Watch the horror movie several times. It is sometimes helpful in your first viewing to not take notes, but simply focus on experiencing the movie. Consider what about the film that makes it unsettling, or which scenes cause you to feel scared. As you watch a second or third time, take notes on items such as camera angles, dialogue, plot and storytelling devices.
Consider the use of film making techniques to tell the story. Think of elements such as camera angles, props, backdrops, diegetic (the world created by the story) and non-diegetic sound. Did they help you engage in the film or were they distracting? Did the style of the film complement the substance, or was it lacking in some area? How did these elements contribute to the horror aspect of the film. In your analysis, answer these questions with specific examples from the film that will help the reader develop a stronger understanding of the movie.
Look at the film from the perspective of a type of theory or a school of thought. Some types to consider are psychoanalytical, gender-based or philosophical. For example, you might want to critique the film from a feminist perspective. In this type of analysis, you would consider how females are portrayed in the film. In the world of slasher movies, women are often seen as the victim, though some films have portrayed female characters as the hero or villain. Consider the statement that the writer was trying to make by placing the female characters in these positions.
Analyze the horror film as part of the genre. How does this particular film conform or stray from the classic horror movie paradigm? Provide examples from the film that support your claims in the form of quotes or screen shots.
Consider the meaning of the film. Often, horror movies are meant just to give a scare, but they are also made with the intention of conveying an idea to the viewer. For example, George Romero's "Dawn of the Dead" was less about evil, man-eating zombies as it was an allegory about the dangers of consumerism. The most powerful horror movies scare because they hit a nerve, a shared fear of the audience. Consider how the writer and director used the film to express this message.