The Use Of Real Life Experiences in Horror

People tend to associate the horror genre with the supernatural, but often, it is the real-life elements of horror stories that make them so gripping and scary. Horror is a genre quite unlike any other as it can provide a real thrill, making it a highly engaging and often fun experience. Although horror is not for everyone, horror enthusiasts love the thrill and excitement that comes from a good scare. So, how is real life used in horror to enhance the effectiveness of the story being told? Read on to discover how horror writers use elements of real life to make their tales more effective.

Making Stories Relatable

One of the main reasons horror writers use real-life elements in their stories is that it makes them relatable. It is much easier to become invested in a story when the characters are relatable and going through something you have experienced. This is why horror stories often involve relatable aspects like romantic relationships or problems at school/work. This brings the viewer into the story and makes them care for the main character, which will then make the horror elements that more shocking and effective.

Primal Fears

At their core, horror stories usually tap into primal fears that everyone has. Most notably, these are a fear of the unknown and death. Practically all horror films, TV shows, and books will tap into these fears either overtly or subtly. This is highly effective because these are fears and concerns that everyone has. This can create a strong emotional reaction from the audience, which is exactly what horror is all about. Horror films are often compared to a rollercoaster or gambling in a casino – they all provide a thrill and surge of adrenaline that is hard to match. This is why many horror fans also enjoy games like online blackjack. You can play online blackjack at websites like jackpotcitycasino.com/new-zealand/. Here you will find a range of blackjack games with strong security features, a range of payment options, and high-quality visuals.

Exploring Contemporary Themes

Horror stories are also effective when they explore contemporary themes. You will find that many horror films comment on current events or cultural trends, which not only makes them more relatable, but also allows writers to examine and comment on key issues. This can include contemporary issues such as climate change, social media, political unrest, and societal inequality.

Real-Life Events

You will also find that many horror films or stories are inspired by real-life events, which can make them even more shocking. A few notable examples of this include:

• The Strangers
• Zodiac
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
• Black Water
• The Amityville Horror

When true events inspire horror stories, they become believable and possible to the audience, which can make them a lot scarier.

As you can see, real life can play a key role in horror stories and make them much more effective. While supernatural elements certainly play a part, it is often the real-life elements of a story that make it much scarier by bringing the viewer into the story and making the characters more relatable.