Why Certain Horror Movies Left People Feeling Horrible in the Cinema

Horror movies have always been a double-edged sword for viewers, but certain films can leave audiences feeling uneasy and even emotionally drained. Over the years, horror films like The Exorcist and The House That Jack Built have caused people to walk out of theaters, feeling a stark mix of fear, disgust, and even physical discomfort. This article explores why some horror movies have such a profound impact on audiences.

The Impact of The House That Jack Built

Lars von Trier's The House That Jack Built (2018) is a prime example of a film that left many viewers feeling uncomfortable. The movie, directed by the controversial filmmaker, explores the dark mind of a serial killer named Jack, who considers murder as a form of art. While the film is intense and visually disturbing, it is also deeply effective in conveying Jack's inhumanity and callousness.

Visual and Emotional Disturbance

The film's violence is disturbing, with scenes that include dragging a body behind a van, stabbing a victim in the chest, cutting off a woman's breast, and more. These graphic and grotesque scenes play a crucial role in highlighting Jack's intense and dehumanizing condition. In fact, during its premiere at Cannes in 2018, The House That Jack Built became the most walked-out movie of the festival, with many audience members leaving in the middle of the film.

Mental Health Warnings

For those with a history of mental illness or depression, The House That Jack Built and similar films can be triggering. It is strongly advised to approach such content with caution and only watch if you are in a stable mental health state. The crossover between the horror genre and the exploration of mental health conditions can be particularly intense and may cause psychological distress.

Why Certain Horror Films Leave a Lasting Impact

The impact of horror films can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Some key factors contribute to why certain films leave audiences feeling terrible:

Psychological Thrillers

Horror films like The Exorcist and Paranormal Activity tackle supernatural elements that can evoke deep gut reactions. These films often deal with demonic entities and possession, which can be deeply unsettling and disturbing. For example, The Exorcist left viewers in a state of fear and distress, with one viewer overheard crying after the film. Similarly, Paranormal Activity caused another viewer to sob after the film ended.

Gore and Excess Violence

Other horror films, such as Hostel and The Green Inferno, are known for their extreme gore and graphic violence. The intensity of such scenes can be overwhelming, leading many viewers to walk out in disgust or fear. These films often push the boundaries of what is acceptable in terms of on-screen violence and brutality, which can leave a lasting impact on audiences.

Emotional and Physical Responses

The visceral reactions to these films can be both physical and emotional. For instance, in The Exorcist, a woman behind my mother and her partner could not see the movie because her head was in her date's lap. However, she overheard her partner crying and felt physically sick after the encounter. Such physical discomfort is not uncommon in audiences watching extremely distressing content.

Conclusion

Horror films are known for their ability to elicit strong emotional and sometimes physical reactions. Films like The House That Jack Built, The Exorcist, and Paranormal Activity can leave viewers feeling terrible in the cinema. While this impact can be powerful and thought-provoking, it is crucial to be aware of these effects, especially for those with sensitive or vulnerable mental health.

References

Some of the sources and films mentioned:

The Exorcist (1973) The House That Jack Built (2018) Paranormal Activity (2007) Hostel (2005) The Green Inferno (2013)