Themes and Content:
* Social Commentary: Horror has increasingly explored social anxieties and contemporary issues like racism, class inequality, technology, and political extremism. Examples include "Get Out," "Us," "The Purge" series, and "The Babadook."
* Elevated Horror: A subgenre that blends horror with dramatic elements and explores deeper themes, often relying on psychological tension and character development. Examples include "Hereditary," "Midsommar," and "The Witch."
* Found Footage: This style uses a "found footage" narrative, often employing shaky camera work and realistic aesthetics to create a sense of immediacy and authenticity. Examples include "The Blair Witch Project," "Paranormal Activity," and "Cloverfield."
* Supernatural Horror: While classic supernatural themes like ghosts and demons remain popular, contemporary films explore these concepts with more complex narratives and psychological depth. Examples include "The Conjuring" series, "Insidious," and "Sinister."
Styles and Techniques:
* Blending Genres: Horror frequently blends with other genres like comedy (e.g., "Shaun of the Dead"), science fiction (e.g., "Alien"), or action (e.g., "Resident Evil").
* Gritty Realism: Many contemporary horror films strive for a more realistic and gritty aesthetic, eschewing traditional jump scares in favor of psychological tension and unsettling atmosphere.
* Subversion of Tropes: Horror filmmakers are increasingly aware of audience expectations and are subverting traditional tropes, offering new and unexpected twists.
Other Trends:
* The Rise of the "Final Girl": While the "final girl" trope has been a staple in horror, recent decades have seen a shift in the depiction of female characters. They are no longer just passive victims but active participants, often wielding power and agency.
* The Importance of the "Jump Scare": Despite a movement towards more sophisticated horror, the jump scare remains a popular device, though it's often used in a more calculated and nuanced way.
* Increased Diversity: Horror is becoming more diverse, reflecting the changing demographics of its audiences. Films featuring diverse casts and perspectives are gaining traction.
Overall, horror films in recent decades have become more sophisticated, nuanced, and socially aware. They explore a wider range of themes and employ a variety of techniques, blurring the lines between genres and challenging traditional expectations.