Folk horror, a captivating subgenre of horror, has experienced a resurgence in recent years, captivating audiences with its unique blend of folklore, eerie landscapes, and unsettling themes. This distinctive form of horror delves into the primal fears and ancient traditions that haunt the human psyche, often exploring the clash between modernity and the ancient world. This article will explore the origins, key elements, and cultural impact of folk horror, examining its historical development, regional variations, and the technical and thematic aspects that define this chilling subgenre.

Defining the Genre

Folk horror is characterized by its use of folklore to evoke fear and a sense of foreboding. While definitions may vary, common elements work together to create a uniquely unsettling atmosphere and explore thematic depths. These elements include:

• Rural Settings: Often isolated villages or remote areas where ancient traditions persist. The isolation of these settings amplifies the fear of the unknown and the power of ancient traditions, separating characters from the safety and familiarity of modern society¹.
• Isolation: Characters, often outsiders, find themselves cut off from the modern world and vulnerable to the forces of folklore. This isolation creates a sense of vulnerability and helplessness, heightening the tension and emphasizing the clash between the individual and the unknown².
• Superstition and Paganism: Themes of folk religion, ancient rituals, and the dark side of nature play a significant role. These elements tap into primal fears and anxieties about the unknown, the power of belief, and the potential for humanity’s darker impulses to emerge¹.
• Sacrifice: Human or animal sacrifice is often a central element, reflecting the anxieties and beliefs of the folk community. This element highlights the potential for violence and cruelty within seemingly idyllic rural communities and underscores the clash between different worldviews¹.
• Community vs. Outsider: The clash between the beliefs and practices of a close-knit community and those of an outsider is a recurring theme. This clash often exposes the dangers of blind faith, the fragility of social norms, and the potential for conflict when different cultures collide².

Tracing the Roots of Folk Horror

While the term “folk horror” was first used in 1970 by reviewer Rod Cooper to describe Piers Haggard’s The Blood on Satan’s Claw ⁴, the genre’s roots can be traced back to earlier influences:

• Early Literary Influences: British authors like M.R. James, Algernon Blackwood, and Arthur Machen explored themes of folklore and the supernatural in their works, laying the groundwork for folklore horror’s development. Their stories often featured isolated settings, ancient curses, and the intrusion of the supernatural into the mundane world².
• Folklore and Pastoral Traditions: Folk tales, legends, and the mythology surrounding rural life provided a rich source of inspiration for the genre. These tales often explored the darker side of rural life, with themes of witchcraft, pagan rituals, and the power of nature⁵.

The Unholy Trinity: Pioneers of Folk Horror

Three British films from the late 1960s and early 1970s are considered pioneers of folklore horror: Witchfinder General (1968), The Blood on Satan’s Claw (1971), and The Wicker Man (1973). These films established many of the genre’s core elements and continue to influence filmmakers today².

• Witchfinder General: Directed by Michael Reeves, this film explores the horrors of the witch hunts in 17th-century England, highlighting the cruelty, religious extremism, and paranoia that gripped rural communities. The film’s unflinching depiction of violence and social injustice set a new standard for folklore horror’s exploration of the dark side of human nature.
• The Blood on Satan’s Claw: Directed by Piers Haggard, this film delves into the demonic forces that emerge in a rural village, where children become possessed and engage in terrifying rituals. The film’s atmospheric visuals and disturbing imagery established a visual style that would become synonymous with folklore horror.
• The Wicker Man: Directed by Robin Hardy, this film follows a police sergeant investigating a missing girl on a remote island, where he encounters a pagan community with shocking practices. The film’s central conflict lies in the clash between the sergeant’s devout Christianity and the islanders’ pagan beliefs, culminating in a shocking and thought-provoking climax⁶.

These films established the recurring themes of religious conflict, isolation, and the clash between tradition and modernity that would become hallmarks of folklore horror².

The Modern Revival

After a period of relative dormancy, folk horror experienced a resurgence in the 21st century, with films like Kill List (2011), The Witch (2015), and Midsommar (2019) captivating new audiences and pushing the boundaries of the genre. This revival can be attributed to several factors: ⁷

• Contemporary Anxieties: Folklore horror resonates with modern anxieties about environmental concerns, social isolation, and the loss of traditional values⁷.
• Reimagining Folklore: Filmmakers are drawing inspiration from a wider range of folklore and mythology, exploring diverse cultural traditions and reinterpreting classic tales.
• Auteur Directors: Visionary directors like Robert Eggers, Ari Aster, and Ben Wheatley have brought a fresh perspective to the genre, attracting critical acclaim and expanding its reach.
• The Rise of Social Media: Online communities and social media platforms have played a significant role in the resurgence of folklore horror, fostering discussion, sharing resources, and connecting fans and filmmakers⁸.

