codes and conventions

1. Codes and
conventions of
our sub-genre

2. Psychological horror
 Psychological horror is one of the many sub-genres of
horror. We chose this sub-genre because most people
find this scarier than other sub-genres, purely because
it focuses on reality, meaning that there is a chance
that those events can happen in real life, therefore
making the audience more cautious. It also brings
awareness to certain topics for example our film brings
light to the topic of FGM which is very taboo and
presumably only takes place in less developed
countries such those in Africa as it’s a more ‘cultural’
thing.

3. Settings
 Some of the main settings for a psychological
horror film include regular houses, hospitals,
schools and local areas in general as it adds
to the verisimilitude of the film. These places
are local settings that members of the
audience will be familiar with. This increases
fear in the audience as they can imagine
themselves at this position in the same
situation as the character in the film.

4. Weapons
 Weapons in psychological horror films tend to
be more mental rather than physical. For
example many typical weapons such as
knives, axes and guns are not present unlike
in a slasher horror film.

5. Flashbacks
 There is usually a non-linear
structure/narrative.
 Typically there are flashbacks in these films to
show why the antagonist is committing their
actions, these flashbacks show their past and
the significant event(s) that has led to
whatever is happening.

6. Sound/music
 Contrapuntal sound i.e. sound that doesn’t
match what is happening on screen, is
commonly used as it shows contradiction and
represents confusion.
 Eerie, suspenseful music is also used just like
all other sub-genres of horror films.

7. Characters
 A dark and/or tormented individual plays the
antagonist and usually they plan on getting
revenge on someone.
 In psychological horror films such as Orphan and
The omen, a child plays the antagonist, it’s
popular to use a child as they are supposed to be
innocent and pure, not evil.
 There are no physical signs to show that the
antagonist is evil.

8. Mise-en-scene
 The characters tend to look ‘normal’, they
wear typical clothes that adds to the sense of
realism that the film is portraying, allowing the
audience to connect in a better way.
 The use of low-key lighting is used across all
horror films to create darkness and instil fear
into the audience,

9. Camera work
 The most common camera shot utilised in a
psychological horror film is a hand-held shot
to enhance realism.

10. Supernatural horror
 We chose to have an element of supernatural
horror in our film. Supernatural horror has
features of religion embedded into its plot
including demonic possessions or vengeful
ghosts.