As a seasoned cinephile who has weathered countless cinematic storms and navigated through the labyrinth of film genres, I must say that the chasm between critical acclaim and popular adoration in horror films is a fascinating enigma. The snubbing of the genre by prestigious awards bodies is a testament to an age-old bias that persists even today.
Horror films have often faced disagreement between critics and viewers; the consistent overlook of the genre at prestigious awards like the Academy and Emmy Awards might suggest a deep-seated prejudice against it. While modern cinema has seen a narrowing of this divide with horror-focused websites contributing to the discourse, enthusiasts of the genre may continue to be skeptical about critics’ opinions. The following three films illustrate the disparity in audience and critical reception.
The Witch (2015)
Critics Score: 91% • Audience Score: 60% • 31% Difference
Other movies might embody this split: “The House of the Devil”, “The Babadook”, and “The Lighthouse” among others, fall into the category of atmospheric, slow-burn horror that has garnered high praise from critics but remains divisive among viewers. This type of horror often favors suspenseful buildup over jump scares and graphic violence, which can be a turnoff for some horror enthusiasts who may shy away from movies with a high Rotten Tomatoes score if they’re seeking something more gruesome, raw, and packed with sudden shock moments.
To some, “The Witch” is hailed as a brilliant slow-burn folk horror; to others, it’s seen as a dull film with an ending that doesn’t justify the wait. Regardless of personal opinions, the movie significantly contributed to A24’s reputation for pioneering a fresh genre approach. By the way, “The Witch” is now available for streaming on Max.
Saw (2004)
Critics Score: 50% • Audience Score: 84% • 34% Difference
It’s intriguing to ponder whether films like Saw, initially criticized or ignored upon release, might receive a different rating in future decades due to a modern reevaluation. For instance, movies such as Last House on the Left and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, now revered as classics, were once heavily panned by critics for their violent content; even the infamous I Spit on Your Grave (1978) currently boasts a 51% critical score, higher than the audience’s initial negative reception.
In the coming days, it’s possible that we’ll witness a change in perception as the film “Saw” is reinterpreted as a revival of intense horror genre. However, large-scale violence has traditionally been met with disapproval by critics, being perceived as attracting an unwanted audience. Nevertheless, for dedicated horror enthusiasts, movies like “Saw” offer an entertaining extreme experience. Currently, you can stream “Saw” on Max and Peacock.
Event Horizon (1997)
Critics Score: 35% • Audience Score: 61% • 26% Difference
Although it’s not ideal for a newly released movie to receive unfavorable criticisms, for horror enthusiasts, such films often give rise to cult classics. Titles like Evil Dead II and Hellraiser, which initially faced mixed reactions but eventually found success among fans, are clear indications. Over time, the Rotten Tomatoes scores for these productions have improved significantly, becoming comparable to other films. However, Event Horizon continues to demonstrate the contrast between critical acclaim and cult status.
Critics have pointed out that the film Event Horizon can be inconsistent, borrowing extensively from previous works and leaning excessively on familiar tropes for its narrative. To fans though, it’s a movie with rich thematic layers, offering compelling re-watch value, showcasing an original take on science fiction horror that delves into religious motifs, and significantly impacting the contemporary horror genre; the Deadspace series being a notable example of its influence. You can rent Event Horizon on Apple TV.
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2024-09-08 23:31