I think of horror films as art, as films of confrontation. Films

The gentle hum of the café surrounded Jack and Jeeny as they sat, the rhythmic sound of rain against the window adding a soft backdrop to their conversation. Jack sat with his coffee cup in hand, his fingers idly tracing the rim, while Jeeny, across from him, appeared deep in thought.

Host: After a brief moment of silence, Jeeny spoke, her voice thoughtful but curious.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote from David Cronenberg today that made me reflect on the nature of horror films. He said, ‘I think of horror films as art, as films of confrontation. Films that make you confront aspects of your own life that are difficult to face. Just because you’re making a horror film doesn’t mean you can’t make an artful film.’ What do you think about that? Do you think horror films have a deeper purpose, beyond just scaring people?”

Jack: He looked up, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “I think Cronenberg is right. Horror films often get dismissed as lowbrow entertainment, but many of them—especially his own work—use fear and shock to explore deeper psychological and societal themes. They force us to confront things that we might not want to, things that are uncomfortable or even taboo. They engage with our deepest fears, but also our most primal emotions, and in doing so, they can be incredibly artful.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Horror isn’t just about jump scares or monsters; it’s about what those monsters or scary scenarios represent. They bring to the surface the hidden fears we have, the aspects of our lives or ourselves that we don’t want to face. A good horror film, like a piece of art, doesn’t just entertain—it challenges us to think more deeply about who we are and the world around us. Cronenberg’s films, in particular, have always done that—they confront the body, the mind, and the society in ways that are both unsettling and thought-provoking.”

Host: The rain outside had slowed, but the conversation between them seemed to deepen, each word unraveling new layers of meaning. Jack shifted slightly, his fingers still resting on his cup as he continued.

Jack: “That’s what makes horror such a unique genre. It can be used to push boundaries and explore the human condition in a way that’s often too uncomfortable for other genres. People can go into a horror film expecting fear or suspense, but by the end, they might leave with something more—an understanding of their own vulnerabilities, their own societal issues, or their own existential fears. Horror has the power to make us look at our darkest parts and reflect on them, which is why it can be as artful as any other genre.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and it’s also about the aesthetic choices that go into making a horror film. The cinematography, the sound design, the pacing—these are all things that can elevate a horror film into something truly artful. It’s not just about the scares; it’s about creating an atmosphere that immerses you in the story, that makes you feel everything the characters are feeling. In that way, horror can become a form of art that engages all the senses, not just the emotional or intellectual ones.”

Host: The atmosphere in the café felt quieter now, as if the conversation had opened a new perspective on the genre. Jack set his cup down gently, his gaze softening as he reflected on the complexity of horror films.

Jack: “And that’s what makes Cronenberg’s work so powerful. He takes what might seem like a genre about fear or shock and uses it as a lens to explore things like identity, technology, and alienation. His films aren’t just about the grotesque; they’re about what the grotesque reveals about us as people. What’s so fascinating is how he uses horror not just to unsettle, but to make us think about the world and ourselves in a deeper way.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Horror, at its best, is a form of confrontation with the uncomfortable, the unknown, and the unsettling aspects of life. But it’s also a form of catharsis—a way of confronting those things safely, through the lens of film, and ultimately gaining some understanding or closure. In that way, horror films are not just genre pieces—they’re opportunities to explore what lies beneath the surface of the human experience.”

Host: The rain outside had stopped, and the quiet felt full of understanding as Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that horror films, far from being just about fear, are deeply reflective works of art. They confront the uncomfortable and the unsettling, challenging both the audience and the medium itself. Cronenberg’s words serve as a reminder that horror can be just as artful and thought-provoking as any other genre, providing not just thrills but also insights into the darkest parts of human nature.