It was a dark and stormy night, and let’s face it, we all know how it ends—at least, if it’s the normal horror movie script. For years, horror movie fans have been watching the same predictable demise over and over again, with many lovable characters falling victim to the same mistakes. However, in this story, the outcome is different. Survival does not depend on inhuman strength or incredible luck but on mere smarts. So, in a horror movie, what would Cameron do?
To begin, the scene is set. Imagine those classic settings that have been engraved in the horror cinematic culture. A dark forest with trees stretched to the sky, a haunted house at the end of a street or even a seemingly normal high school. Each of these settings comes with its own set of dangers and rules. Knowing the settings and what can be used as an advantage or disadvantage is essential. If the setting just so happens to be a high school, items like lockers, school supplies or even desk and chairs can be used as advantages in the situation. Desks and chairs could be used to block doors and hallways, school supplies like rulers could be made into make-shift catapults and lockers could be used as hiding spots.
It’s also important to be able to spot the signs of a stereotypical horror movie: the eerie music playing overhead, the pitch-black surroundings and the carelessness of your peers. These are all telltale signs that something bad is about to happen, and they are your cue to go run and hide.
Another thing to look out for is the mistakes horror movie characters are notorious for making, which often end in the audience screaming at their TV. The most important rule in all horror movies is to never split up! Always stick together because there is strength in numbers. This clichẻ move always ends in tragedy. Don’t venture off into the basement, attic or forest alone, and never try to be the hero. Avoid investigating strange noises, and always trust your instincts.
The common archetype for the survivor is often nicknamed “The Final Girl,” referring to the female protagonist who, against all odds, escapes the situation and lives happily ever after. This character is often witty, adaptable and works well under pressure. One character who comes to mind is Kimberly Corman from “Final Destination 2.” She and the male protagonist, Thomas Burke, are the only two characters in the franchise who survive. She uses her smarts to eventually figure out the pattern and escape ‘death.’ One strategy that can be taken from her actions is that research and paying attention to your surroundings are key to surviving.
Surviving a horror movie requires quick thinking, some common sense and an awareness of classic mistakes characters often make.
With a spooky season upon us, it’s fun to think of how we ourselves could have had a better outcome. Happy Halloween, Hillers!
