When summer comes around, there is something that people look for as much as ice cream or refreshing drinks: horror movies. Around 40 to 50% of horror movies are released during the summer months of June to August, while the remaining are released during the rest of the year, from September to May. These days, horror movies succeed regardless of the season, but even so, a noticeably larger number are still released in summer. So why is it that horror movies, in particular, become even more popular during the summer?

One of the main reasons is the physiological cooling effect. When people watch frightening scenes, the amygdala, located deep within the medial temporal lobes of the brain’s cerebral hemispheres, recognizes danger, causing the heart rate to increase and the muscles to tense up. As the body becomes tense, people may experience chills or cold sweats due to constricted blood vessels.

The second reason is psychological stress relief and pleasure. In frightening situations, the brain releases stimulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and adrenaline in order to respond to fear. These chemicals create feelings of excitement, thrill, and pleasure. In addition, since people experience this fear in relatively safe environments such as movie theaters and homes, they often feel a sense of relief and catharsis once the movie ends, helping them relieve stress.

Last but not least is the contrast in sensory experience. During the typically hot and humid summer season, the cold and dark atmosphere often portrayed in horror movies creates a sharp sensory contrast, making viewers feel cooler.

For SeoulTech students looking to stay cool this summer, here are some horror film recommendations from The SeoulTech reporters.

Us by Jordan Peele

Us(2019) ©IMDb



Plot

While celebrating her birthday at an amusement park with her family, the main character, Adelaide Wilson, wanders into a mirror attraction on the beach after briefly losing sight of her parents. There, she comes face to face with someone who looks exactly like her, leaving her terrified. Years later, living a peaceful life with her husband, Gabe, and their children, she soon begins to be chased by mysterious figures who look just like them.

Reasons for Recommendaton

This film goes beyond the typical concept of a horror movie and reflects deeper aspects of society and everyday life. Unlike the common belief that horror exists far from reality, Us shows how fear can exist much closer to us than we think. Jordan Peele’s unique directorial style also encourages viewers to look at the film from a more thoughtful and symbolic perspective.

Orphan by Jaume Collet-Serra

Orphan (2009) ©IMDb



Plot

After losing the baby they had long hoped for, Kate and John fall into despair and decide to adopt a young girl named Esther. However, after Esther enters the family, their once peaceful lives slowly begin to fall apart, and a series of disturbing incidents begin to threaten the entire family.

Reasons for Recommendaton

Orphan is one of the best psychological thrillers. Unlike many other thrillers that rely on sudden jump scares, the movie keeps the audience on edge throughout the entire running time with its unpredictable, twist-filled plot. For horror fans, it is hard to find films with such a unique and non-clichéd storyline. For this reason, Orphan is a truly well-crafted thriller movie.

Reporter

Hyeonseon Namgung

namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 남궁현선

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