Scary movies, and horror stories in general, are a great way to externalize a fear that can be common to several people, or even a small segment of the population. When monsters, ghosts, or even serial killers represent the audience’s deepest fears, the stories become a good way to deal with trauma. The relationship between horror movies and mental health has actually been studied, and it was proven that these films can help people with anxiety and depression. The controlled environment of the fact that it’s fiction (and therefore can’t hurt you) also creates a sense of security for the viewer. There are, of course, instances where horror movies actually worsen the person’s condition, so beware and do the proper research on the matter, and get help if you need it.
Depression and mental health in general have become a recurring theme in recent horror films, such as: Just with youbut they have been present in the genre for quite some time, as in the 1963 film The hunt. Horror can mimic a lot of dark feelings by shaping it, or simply creating an atmosphere to explore it that is unlike any genre. These are the best scary movies that talk about depression.
the lodge
the lodge is a film about trauma, religion and the idea of perfection. It also makes a statement about women having to deny their feelings (usually because of societal pressure), and the dark consequences this can have. The film uses various elements, such as the cold weather, as a way of portraying the dark mental state of one of the characters. The 2020 movie is an awkward one to watch, but a story that is needed.
The seventh victim
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The 1943 production is a black-and-white film that very carefully depicts depression, with a woman searching for her suicidal sister who has become involved in a satanic cult. It’s interesting to see an older film dealing with these topics that few filmmakers were interested in at the time (not to mention how he deals with Satanism). The seventh victim also shows how deep people go to feel better, even if that means joining something as destructive as a cult. It’s a moody, brilliant film from Mark Robson and Val Lewton.
career
What happens if you push someone over their limit? When they are humiliated (at home and at school), constantly harassed and not having a single friend? Carrie White knows what happened, and so do her deceased relatives and classmates. career was a torturous film that sided with the outcasts and showed the pain that comes with abuse and mistreatment.
It hurts the public to see how alone she is and how much she suffers at the hands of those around her. A sad story about a misfit that ends in blood, career goes even beyond talking about depression: it shows what happens (with a twist only King could come up with) when someone is no longer seen as human.
The Babadook
Jennifer Kent’s first feature film, The Babadook, became synonymous with horror movies dealing with depression. The main character is a recent widow trying to make ends meet with her son. The production design is usually done in deep shades of gray, black and white, creating a dull world that reflects her inner state. While you also talk about motherhood and how to raise someone when you have yet to deal with a major trauma, The Babadook is a powerful and scary story that goes beyond jumpscares and a terrifying monster.
Heir apparent
Ari Aster’s brutal first film takes a dark look at sadness and depression and asks: What if people can’t overcome it? What if there is no light at the end? With the impressive, dark cinematography and superb acting, the director managed to tell a story that eventually becomes so disturbing that it may become too much for different audiences. There are ghosts, blood, excellent jump scares and a story that quickly turns into one of your worst nightmares. Heir apparent is not for everyone, but it is an important example of a different view of this mental illness that affects many people worldwide.
Antichrist
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In 2009, Danish director Lars Von Trier shocked the world with his film Antichrist. Part of the unofficial ‘depression movie trilogy’, which also: Melancholy and Nymphomaniac, Antichrist is a dark film about a couple who deal (very differently) with the loss of their son.
The film delves deep into the ugliness and violence that depression and sadness can turn into. The cinematography, audio design and every creative choice enhance the descent into madness that’s the gist of the story. It should be warned: there are graphic scenes in the film (sexual and violent, and a terrible mix of the two), and the audience is not spared the despair experienced by the characters.
The shining
The timeless classic from Kubrick, The shining is perhaps the most acclaimed adaptation from beloved horror author Stephen King. A story about domestic violence, loneliness and how to mend a broken family (or not), The shining is probably one of the most cherished horror films ever made.
Jack Torrance (and to some extent his wife) suffers from depression, and the frustration of not being able to write or connect with his family leaves the doors of his mind open for the ghosts of the Overlook Hotel to enter. and play. The film perfectly captures what it’s like to be alone with your terrible thoughts.
Midsommar
Ari Aster’s second feature film Midsommar covers many topics related to mental health, which seems to be a staple of the director’s work. After a tragedy occurs in Dani’s family (which also has to do with mental health), the young woman becomes depressed. Her struggle to cope with grief and her emotions, while also trying to maintain her dying relationship, the only one she has left, is grueling to watch. The core of the film is embedded in her silent suffering, which is very common when someone is struggling with depression.