Now, let’s see what they’re essentially about.
Spring
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.
Summer
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.
Autumn
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.
Winter
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.
Which do you prefer?