Horror stands out as the most-watched genre not just in Malayalam cinema, but also across the global film landscape. Films like Conjuring, Annabelle, and Exorcist have proven to be blockbuster hits even in Kerala.
• Profiting from horror craze
The Hollywood horror film 'IT,' released in 2017, holds the record for the highest box office earnings, raking in a staggering $701 million. Its 2019 sequel followed suit with a respectable $467 million. Considered the world's first horror film, 'The House of the Devil,' released in 1890, was a silent masterpiece directed by Georges Melies.
• Health benefits of horror
Research suggests that watching horror movies can be beneficial for one's health. Studies indicate that a 90-minute session of horror viewing can help burn up to 150 calories, akin to a brisk half-hour jog or walk. This revelation stemmed from a study by researchers at the University of Westminster, which observed heightened heart and metabolic rates during horror movie-watching sessions. This helps to burn more calories. The top calorie-burning horror films are The Shining (184 calories), Jaws (161 calories), and The Exorcist (158 calories).
• Therapeutic frights
A study led by neuropsychologist Dr. Kristen Knowles from Edinburgh's Queen Margaret University reveals that watching horror movies triggers the release of the hormone endorphins, enhancing pain tolerance. This diversion of attention from pain is attributed to the intense engagement with the film's narrative. Interestingly, mental well-being has shown improvement among horror movie viewers, particularly during the challenging times of the Corona pandemic.
The body's response to fear, characterized by the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and heightened heart rate, culminates in a cathartic experience as the movie concludes, leaving the mind in a state of tranquility. Dr. Kristen Knowles likens this experience to activities such as skydiving, where initial fear gives way to a sense of confidence and joy.