Core Elements and Regional Variations

While certain core elements define folk horror, the genre exhibits regional variations that reflect the unique folklore and cultural contexts of different countries and regions:

Urban Wyrd

One of the key criticisms of folk horror is its emphasis on rural landscapes. However, the genre can also manifest in urban settings, exploring the “urban wyrd” – the strange and unsettling aspects of city life that connect to folklore and hidden histories. Films like Quatermass and the Pit (1967) demonstrate how folk horror can use urban environments to explore themes of ancient secrets, hidden rituals, and the clash between the modern world and the remnants of the past⁹.

Regional Variations in Folk Horror

Region	Key Characteristics	Film Examples
British Folk Horror	Rooted in British folklore, history, and landscape, this tradition often explores themes of paganism, witchcraft, and the clash between Christianity and older belief systems.	The Wicker Man, The Blood on Satan’s Claw, Kill List
American Folk Horror	Drawing on American folklore, this variation often explores themes of the wilderness, the occult, and the dark side of the American Dream.	The Witch, Midsommar, The Blair Witch Project
Scandinavian Folk Horror	This tradition often explores themes of pagan rituals, ancient creatures, and the supernatural, drawing on Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore.	Midsommar, Lamb, Trollhunter
Eastern European Folk Horror	This variation draws on the rich folklore and mythology of Eastern Europe, exploring themes of witchcraft, dark magic, and terrifying creatures.	Viy, November, Kratt 10
Global Interpretations	Folk horror is increasingly finding expression in diverse cultures around the world, with filmmakers drawing on local folklore and traditions to create unique and unsettling stories.	The Wailing (South Korea), Tumbbad (India), Impetigore (Indonesia)

Technical and Thematic Analysis

Folk horror employs specific technical and thematic elements to create its distinctive atmosphere and explore its unsettling themes:

Technical Elements:

• Location Importance: The landscape often plays a crucial role, with remote and eerie locations becoming characters in themselves. The use of vast, desolate landscapes in The Witch or the claustrophobic woods in The Ritual exemplifies this¹¹.
• Sound Design: Eerie soundscapes, unsettling music, and the use of silence contribute to the atmosphere of dread and suspense. The unsettling folk music in Midsommar and the use of nonlinear sounds and infrasound in The Shining are prime examples¹².
• Lighting: Often natural lighting or low-key lighting is used to create a sense of realism and enhance the unsettling mood. The use of natural lighting in The Wicker Man creates a sense of normalcy that contrasts with the disturbing events unfolding.
• Period Authenticity: Many folklore horror films strive for historical accuracy in their costumes, sets, and props to immerse the viewer in the world of folklore. The Witch‘s meticulous attention to detail in recreating 17th-century New England is a notable example.
• Practical Effects: The use of practical effects over CGI can enhance the sense of realism and contribute to the unsettling nature of these horror movies. The creature effects in The Blood on Satan’s Claw are a prime example of how practical effects can create a visceral and disturbing experience.

Thematic Elements:

• Religious Conflict: The clash between different belief systems, often Christianity and paganism, is a recurring theme. The Wicker Man explicitly explores this conflict, with the devout Christian protagonist clashing with the pagan islanders¹⁴.
• Tradition vs. Modernity: Folklore horror often explores the tension between traditional values and the encroachment of modernity. Midsommar depicts this tension through the clash between modern American tourists and the ancient traditions of a Swedish commune¹⁵.
• Rural Isolation: The isolation of rural communities and the vulnerability of outsiders are central to many folklore horror narratives. The Blair Witch Project highlights the fear and disorientation that can arise from being lost in a remote and unfamiliar environment¹¹.
• Cultural Identity: The genre often explores themes of cultural identity, tradition, and the loss of connection to the past. Kill List explores the anxieties of masculinity and cultural identity in modern Britain.
• Environmental Concerns: Some folklore horror films explore environmental themes, depicting nature as a powerful and sometimes malevolent force. In the Earth explores the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, with the forest becoming a source of both healing and horror¹¹.

Cultural Impact and Key Filmmakers

Folk horror has had a significant cultural impact, influencing other genres, inspiring academic study, and captivating audiences with its unique blend of horror and folklore:

• Genre Influence: Folklore horror has influenced other horror subgenres, such as eco-horror and psychological horror, and has inspired filmmakers to explore new ways of using folklore and mythology in their work¹⁶.
• Critical Reception: The genre has garnered critical acclaim for its artistic merit, its exploration of complex themes, and its ability to tap into primal fears and cultural anxieties⁸.
• Academic Interest: Folklore horror has become a subject of academic study, with scholars analyzing its cultural significance, its relationship to folklore and mythology, and its reflection of societal anxieties. Books like Folk Horror: Hours Dreadful and Things Strange by Adam Scovell and Folk Horror on Film: Return of the British Repressed edited by Louis Bayman and K.J. Donnelly offer in-depth analyses of the genre¹⁷.

