What are Body Horror films? Learn about the horror film subgenre

What are Body Horror films? Learn about the horror film subgenre

The horror genre is one of the most popular and captivating, with a fervent fanbase that loves engaging stories and dark atmospheres. Within this genre there are numerous subgenres that explore fears, traumas, nightmares and deep concerns of the human mind. Among these, the body horror (or body horror) stands out for its visceral and disturbing approach.

This subgenre manifests itself in various media, from cinema to comics, video games and TV series. In this article, we explore what constitutes the body horror and how it became one of the most impactful films in the horror universe.

Tetsuo: The Man of Steel (Tetsuo, ‘Iron Man’) 1989 / Credit: Kaijyu Theater (play)

What is Body Horror?

THE body horror OR biological horror is a subgenre of horror that explores graphic and psychological violations of the human body. These depictions may include mutations, mutilations, diseases, grotesque deformations and unnatural movements of the limbs, as well as containing elements of disturbing sexuality and extreme physical distortions.

Crimes of the Future 2022/ Credit: Serendipity Point Films (play)

Inspired by the gothic horror of literature, this subgenre became popular and consolidated especially in cinema, in which terror arises from the creation of monstrous bodies in metamorphosis. These physical transformations, in addition to being visually shocking, also carry a profound psychological burden, reflecting existential fears. Mutations can be interpreted as a metaphor for disease, deterioration of the body or loss of control over oneself.

Node body horrorthe grotesque body becomes a representation of the world’s fears and anxieties, functioning as a vehicle to convey discomfort and the supernatural. The subgenre explores human frailty and how the body can be manipulated, transformed or destroyed, generating a feeling of extreme vulnerability.

The Devil’s Friends (Society) 1992 / Credit: Wild Street Pictures (play)

Body Horror in different media

Video games

Body horror is very present in games. Some examples include:

Dead Space / Credit: Visceral Games
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard / Credit: Capcom

Comic books

Body horror is also an important subgenre in comics, with stories exploring the physical distortions of characters.

Black Hole Comic / Credit: Darkside Books

Manga

Japan has a rich tradition in body horror, especially through manga that mix the grotesque and the surreal.

Uzumaki
Uzumaki / Credits: Adult Swimming/Disclosure

Body Horror: iconic authors and works

Some of the writers and directors who have explored body horror the most in cinema include:

Titane (2021) / Credit: Kazak Productions

The post What are Body Horror Films? Discover the horror film subgenre that first appeared on Olhar Digital.

Source: Olhar Digital

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