I think of home invasion films as adjacent to the 'torture porn' genre: unsuspecting and typically pretty average people get harassed and attacked typically with no explanation of motive.
For me, a powerful antagonist has a reason for their actions, and home invasion stories often seem to say "it's for the lols". That is horrific, but I personally don't find it a satisfying or fun thing to watch.
However, when there's a sense of mystery or a feeling of a deeper analogy (Babadook perhaps? Or, in this case with Gorey) then it becomes much more enjoyable and engaging.
I agree, I love a good haunted house but that feels different from a home invasion. It’s usually a horror from within, perhaps, rather than arbitrary sadism from the outside world. I’ve actually got a Babadook themed article coming out tomorrow!
Psst, it's "gramophone" not "grammar phone" (although a grammar phone would be interesting - do you thing it would have punctuation instead of numbers?).
I want one of those stuffed "guests" too! I like the interpretation that it's an allegory of a child, had never thought of that before!
Home invasion has to be my least favourite horror sub-genre, but mainly because I find it so jarring - it taps into my severe dislike of having my routine disrupted (among other things!). I also get really frustrated when people in these movies make silly choices and don't fight back. Like Funny Games - I wanted to scream at the TV, it was absolutely horrible. And the whole Mother! scenario is my worst nightmare. Anyway... I liked Hush because there was a bit of pay off. And it wasn't too disturbing.
There are some gems in the genre but I often don’t feel like watching them more than once - too stressful! I think Hard Candy counts as a home invasion? That one really stayed with me… I think they also work better in America because British houses are so small there’s nowhere to hide!
Ha that is very true! Couldn't exactly sneak around a Victorian terrace in quite the same way. I think Hard Candy counts, though it's been ages since I watched it. Agree on only watching once - not exactly comfort viewing!
Excellent article! I'm delighted to see anything about Edward Gorey. In my mind he'll always be associated with the John Bellairs books. It was while I was a boy, perusing the public library bookshelves, that I came across his Lewis Barnavelt/Johnny Dixon/Anthony Monday books that were all illustrated by Edward Goreys evocative style that caught my eye. I instantly fell in love with both the artist and the artist, and over many years I've collected those books for my own personal library. Around the same time, his artwork for the opening to credits of the show Mystery! on PBS (at the time hosted by Diana Rigg) reeled me in to watch the show.
Thanks so much Ryan! I’ve got an article on Mystery coming out soon. He’s such an accomplished illustrator, I’ve got a gorgeous copy of a Robert Aickman collection with Gorey’s cover art. These lovely bat like shadows…
I always think of "The Petrified Forest" as the first home invasion/hostage film. The film launched the film career of the great Humphrey Bogart and also starred Bette Davis and Leslie Howard. It takes place in a restaurant, not a home, but Bogart's bad guy is, I think, the first film depiction of hostages taken prisoner by a criminal.
Does Hush count as Home Invasion? It’s a great film. Or maybe The Purge or Assault On Precinct 13. I also love You’re Next. I think the antithesis is also really effective - where the “invaders” become the terrorised. I’m thinking something like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Don’t Speak or Heretic. You might be able to tell it’s not a sub genre I shy away from!
Hush definitely counts! I agree about the antithesis examples, they’re fascinating and often scarier. I LOVED Hugh Grant’s performance in Heretic even though I wasn’t a fan of the final act. Do you think Psycho counts towards that sub sub genre?
"The primal fear of whispering ‘what was that?’ as you bolt upright in bed."
In that case, Rebekah, I think you'll like Gislebertus's carving of the angel waking up one of the three kings. It looks to me like the guy is about to jump out of his skin.
I think of home invasion films as adjacent to the 'torture porn' genre: unsuspecting and typically pretty average people get harassed and attacked typically with no explanation of motive.
For me, a powerful antagonist has a reason for their actions, and home invasion stories often seem to say "it's for the lols". That is horrific, but I personally don't find it a satisfying or fun thing to watch.
However, when there's a sense of mystery or a feeling of a deeper analogy (Babadook perhaps? Or, in this case with Gorey) then it becomes much more enjoyable and engaging.
