Am I a horror movie fan? Yes, of course, give me a good jump scare and a captivating plot, and I’m more than satisfied. However, when it comes to subgenres in horror, slashers hold a special place in my heart.
As a movie fan, I’ve watched my share of slashers, and it’s clear that certain elements are critical to a thrilling slasher filled with horrific screams and moments that are sure to have you on the edge of your seat.
1.) A Killer with a Grudge.
You can’t have a good slasher without a vengeful killer; that’s like a birthday party without cake. A killer with a grudge sets the tone for the movie’s events and keeps the viewer guessing, especially if the killer is unpredictable.
For instance, slashers such as “Urban Legend” (1998) or the most iconic of them all: “Scream” (1996) showcase antagonists with personal ties to their victims.
Of course, there are films such as “He’s Out There” (2018) in which unlucky persons become the victims of a random psychopath. Still, overall, a killer with a grudge brings a more personal touch to an already terrifying situation.
2.) A Final Girl Who Experiences Painful Moments.
The existence of a final girl is one of my favorite aspects in horror movies, despite the tragic events she experiences.
This essential character gives us someone to root for as brilliantly showcased in the film “Ready or Not” (2019) which features a young woman who remains persistent in the face of adversity.
3.) An Eerie Atmosphere.
Slashers do a phenomenal job of creating a creepy and foreboding atmosphere. An eerie setting sets the stage for future events, from the score to the various isolated locations.
The 2019 film “Haunt” showcases an environment that keeps our eyes glued to the screen while hoping for the survival of the characters we briefly met.
4.) Gory Kills.
Whether a slasher falls in the realm of fantastic or mediocre, you can count on several gory kills being horrifically displayed across your screen.
Whether it’s “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) or “Halloween” (1978), these films have plenty of scenes that will shock you or even make you turn away for just a moment.
5.) Plenty of Running.
Unfortunately for most of the movie’s runtime, the main characters are being chased or stalked by a crazed killer, so of course, someone is constantly running in the opposite direction to avoid being killed.
While watching these films, we can only cross our fingers and hope for the character’s survival.
Well, that’s my list of elements that constitute a great slasher. Here’s to more petrifying slashers in the future!
