I only recently came to this realization when two of these films I adored were looked at by others with consternation. The 2018 film Revenge was perfect to me in every way; however, more critical viewers could not abide that her back didn’t break when she fell from the cliff onto a very sharp tree (true, but MOVIE). More recently, Get My Gun had a very realistic first and second act but opted for a more unbelievable third act. With both, I was so invested in the protagonist that I never once questioned the feasibility of their actions, making them both landmarks in this genre in my eyes.



Of course, our current social climate causes another level of skepticism for these films, even in the mostly open-minded horror community. Men feel that they should not enjoy them because they center on brutality of women. Women are berated because these films unrealistically depict the actual nature of sexual assault (most of this essay could have been compiled from my rage-fueled Facebook retorts of the last couple of years. . .). To both sides, I remind you: we watch someone get their head cut off and CHEER. We relish in the creative ways basic household utensils can be used to eviscerate a human. And why? We are entertained, comforted and amazed by the talent displayed in these films while they give us a haven to escape the brutal world we deal with constantly. Fans often receive the label of “subversive” from the outside world because of the comfort horror provides them when the horror community proves continually to be the most caring and accepting group of people in existence. So if we are good with watching a sweet decap and don’t question each other’s support of head-chopping in real life, why assume that rape revenge fans support rape?



Next time someone cuts you off in traffic, your boss yells at you at work, or you stop at Walmart on a Saturday, come home in pop in Ms. 45. . . your mood just might change drastically.