In the realm of horror, where the boundaries of the acceptable are constantly pushed, a new trend has emerged that is both intriguing and unsettling. The recent release of Lee Cronin's The Mummy continues a disturbing, transgressive new horror trend that is capturing the imagination of audiences and critics alike. This trend, which also includes films like Bring Her Back and Weapons, is characterized by its subversion of classic horror tropes, particularly the Evil Child and Dark Mother archetypes.
What makes this trend particularly fascinating is its departure from the traditional portrayal of evil mothers. Instead of being presented as vengeful, overprotective, or sinister, these women are more like surrogate parents, preying on other children to whom they have no relation. This twist harkens back to fairy-tale and folklore tropes, especially the witch archetype, which is often depicted as an older woman with a dark past. The Magician in The Mummy, for instance, is presented in a very fairy-tale, witch-like fashion, but with a nuanced and sympathetic motive, making her a more grounded and realistic villain.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this trend is the way it portrays the children. Typically, the evil child in horror films is either a genuinely malicious being or an innocent kid whose body and soul are co-opted by evil. However, in these new films, the children are replaced by evil rather than changed by it. This distinction invites commentary not just on the rot within the immediate family but also on the effects of neighbors, community, and society as a whole.
From my perspective, this trend is a reflection of the increasing millennial panic about the dire state of affairs at home and abroad. It allows these horror films to tackle the topic of raising a child in a dangerous, violent, and perhaps doomed environment obliquely, rather than head-on. However, it could also be seen as a way to shock and disturb desensitized audiences, which is a constant goal of the horror genre.
In conclusion, the new horror trend of Evil Child and Dark Mother archetypes, as seen in Lee Cronin's The Mummy, is a fascinating and unsettling development in the genre. It invites us to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature and the impact of societal and environmental factors on our lives. As the trend continues, we can expect to see more innovative and thought-provoking horror films that challenge our perceptions of evil and innocence.
