Psychological horror

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Psychological horror is a subgenre of horror fiction that relies on the characters' fears, guilt, beliefs, eerie sound effects, relevant music, and emotional instability to build tension and further the plot. Unlike traditional horror, which often involves supernatural elements or physical threats, psychological horror focuses on the mental and emotional states of the characters, creating a sense of dread and unease.

Characteristics

Psychological horror often explores themes such as madness, paranoia, and the unreliable narrator. It delves into the human psyche, examining the darker aspects of the mind and how they can manifest in terrifying ways. Common elements include:

• **Isolation**: Characters are often isolated, either physically or emotionally, which heightens their sense of fear and vulnerability.
• **Mind games**: The antagonist may use psychological manipulation to control or torment the protagonist.
• **Reality vs. illusion**: The line between what is real and what is imagined is often blurred, leading to confusion and fear.
• **Inner turmoil**: Characters may struggle with their own inner demons, such as guilt, regret, or trauma.

Notable Works

Some of the most well-known works in the psychological horror genre include:

• Psycho by Robert Bloch
• The Shining by Stephen King
• The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
• American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

Film and Television

Psychological horror has also been a popular genre in film and television. Notable examples include:

• Psycho directed by Alfred Hitchcock
• The Shining directed by Stanley Kubrick
• Black Swan directed by Darren Aronofsky
• The Babadook directed by Jennifer Kent

Video Games

The genre has made a significant impact on the world of video games as well. Some notable psychological horror games include:

• Silent Hill series
• Amnesia: The Dark Descent
• Outlast
• Layers of Fear

Related Pages

• Horror fiction
• Psychological thriller
• Gothic fiction
• Supernatural horror
• Slasher film