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A fright for fun

Two BYUH students share what keeps them watching horror movies

A girl sits in a dark movie theater lit in a soft red light and covered with a blanket over her head, with just her eyes peeking out.
A BYUH student sits huddled in a blanket watching a scary movie in the Little Theater.
Photo by Yui Leung

People indulge themselves in watching horror movies because scary films stimulate them mentally and physically, according to a study by two professors on Johns Hopkins University’s website.

“Fright can trigger the release of adrenaline, resulting in heightened sensations and surging energy,” the website says.

Horror movies also allow people to have a novel experience and provide an opportunity for viewers to “satisfy [their] curiosity about the dark side of the human psyche,” the website continues.

Rijel Juanga, a sophomore studying anthropology from the Philippines, said she forced herself to watch horror movies until she was used to it. She said watching horror movies helps her build the courage to handle the real-life challenges she has. “If I can watch horror movies, I can face the horrors in my life,” she continued.

Juanga said just like in horror movies, things could happen to anyone. “You can experience the things the characters have experienced, not literally but in a different way,” she continued. She said people might relate to how characters respond to worst-case scenarios. They also act the same way sometimes, she explained.

When watching horror movies, people can develop critical thinking skills, said Juanga. She said when characters in a horror movie plan to escape a situation, movie viewers can also try to think about what they would do if they were in the situation.

Sinna Ly, a sophomore studying biology from Cambodia, also said anticipating a jumpscare helps prepare movie watchers for what is about to show up on the screen. “You try to predict what is going to happen to ease the anxiety and think about the right reaction to be ready,” he explained.

Juanga said her interest in scary movies stems from her curiosity about the characters’ logical thinking when they are in a terrifying situation. “I like watching psychological thrillers,” she said. Aside from it being intriguing, she said psychological thrillers allow her to have a glimpse of what it may be like to be the victim or the antagonist.

Ly also said the creativity of the people behind the film use to scare those who are viewing it is what keeps him wanting to watch more horror movies. He said he prefers watching zombies and fictional creatures like in the movie “A Quiet Place.” After he spent a while not watching any horror movies, Ly said life seemed boring and empty. “Watching horror movies helps us gain a conscious feeling. It doesn’t have to be a real object or a scenario,” he continued.

A woman sits with a blanket over her head and her eyes peeking out in the red seats of a darkened movie theater.
Watching scary movies can help us build courage to face life challenges, according to Rijel Juanga.
Photo by Yui Leung

One of the lessons people can learn from watching scary movies is not to be heroic, said Juanga. She explained, “If you notice something strange or odd, do not approach it.” In situations where people are in danger, their logical thinking might not function well, she said. “You should take a step back and think about all the possibilities that could happen. Formulate a plan, then make a decision,” Juanga continued.

Another lesson she said she has learned is there is always hope. “Hope will help you face the darkest times of your life no matter how bad it can be.” Horror movies are not only created to scare people, she said, but also some movies have valuable lessons and important messages. “Analyze the movie deeply and immerse yourself while watching to get the best experience out of it,” she continued.

Ly said he was a little child when he began watching horror movies. He said on Sundays at 1 p.m., he would watch a horror movie together with his siblings and his cousin. Ly said his favorite horror film is “A Quiet Place.” Movies such as this help him think about what he would do if it ever happened in real life, he explained.

Juanga said the first scary movie she watched was “Paranormal Activity” in third grade. “Our uncle would let us watch scary movies,” she explained. Her interest in horror movies was piqued after she watched “Silent Hill” when she was around 10 years old, she shared.

Juanga explained, “The antagonists in the movie were not plain monsters. They were designed according to the different psychological traits of the protagonist.” She said the movie taught her valuable lessons, which are to face your guilt, confront your demons, learn to let go of the people who are gone, be remorseful for the bad things you did and keep yourself from getting dragged into wickedness.

Juanga said if someone wants to watch a horror movie, they should start slowly and know their limits. “If you’re a beginner in watching horror movies, spoil yourself,” she said. Reading the synopsis could help people get a head start, she explained. Ly also said leaning back when there is an upcoming jump scare helps him calm himself down. “After the movie, I don’t think much about it, so I won’t get scared,” he said.