Member-only story
Blood, Fear, and Femininity: 7 Woman-Centric Horror Movies
Exploring the frights of the female experience
Being a woman can be downright terrifying; from the gory unknown of girlhood to the societal expectations of adult women. Which is what makes horror films such an effective medium for exploring the gruesome nature of gender.
The following recommendations include feminist themes, coming-of-age stories, and international titles for a diverse analysis of womanhood. (They’re also mostly written and/or directed by women, too.) Be prepared for violence, trauma, and worst of all: menstrual cycles.
1. Fresh (2022)
The Premise: Tired of the predictably disappointing experience of online dating, Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) decides to take a chance on Steve: a charming guy from the supermarket. The two quickly become enamored with one another, leading to a weekend getaway at Steve’s behest. Naturally, an isolated weekend with a man she barely knows, doesn’t put Noa in a great spot.
Why Watch: While the premise is neither surprising nor original, the following plot is much less predictable. The film quickly…