Folk Horror’s Legacy

The influence of folklore horror extends beyond its own subgenre, impacting Western cinema and beyond. The genre’s exploration of pre-Christian cultures and pagan rituals has inspired filmmakers to incorporate these elements into various horror films. For example, Midsommar draws on Swedish pagan traditions, while The Wicker Man references Celtic mythology. This influence can also be seen in films like The Witch, which explores the anxieties of early American Puritanism and its clash with the perceived dangers of witchcraft¹⁹.

Key Filmmakers:

• Michael Reeves: Known for his groundbreaking work on Witchfinder General, Reeves tragically died at a young age but left a lasting legacy on the genre. His film’s unflinching depiction of violence and social injustice set a new standard for folklore horror²⁰.
• Piers Haggard: Director of The Blood on Satan’s Claw, Haggard helped define the visual style and thematic elements of British folk horror. His film’s atmospheric visuals and disturbing imagery established a visual style that would become synonymous with the genre²¹.
• Robin Hardy: Director of The Wicker Man, Hardy created one of the most iconic and enduring folk horror films of all time. His film’s exploration of the clash between Christianity and paganism remains a thought-provoking and unsettling cinematic experience²².
• Robert Eggers: Eggers has emerged as a leading figure in modern folklore horror, with films like The Witch and The Lighthouse garnering critical acclaim. He is known for his meticulous attention to historical accuracy and his ability to create atmospheric visuals that evoke a sense of dread and unease.
• Ari Aster: Aster’s Hereditary and Midsommar have pushed the boundaries of folk horror, exploring psychological trauma and unsettling pagan rituals. His films delve into the dark side of human nature and the fragility of social norms.
• Ben Wheatley: Wheatley’s Kill List and A Field in England offer a contemporary take on folklore horror, blending genre elements with social commentary. His films often explore themes of masculinity, violence, and the anxieties of modern life.

Visual Elements and Research Components

Folk horror draws on various visual elements and research components to create its distinctive aesthetic and explore its themes:

• Landscape Photography: The use of evocative landscape photography captures the beauty and eeriness of rural locations, emphasizing the role of nature in the narrative.
• Ritual Imagery: Folk horror often incorporates imagery of ancient rituals, pagan symbols, and folkloric creatures to create a sense of unease and mystery.
• Costume Design: Costume design plays a crucial role in establishing the historical context and cultural identity of the characters and communities depicted. The use of traditional folk costumes in Midsommar adds to the film’s authenticity and unsettling atmosphere²³.
• Folk Art Influence: Folk art and traditional crafts can inspire the visual style and symbolism of folk horror films, adding to the authenticity and unsettling atmosphere.

Research Components:

• Folk Traditions: Research into folk traditions, customs, and beliefs is essential for creating authentic and believable folk horror narratives.
• Historical Context: Understanding the historical context of the folklore and traditions depicted adds depth and complexity to the storytelling.
• Religious Studies: Knowledge of religious beliefs, rituals, and mythology, particularly those related to paganism and folklore, informs the thematic elements of folk horror.
• Rural Sociology: An understanding of rural communities, their social structures, and their relationship to the land can enhance the realism and social commentary in folk horror films.
• Environmental History: Research into environmental history and the relationship between humans and nature can inform the environmental themes that sometimes emerge in folk horror.

Future Trends

Folk horror continues to evolve, with contemporary filmmakers exploring new themes and pushing the boundaries of the genre:

• Contemporary Interpretations: Modern folk horror often reflects contemporary anxieties about social issues, political divisions, and environmental concerns⁷.
• Emerging Themes: Themes of environmentalism, social justice, and cultural identity are becoming increasingly prominent in folk horror narratives.
• Genre Hybridity: Folklore horror is increasingly blending with other genres, such as science fiction and psychological horror, to create new and unsettling cinematic experiences²⁴.
• Modern Settings: While folk horror often draws on the past, contemporary filmmakers are exploring the challenges and opportunities of setting folk horror films in modern settings. This can create a sense of immediacy and relevance, while also highlighting the persistence of ancient fears and anxieties in the modern world²⁵.

Conclusion

Folk horror stands as a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the primal fears that haunt the human psyche. This captivating subgenre continues to evolve, reflecting contemporary anxieties and exploring the complex relationship between humanity, nature, and the ancient world. By delving into the folklore and traditions of diverse cultures, folk horror provides a unique lens for understanding the human condition and the anxieties that persist across time and place⁷.

The genre’s resurgence in recent years highlights its continued relevance in a world grappling with social and environmental challenges. As filmmakers continue to explore new themes and push the boundaries of folk horror, the genre promises to remain a captivating and enduring form of cinematic storytelling.

Works cited

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