Beyond the Closet Door: A Deep Dive into LGBTQ+ Horror

Horror, at its core, is about fear, the unknown, and the monstrous lurking just beneath the surface. But what happens when that monster reflects societal anxieties, hidden desires, or the very real terrors faced by LGBTQ+ individuals? For decades, queer themes have simmered beneath the surface of horror cinema, sometimes as subtle subtext, sometimes as bold, bloody declarations. Are you ready to explore the fascinating, often terrifying, world of LGBTQ+ horror?

The Evolution of Queer Representation in Horror

It's no secret that queer representation in film has historically been…problematic. Early examples often relied on stereotypes, painting queer characters as villains, victims, or objects of ridicule. However, horror, with its inherent ability to explore the marginalized and taboo, has also offered glimpses of something more.

Consider The Haunting (1963). While never explicitly stated, the character of Theodora (played by Claire Bloom) is widely interpreted as a lesbian. Her sensitivity, her sharp wit, and her ambiguous relationship with another female character hinted at a queer identity in a time when such things were rarely, if ever, shown on screen. The film masterfully employs tension and suggestion, leaving the audience to fill in the blanks - a technique that remains powerfully effective even today. How many other films, both then and now, rely on the "unsaid" for their horror?

Then, there's A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985). Often considered the "gayest" of the Elm Street films, it follows Jesse, a young man battling Freddy Krueger while simultaneously grappling with his own identity and inner demons. Mark Patton, the actor who played Jesse, has spoken extensively about the film's queer subtext and his own struggles with his sexuality during that time. The documentary Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street is a must-watch for anyone interested in the film's complex history and the challenges faced by queer actors in the industry. Was the subtext intentional, or did it emerge organically from the anxieties of the time? Either way, the film has become a cult classic within the LGBTQ+ community.

Beyond Subtext: Explicitly Queer Horror

While subtext can be powerful, there's nothing quite like seeing explicitly queer stories take center stage. Clive Barker's Hellraiser (1987), though not explicitly queer in its characters, is undeniably queer in its themes. Its exploration of pain, pleasure, and forbidden desires resonates deeply with many in the LGBTQ+ community. And those practical gore effects? Absolutely iconic.

More recently, films like Bit (2019) offer a refreshing take on the vampire genre. The film centers on a trans woman who gets turned into a vampire and inducted into a coven of feminist vampires. Diana Hopper, as Duke, the lesbian leader of the group, is a particular standout, exuding an irresistible cool and confidence. It's a film that's both empowering and entertaining, proving that queer horror can be both thought-provoking and a whole lot of fun.

Leigh Janiak's Fear Street trilogy (2021), based on the R.L. Stine books, pays homage to classic horror films while centering the relationship between its two female leads. The adults' disapproval of their relationship adds a layer of real-world horror to the supernatural scares. These films are a blast for anyone who grew up on classic horror, and they offer a welcome dose of queer representation for a new generation.

And let's not forget Faceless After Dark (2023), a meta-horror film that explores the dark side of fan culture through the eyes of a queer actress. Jenna Kanell, who also co-wrote the film, draws on her own experiences in the horror genre to create a story that's both insightful and unsettling. Have you ever considered the potential dangers lurking within online fandoms?

The Rise of LGBTQ+ Horror on Streaming Services

Streaming services like Netflix have played a significant role in bringing LGBTQ+ horror to a wider audience. But are these depictions authentic or simply pandering? Let's take a closer look.

A Case Study: They/Them (2022)

They/Them, a slasher film set at an LGBTQ+ conversion camp, generated significant buzz upon its release. While the premise held promise, the execution left many viewers disappointed. While Kevin Bacon and Theo Germaine delivered strong performances, the film ultimately suffered from tonal inconsistencies, a slow pace, and an uninspired killer. As one review put it, "The first two acts were really good. Why did they have to slash all those efforts with THAT finale?"

The film attempted to blend psychological horror with slasher elements, but the two never quite gelled. The emotional scenes between the characters felt genuine, but the slasher aspects felt tacked on and unnecessary. The film also struggled with pacing, taking far too long to get to the actual slashing. And the "twist" ending? Predictable and unsatisfying.

Despite its flaws, They/Them sparked important conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in horror. It highlighted the need for more nuanced and authentic portrayals of queer experiences, rather than relying on tired tropes or exploitative narratives. Does this film serve to help or hurt the genre, overall?

Other LGBTQ+ Horror on Netflix and Beyond

While They/Them may not have been a slam dunk, there are other LGBTQ+ horror films and series worth checking out on Netflix and other streaming platforms, including:

• We're All Going to the World's Fair: An eerie and unsettling exploration of internet culture and identity.
• Bodies Bodies Bodies: A darkly comedic slasher film with a diverse cast of characters.
• The Sandman: While not strictly horror, this series features compelling queer characters and storylines.
• Interview with the Vampire: A classic tale of vampires with strong homoerotic undertones.

What Makes LGBTQ+ Horror Unique?

What sets LGBTQ+ horror apart from other subgenres? It's the unique perspective it offers, the ability to explore themes of identity, alienation, and acceptance through a lens of fear and the grotesque. It's about taking control of the narrative and reclaiming the monstrous as a symbol of power and resilience. It's about finding community and strength in the face of adversity, even when that adversity comes in the form of a masked killer or a bloodthirsty vampire.

The Future of Queer Horror

The future of LGBTQ+ horror is bright. As more queer filmmakers and storytellers emerge, we can expect to see even more innovative and compelling stories that challenge conventions, push boundaries, and explore the full spectrum of human experience. What new and exciting directions will queer horror take in the years to come? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the monsters are out of the closet, and they're here to stay.