Women of Horror
The bloody paces traced by the reddish lipstick or rather a scandalous murderous tenor of the horror genre fatalism. Reality hits us with a new wave of releases, never leaving the top lists of one of the most streamed movie pieces. The actresses of horrors are receiving their appraisal, crowned by the fandoms and directors as queens of horror. Is it hidden and retained within their magnetic force, the well-written characters or just a magnitude of violence so relevant to 21st-century hunger and void? As anxiety and nightmares slide us away with a thrilling, rising force in a world full of despair and guilt, why do we love women of horror is the question that remains unanswered.
Horror as a genre evolved long ago and hasn't left its primary position ever since. It marked its birth in the early 20th century, heavily inspired by Gothic literature like Frankenstein (1818) and Dracula (1897). The first films usually centred on the themes of fear, the supernatural, and monsters, such as vampires, ghosts and other "beautiful creatures of the night side" or psychological terror. Then, horror expanded its narrative a bit, adding some stories of well-known and almost classy - zombies, the one and only - paranormal and last but not least on this decent list - psychological horror. It all started in 1931 with the Universal Studio creating its very first "Dracula", which would establish the genre and solidify the notion of "Universal Monsters" legacy. In other words, it begins the era of classic monsters like Frankenstein, The Wolf Man and others.
Modern horror has evolved to include not just "jump scares" and bloody monsters but also deeper themes and sometimes even social commentary. The 21st-century horror usually uses fear as a way to address issues like racism, trauma, mental illness, and societal breakdowns. Relying mostly on the psychological state of the character rather than screamers and supernatural elements, they blend with other genres like thriller or slasher to tackle some thought-provoking pieces. Horror is no longer just about monsters. It's about confronting our deepest fears—both supernatural and societal.
With this shift to the characters and their mental state and inner thoughts rather than creepy and eerie creatures and supernatural occasions, the industry's primary focuses also shifted in terms of artistic vision translated into the actors and their horror arousal.
This summer cinematography was manifested in the release of the final part of the legendary X trilogy series created by Ti West and starring the queen of horror itself - Mia Goth. With its last piece, "MaXXXine", more and more horror fans discovered the story, making it one of the most prominent films of this summer. The series consists of three films - the original one named "X", the prequel part "Pearl" and the sequel "MaXXXine". All films are centred on the story of two heroines - Pearl and Maxine Mix, both portrayed by Mia Goth.
Mia Goth
Mia Goth was crowned the queen of horror after her successful role in the X trilogy, where she played both the killer and the victim in different scenarios. What makes her role so remarkable is her ability to seamlessly embody both the hunter and the hunted, portraying two distinct characters in vastly different emotional states. In a genre where the lines between victim and villain often blur, Goth's versatility allows her to navigate both extremes, creating a chilling yet captivating dynamic. An actual horror queen ability, and we can't disagree. Goth's reign as the queen of horror comes at a time when the genre itself is evolving, with filmmakers and actors alike pushing boundaries to create more thoughtful and terrifying experiences. Her performances signal a shift in how we view women in horror—not just as passive victims but as complex figures who can both fight and embody the evil they face. The duality of her characters is the defining feature of the trilogy itself, as is her talent in acting.
Mia Goth celebrating the “MaXXXine” premiere near the official banner in LA/ IG
Anya Taylor-Joy
Known mainly for her role as Elisabeth Harmon - the chess genius in the excessively successful Netflix series, she is also widely known for her horror roles. The extravagant and enchanting beauty of Anya makes her a perfect definition of horror aesthetic, looking like a Tim Burton character coming alive. Playing roles of seductive yet eerie femme fatale in "Last Night in Soho" or being a powerful witch with no fear aside in folklore horror "The Witch". And last but not least is her recent role in the "Menu" that saw cinema screens in 2022. What sets Anya Taylor-Joy apart as the queen of horror is not just her ethereal beauty or gothic allure but her ability to portray characters who are often at odds with their environments—whether they're fighting for survival, confronting inner darkness or embodying both innocence and malice. She taps into a sense of psychological horror, where the true terror lies not in what's chasing her but in what's lurking within her characters.
Anya Taylor-Joy Casual Selfi/ IG @anyataylorjoy
Eva Green
Celebrated for her magnetic screen presence, you must have probably seen her in many fantasy movies, such as Tim Burton's "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" (2016) or Dark Shadows (2012). Eva Green carries a signature blend of femme fatale essence and a bizarre weirdness and coldness. The blend of vulnerability and beauty with power and rage - that's how one can describe her work. Eva Green is a true queen of horror and gothic fantasy because of her innate ability to inhabit characters who live on the edge—between light and dark, sanity and madness, love and obsession. Her performances often evoke a sense of danger, not just from external forces but from within, as if her characters are constantly at war with their own desires and fears. Whether she's playing a powerful sorceress, a tormented soul, or a femme fatale, she infuses her roles with emotional depth and a sense of tragic beauty, making her one of the most captivating actors in the genre.
Eva Green wearing Giorgio Armani in Venice/ IG @evagreenweb
Evolving as one of the most magnificent and capturing genres, horror brought up a generation of exquisite actresses all to show their skills, beauty and artistic passion in the horror pieces. Maleficent in their own manner, they capture the viewer by their manner, grace and ability to capture and shock. We love them, we praise them, and we just can't simply forget them. The queens of horror are here to remain as beloved artists who not only explored but also depicted the double-sided nature of horror.
