Young Women in Horror Films

The horror genre is influenced by what society perceives as horrific; war, terrorism, global and political issues. In horror movies, the main character(s) have to encounter a particular problem for the film to go on, the audience can relate to the characters and put themselves in their position. Different genders play different roles in horror movies, as victims, heroes, helpers etc.. Usually women are represented in horror films as the damsell in distress and are usually being attacked by the killer because they have committed a sinful act however that has changed and there are a variety of positions where the female stands in the genre.

Many horror movies involve exorcism and 'magic' and are also based on true stories, giving it a scarier and more realistic feel also a way to grab the attention of people. The character(s) who is/are possessed are usually women. This is because women are portrayed as the more vulnerable and psychotic, also, relating to 'witchcraft', females are commonly associated with satanatic encounters. For example in the movies: 'The Devil Inside', 'The Possession', 'The Exorcist' etc... Although women are presented as victims, they are also shown as hero's as in 'The Rite', the main character solves the 'mystery' herself and finds the will to physically fight off enemies. In 'The Possession', the young girl who is possessed could be seen as a strong victim in terms of she fought off the curse.

However, although women are represented as the damsells in distress, females have begun to hold more power in society and in some horror movies, we no longer see women as victims but as strong women in both hero and killer characters such as in 'Jennifer’s Body'. Megan Fox is the star in 'Jennifer's Body' therefore is seen as a sexual object to the male audience and provides visual pleasure. This is similar to the film 'Sorority Row' where all the main characters are young and attractive women.