Post-Horror: Critical Dissonance

Abstract

This project conducts a comprehensive exploration of the aesthetic, thematic, and cultural dimensions in recent post-horror films. The analysis delves into how these elements influence the films' marketing, distribution, and broader critical reception. Beginning in the 2000s, a critical discourse has emerged regarding the classification of contemporary horror cycles under the label "art horror." This ongoing debate sheds light on the evolving cultural values and aesthetic paradigms that horror genre films present to both critics and the general audience. The essay navigates through varied responses to contemporary post-horror films, addressing arguments questioning the groundbreaking nature of these developments and challenging the designation of "post-horror" as opposed to traditional horror.