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Are you tired of watching rom-coms on repeat? Did the new “Wuthering Heights” adaptation force you into swearing off love stories? Do you swear that both Jack and Rose could’ve fit on the wood?
Whatever the reason may be, there’s no shame in looking for an alternative to the typical Hallmark, meet-cute style movie this Valentine’s Day. However, for those who may still crave a dash of romance, here are three horror movies that may fulfill that desire instead.
Starting off with one of the most famous horror franchises of all time, “Scream” features a plot essentially built on the mistrust of Sidney Prescott toward her boyfriend Billy Loomis.
Directed by Wes Craven, the film parodies but also outwardly defies the rules of slasher films such as “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th,” such as the stipulation that the final girl must be a virgin.
The intrapersonal and relationship conflicts in this film are abundant, from Sidney and Billy’s varying levels of trust throughout the film and their ultimate outcome, to Deputy Sheriff Dewey Riley’s infatuation with reporter Gale Weathers.
The film was so popular that an additional five iterations have been made to date. In fact, “Scream 7” will come out later this month.
The commercialism of the franchise is right in line with the spirit of the holiday!
If you somehow get through all six currently released films and are still craving more high school drama, “Carrie” by director Brian De Palma may be right up your alley.
For the lucky couples out there who are high school sweethearts, why not take a chance to look back and reminisce about a high school prom or dance?
Popular yet empathetic jock Tommy Ross asking the sheltered and quiet Carrie White to prom has all the makings of a tried and true coming of age story. Carrie finds herself fitting in under the guidance of physical education teacher Miss Collins, while Tommy seems to slowly find himself becoming genuinely intrigued by the possibility of a relationship with Carrie.
The pair share a kiss on the dance floor and are even named prom king and queen.
Carrie then proceeds to go on a three-minute telekinetic rampage after being embarrassed while on stage receiving her crown by bully Chris Hargensen.
The movie features fantastic religious symbolism, both in the sexual repression of Carrie White and the final scene with Carrie’s religiously fanatic mother.
The wonderful 70s synth-laden soundtrack is worth listening to on its own, and the early-career appearance of a pre-Saturday Night Fever John Travolta is an under the radar highlight of this Stephen King adaptation.
Just make sure there’s no pig blood around.
Rounding out the list is a film reliant on sexual repression is “Cat People.”
Produced in the era of the Hays Code, a self-imposed set of censorship rules in Hollywood from 1922-1945, studios had to find ways to scare audiences while avoiding gore and excessive sexual content.
Born from those rules was a film that perfectly encapsulates the show-don’t-tell method.
Serbian-born Irena Dubrovna must weigh her sexual desires against her fear of what may happen if she leans into them.
Irena believes that she is the descendent of cat people and that sexual activity will cause her to transform.
When proposed to by Oliver Reed, Irena accepts but eventually refuses to consummate the marriage, fearful of what may happen.
As Oliver is pulled away from Irena by another woman, peculiar animal-like behavior begins to surround their lives.
When Irena is kissed by another man, the consequences of even the minor sexual awakening become clear.
Establishing some of horror’s most iconic tropes, such as the Lewton Bus (named after director Val Lewton), the black and white film will be underwhelming for some but is one of the most influential films in the history of the genre.
