By Kadrolsha Ona Carole
Secrets Beneath the Screams, The Hidden Messages in Horror Films
Horror films have long been a source of fear and fascination for audiences worldwide. Beneath their surface-level scares and spine-chilling moments, many horror films contain hidden messages—symbols, themes, and subtle clues that reflect deeper meanings about society, psychology, and the human condition. These hidden messages serve to enhance the horror experience, making the films more than just tales of terror.
Social Commentary Disguised as Horror
Many horror films double as a critique of contemporary social issues. Jordan Peele’s Get Out(2017), for example, is not just a psychological horror film but also an allegory for racism in modern America. The film uses suspense and supernatural elements to expose the insidious nature of systemic racism and cultural appropriation.
Similarly, Dawn of the Dead(1978), directed by George A. Romero, is widely interpreted as a critique of consumer culture. The zombies swarming a shopping mall reflect mindless consumerism, highlighting society’s obsession with material goods. By embedding these critiques in the horror genre, filmmakers provoke thought while simultaneously terrifying their audiences.
Psychological and Subliminal Symbolism
Horror films often use psychological triggers and subliminal imagery to create unease. Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining(1980) is infamous for its ambiguous symbolism and hidden meanings. Fans have long speculated that the film includes references to everything from the genocide of Native Americans to the moon landing conspiracy. Kubrick’s use of unsettling patterns, mirrored imagery, and cryptic dialogue contributes to an overwhelming sense of dread, keeping audiences engaged in deciphering its deeper messages.
Some films also use visual tricks to manipulate the audience’s subconscious. In The Exorcist(1973), subliminal imagery of the demon Pazuzu flashes on screen for mere fractions of a second, causing discomfort without viewers fully registering why. These subtle techniques play on the human mind’s ability to recognize but not always consciously process disturbing images.
Metaphors for Personal and Existential Fears
Horror films frequently externalize deep-seated fears through their monsters and supernatural elements. It Follows(2014) presents a supernatural curse passed from person to person, which many interpret as a metaphor for sexually transmitted diseases, guilt, or even the inevitability of death. The unrelenting nature of the entity mirrors the inescapable anxieties of adulthood and mortality.
Similarly, Babadook(2014) explores grief and depression through its titular monster. The creature symbolizes unresolved trauma, growing stronger when ignored and only weakened when confronted—echoing the real-life psychological effects of suppressing grief and mental illness.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Clues
Some horror filmmakers love to leave hidden clues and references for eagle-eyed viewers. Ari Aster’s Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2019) both contain foreshadowing imagery that hints at later plot twists. In Hereditary, subtle details in the background—such as cult symbols or figures watching from the shadows—suggest the protagonist’s fate long before the final act. Midsommar’s murals and artwork provide eerie clues about the film’s unfolding horrors, rewarding attentive viewers with an extra layer of narrative depth.
KO’s Thoughts: These hidden messages and symbols elevate horror films beyond simple jump scares and gore. By embedding deeper themes within their narratives, horror filmmakers create stories that resonate on psychological, social, and philosophical levels. The next time you watch a horror movie, pay close attention—you might just uncover a secret message lurking beneath the screams.