Monstrous Possibilities: The Female Monster in 21st Century Screen Horror

This book explores how the abject spectacle of the 'monstrous feminine' has been reimagined in recent and contemporary screen horrors, focusing on the desires and subjectivities of female monsters as anti-heroic protagonists. It engages with an international array of screen entertainments, from arthouse and indie horror films to franchised products and social media-based creations, to map the converged and rapidly changing environment of 21st-century screen cultures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the captivating reimagining of the 'monstrous feminine' in recent and contemporary screen horrors, centering on the desires and subjectivities of female monsters who emerge as anti-heroic protagonists in revisionist and reflexive texts. As Barbara Creed aptly observes in a recent interview, the patriarchal stereotype of horror she coined, 'the monstrous-feminine,' has, decades later, embarked on a remarkable journey of its own. This study engages with a diverse range of recent and contemporary screen entertainments, encompassing arthouse and indie horror films by emerging female auteurs, the franchised products of multimedia conglomerates, high-quality television horror, and the social media-based creations of horror fans functioning as 'pro-sumers.' Through this comprehensive exploration, the monograph meticulously charts the converged and rapidly evolving landscape of 21st-century screen cultures, positioning the monstrous female anti-hero as a distinctive hallmark of this dynamic realm.

The monstrous feminine has been a recurring theme in horror films throughout history, often representing fears and anxieties about women's power and independence. In recent years, however, there has been a shift towards a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the female monster, exploring her desires, motivations, and complexities. This study examines the recent and contemporary screen horrors that have focused on the monstrous feminine, exploring how these films have reimagined and subverted traditional gender roles and stereotypes.

One of the key themes in these films is the idea of the female monster as a victim of patriarchal oppression. Many of these films depict female monsters as being subjected to male gaze, objectification, and violence, often as a means of controlling and subjugating them. However, these films also challenge the notion that the female monster is solely a victim, showing her to be capable of agency, resilience, and even heroism.

Another theme in these films is the exploration of female desire and sexuality. Female monsters are often portrayed as being hypersexualized and seductive, with their bodies being used as a means of seduction and manipulation. However, these films also challenge the idea that female desire is solely for the pleasure of men, showing female monsters to have their own desires and motivations that are independent of male influence.

The monstrous feminine is also often used as a vehicle for social commentary and critique. These films often address issues such as gender inequality, body image, and the treatment of women in society. By portraying female monsters as powerful and complex characters, these films can challenge viewers to think critically about these issues and to consider how they impact women in their daily lives.

Overall, this study provides a comprehensive examination of the recent and contemporary screen horrors that have focused on the monstrous feminine. By exploring how these films have reimagined and subverted traditional gender roles and stereotypes, this study offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of female identity and the role of horror films in shaping our understanding of it.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 216 x 152 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031128431
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022