A Horror-ible Problem

Writers often get part of the equation right by asking “What would be scary?” but then flub the second half by not properly developing their protagonist.

The best films of the genre are intimate. They bring us close to their characters and force us to walk in their shoes. Perhaps the best scene in SILENCE OF THE LAMBS is when Clarice tells Lecter about how she was forced as a child to listen to the lambs screaming when they were slaughtered on her farm. Lecter is a force of nature, but without Clarice the story lacks all emotional context.

Speaking of Lecter…few genres are as dependent upon a great antagonist. Great horror villains are memorable, so much so that they often become a part of the cultural lexicon. They also give writers a chance to craft some amazing one-liners that are indelibly linked to their characters:

“Here’s Johnny!”

“I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.”

“I’ll be back.”

It’s a real challenge to make a great villain, but it pays off in spades when it’s done well.

Finally, is your concept unique and smart enough to stand out? QUIET PLACE puts a unique spin on an alien invasion movie and, in the process, creates an utterly suspenseful ride. BLAIR WITCH invented the “found footage” genre and captured the nascent conspiracy theories of the early internet. (Admit it…you thought it was real.) IT FOLLOWS captures the sexual guilt and confusion of the modern age. GET OUT is a brilliant commentary on race relations wrapped up in the guise of horror. Horror can be a great way to shine a light on what’s happening in society at any given moment, so what are you trying to say?

In sum, horror is a deceptively difficult genre. Start by focusing on the key elements of your characters and concept, and build out from there. As always, write from the inside out, not the outside in!