I agree, I love a good haunted house but that feels different from a home invasion. It’s usually a horror from within, perhaps, rather than arbitrary sadism from the outside world. I’ve actually got a Babadook themed article coming out tomorrow!
My favorite home invasion scene is the party in Weird Science.
Psst, it's "gramophone" not "grammar phone" (although a grammar phone would be interesting - do you thing it would have punctuation instead of numbers?).
I want one of those stuffed "guests" too! I like the interpretation that it's an allegory of a child, had never thought of that before!
Oh no! That was an autocorrect! Must be that demon of typos I mentioned in my recent article! Good catch thank you
I assumed it was, but still a funny one! That devil!
If I got a grammar phone call each time I made a typo... 😱
You’d have a house-ful? Or none? 😁
Home invasion has to be my least favourite horror sub-genre, but mainly because I find it so jarring - it taps into my severe dislike of having my routine disrupted (among other things!). I also get really frustrated when people in these movies make silly choices and don't fight back. Like Funny Games - I wanted to scream at the TV, it was absolutely horrible. And the whole Mother! scenario is my worst nightmare. Anyway... I liked Hush because there was a bit of pay off. And it wasn't too disturbing.
There are some gems in the genre but I often don’t feel like watching them more than once - too stressful! I think Hard Candy counts as a home invasion? That one really stayed with me… I think they also work better in America because British houses are so small there’s nowhere to hide!
Ha that is very true! Couldn't exactly sneak around a Victorian terrace in quite the same way. I think Hard Candy counts, though it's been ages since I watched it. Agree on only watching once - not exactly comfort viewing!
That little guy?? Adorable.
He’s cute isn’t he!
Excellent article! I'm delighted to see anything about Edward Gorey. In my mind he'll always be associated with the John Bellairs books. It was while I was a boy, perusing the public library bookshelves, that I came across his Lewis Barnavelt/Johnny Dixon/Anthony Monday books that were all illustrated by Edward Goreys evocative style that caught my eye. I instantly fell in love with both the artist and the artist, and over many years I've collected those books for my own personal library. Around the same time, his artwork for the opening to credits of the show Mystery! on PBS (at the time hosted by Diana Rigg) reeled me in to watch the show.
Thanks so much Ryan! I’ve got an article on Mystery coming out soon. He’s such an accomplished illustrator, I’ve got a gorgeous copy of a Robert Aickman collection with Gorey’s cover art. These lovely bat like shadows…
I always think of "The Petrified Forest" as the first home invasion/hostage film. The film launched the film career of the great Humphrey Bogart and also starred Bette Davis and Leslie Howard. It takes place in a restaurant, not a home, but Bogart's bad guy is, I think, the first film depiction of hostages taken prisoner by a criminal.
Ooh that’s a fascinating example, I haven’t seen it but I’ll add to my to watch list.
Does Hush count as Home Invasion? It’s a great film. Or maybe The Purge or Assault On Precinct 13. I also love You’re Next. I think the antithesis is also really effective - where the “invaders” become the terrorised. I’m thinking something like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Don’t Speak or Heretic. You might be able to tell it’s not a sub genre I shy away from!
Hush definitely counts! I agree about the antithesis examples, they’re fascinating and often scarier. I LOVED Hugh Grant’s performance in Heretic even though I wasn’t a fan of the final act. Do you think Psycho counts towards that sub sub genre?
Yes! Absolutely. I wish I could have watched Psycho for the first time not knowing what was coming!
"The primal fear of whispering ‘what was that?’ as you bolt upright in bed."
In that case, Rebekah, I think you'll like Gislebertus's carving of the angel waking up one of the three kings. It looks to me like the guy is about to jump out of his skin.
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/60a38ab8411b97685079adb0/1621330757776-S5V3SOLWTLW7K5U177CG/Slide+18a+Dream+of+the+Magi.jpg?format=1000w
It’s funny you mention that, Dave, because I got that picture on a Christmas card one year and distinctly remember finding it strange!