Now that Spring is coming to an end, and we’re about to transition into the following season, it seems fitting to bring up the four seasons. What they represent and how they impact horror.
In cinematography, or even in storytelling in general, the seasons can be a HUGE deal. Unless it all takes place within the confines of a space that’s completely unaffected by them and there’s no hint of or association with any of the seasons.
There are GREAT works made like this, by the way. But the rest of the time, the seasons are present in one way or another and, consequently, do play a role in what the piece conveys. How minor or major it will be, of course, varies. Maybe they’ll only subtly enhance the mood or maybe they will be key to the plot.
How you perceive and interpret the different seasons is something subjective, but I bet that most of us can agree that Spring and Summer are the ‘brighter’ seasons while Autumn and Winter are the 'darker' seasons. Literally, yo. But that also transfers onto metaphorical meaning and symbolism. And yet, there’s horror all year round. And that’s something to note.
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| In The Tall Grass (2019) |
Horror taking place during spring can be some of the most messed up kind. Isn’t spring a happy season? A season of rebirth, of growth, of blooming. Where skies are blue and the grass is green and you get a sense that things are fine, with vivid colors all around. That no matter how terrible things were before, you will be okay again? Well, horror doesn’t wait for grim atmospheres to exist.
Often, there’s the excuse of spring break for a group of friends to go on a trip and things to go horribly wrong. And that’s quite typical at this point within the horror genre, so it is to be expected. What can be specially twisted, though, is when spring serves as a way to conceal deranged natures that lurk beneath. Old, polite lady, gently watering the flowers in her garden, invites you in for tea. Little did you know that there are several corpses buried underneath and yours is next. For example. That sort of thing can really shake your ability to trust. Or perhaps they’re actively sadistic while wearing a “friendly smile”. *Shudders*
■ Horror in Spring might be saying: Look again, for looks are deceiving.
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| The Beach House (2020) |
Summer, I’ve found, usually comes in the form of vacationing or in the form of hellish exploration and/or combat conditions. Because with that much heat, you either take the time to cool down or you’re enduring adverse circumstances to try and accomplish something. Whether either of those works out in favor of the characters, depends. But it'll probably be rough.
■ Horror in Summer might be saying: I won’t let you chill and I will make it even harder for you.
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| They Live Inside Us (2020) |
Autumn, then, the “season of the soul”. When things begin to die. When “spook” is in the air, and it’s no wonder that Halloween is there. Windy and rainy days, gloomy as it can get. You might find yourself instinctively looking over your shoulder more often than usual. What was that sound behind you? Did something just brush your arm? Or you’re just starting to feel low somehow. It's the gets-under-your-skin and sends-shivers-down-your-spine type of scare.
■ Horror in Autumn might be saying: I’ve announced myself and you still weren't ready.
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| Toys of Terror (2020) |
Winter, finally, gets a reputation for being the harshest of the seasons. But is it the scariest? Could be. In places where winter is strong, little survives if not safely sheltered. Mere humans stand no chance against winter storms unless they’re properly covered or have unbelievable resilience. But the wrath of winter isn’t often a source of horror in the horror genre, though it may directly or indirectly facilitate it. And surprisingly, there’s a large amount of horror that's themed around Christmas.
■ Horror in Winter might be saying: I’ll push in, no matter how secure you believe you are.
Can you survive the four seasons? To you, which one can be the most horrible? What seasonal horror are you?