the above, I can see how this throws people off. 

As someone who is pursuing script-writing and plans to make horror films, it’s important for me to understand public opinion on these subjects. While I’m grounded in my own beliefs surrounding them, it’s critical knowledge that will allow me to adapt to trends and create projects that resonate with people. So as a second part to this essay, I will be conducting interviews and sharing what social media content creators think about these subjects.

Photo Creds: Collages made from IMDB.com