Re-imagining the horror film in the 21st century: women, race and the family

Critics have commented that the horror film has been the most popular and commercially successful genre of the past couple of years. Some of these recent films have been re-makes, some more visceral gore-fests, but there has also been a trend towards independent and art house horror films in which social commentary has been central. Although contemporary fears and anxieties have always been at the heart of horror films, some of these recent films are more openly political in their themes and approach to the subject matter. It is these films that the course will focus on.