African American 25W - Blog Post 2

 Blog Post 2

Emon van Loben Sels

This course so far has been super interesting for me, especially because I’m quite the horror fan. I've always been amazed at how films are able to combine horror elements along with deep themes. This week’s focus on Black horror gave me a new perspective on the power of storytelling. I really enjoyed watching the film, The Blackening. I loved how it combined the theme of comedy and horror, while also finding a way to speak on racism. Personally, my favorite genre is horror, but my second favorite genre is comedy, so this movie was the perfect fit for me. The way the characters took advantage of their own culture to figure out the deadly game made me think about how underrepresented narratives can create such unique stories. I really loved how the film used suspense and fear to highlight deeper emotional struggles, which kept me on the edge of my seat.

Dark Home by Okorafor, was also very interesting. Her way of combining horror with science fiction themes felt different but still very gripping. The story made me think about isolation and identity in ways that stayed with me. I liked how she used horror as a way to talk about deeper issues without losing the built up tension. I think I just like it when authors subtly add deeper meanings to the storyline without forcing any of it. 

What I found most surprising this week was how much depth Black horror is able to bring out. I’ve watched countless horror films and I have never realized how often the genre can bring out real societal issues. These stories aren’t always about the scary scenes and jump scares, but also about the struggles of people who have been historically discriminated against. This deeper understanding has helped me to appreciate horror even more.

As someone who loves horror, I’ve always been drawn to the way it makes me feel the rush of emotions. Films like The Blackening and Get Out add another layer by not just scaring you but also making you think. They have storylines that keep me stunned and speechless after the film is over. This week increased my enjoyment for the genre of horror by helping me realize that there are layers of meaning underneath. I’m excited to continue going in depth with these types of works and seeing how they use fear to tell such important stories.

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