by Sadik Ghita
“Summer- what?”
“Summerween! The people in this town love halloween so much they celebrate it twice a year!”
This quote, from the first season of Gravity Falls which came out 12 years ago, is the latest TikTok trending audio signalling this year’s unusual summer obsession with horror.
Slasher movies have been a staple of horror cinema since their rise in the late 1970s and the early 1990s.
Considered one of the most controversial sub-genres in cinema, Slasher movies revolve around very specific criteria, such as a mysterious serial killer with a backstory who hunts down and murders a group of people in a small town, often teenagers often portrayed as engaging in behaviors that might be seen as morally questionable, such as partying, drinking, or having sex, which traditionally signals their impending doom.
From John Carpenter’s Halloween, to Wes Craven’s Scream, these gory movies provide some of cinema's most iconic moments and some of its most terrifying. But how do you write a slasher film? And most of all, what is it about these movies that makes them especially appealing during the summer months?
The origins of slasher movies can be traced back to the early 20th century; when thriller and horror films that featured serial killers were dominating the big screens. They began to take shape as a distinct genre around the 1960s and early 1970s.
One of the earliest works representing this genre is no other than Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Released in 1960, it introduced the main elements that would become staples of the genre; suspense, mystery, and gruesome violence.
The allure of slasher movies lies in their ability to tap into primal fears while delivering a cathartic experience. They see their popularity surging during the hot months of summer, not only because of its long warm nights, but because the season itself sets the perfect backdrop for horror and spooky films.
Moreover, summer camps and vacations, common settings for many slasher films, resonate more during this period which is the main reason why their biggest audience mainly consists of teenagers. This whole concept can be encapsulated in a single word: Summerween. The hashtag is going all around TikTok and involves having horror movie marathons with friends or family, around a bowl of marshmallows, to feel the chills of autumn in the middle of summer.
When it comes to slasher movies, several iconic titles stand out as must-watch recommendations.
One of the most famous ones are I Know What You Did Last Summer, which spins a tale of suspense and guilt as a group of friends becomes hunted by a mysterious killer after covering up a deadly accident.
The movie franchise Friday the 13th introduces us to the relentless and masked Jason Voorhees, who stalks and murders Camp counselors.
And The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remains a cornerstone of the genre, featuring Leatherface and his cannibalistic family in a terrifying tale of survival.
But let’s not forget the iconic Scream franchise, taking place during the 1990s, and follows a masked killer targeting high school students in the small town of Woodboro.
As for the slasher popularity this summer, the slasher genre got a fresh and highly anticipated addition with the release of Maxxxine.
The latest in Ti West’s trilogy, following 2022’s back-to-back releases X and Pearl, Maxxxine is set in the glitz and glamour of 1980s Los Angeles and follows the journey of Maxine Minx, diving deep into the dark side of the entertainment industry. Featuring graphic and extreme kills that are typical of the slasher genre, the film includes scenes with visceral violence and gory deaths, such as faces being branded and bodies crushed, which are hallmarks of slasher films.
Despite incorporating satirical elements and broader themes, its core remains rooted in the slasher tradition. With its stylish visuals, intense suspense, and a compelling storyline, Maxxxine promises to deliver everything slasher fans crave. As the movie heats up the summer, it is sure to become a staple for horror enthusiasts looking for a thrilling cinematic experience.
The soundtrack of this movie is a nostalgic homage to the ‘80s, featuring artists like ZZ Top, New Order, and Kim Carnes, which helps set the film’s tone. Despite mixed reviews regarding the plot and its execution, MaXXXine is praised for its gnarly kills and stylish presentation, making it a notable entry in the trilogy.
Alongside MaXXXine, 2024’s summer horror premieres are vast. With Cuckoo, The Strangers, Immaculate, Late Night with the Devil, A Quiet Place: Day One, Longlegs, and The Crow being just a handful hitting cinemas across June to August, it’s definitely a spooky summer already.
Edited by Emily Duff